Walt Disney World: A Guide for First Timers

Let’s talk Walt Disney World for first timers. I follow several Walt Disney World based social media groups. In this blog I would like to discuss some of the questions I see over and over in these groups from Walt Disney World first timers. My hope is that this helps you feel a little less overwhelmed when thinking about your next magical vacation.

What is there to do in Walt Disney World for first timers in Florida?

Walt Disney World in Florida consists of massive resort area that include 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, 21 hotel Good Neighbor resorts, 31 Disney owned resorts, 1 Disney owned campground, 1 large shopping mall known as Disney Springs, so many restaurants, 4 golf courses, 2 mini golf courses, 1 foot golf course, 1 cinema theater, 1 bowling alley, 1 sports complex, 1 boardwalk, 5 spas, and of course all kinds of activities to take part in. That’s alot isn’t it?  

Theme Parks

Let’s start with the theme parks. This is what most people think about when going to Walt Disney World. There are 4 parks in Florida. They are Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. All the theme parks have multiple rides, shows, restaurants, characters, stores, and activities. Each park is unique and has its own theme or in some cases themes. 

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom is what most people think of when think of Walt Disney World. It is home to the iconic Cinderella’s Castle and Main Street USA. This is the park that most people think about when they think about Walt Disney World. It is classic and a must do for any trip especially for Walt Disney World first timers. The park includes classic rides like Pirates of the Caribbean, Dumbo Elephants, Mad Tea Party, Jungle Cruise, and It’s a Small World. It’s a must for all Walt Disney World first timers.

EPCOT

EPCOT most people think of the giant ball. This giant ball is known as Spaceship Earth. EPCOT has what is called World Showcase. There are areas dedicated to 11 countries with restaurants, shopping, and some rides. There is also an aquarium area, nature area, and future based area in this park. EPCOT holds several festivals throughout the year including EPCOT Festival of Arts, EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival, and EPCOT Food and Wine Festival. There’s a little bit of something for every Walt Disney World First Timer in EPCOT.

Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios is getting a reputation lately for being “The Star Wars” park. It is so much more. Yes, is has an entire area dedicated to all the Star Wars fun that includes several rides, restaurants, and Light Saber and Droid building. It also as an area dedicated to The Muppets, Toy Story, Old Hollywood, and Disney Jr fun. Hollywood Studios is a lot of fun for all ages and not to be missed.

Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom is a fun theme park with a focus on animal conservation. As you would suspect there are animals here that can be seen all over. There’s a drive through safari, rides, shows, restaurants, street performers, and a petting zoo. You will also see areas dedicated to dinosaurs and the World of Pandora from Avatar. The animal lover in all of us enjoys a visit to Animal Kingdom.

Water Parks at Walt Disney World

While all the resorts on Walt Disney World property have nice pools and some have fun splash pads for little, there are also two complete water parks.

Typhoon Lagoon

Typhoon Lagoon is the largest water park on Walt Disney World property. This is a 56-acre water park is themed as a typhoon-based shipwreck. This park includes attractions like Castaway Creek, Crush ‘n’ Gusher, and Miss Adventure Falls. You can find food and drinks throughout the park. You can also book surfing lessons at Typhoon Lagoon. (At the time of this article surfing lessons are not available)

Blizzard Beach

Blizzard Beach is a 66-acre water park that tells the story of one-time ski resort that’s melted into smooth water. Food, Drinks, and Polar Patio’s make this water park complete. With attractions like Mount Gushmore, Toboggan Racers, and Tikes Peak it’s a wonder experience for all ages and sizes of first timers. 

Disney Springs

This is another first time question. No, Disney Springs is not an additional park. Yes, Disney Springs is an outdoor style mall. No, you do not need a ticket to visit Disney Springs. There is a lot to at Disney Springs including an eat in movie theater, bowling alley, restaurants, shopping, shows, and even a boat ride you can take. There are Disney Stores as well as those you would see in other malls, like Lego Store, Ugg, or Coach. Some restaurants are also some chains that you will see in other malls like House of Blues, Planet Hollywood, and Rainforest Café. There are also some stores and restaurants that are unique solely to Disney Springs. Disney Springs is a wonderful place to visit if you have extra time on travel days or on rest days from the parks.

Hopefully this has helped you to learn a little bit more about what to expect on Walt Disney World property. 

To learn more about Walt Disney World property in Florida find my next blog here on when to visit Walt Disney World for First Timers.