Walt Disney World® Resort
Amusement park · Bay Lake
Florida, USA
/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")
Highlights
Four theme parks, resorts, dining, shops & rides with shows
Four theme parks, resorts, dining, shops & rides with shows
"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
"A visit is famously magical but can also be a full-day marathon—from early rope drop to nighttime fireworks—with strong sun, lots of walking, long lines, and the occasional splash. Former cast members recommend packing strategically to preserve energy and comfort: a small sling bag you can wear on your chest for rides; portable chargers to keep phones usable for photos and reservations; a compact handheld fan for heat and queues; a collapsible water bottle and taking advantage of free quick-service water cups or refill stations; a solid sunscreen stick for quick, mess-free reapplication (plus travel-size lotions or sprays for larger areas); light disposable ponchos and water-ready backup footwear; reusable straws to avoid soggy paper ones; clear, TSA-approved pouch(es) to organize essentials and stash wet items; and an autograph book or picture-frame mat to collect character signatures without paying park prices." - Jennifer Vermeer Jennifer Vermeer Jennifer Vermeer is a seasoned writer specializing in finding the best deals on apparel, beauty products, travel gear, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"The large Florida resort complex sees predictable seasonal peaks and lulls: busiest in spring break (March–April), summer (June–August) and the late-December holidays, with shoulder periods in October–February (excluding holidays) and May, and the quietest crowds typically in September. Winter dates outside major holidays are pleasantly cool and less crowded — ideal for walking the parks — while January–March tends to offer milder temperatures and lower precipitation. Summer brings hot, humid weather and a higher risk of tropical storms, plus the heaviest crowds and prices; dynamic ticket and package pricing means admissions and vacation deals are usually cheapest during off-peak windows such as September and portions of January–February. Different traveler priorities influence timing: adults often prefer late summer/early fall for festival programming and fewer summer crowds, families may choose holidays for the elaborate seasonal offerings despite larger crowds, and guests wanting resort amenities and pools often gravitate to summer despite higher cost and busyness." - Carly Caramanna Carly Caramanna Carly Caramanna is a theme park and travel journalist who has spent her professional career in New York City, Nashville, and Los Angeles. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Yahoo Lifestyle, Insider, The Points Guy, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
