The sunshine state is the world’s number one car rental destination and that is hardly surprising given that you can drive to amazing theme park destinations like Disney World Florida. The largest and most visited theme park in the world, Disney World Florida also caters to adults because it has all sorts of health and spa options across the 33 hotels nearby which can be found both on and off site.
Some of these hotels are themed and they cater to a range of different budgets all the way from campgrounds up to deluxe resorts. Using car hire to get to Disney World Florida is perfect on a hot day because there are two massive waterparks in the complex which is good for cooling down in the hot Florida weather.
Disney World Mini Guide
What is Disney World Florida?
Disney World doesn’t need much of an introduction as everyone knows Disney. Disney World Florida wasn’t the first Disney theme park but it is the most popular, in fact it’s the most visited theme park in the world. Disney World is also home to the world’s two most popular waterparks. It opened in 1971 with the idea of being a complete package rather than just a day visit resort like its older sister in California. The resort now has 23 hotels and there’s entertainment almost around the clock for young and old.
What Should I see When I’m There
Disney World has five distinct areas you should visit:
Magic Kingdom – This is what Disney is all about and what all children dream about. Just this part of the resort welcomes more visitors than any other theme park on the planet. There’s Cinderella’s Castle which is the icon of Disney theme parks and Main Street with its Disney stores. There, to keep children amused and to sell more products, Disney characters roam the street for photographs. There are plenty of fun rides too aimed at the younger child.
Epcot – This was a risk for Disney, including a technology themed zone in the park, but for adults and older children, especially those interested in technology, Epcot is a hit. Eleven countries are represented with their inventions and innovations but it’s not just technology. There’s a nod towards the people themselves with their culture, art and music forming part of World Showcase. Finally, there’s Future World, Disney’s idea of how the world will develop in the decades and centuries ahead. Close to Epcot, you’ll find Disney Boardwalk, the night time entertainment complex with bars and clubs.
Disney Hollywood Studios – Having seen the popularity of Universal Studios, Disney created its own version based on Disney, Pixar and Lucasfilm. The result is a journey through the history and sets of their major films interspersed with theme park rides based around them. Whilst not as spectacular as Universal, the studios are thoroughly enjoyed by younger family members.
Disney Animal Kingdom – Disney takes traditional concepts and gives them a Disney twist so as you’d expect, Animal Kingdom is more than just a zoo. Yes, it has lots of animals but the park has made sure that the majority are ones that children associate with the cartoon animals of its films. In amongst the attractive live displays there are animal themed rides. Nearby, there’s the innovative Blizzard Beach waterpark based around a melting ski resort theme.
Downtown Disney – This is the part of Disney World geared to the time after the park closes with family orientated restaurants and entertainment in Disney Market Place whilst Pleasure Island is one for when the kids have gone to bed under the care of a resort babysitter. Finally, West Side has cinemas, theatres and shows including a Cirque du Soleil performance. During the day, the area is popular, being the home of Typhoon Lagoon, the world’s top waterpark.
How do I get to Disney World?
You’ll need to fly into Orlando International Airport and hire a car or take the Disney World Magical Express free transfer coach. Both BA and Virgin Atlantic fly into Orlando from the UK.
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