Visiting Walt Disney World Resort - Essential Information
Spread over a large area of 47 sq miles (121 sq km) and brimming with attractions, Walt Disney World Resort can provide entertainment for the whole family for at least a week. Guests who do not have much holiday time need to plan carefully to make the most of their visit to this dream vacation land. The information here is geared toward aiding them in this task.
When To Visit
The busiest times of the year are Christmas, the last week of February until Easter, and June to August. At these times, the parks begin to approach capacity – some 90,000 people a day in Magic Kingdom alone. All the rides will be operating and the parks are open for longer periods. During off-season, 10,000 guests a day might visit the Magic Kingdom, only one water park may be operating, and certain attractions may be closed for maintenance. The weather is also a factor – in July and August, hot and humid afternoons are regularly punctuated by torrential thunderstorms. Between October and March, however, the temperatures and humidity are both more comfortable and permit a more energetic touring schedule.
Opening Hours
When the theme parks are busiest, opening hours are the longest, typically 9am to 10–11pm or midnight. In less busy periods, hours are usually 9am to 6–8pm. Call to check. The parks open at least 30 minutes early for pass holders and guests at any of the WDW hotels and resorts.
Length Of Visit
To enjoy Walt Disney World to the full, you may want to give Magic Kingdom and Epcot two full days – or one and half days, with half a day at a water park – each, leaving a day for Disney-MGM Studios and Animal Kingdom. Set aside three nights to see Fantasmic!, IllumiNations, and Wishes firework displays.
The Ideal Schedule
To avoid the worst of the crowds and the heat:
• Arrive as early as possible and visit the most popular attractions first.
• Take a break in the early afternoon, when it’s hottest and the parks are full.
• Return to the parks in the cool of the evening to see parades and fireworks.
Disabled Travelers
Wheelchairs can be borrowed at the park entrance and special bypass entrances allow disabled guests and carers to board rides without waiting in line. Staff, however, are not allowed to lift guests or assist with lifting for safety reasons.
Very Young Children
As Walt Disney World can be physically and emotionally tiring for children, try to adapt your schedule accordingly. If you’ve come with preschool-age kids, focus on Magic Kingdom. The waiting and walking involved in a theme park visit can exhaust young children quickly so it’s a good idea to rent a stroller, available at every park entrance. Each stroller is personalized when you rent it, but if it should go missing when you leave a ride, you can get a replacement with your rental receipt. Baby Care Centers for changing and feeding are located all around the parks.
In a system called “switching off,” parents can enjoy a ride one at a time while the other parent stays with the child – without having to line up twice.
