Walt Disney World® Resort
Amusement park · Bay Lake ·
Four theme parks, two water parks, dining, and entertainment
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67081305/1227624426.jpg.0.jpg "Walt Disney World® Resort by Photo: Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images")
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/20664708/Health_and_Safety_Signage_1.jpg "Walt Disney World® Resort by Kent Phillips/Disney")
Four theme parks, two water parks, dining, and entertainment
"Sporting the nickname “the most magical place on earth” comes with certain responsibilities, and during the holidays, one is gingerbread. Fortunately, Walt Disney World takes that responsibility seriously, with a number of gingerbread displays and eats throughout its parks and resorts. In 2025, grandiose gingerbread structures such as castles, carousels, and creatures can be found in five resort lobbies: Disney’s Contemporary Resort, BoardWalk Inn, Beach Club Resort, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and Wilderness Lodge. Additionally, EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays in Communicore Hall features a gingerbread rendering of its iconic Spaceship Earth. Throughout the parks, gingerbread treats abound, occasionally in traditional cookie form but also as brownies, eggnog, and cake." - Pamela Vachon
"Visiting Walt Disney World makes for an exciting vacation — I enjoyed the abundance of Disney characters and the fun Mickey-shaped foods, and it’s a perfect place to capture the joy of Disney adventures with loved ones or elevate posts with creative quotes and one-liners." - Carlye Wisel Carlye Wisel Carlye Wisel is one of the nation's leading theme park journalists. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, Bloomberg, Time, Travel + Leisure, and dozens of other publications. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Packing for a trip to Walt Disney World can feel completely overwhelming, and as a longtime Annual Passholder I’ve learned to plan for Florida heat, unpredictable showers, and long days on my feet; I never go without trusty staples like breathable bike shorts, a reusable rain poncho, and a crossbody phone lanyard to keep my device at my fingertips, and I rely on moisture-wicking dresses with built-in shorts, portable fans, electrolytes, travel-size sunscreen sticks, and comfortable, machine-washable sneakers to stay cool, protected, and ready for anything at the “Most Magical Place on Earth.”" - Jacqueline Dole Jacqueline Dole Jacqueline Dole is a food and travel journalist based in Maine. A lifelong New Englander, her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, TimeOut, Insider, Thrillist, Eater, and more. With a background as a pastry chef, she’s always on the lookout for the next best snack. She is a theme park enthusiast and expert, and embroidered hotel robes, amazing pools, and hot dogs are some of her favorite things. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A major theme-park resort where seasonal offerings include special-ticket events such as Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (held on select days from early November to late December) featuring a Christmas-themed fireworks show and classic attractions dressed up for the holidays." - Katrina Brown Hunt Katrina Brown Hunt Katrina Brown Hunt is a San Diego-based freelance writer and editor, specializing in budget-friendly travel and family excursion topics. Her witty advice has appeared in CNN Travel, Travel + Leisure, Time magazine, and Southern Living. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"The sprawling Florida resort covers roughly 25,000 acres and includes four theme parks, two water parks, dozens of hotels, and hundreds of attractions—more than 275 experiences overall—making it best suited for week-long visits and trips that prioritize variety and luxury accommodations. It features marquee modern attractions like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, expansive dining options (over 400 venues, including some with Michelin-level recognition), and a broad on-site hotel portfolio ranging from value to high-end themed properties. Navigating the property requires planning and use of an extensive complimentary transit system—buses, monorail, gondolas, ferries—and unique services like an accessible Minnie Van. Expect humid summers with frequent afternoon storms and hurricane-season considerations, $30 daily theme-park parking, and proximity to other Central Florida parks such as Universal and Legoland for extended-park itineraries." - Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeared in print or online for Travel + Leisure, Time, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, and many more. You'll usually find her in an airport. If you do see her there, please say hello. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines