The official title is The Walt Disney World Resort. Often referred to as Disney World or even WDW, it is the largest and most popular recreational destination in the world. The park is located about twenty-one miles southwest of Orlando, Florida and is spread over thirty thousand acres. The resort has four different theme parks, two water parks, twenty-three different theme hotels on-site (not to mention eight more that are on-site but not officially owned by WDW). Additionally, the resort features a campground, two spas and fitness centers, and even more recreational activities and entertainment destinations. The park opened on October 1, 1971 with the first theme park, Magic Kingdom. Later, Epcot Center (October 1, 1982), Disney’s Hollywood Studious (May 1, 1989), and Disney’s Animal Kingdom (April 22, 1998) were added.
The motivation to create the magnificent resort came from the genius mind of Walt Disney and the original Disneyland in Southern California. Magic Kingdom in Florida is very close to Disneyland in design and content. However, the largest resort on the East Coast is different, offering a much greater variety of activities and attracting a stay that goes beyond the usual day trip to Disneyland. For example, the two water parks (Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach) can be a full day activity on their own. In addition, Downtown Disney, Disney’s BoardWalk, Disney’s Wedding Pavilion, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and Walt Disney World Speedway (including the “Richard Petty Driving Experience”) offer a wide variety of diversions for visitors.
The resort further expands its reach with five unique golf courses. These include the 18 hole Palm, Magnolia, Lake Buena Vista and Osprey Ridge. There’s also the “Oak Trail,” a nine-hole course designed with young golfers in mind. You can also go fishing in one of Walt Disney World’s lakes or angling from the piers located at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. & Campground and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort. Not to mention that the guest can also rent jet skis, bicycles and go on fireworks cruises. Luxury resorts at Disney World include: Animal Kingdom Lodge, Beach Club Resort, BoardWalk Inn, the Contemporary Resort, the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the Polynesian Resort, the Wilderness Lodge and the Yacht Club Resort For a little less money, visit the Caribbean Beach Resort, the Coronado Springs Resort, the Port Orleans Resort French Quarter or the Port Orleans Riverside Finally, for maximum value, the resort offers Pop Century Resort, All-Star Movies Resort, All-Star Music Resort, All -Star Sports Resort and the upcoming Art of Animation Resort.
This article has only scratched the surface of the rich, colorful and truly magical destination that is The Walt Disney World Resort. It could be argued that it offers the largest and most varied experience of any resort in the world. It is obviously unique and must be visited by any family or Disney fan. You may have to spend a lifetime to experience all aspects of this resort, but even a few days at WDW is guaranteed to leave you feeling magical.