Walt Disney World
History
Walt Disney World, officially known as the Walt Disney World Resort, is an entertainment complex located in Bay Lake and Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The resort was first conceived by Walt Disney in the early 1960s as a supplement to Disneyland in Anaheim, California. After Disney's death in 1966, the company decided to continue with the project, and construction began in 1967. The resort officially opened to the public on October 1, 1971.
Theme Parks
Walt Disney World is home to four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom. Each park has its own unique theme and offers a variety of attractions, entertainment, dining, and shopping options.
Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom, the first of the four parks to open, is divided into six themed "lands": Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. The park's iconic Cinderella Castle stands at the end of Main Street, U.S.A., and serves as the park's central hub.
Epcot
Epcot, which stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, is divided into two main areas: Future World and World Showcase. Future World is home to attractions that focus on technology and innovation, while World Showcase features pavilions representing 11 countries from around the world.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney's Hollywood Studios, originally named Disney-MGM Studios, is themed around the golden age of Hollywood. The park features attractions based on popular Disney films and television shows, as well as live entertainment and stage shows.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Disney's Animal Kingdom is the largest of the four parks and is dedicated to animal conservation. The park is divided into seven areas, each themed to a different part of the world and its wildlife.
Water Parks
In addition to the four theme parks, Walt Disney World also includes two water parks: Disney's Typhoon Lagoon and Disney's Blizzard Beach. Both parks offer a variety of water-based attractions, including wave pools, lazy rivers, and water slides.
Resorts and Hotels
Walt Disney World is home to more than 25 resort hotels, ranging from budget-friendly value resorts to luxurious deluxe resorts. Each resort is uniquely themed and offers a variety of amenities, including dining, shopping, and recreational activities.
Transportation
Walt Disney World has an extensive transportation system, including buses, monorails, boats, and the Disney Skyliner gondola system. These transportation options provide guests with convenient and complimentary travel between the parks, resorts, and other areas of the resort.
Future Developments
Walt Disney World is constantly evolving, with new attractions, entertainment, and experiences being added regularly. Some of the most recent additions include Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios and the Disney Skyliner transportation system.