The Walt Disney World Resort is the most popular theme park in the world. Located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, just outside Orlando, it attracts millions of visitors from around the world each year. You could easily spend a couple of weeks exploring the park's myriad offerings. In the event of a shorter visit, it is vital to know what exactly the park offers so you can tailor your vacation to your individual interests.
The Magic Kingdom is still the centerpiece of the park. It is the oldest theme park in the United States and by far the most visited in the world, with more than 17 million visitors per year. If this is your first time at Disney World, you will want to start here. It is rife with kid-friendly rides, interactive exhibits and, of course, famous Disney characters walking around awaiting the next photo opportunity. It is not without its educational side, however. Visit TomorrowLand for some exploratory insight into the dreams and visions of the future.
Epcot Center is structured as a classical permanent World Fair with interactive exhibitions and rides dedicated to technological innovation and world culture. Visitors may explore 11 different countries, all in the same afternoon. The most famous icon of Epcot is Spaceship Earth, modeled after a design by Buckminster Fuller. You won't want to miss a ride in this extraordinary geodesic sphere.
Disney's Hollywood Studios opened in May of 1989 as "Disney-MGM Studios" to satiate the appetites of movie and TV buffs from around the world. It is home to a number of famous thrill rides, such as the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, which enables you to drop from 13 stories, and the Rock n' Roll Rollercoaster Starring Aerosmith.
Disney's Animal Kingdom features exotic live animals and rides. This makes it something of a cross between a theme park and a zoo.
In addition to its typical theme parks, Disney World is home to two of the most popular water parks in the world: Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.
Walt Disney World has two shopping districts, Downtown Disney and Disney's Boardwalk. Downtown Disney in particular will appeal the most to adult visitors to Disney World. In addition to its myriad shopping opportunities, it also offers a range of nightclubs and movie theaters.
