Walt Disney World

Description

It's difficult to make a trip through Orlando, Florida, without visiting Walt Disney World, the attraction that brings the world here. Walt Disney World has grown from the original Magic Kingdom theme park built in 1971 to an entertainment compound that includes three other theme parks: EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom, and two water parks: Blizzard Beach, and Typhoon Lagoon. Although no trip through Orlando is complete without a swing by Cinderella's Castle at the Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, the second-oldest park, EPCOT, is another ideal stop. Walt Disney originally envisioned it as a town for people to live in (EPCOT stands for Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow); today it's divided into Future World, where rides have science themes, and World Showcase, which includes foods and goods from countries as far-flung as Japan and Mexico. Hours for all Disney parks vary by season, and reservations are a good idea. For a dose of Disney entertainment without a theme park price, head to Downtown Disney, where there's enough Mickey for souvenirs, and enough restaurants and bars to keep grown-ups as happy as kids.