Wanderlust World Wanderlust World The Magic Kingdom was the first park to open at Disney World in 1971, and is somewhat of a replica of California's Disneyland, the original Disney Park. It is still frequently referred to as "Disney World," even though it only makes up a small part of "the World." This park is built on a hub-and-spokes design, with Cinderella Castle at the center and walkways leading to Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland and Frontierland. Guests who are just arriving walk down "Main Street USA," which is inspired by the main street in Walt Disney's home town of Marceline, Missouri. Classic rides in this park include Splash Mountain, Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean. Popular sit-down restaurants here include The Liberty Tree Tavern and The Crystal Palace.
The Magic Kingdom
4720 Caribbean Way
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
407-824-4500
disneyworld.disney.go.com
Epcot stands for "Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow" and was originally Disney's vision of a planned city filled with scientists, engineers and researchers. Ultimately, Epcot became another theme park, but one with a focus on innovation, imagination and technological advancement. The park's signature attraction is Spaceship Earth, which from afar resembles a large golf ball. In addition to rides, the park is home to the "World Showcase," where 11 countries are represented in mini-regions showcasing their particular architecture, cuisine and performing arts.
Epcot
1510 North Avenue of the Stars
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
407-824-4321
disneyworld.disney.go.com
When Hollywood Studios opened at Disney World, an active animation studio existed at its location, but those operations no longer exist. The park is themed around "the Hollywood that never was and always will be" and the park's iconic landmark is a large sorcerer's hat, such as the one that Mickey Mouse wore in "The Sorcerer's Apprentice." Popular attractions here include The Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular, Toy Story Mania, The Tower of Terror, Rock 'n Roller Coaster and The Voyage of the Little Mermaid. Hollywood Studios has a very popular closing-hour attraction called "Fantasmic" that draws huge crowds.
Hollywood Studios
351 South Studio Dr.
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
407-939-6244
disneyworld.disney.go.com
Animal Kingdom is the most recent park addition to Disney World, opening in 1998, and is best described as a zoo on steroids. The featured attraction at this park is the Kilimanjaro Safaris ride, which winds through 800 square miles of terrain and features many types of animals that one would see on safari in Africa. The park is divided into seven themed areas: Oasis, Discovery Island, Camp Minnie-Mickie, Africa, Rafiki's Planet Watch, Asia and DinoLand U.S.A. The park's iconic landmark is the Tree of Life, a 14-story artificial tree, with several animals carved into its trunk. Popular attractions in this park include Dinosaur, Festival of the Lion King and Expedition: Everest.
Animal Kingdom
Osceola Parkway
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
407-939-6382
disneyworld.disney.go.com