Rising from the swamps, citrus groves and cattle ranches, Disney World changed Central Florida's landscape and economy. The first Disney park was the beginning of Orlando's tourist industry boom and theme park development. Today, the area is one of the most visited vacation spots, according to City-Data. No matter which of the four main Disney World parks you visit, be sure to dress comfortably and wear sunscreen to protect yourself against the Florida sun.
The Magic Kingdom was developed and built in 1971, making it the first Disney park in the Orlando area. The park consists of seven lands, including Tomorrowland, Adventureland, Main Street U.S.A., Mickey's Toontown Fair, Liberty Square and Frontierland, along with the landmark Cinderella's Castle. Visitors to this park meet Disney characters, get autographs and experience the fantasy of Disney. Attractions range from thrill and children's rides to automated shows. Disney's Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party take place at the Magic Kingdom each year and require additional admission.
Walt Disney originally envisioned Epcot as a planned city. The name itself stands for "Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow." After Disney's death, planners decided to tweak his vision and turn Epcot into a theme park. Epcot sits on 300 acres of land and is divided into two sections, Future World and World Showcase.
Future World presents technological advances and illustrates where these advances are headed through rides, displays and interactive exhibits. The World Showcase consists of pavilions, shops, restaurants and entertainment from 11 countries, including Italy, Morocco, China and Mexico.
Disney's Hollywood Studios is designed to showcase Hollywood from the early days in the 1930s to the present. The Hollywood theme is present in the park's rides and shows such as The Great Movie Ride, Tower of Terror and the American Idol Experience. Replicas of New York and San Francisco streets encompass a portion of the park's 154 acres. Check the park's map upon entrance for times of shows, tours and performances.
As of August 2010, Animal Kingdom is the newest of the four major Disneyworld parks, developed in 1998. More of an animal conservation area than theme park with thrill rides, it encompasses 500 acres of natural habitat and is the largest animal theme park in the world, according to Disney. A "safari" ride showcases some of the more than 1,700 animals at this park and visitors can purchase authentic African handicrafts. A section of the park replicates prehistoric dinosaur times while other sections showcase Asian and African landscapes.
