By Walt Disney World: A City Disguised as a Theme Park
We like to think of Walt Disney World as a mid-sized city rather than just a theme park campus.
That may sound like an exaggeration until you realize Manhattan covers 22.83 square miles… while Walt Disney World spans a massive 47 square miles — and continues to grow as Disney buys more land.
Simply put, Walt Disney World is not just big — it’s a world of its own.
What’s Inside Walt Disney World?
- 4 theme parks
- 2 water parks
- 2 golf courses
- 2 mini-golf courses
- 2 entertainment districts
- ESPN Wide World of Sports
- 20+ official Disney resorts
Even with a weeklong trip, you’ll only scratch the surface of everything here. Let’s break down the basics of each park.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom is one of Disney’s most ambitious creations — a zoo and a theme park combined.
- Dozens of species of animals live here.
- Thrilling rides like roller coasters coexist with safaris and nature trails.
- It’s mesmerizing for kids, fascinating for adults, and unforgettable for everyone.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
This is the park where guests can truly “ride the movies.”
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land anchor the park.
- Other attractions bring Disney and Pixar classics to life.
- Every corner feels like stepping onto a movie set.
EPCOT
We like to call EPCOT Disney’s hangout park.
- Features a dozen+ rides.
- The World Showcase offers 11 cultural pavilions, each themed to a country (including the United States).
- Food, drinks, and shopping reflect authentic traditions.
- Hosts four annual festivals, covering more than half the year.
Pro tip: Try to visit during a festival — it’s worth planning your vacation around it.
Magic Kingdom
Disney’s crown jewel and the most visited theme park in the world.
- Classic attractions: Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, Space Mountain, and many more.
- Clever design helps manage crowds, so don’t worry too much about it feeling “too crowded.”
- Expect to spend a large part of your trip here — and still not see everything.
Disney Water Parks
Typhoon Lagoon
- Features Miss Adventure Falls, a family raft ride.
- Themed as a tropical paradise wrecked by a massive storm.
- Playful storytelling blends with fun water attractions.
Blizzard Beach
- Unique backstory: a “snowstorm” ski resort melted into a water park.
- Includes waterlogged ski jumps, chairlifts, and slides.
- Recently added a Frozen-themed section that kids adore.
Entertainment Districts
Disney’s BoardWalk
- Located just outside EPCOT.
- Restaurants, shops, and street performers (jugglers, acrobats, dancers).
- Perfect for a casual stroll or evening entertainment.
Disney Springs
- Dozens of restaurants and even more shops.
- A 24-screen movie theater and a Cirque du Soleil show.
- So much variety, you could spend an entire day here.
ESPN Wide World of Sports
This massive complex hosts:
- Youth and college tournaments.
- Special events like the NBA Finals (2020), NFL Pro Bowl Week, and MLB Spring Training.
If your child is competing in Orlando, chances are you’ll be spending time here.
Final Thoughts
Walt Disney World isn’t just a theme park — it’s a world of its own. From the iconic rides of Magic Kingdom to the cultural charm of EPCOT and the splashy fun of its water parks, every trip offers something new.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another adventure, one thing’s certain: you’ll never run out of magic at Disney.
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