Holiday magic at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida

When you stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, you get more than just the magic — you also get free, convenient transportation to and from all the Disney theme parks, water parks, and even Disney Springs. No need to rent a car, navigate traffic, or worry about parking fees — just hop on and go!

You've got Disney Bus Transporation that operates between all Disney hotels, the four theme parks, the water parks and Disney Springs. And then at selected resort hotels you can also hop on the Disney Monorail, Disney Skyliner, and Disney Boat Transportation.

Want a bit of extra magic and flexibility? Book a Minnie Van - Disney's official rideshare service in partnership with Lyft.

If you're planning to stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, we've got some magical news for drivers - yes, standard overnight self-parking is included free of charge for guests!

Even better, guests staying at at Disney Resort hotel also get free standard parking at all four theme parks. Just show your resort MagicBand, Key to the World Card, or mobile room key when you drive in. No need to pay the standard $25+ daily fee that day guests pay!

At select Deluxe Resorts, valet parking is available for an additional fee (around $33/day). It’s totally optional and perfect if you’re looking for a little extra convenience or feeling fancy after a day in the parks.

If you're looking for the best hotel at Walt Disney World Resort, the real question is: what kind of magic are you after? From over-the-top luxury to kid-friendly fun and Insta-worthy theming, Disney has a dream stay for every kind of holidaymaker.

But it wouldn't be Virgin Atlantic Holidays style if we didn't give you a handpicked list of the best of the best. Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is perfect for families who want the 'wow' factor from the moment they check-in, and it's just one monorail stop from Magic Kingdom.

Disney's Art of Animation Resort is ideal for young families and budget-conscious travellers who don't want to skimp on Disney Magic. It has one of the biggest pools on Disney property as well as access to the Disney Skyliner for quick trips to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

For relaxtion, Disney's Yacht Club is another hit that offers the perfect location to walk to EPCOT, enjoy bars and restaurants at Disney's Boardwalk, and anyone looking for a quieter stay with deluxe perks.

Planning your dream Walt Disney World holiday doesn’t have to feel like a full-time job. With a little guidance (hi there!) and a sprinkle of Disney magic, you’ll be on your way to the most unforgettable adventure of your life — stress-free and sparkle-packed.

Our top tip is to buy your park tickets alongside booking your hotel with us, as you'll get better value than on-the gate, and your ticket will include extra benefits such as park hopping and Memory Maker (so you get all your ride photos!).

Once you're all booked in your chosen hotel, download the My Disney Experience app - this is your Disney planning HQ. Here you can book dining reservations, manage park plans, use Genie+ to buy lightning lanes to skip queues, and access your digital park tickets. You can book your dining reservations 60 days in advance, so mark that on the calendar to secure the best tables.

The best time to visit Walt Disney World depends on what kind of holiday magic you’re chasing — think low crowds, cooler weather, special events or school holiday buzz.

Avoiding the school holidays will mean you're likely to get lower crowds and wait times, which means crowd-free magic. 

Remember to consider annual events such as Mickey's Not-So-Scary-Halloween Party, Christmas celebrations, and EPCOT's food and wine festival. Check out the dates if you're wanting to visit during these festivals which offer extra decoration and fun.

Spoiler alert: it’s massive. Like, its-own-postcode kind of massive. Walt Disney World Resort in Florida covers a jaw-dropping 25,000 acres — that’s roughly the size of Manchester, or twice the size of Manhattan. Yep, it’s basically its own magical city.

And tt's not just all theme parks. On top of the 4 parks you've got two spash-worthy water parks, more than 30 themed hotels, Disney Springs, golf courses galore (both big and mini), ESPN Wide World of Sports complex, and Disney's Boardwalk! Don't worry, there's plenty of transporation to take you between it all with ease.

At Walt Disney World Resort, everyone deserves a little magic — and Disney goes above and beyond to make sure guests of all abilities can experience the parks with comfort, ease, and joy.

Disney offers designated parking spaces at all parks and hotels, wheelchair-accsesible buses, boars and Monorails across the resort. And Disney's Skyliner is also accessible ofr most mobility devices. 

Wheelchair and ECV rentals are available at all theme parks and water parks, andyou can pre-book third-party rentals for multi-day use that will be delivered to your hotel for when you arrive.

Many of the rides and attractions are also designed for easy access with transfer options or reide vehicles that accommodate wheelchairs - the accsibility maps available for each park can help you to spot where this is available but cast members are also always happy to help.

Got sensory sensitivites or cognitive disabilitys? You can preview attraction experiences ahead of time via ride desctiprions online or in the My Disney Experience App. You can also register for the Disability Access service which is designed for those who cannot tolerate long queues due to disability, offering scheduled return times for attractions.

Walt Disney World Resort hotels do not charge resort fees. That’s right — when you stay at a Disney-owned hotel, the price you see is the price you pay (plus tax, of course).

No hidden fees. No unexpected charges at checkout. Just pure Disney magic from check-in to check-out

Get set for an immersive experience where you’re not merely watching the story but an actual part of it. Here your favourite stories unfold all around you. Together your family will join the action in exhilarating new episodes that engage every one of your senses. Each and every story is unforgettable, because this time… you’re right in the middle of them all.

Fun for little ones

• Alien Swirling Saucers: Inspired by Disney·Pixar’s Toy Story films, take a toy rocket ride while aliens fly around in toy saucers and The Claw looms above.
• Meet favourite Disney Characters*: You’ll find them around almost every corner here, including favourite Toy Story pals like Buzz Lightyear and Woody.
• Disney Junior Dance Party: Join Doc McStuffins, Vampirina, Timon and Mickey for a high-energy musical celebration.

Big thrills

• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance: Join an epic battle between the First Order and the Resistance, including a face-off with Kylo Ren!
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith: Rocket from 0–60 in 2.8 seconds, to the beat of Aerosmith.
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™: Hurtle up and down on a haunted, elevator-themed ride. You’re about to enter… The Twilight Zone™!

Family fun

• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway: burst into the wacky and unpredictable world of a Mickey Mouse cartoon short. 
• Slinky Dog Dash: inspired by Disney·Pixar’s Toy  Story films, this crazy coaster whooshes round curves, up hills and down drops for chaotic family fun. 
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run: take the controls in one of three unique and critical roles on this unforgettable mission.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

For the first time ever, there’s a place where you can live your very own Star Wars™ story. Come discover yourself in a whole new land where a galaxy far, far away unfolds all around you. Welcome to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

You’ll be immersed in the alluring offerings of a mysterious outpost that’s a haven for scoundrels, rogues and smugglers. Around corners and through back alleys, you can encounter strange creatures and alien languages. Touch ancient antiquities from across the galaxy. You can build your own droids and a custom lightsaber. And be sure to drop by the cantina to sample the local beverages and curious concoctions. This marketplace summons your senses to life like never before.

On Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, you’ll board the Millennium Falcon, where legends have been made and new ones are about to be created. You and your crew are part of a covert mission that directs you to take control of the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy. The engines rumble as the Falcon blasts off as you enter hyperspace and into the adventure you’ve always dreamed of. Along the way you’ll face excitement around every turn and sway, plus the looming threat of the First Order!

Next, it’s Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, opening later in the year. Steady your nerves and summon your resolve—because you and other Resistance recruits have boarded a transport that has been captured by a Star Destroyer. In an instant, you’ll be caught in blaster fire from stormtroopers surrounding you. And if that’s not enough, you’ll discover how huge the excitement can get when you round a corner and discover a towering AT-AT—with its lasers pointed…Right. At. You. At last, a sudden red glow cuts the darkness and the crackle of a lightsaber announces an inevitable showdown with Kylo Ren himself.

So, raise a glass of Blue Milk. Because soon the time will come to live your adventure in a galaxy far, far away at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

*Genie+ not available.
^Opened 29 August 2019. Capacity for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge area and its experiences is limited. Access to the park, land and experiences may be restricted or unavailable depending on guest demand and other factors. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance attraction opens later in the year. Park tickets, Annual Passes, holiday packages and Walt Disney World Resort Hotel stays do not guarantee access to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Disney FastPass+ service is unavailable for the attractions in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. 

The Twilight Zone is a registered trademark of CBS, Inc. and is used with permission pursuant to a license from CBS, Inc.
©Disney © & ™ Lucasfilm Ltd. 
©Disney/Pixar. Jenga® Pokonobe Associates. All Rights Reserved. Tinkertoy® is a registered trademark of Hasbro, Inc. Used with permission. 2022©Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Age or height restrictions may apply to some attractions.

High tech fun and Disney imagination combine with the wonder of diverse cultures in two distinct realms: Future World (the wonders of tomorrow, today) and World Showcase (visit 11 countries in one day). Both are bursting with excitement and thrills across a wide range of different attractions.

Fun for little ones

• The Seas with Nemo & Friends: Inspired by Disney·Pixar’s Finding Nemo, join Marlin and Dory on an adventure to find the ever elusive clownfish Nemo.
• Turtle Talk with Crush: Visit Crush along with Dory and some of her friends from Disney·Pixar’s Finding Dory as they engage in real time Q&A with their human friends.
• Epcot Character Spot: Meet Mickey and his pals for photos and autographs, hugs and smiles.

Big thrills

• Soarin’ Around the World: Soar high in the sky and feel the wind race across your face during a hand-gliding flight across the globe.
• Test Track: Presented by Chevrolet, design your own custom-concept vehicle and take it for a test drive!
• Mission: SPACE: Play your part in this thrilling astronaut-like experience.

Family fun

• Frozen Ever After: Set sail in Arendelle on this family attraction, and then stop by the Royal Sommerhus* for an encounter with the famed sisters. 
• Spaceship Earth: Take a journey through time from prehistoric man’s first words all the way to the 21st century’s cyber age.
• World Showcase*: You’ll feel like you’re strolling across the globe as you experience the sights, sounds and tastes of 11 different countries in one day.

^{*Genie+ not available}

Explore the wonders of nature throughout the day and into the night. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park discover rare animals, authentic adventures and world-class entertainment transporting you to the heart of nature — alive with magic.

Fun for little ones

• Finding Nemo - The Musical: Inspired by Disney∙Pixar’s Finding Nemo, this must-’sea’ adventure makes a splash with spectacular music and stunning theatrical puppetry.
• The Boneyard*: An open-air play space, designed to look like a dinosaur dig site.
• Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail*: Explore a lush tropical forest inhabited by gorillas, hippos and exotic birds.

Big thrills

• AVATAR Flight of Passage: Take flight on the back of a mountain banshee as it soars over this vast and stunning land.
• Expedition Everest™: Beware the dreaded Yeti on this highspeed train trek through the Himalayan unknown.
• Kali River Rapids: Prepare to get wet - really wet! - on a wild, white-water Asian river ride.

Family fun

• Rivers of Light: An immersive nighttime celebration of the beauty of nature.
• Na’vi River Journey: Glide deep into a bioluminescent rain forest on a mystical family adventure.
• Kilimanjaro Safaris: Ride off in an open-air vehicle for an 18-minute day or evening tour of a lush African Savannah, home to real-live exotic animals.

_{*Genie+ not available.}

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park features the largest inland surfing lagoon in Florida. For tots, there’s a lot. For teens, thrills like you’ve never seen. Everyone can hang ten, or take five in this tropical paradise.

Fun for little ones

• Bay Slides: Twin body slides offer scaled-down thrills and spills suitable for even the tiniest of tiny tots. 
• Ketchakiddee Creek: An area designed just for them, with pint-size slides, fountains and waterfalls. 

Big thrills

• Crush ‘n’ Gusher: Defy gravity as you and your raft are propelled by powerful jets through uphill climbs and surprise after surprise. 
• Humunga Kowabunga: he screams you hear are your own as you plunge 65 metres down Mount Mayday.
• Mayday Falls: Brave the rapids — and the bumps — on the highest waterslide at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon.

Family fun

• Miss Adventure Falls: Board a treasure raft and hit the high seas for the longest ride in the history of the Disney Water Parks! 
• Gangplank Falls: Gather the gang for a raft ride in a giant inner-tube with room enough for four people.
• Surf Pool: Experience the drama of a sixfoot swell in this huge azure blue lagoon. 

Chill out

• Castaway Creek: Grab an inner tube and ease into the relaxing retreat of this continuous, flowing river that winds its way around the whole Water Park.

Don't miss!

• Sandy White Beach: Slow right down as you lie back and relax on the beautiful white shores surrounding the Surf Pool. With waves lapping and golden sun beaming down, these pristine sands are a haven from which to watch watery antics, or simply top up the tan. 

^{* Water Parks subject to closure for refurbishment, as well as seasonal and weather closures. Age or height restrictions may apply to some attractions. As to Disney artwork and properties, ©Disney.}

Chill out all year round at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, 61 acres of fun built around the mythical tale of a one-time ski resort that melted into soothing, warm water — creating the perfect water playground.

Fun for little ones

• Tike’s Peak: Their own kid-size version of the Park, complete with mini Mt Gushmore.
• Cross Country Creek: Drift lazily down a mountain through melting snow caves.

Big thrills

• Downhill Double Dipper: Race against your friends on these side-by-side waterslides. 
• Slush Gusher: Start training for ‘the big one’ on this 90-ft long waterslide.
• Snow Stormers: Weave your way down the mountain on your stomach as you take on the snaking curves of one of three winding waterslides.

Family fun

• Toboggan Racers: Go for glory as one of eight racing to the finish line of this hilly slalom.
• Ski Patrol Training Camp: Big kids and pre-teens can challenge themselves or chill out in this activity-driven play area.
• Teamboat Springs: The family that rafts together, laughs together on this 365-metre raft ride over rushing waterfalls.

Chill out

• Melt-Away Bay: An oasis at the foot of Mt Gushmore, this one-acre wave pool is the perfect chill-out zone. Listen to the sound of the surf as gentle azure waves lap the shore, or grab an inner tube and bob merrily out at sea. 
   

^{* Water Parks subject to closure for refurbishment, as well as seasonal and weather closures. Age or height restrictions may apply to some attractions. As to Disney artwork and properties, ©Disney.}

Disney Springs is distinctly different, in the best possible way. Not only is it a place for fashion-forward finds at flagship stores, but it’s also a place for culinary adventures with world-famous chefs, and loads of exciting entertainment.

Better yet, there’s a whole lot of magic in the mix — it is Disney, after all. It all adds up to a grand place to while away the day and linger into the evening.

Serious shopping

Fashionistas rejoice. Collectors exclaim. Disneyphiles delight. Meander through Disney Springs and you’ll discover over 100 shops, boutiques, and international brands. In one trip, it’s not uncommon to find chic jewellery, hand-painted shoes, and a personalised holiday ornament. And that’s before you even get to World of Disney — the largest Character store on the planet, packed with apparel, collectibles and of course, Disney toys.

Unique entertainment

There’s always plenty to do at Disney Springs. Day or night, enjoy a ride in a tethered helium balloon or a vintage Amphicar, catch a movie at AMC 24 Dine-In Theatre, or score big bowling at Splitsville Luxury Lanes. Once the sun sets, this late-night hotspot offers plenty of live entertainment and incredible, one-of-a-kind venues that are perfect for a special night out

Delicious dining

Whether you’re craving spicy tuna sushi rolls or wood-fired paella, Disney Springs has over 50 drool-worthy eateries on the menu, offering everything from quick bites to special meals. There are restaurants that double down on family fun, spectacular rooftop patios, food trucks, and even a dinosaur-themed café! And for a real culinary sensation, check out the unrivalled collection of venues inspired by celebrity and award-winning chefs.

Dining Plan T&Cs

Plan must be purchased for entire length of stay and for the entire party in the room (ages 3 and over). Meals are non-transferable between party members and expire at midnight on the reservation checkout date.

Dining Plan inclusions per person (aged 3 years old and up) per night:  

• Quick Service Dine Plan: Two quick-service meals each with one alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverage. One snack is included per day. Available at participating Disney locations. One free Disney Resort refillable mug is also included in this plan.  

• Disney Dining Plan: one quick-service meal with one alcoholic/non-alcoholic drink and one table-service meal with one alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverage per day. One snack is included per day. Available at participating Disney locations. One free Disney Resort refillable mug is also included in this plan. 

Guests ages 3-9 must order from the children’s menu where available.  Gratuities are not included. 

Where “beverage” is included for quick-service meals and table-service meals, the customer may choose any non-alcoholic beverage, or, if beer, wine or mixed drink beverages are offered at the location and the guest is 21 years of age or older with acceptable proof of age. Some beer, wine and mixed drinks will be excluded. Novelty or souvenir cups are not included. 

The Resort refillable drink mug entitles customers to refills of fountain soda from quick-service restaurants in the Resorts during the stay.  Mugs are not eligible for fills or refills in Theme Park, Water Park or Disney Springs locations. 

Disney Dining Plans excludes gratuities, an 18% gratuity will automatically be added to the bill equivalent to the Dining Plan value, for parties of six or more across dining locations and will be charged at the meal in the Resort. At Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue and Cinderella’s Royal Table an 18% gratuity is included in the Dining Plans so no additional charges will apply unless you make orders not included in the Dining Plans. In all other circumstances gratuities are not mandatory but are customary and the amount is at the discretion of the guests. An additional form of payment is required if gratuities are added and if a credit card has not been provided at check-in for charging incidentals and other expenses. Certain menu items not included in the Dining Plans are subject to additional cost.