Welcome to Walt Disney World

Planning your first trip to Walt Disney World? You’ve come to the right place. With four theme parks, dozens of resorts, and more to see and do than you can imagine, Disney World can feel overwhelming—especially if you’ve never been. That’s where we come in. This page is your starting line. Below, you’ll find easy-to-follow guides that break down the parks, help you choose the right hotel, figure out when to visit, and show you exactly how to make the most of your trip—whether it’s your first time or your fifth. No stress, no confusion—just the magic, made simple. Let’s start planning your dream vacation.

Where to Stay

Choosing your resort is one of the biggest decisions. Disney offers a wide array of hotels, from budget-friendly options to luxurious villas. These are categorized into three main tiers, each offering unique theming, amenities, and price points.

Value Resorts

The most budget-friendly option, with larger-than-life, fun theming perfect for families.

PRICE

$

BEST FOR

  • Families on a budget
  • Those who plan to spend most of their time in the parks
  • Fun, kid-friendly theming

Moderate Resorts

A happy medium offering more detailed theming and upgraded pools and dining.

PRICE

$$

BEST FOR

  • More sophisticated theming
  • Better dining options
  • Feature pools with waterslides

Deluxe Resorts

The ultimate in theming, amenities, and convenience, with the best locations.

PRICE

$$$

BEST FOR

  • Prime locations close to the parks
  • Signature dining experiences
  • The most luxurious rooms and amenities

Here are some examples of what each tier has to offer:

Disney's Pop Century Resort

Wide World of Sports Resort Area

Take a trip through American pop culture from the 1950s to the 1990s. This resort features larger-than-life icons from each decade, like giant yo-yos, Rubik's Cubes, and bowling pins. The Hippy Dippy Pool is a groovy main pool.

4.5(18268 reviews)
Value Resort

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

Epcot Resort Area

Escape to a tropical paradise at this colorful resort inspired by the vibrant islands of the Caribbean. The resort is spread across several lushly landscaped 'islands'—Barbados, Jamaica, Martinique, Trinidad, and Aruba—all surrounding the beautiful 45-acre Barefoot Bay. The relaxed island atmosphere makes it a perfect vacation retreat. The main feature pool, Fuentes del Morro, is themed to a colonial Spanish fort and boasts two waterslides and water cannons. As the central hub of the Disney Skyliner gondola system, this resort offers unparalleled transportation convenience to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Guests can also enjoy a variety of dining options, from the table-service flavors of Sebastian's Bistro to the quick bites at Centertown Market.

4.4(13662 reviews)
Moderate Resort

Disney's Contemporary Resort

Magic Kingdom Resort Area

Experience the future of hospitality at this iconic A-frame hotel. Famous for its ultra-modern design and the monorail that glides silently through its Grand Canyon Concourse, the Contemporary Resort offers luxury, convenience, and breathtaking views of Magic Kingdom park.

4.6(20515 reviews)
Deluxe Resort
Explore All Hotels →

The Four Theme Parks

Magic Kingdom

The crown jewel of Walt Disney World, Magic Kingdom brings beloved Disney fairy tales to life. With its iconic Cinderella Castle at the center, this park is a mix of classic attractions, immersive lands, and enchanting entertainment.

Epcot

A park of the future and the world, EPCOT is divided into two distinct realms: World Showcase and World Nature/Discovery. It combines cutting-edge innovation with global cultural experiences.

Hollywood Studios

This park puts you inside the worlds of your favorite movies. It’s home to some of Disney's most thrilling rides, incredible live shows, and immersive lands.

Animal Kingdom

Where nature meets adventure, Animal Kingdom blends exotic lands, real animals, and fantastical creatures. The Tree of Life towers over a park teeming with exploration and discovery.

When to Visit

Year-at-a-Glance Crowds

Jan(Low)
Feb(Moderate)
Mar(High)
Apr(High)
May(Moderate)
Jun(High-Mod)
Jul(High-Mod)
Aug(Low)
Sep(Low)
Oct(High-Mod)
Nov(High)
Dec(High)

Best Times to Visit

  • Mid-January through mid-February
  • Early May (before Memorial Day)
  • Late August through September
  • Early November (before Thanksgiving)

Busiest Times to Visit

  • Spring Break (Mid-March to Mid-April)
  • Summer (June through mid-August)
  • Thanksgiving Week
  • Christmas through New Year’s Week

Things to Note

  • Weather: Summer is very hot and humid with daily thunderstorms. Winter can be cool, especially at night.
  • Special Events: Epcot festivals run nearly year-round and can increase crowds, especially on weekends.
  • Park Hours: Hours vary by season. Check the My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date information for your travel dates.
  • Hurricanes: Hurricane season runs from June to November. While direct hits are rare, it's wise to have travel insurance.

Getting Around Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World offers a vast network of complimentary transportation, including buses, the iconic Monorail, the Disney Skyliner gondolas, and various watercraft, making it easy to travel between parks, resorts, and Disney Springs. Parking is available at all parks, resorts, and Disney Springs (free at Springs and included for resort guests at parks).