Why Walt Disney World?
Walt Disney World, where dreams come true
Development of Walt Disney World began in 1959, following the succes of Disneyland, which opened in 1955. Construction of the park began in 1968 and was overseen by Walt Disney's older brother, Roy. Roy also had the name changed from Disney World to Walt Disney World, in his brother's honor, saying, "Everyone has heard of Ford cars. But have they all heard of Henry Ford, who started it all? Walt Disney World is in memory of the man who started it all, so people will know his name as long as Walt Disney World is here."
It has since become one of the most popular amusement park resorts in the world. In 2018, Walt Disney World was the most visited vacation resort in the world, with an average annual attendance of more than 58 million.
Parks
The Parks of Walt Disney World
MAGIC KINGDOM
Magic Kingdom was the first park built at Walt Disney World and is dedicated to fairytales and Disney characters. It is the most visited theme park in the world. It features six "lands": Main Street, USA; Adventureland; Frontierland; Liberty Square; Fantasyland; and Tomorrowland. It also features Cinderella Castle.
What I like about it
The multiple "lands" feature attractions based on many of the Disney princesses, including Snow White (Seven Dwarfs Mine Train), Ariel (Under the Sea), Belle (Be Our Guest Restaurant), Jasmine (The Magic Carpets of Aladdin), and soon Tiana (Tiana's Bayou Adventure). Magic Kingdom also features the Festival of Fantasy Parade, beginning in Frontierland and ending on Main Street, USA.
EPCOT
Epcot was the second park built at Walt Disney World and is dedicated to the celebration of human achievement. It features four "neighborhoods": World Celebration, World Discovery, World Nature, and World Showcase. World Showcase contains 11 pavillions, each one representing a different county and showcasing its culture and cuisine.
What I like about it
Throughout the year, Epcot hosts several special events, including the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festial in the spring, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival in the fall, the Epcot International Festival of Arts in the winter, and the Epcot International Festival of Holidays around the holidays at the end of the year.
HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
Hollywood Studios was the third park built at Walt Disney World and is dedicated to the imagined worlds from film, television, music, and theater, drawing inspiration from the Golden Age of Hollywood. It features seven themed areas: Hollywood Boulevard, Echo Lake, Grand Avenue, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Toy Story Land, Animation Courtyard, and Sunset Boulevard.
What I like about it
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is one of my favorite rides at Walt Disney World. Hollywood Studios also features other great rides like: Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, Toy Story Mania, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and Millenium Falcon: Smuggler's Run. Additionally, until 2004, Hollywood Studios also housed Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida, where movies like Mulan, Lilo & Stitch, and Brother Bear were produced.
ANIMAL KINGDOM
Animal Kingdom was the fourth and last park built at Walt Disney World and is dedicated and themed around natural environment and animal conservation. It features seven themed areas: Oasis, Discover Island, Pandora - The World of Avatar, Africa, Rafiki's Planet Watch, Asia, and DinoLand USA. Along with traditional attractions, like rides and live entertainment, Animal Kingdom also features hundreds of species of live animals.
What I like about it
Two of the newer additions to Animal Kingdon, Pandora and the ride Avatar Flight of Passage are beautiful. And the Kilimanjaro Safaris in Africa are always fun and informative. To keep plastic from inadvertently getting into the animals' habitats, plastic straws, lids, and balloons are not allowed in Animal Kingdom. Instead biodegradable paper straws and lids are used.