When it comes to ideas for family holidays that you are almost guaranteed to remember for the rest of your life – pretty much regardless of your age or background – a break centred on Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is sure to be near the top of the list.
With its array of breathtaking theme-park attractions, imaginative accommodations, and the chance to have your dreams come true, there are good reasons why the “Happiest Place on Earth” continues to receive millions of visitors with every passing month.
Whether you are a Disney veteran, or planning your very first trip to the home of the mouse, knowing what to expect is a great way to ensure you make the most of every moment, and that everyone travelling as part of your group spends their vacation with a smile.
But how will you know where to start? Well, you are in the right place. We have put together the ultimate guide to help you navigate the magic of Florida’s paradise – get ready to explore all you need to know to enjoy the perfect Disney holiday in Florida for 2024.
Table of Contents
The Theme Parks
It is easy to forget that strictly speaking, Walt Disney World Resort isn’t just one theme park; it is a combination of four. Those are the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom – and of course, we’re sure you will want to take in all of them during your visit to Florida, if you possibly can.
Ultimately, these theme parks are such a fundamental part of the Disney experience in Florida. Each of them has certain unique highlights, so it can be a good idea to carefully plan how you will immerse yourself in all of them during your time in the “Sunshine State”.
Magic Kingdom
With the magical Cinderella castle dominating the skyline, Magic Kingdom is perhaps the most famous of all Disney theme parks, and it was the resort’s original one too, opening in 1971.
Magic Kingdom Park – to give its full name these days – is probably the most suitable option for little ones. That’s because there is a wide range of rides and attractions that do not come with height restrictions, meaning that even toddlers and younger children will be able to enjoy the fun. Peter Pan and Dumbo the Flying Elephant are among the most popular options here.
Magic Kingdom is also home to classic rides such as Space Mountain and Jamboree, as well as the iconic Main Street with its famous parades and fireworks. That’s before we even mention the range of your favourite Disney characters – perfect for getting a quick snap with your preferred princess!
Visitors can enjoy a variety of restaurants, including the legendary “Be Our Guest” experience, which is sure to go down a treat with any fans of classic, traditional Disney. If you want to go right back to the beginning, this is the park for you. Just be aware that queues can be pretty long, so do be prepared to wait your turn and wear comfortable shoes!
Epcot
Disney World’s second oldest park, Epcot opened in 1982 and boasts almost twice the floorspace of Magic Kingdom.
This theme park is a heady blend of futuristic magic and international wonder, with a key focus on society, innovation, technology, and possibility. It’s a convincing mix – after all, where else could you get up close with the Spaceship Earth attraction, or consider the wonders of the world with such an impressive cast of diverse characters, experiences, and opportunities?
Epcot really stands out as the place to head for foodies. There is a huge range of dishes and options from all around the world, allowing you to effectively eat in a different country on each day of your visit!
While Epcot is likely to be less popular with young families, it is nonetheless a great option for those who are looking to escape the crowds so that they can experience something a little different at Disney World.
Disney Hollywood Studios
As the name suggests, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is an astounding homage to the world of Hollywood. It has recently become the home of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, an amazing installation that is drawing fans from across the world (apparently including no less than current UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, although he was reportedly headed to the California rather than Florida version of the attraction).
With a host of rides including the Twilight Tower of Terror and Slinky Dog Dash, Hollywood Studios could be the perfect pick for teens in your family. Indeed, this is an area of Walt Disney World Resort that is presently seeing huge expansions and exciting developments.
The future, needless to say, looks bright. However, even the Hollywood Studios attraction as it looks right now, represents the ideal chance to get up close and personal with some of Hollywood’s coolest characters and concepts.
Animal Kingdom
With 500 acres of space, 250 species of animals, and around 1,700 individual animals in total, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is unquestionably the peak of Disney World for animal lovers, and offers a truly special experience.
Why not get up close and personal with primates on the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction, also taking the chance to catch sight of other animals ranging from giraffes and zebras to tortoises and lions?
You will find thrilling attractions and pleasant amenities both night and day here, also encompassing the likes of Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!, Avatar Flight of Passage, and Tucker House Restaurant, where Donald Duck acts as host with his Disney friends.
When it comes to all that traditional and enduring Disney magic, the Animal Kingdom scores highly. It is a theme park at Walt Disney World Resort that truly caters to every taste, and that offers well-matched attractions for every member of the family.
Where To Eat
Food will inevitably be a key part of your trip to Florida, and Walt Disney World Resort has something for every palate, ranging from classic fast food to gourmet fine dining.
There are more than 200 restaurants throughout the resort, with many of them offering character dining experiences that allow you to meet and interact with your favourite Disney characters, at the same time as enjoying a delicious meal. Indeed, if you are travelling with young children, we would suggest you check out the “Be Our Guest” experience in the Magic Kingdom.
If you will be staying on-site in 2024, you will be able to take advantage of a prepaid Disney Dining Plan. This can be an excellent way to make sure your gastronomic needs are (quite literally) “catered for” during your visit to the resort, at a discount compared to buying your food “on the day”.
Why Wait Any Longer to Tap into The Disney Magic?
So, what are you waiting for? The enchanting experiences of Walt Disney World Resort could be within easier reach for you and your family than you imagine.
Don’t be afraid, then, to get dreaming, and to book your 2024 adventure today. Above all else, it is a chance to make warm, potentially once-in-a-lifetime memories with your family that you are practically guaranteed to never forget.
