The official title is The Walt Disney World Resort. Often referred to as Disney World or even WDW, it is the world’s largest and most popular recreational destination. The park is located about twenty-one miles southwest of Orlando, Florida, and covers more than thirty thousand acres. The resort has four different theme parks, two water parks, twenty-three different themed hotels on-site (not to mention eight more that are on-site but not officially owned by WDW). Additionally, the resort features a campground, two spas and fitness centers, and even more recreational activities and entertainment destinations. The park opened on October 1, 1971 with the first theme park, Magic Kingdom. Later, Epcot Center (October 1, 1982), Disney’s Hollywood Studious (May 1, 1989), and Disney’s Animal Kingdom (April 22, 1998) were added.

The motivation to create the magnificent resort came from the genius mind of Walt Disney and the original Disneyland in Southern California. Magic Kingdom in Florida is very close to Disneyland in design and content. However, the largest resort on the East Coast is different, offering a much greater variety of activities and attracting a stay beyond the usual day trip to Disneyland. For example, the two water parks (Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach) can be a full day activity on their own. In addition, Downtown Disney, Disney’s BoardWalk, Disney’s Wedding Pavilion, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and Walt Disney World Speedway (including the “Richard Petty Driving Experience”) offer a variety of diversions for guests.

The resort further extends its reach with five unique golf courses. These include the 18-hole Palm, Magnolia, Lake Buena Vista, and Osprey Ridge. There is also “Oak Trail”, a nine-hole course designed with young golfers in mind. You can also fish in one of Walt Disney World’s lakes or angling from the docks located at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. & Campground and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort. Not to mention, the guest can also rent jet skis, bikes, and go on fireworks cruises. Luxury resorts at Disney World include: Animal Kingdom Lodge, Beach Club Resort, BoardWalk Inn, the Contemporary Resort, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Polynesian Resort, Wilderness Lodge, and Yacht Club Resort For a little less money, visit the Caribbean Beach Resort, Coronado Springs Resort, Port Orleans Resort French Quarter, or Port Orleans Riverside Finally, for maximum value, the resort offers Pop Century Resort, All-Star Movies Resort, All-Star Music Resort, All -Star Sports Resort and the upcoming Art of Animation Resort.

This article has only scratched the surface of the rich, colorful and truly magical destination that is The Walt Disney World Resort. It could be argued that it offers the largest and most varied experience of any resort in the world. It is obviously one of a kind and a must visit for any family or Disney fan. It may take a lifetime to experience every aspect of this resort, but even a few days at WDW are guaranteed to leave you feeling magical.