Complete Guide to Walt Disney World Resort: Magic Just Minutes from Celebration Suites

The Walt Disney World Resort is one of the world's most iconic tourist destinations, offering magical experiences for visitors of all ages. Located in Orlando, Florida, and just a few minutes from Celebration Suites, this complex is made up of four theme parks, two water parks, various entertainment, shopping and dining options.

Overview of Theme Parks

1. Magic Kingdom

The Magic Kingdom is the heart of Disney and home to the iconic Cinderella Castle. Opened on October 1, 1971, it is the most visited park in the world.

  • Main Attractions:

    • Space MountainA rollercoaster in the dark that simulates a space journey.
    • Splash MountainA boat trip that ends with a thrilling waterfall.
    • Haunted Mansion: A haunted mansion full of friendly ghosts.
    • Pirates of the CaribbeanAn adventure on the seas with animatronic pirates.
  • Tips:

    • Arrive early to enjoy the most popular attractions before the queues get too long.
    • Use the My Disney Experience app to check waiting times in real time.
    • Take part in the "Festival of Fantasy" parade to see your favorite characters on parade.
  • Best place to watch the fireworks:
    • Main Street U.S.A. or in front of Cinderella Castle offer privileged views of the "Happily Ever After" night show.

2. EPCOT

Opened on October 1, 1982, EPCOT celebrates technological innovation and international culture.

  • Main Attractions:

    • Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: An emotional rollercoaster with Marvel characters.
    • Test TrackDesign your own car and test it on a high-speed track.
    • Soarin' Around the WorldA simulator that takes visitors over iconic landscapes around the world.
  • Special Events:

    • International Gastronomy FestivalHeld annually in the fall, it offers dishes and drinks from all over the world.
    • Flower and Garden FestivalIn spring, the park is filled with topiaries and themed gardens.
  • Best Restaurants:

    • Le Cellier Steakhouse (Canada): Famous for its cuts of meat and cozy atmosphere.
    • Monsieur Paul (France): Offers French haute cuisine in an elegant setting.

3. Disney's Hollywood Studios

Focused on the world of movies and TV, the park offers exciting attractions and live shows.

  • Main Attractions:

    • Star Wars: Rise of the ResistanceAn immersive experience in the Star Wars universe.
    • Tower of Terror: A free-falling elevator in a haunted hotel.
    • Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway: An animated adventure with Mickey and Minnie.
  • Tips:

    • Use Genie+ to guarantee queue-free experiences at popular attractions.
    • Arrive early to secure a place in the virtual queue for "Rise of the Resistance".
    • Watch the "Fantasmic!" night show for a spectacle of lights, fireworks and characters.
  • Best place to watch Fantasmic!:
    • Book one Dining Package which includes VIP seats for the show, guaranteeing a privileged view.

4. Disney's Animal Kingdom

Dedicated to nature and conservation, the park combines exciting attractions with animal encounters.

  • Main Attractions:

    • Avatar Flight of PassageA simulator that takes visitors flying on a banshee through the world of Pandora.
    • Expedition EverestA rollercoaster that faces the fearsome Yeti in the Himalayas.
    • Kilimanjaro SafarisAn open-air safari to see animals such as elephants, lions and giraffes.
  • Tips:

    • Visit in the morning to see more animals active during the safari.
    • Don't miss the "Festival of the Lion King" show, a musical celebration of the Disney classic.
    • Explore the Pandora area at night to see the bioluminescent landscapes.
  • Best Restaurant:

    • Tiffins Restaurant: Offers cuisine inspired by voyages of exploration, with sophisticated dishes and a themed atmosphere.

Water parks

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon

  • It has the largest artificial wave pool in the world.
  • Main attractions: Crush 'n' Gusher, Miss Adventure Falls.

Disney's Blizzard Beach

  • Inspired by a melting ski resort, it offers fun for the whole family.
  • Highlights: Summit Plummet, Teamboat Springs.

Opening hours

  • Magic Kingdom9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • EPCOT9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Hollywood Studios8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Animal Kingdom8am to 8pm.
  • Water parks: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (may vary depending on the season).

Tickets and How to Save

How much does the Disney park cost?

  • Tickets range from US$ 109 to US$ 159 per daydepending on the season.
  • Park Hopper option allows you to visit more than one park a day.
  • Promotions and discountsSee seasonal offers on the official Disney website.
  • Is the Disney Dining Plan worth it? Yes, for families who want to eat in restaurants with characters.

How to Buy Disney Tickets ?

There are several ways to buy tickets for Walt Disney World:

  • Official Disney Website (disneyworld.disney.go.com): The safest and most recommended way, allowing you to choose customized packages.
  • Authorized Travel AgenciesSome offer promotional packages with accommodation and tickets included.
  • Park Ticket OfficesAlthough possible, it can be more expensive and subject to availability.
  • My Disney Experience app: Allows you to buy tickets and book experiences directly from your cell phone.
  • Discount Clubs and PartnersSome companies and unions offer reduced ticket prices.

Transportation and How to Get There

  • From Celebration Suites to Disney:
    • CarApproximately 15 minutes.
    • Uber/Lyft: Average cost from US$ 15 to US$ 25.
    • Disney transportationFree shuttles connect the hotels in the complex to the parks.

Where to eat at Walt Disney World

  • Quick ServiceCosmic Ray's Starlight Café (Magic Kingdom), La Cantina de San Angel (EPCOT).
  • Table ServiceBe Our Guest (Magic Kingdom), 'Ohana (Polynesian Resort).
  • Themed restaurants: Cinderella's Royal Table, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater.

Lodging Inside Disney

  • Budget Hotels: Disney's Pop Century Resort, All-Star Movies.
  • Moderate Hotels: Port Orleans, Caribbean Beach Resort.
  • Deluxe Hotels: Grand Floridian Resort, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort.
  • Advantages of staying at DisneyFree transportation, early entry to the parks and early booking of attractions.

Special Events

  • Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (September-October): Halloween party with exclusive parades.
  • Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (November-December): Christmas event with special shows and fireworks.
  • Disney After Hours: Allows exclusive access to some attractions after the parks have closed for the day.

Attraction Rules and Restrictions

  • Minimum height for some attractionsSpace Mountain (112cm), Avatar Flight of Passage (112cm), Tower of Terror (102cm).
  • Visitors with special needsDisney offers DAS (Disability Access Service), a virtual queuing service for those who can't wait in long lines.
  • Prohibited itemsLarge trolleys, selfie sticks, large refrigerators.

Evening entertainment

  • Disney Springs: Ideal for shopping, gastronomy and live shows. Cirque du Soleil's "Drawn to Life" show is a highlight.
  • BoardWalkThemed promenade with ice cream parlors, bars and street performers.

What to buy at Disney ?

Visiting Walt Disney World is an unforgettable experience, and there's nothing better than taking home a magical souvenir. Disney offers a wide variety of souvenirs and exclusive products in its stores inside the parks, resorts and at Disney Springs. Below is a list of the most popular and unmissable items to buy at Disney!


1. Mickey and Minnie ears

The famous Mickey Ears are one of Disney's most iconic items. Available in various models and special editions, you can personalize your ears with your name embroidered on them in stores such as The Chapeau (Magic Kingdom) and Elias & Co. (Hollywood Studios).

Tips:

  • There are movie and seasonal themed models, such as Christmas, Halloween and Star Wars ears.
  • If you want a unique touch, create your own personalized version on the Disney's Design-A-Hat.

2. Pin Trading

The culture of Pin Trading is strong at Disney! Visitors can buy and exchange pins with Cast Members and other tourists. These collectible pins are sold individually or in themed sets.

Tips:

  • Buy one Starter Kit to start your collection.
  • Participate in exchanges with Disney employees to obtain rare editions.

3. Character plush

Whether it's Mickey, Minnie, Stitch, Simba or any other Disney character, stuffed animals are a classic gift for all ages. Stores such as The Emporium (Magic Kingdom) and World of Disney (Disney Springs) offer a wide selection.

Tips:

  • Some collections include limited editions and rare characters.
  • There are plush specifically for the parks, such as the Avatar at Animal Kingdom.

4. Clothes and costumes

Disney has clothes for all ages and styles, from basic T-shirts to princess dresses and character costumes.

Best stores for clothes and costumes:

  • Sir Mickey's (Magic Kingdom) - Disney character costumes for children.
  • Disney Style (Disney Springs) - Modern, Disney-inspired clothing.
  • Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge (Hollywood Studios) - Jedi robes and outfits inspired by the characters in the saga.

Tip: Some children's costumes include special crowns for princesses in the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.


5. Star Wars products

If you visit the area Galaxy's EdgeYou will find a multitude of exclusive products inspired by the Star Wars universe.

Unmissable items:

  • Customizable lightsabers in the Savi's Workshop.
  • Customized Droids in Droid Depot.
  • Themed outfits and exclusive accessories.

Tip: To create a lightsaber, you need to book in advance as places are limited.


6. Exclusive Mugs and Cups

Themed mugs and glasses are popular souvenirs, as they can be used in everyday life and are easy to take home.

Tips:

  • Mugs with Disney characters and castles are sold at Starbucks Disney Parks Collection.
  • Exclusive collectible cups are sold in the parks and can include soft drink refills.tes.

7. Disney Christmas items

If you love Christmas decorations, Disney offers exclusive ornaments all year round in stores such as Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe (Magic Kingdom) and Days of Christmas (Disney Springs).

Tips:

  • Personalize your ornament with a name and date to make it special.
  • Some seasonal editions are limited, so buy as soon as you find them.

8. Themed products from films and franchises

Each park offers exclusive products from its main attractions. Some examples include:

  • Toy Story Land (Hollywood Studios) - Buzz Lightyear and Woody toys.
  • Pandora - The World of Avatar (Animal Kingdom) - Avatar-inspired products such as interactive banshees and bioluminescent necklaces.
  • Haunted Mansion (Magic Kingdom) - Decoration inspired by the iconic haunted attraction.

9. Jewelry and Watches

Disney offers jewelry collections inspired by classic characters and attractions. Some options include:

  • Pandora Disney Collection - Bracelets and trinkets inspired by Disney magic.
  • Citizen Disney Watches - Exclusive watches with illustrations of the characters.

10. Sweets and treats

Take a little piece of Disney flavor home with exclusive chocolates, popcorn and caramels.

Tips:

  • Goofy's Candy Co. (Disney Springs) offers personalized sweets.
  • Main Street Confectionery (Magic Kingdom) sells themed caramels and love apples.
  • The Ganachery (Disney Springs) has gourmet chocolates inspired by Disney films.

11. Dolls and toys

For the little ones (or collectors), Disney offers a multitude of toys and dolls inspired by the films and attractions.

Tips:

  • Disney princesses and villains are available at World of Disney.
  • Strollers and Cars can be found at Toy Story Land.

12. Limited Editions and Exclusive Products

Disney often launches limited collections, which include clothing, accessories, pins and commemorative items.

Tips:

  • Look out for special collections for events such as Halloween and Christmas.
  • Some stores offer exclusive products for guests of Disney resorts.

Final Tips for Shopping at Disney

Budget: Set an amount for purchases and avoid impulsive spending.
Disney Gift Cards: Use prepaid cards to control spending.
Online shopping: Some products can be purchased from the official Disney online store.
Disney Merchandise Pickup: If you're buying something bulky, ask for delivery at the exit of the park or at the Disney hotel where you're staying.


With so many options for souvenirs and gifts, it's impossible to leave Disney without a special souvenir! Choose your favorites and enjoy the magic of Disney with unique souvenirs.

Extra Tips

  • Download the My Disney Experience app for reservations and queue times.
  • Use Genie+ and Lightning Lane to avoid long queues.
  • Bring sunscreen, comfortable clothes and hydration to make the most of the day.
  • Saving on souvenirs: Buy Disney products in stores like Walmart and Target before going to the parks.
  • Hydration: Walking around the parks can be tiring. Take reusable bottles.

  • Weather: The weather in Florida can be unpredictable. Take raincoats.

  • Advance bookings: Restaurants and popular attractions sell out quickly.
  • Rest days: Interspersing visits to the parks with rest improves the experience.

Conclusion

Walt Disney World Resort is an unforgettable destination, offering fun for all ages. With this up-to-date guide, you have all the information you need to plan your visit efficiently and enjoy the magic of Disney to the full, without having to search for more information on Google!

 

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