Walt Disney World

🛎️ Best Hotels

Some people spend all their time at the theme parks and don’t care about where they sleep. However, Disney World hotels are perfect for staycations and resort days:

• Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club – Enjoy access to a huge pool, Disney’s Boardwalk, Hollywood Studios, and Epcot
• Disney’s Polynesian Village – You can’t beat the fireworks viewing, monorail access, and delicious restaurants
• Four Seasons Resort – The most luxurious hotel in Orlando comes with all the perks of a Disney hotel and more

👉 Read our breakdown of all the Disney World hotels.

🍽️ Best Restaurants

Walt Disney World is a foodie’s paradise. From imaginative snacks to elegant multi-course meals, there is something for every taste bud:

• Tiffins (Animal Kingdom) – Enjoy a menu just as adventurous as the park around it
• Capa (Four Seasons Orlando) – Watch the fireworks from this top-floor Michelin star restaurant
• Morimoto Asia (Disney Springs) – Taste the flavors of Asia from a menu created by the Iron Chef
• Victoria & Albert’s (Grand Floridian) – The most luxurious restaurant at Disney World
• Sebastian’s Bistro (Caribbean Beach) – This newer favorite beats out the other family-style eateries

🚗 Best Day Trips

Looking for some adventure outside of Disney World to mix up your trip? Here are some excellent attractions within an easy day trip:

• Kennedy Space Center – See real spacecraft and learn about the history of space travel
• Universal Orlando Resort – Just a short drive from Disney, visit another Orlando favorite
• St Augustine – Add a bit of history to your trip with a visit to the country’s oldest city
• Blue Spring State Park – Visit in summer for a cooling swim and in winter to see hundreds of manatees
• Daytona Beach – Don’t miss the world-famous beach, especially in the heat of summer

👉 Read the full list of Best Orlando Day Trips.

🍸 Best Bars

Adults can have fun at Disney World too! Here are some of my favorite Disney World bars:

• Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto (Polynesian Village) – The drinks, room, and bartenders all play along
• Raglan Road (Disney Springs) – An Irish pub featuring live music, dancing, and an extensive drink menu
• Oga’s Cantina (Hollywood Studios) – Step into one of the Star Wars movies with out-of-this-world drinks
• Wine Bar George (Disney Springs) – There is no better place for a glass of wine and appetizers
• La Cava del Tequila (Epcot) – Grab delicious margaritas from this “cave” inside the Mexican pyramid

👉 Tips & Things to Know

• 📱 – Get familiar with the My Disney Experience App – The app holds all your reservations, show times, wait times, and more. 
• ☂️ – Be prepared for the weather – Orlando is generally warm and the sun is strong, but don’t forget about those summer showers.
• 🚝 – Use Disney transportation – Complimentary Disney buses, monorails, boats, and gondolas operate between all locations.
• 🖊️ – Bring a unique item for autographs– Instead of a traditional autograph book, bring a picture frame, backpack, or other fun item.
• 🍽️ – Check for last-minute dining reservations – Check 24-48 hours before a preferred dining time to find last-minute cancellations.

👉 Read our full list of Walt Disney World Tips.

🧳 What to Pack

• 🎒 – Backpack – A lightweight backpack is the best option to carry your belongings around the parks. 
• 🧴 – Sun Protection – Florida is the Sunshine State for a reason – pack hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses for protection. 
• 📱 – Portable Phone Charger – Using the My Disney Experience app and capturing memories will drain your battery. 
• 🚰 – Water Bottle – Stay hydrated with a reusable bottle that can be refilled at restaurants or water fountains. 
• 👟 – Comfortable Shoes – You will definitely be getting your steps in, so wear sensible socks and shoes for comfort.

👉 Read the complete Disney World Packing List.

🤓 Facts & Info

• Census Population (2020) <100 permanent residents, 62 million annual visitors
• Time Zone – Eastern Time (UTC -5 / UTC -4 during daylight savings)
• Area Codes – 407
• Airports – Orlando International Airport (MCO), Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)
• Nickname – “Most Magical Place on Earth”
• State – Florida
• Country – United States of America

💵 Costs & Budgeting

• 3-Star Hotel Room – $150-200/night
• 1 Bedroom Apartment Rental – $75-150/night
• Rental Car – $40/day
• Public Transit Ticket – ~$2 ($4 to airport from center)
• Ride Share from Disney World to Airport – $60
• Take Out Meal for Two – $20-30
• Sit Down Dinner for Two – $80-140
• Draft Beer – $8-13

💵 See my full Disney World budget guide.