Kendra Leah Fuller | Author & Freelance Writer
Destination Relaxation: Disney World & The Magic Kingdom
Children of all ages (and adults, too) will be enchanted, delighted and entertained when they enter the World of Walt Disney. Who among us doesn't remember the anticipation we felt as a child while waiting for the Wonderful World of Disney movie to begin on many a Sunday evening? Times have changed, but the magic of Disney has not.
With all the different attractions, theme parks, restaurants and resorts, Disney has provided everything you need for a relaxing vacation. There are a wide range of places to stay to fit everyone's budget and if you stay at a Disney Resort you won't even need a rental car to visit all of the attractions.
Not Just for Kids!
After a day spent at the parks, schedule a spa treatment to help soothe aching muscles and tired feet at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Enjoy a classic Swedish, Sports, customized Aromatherapy Massage or a nurturing Mother To Be Massage. Couples Massage, Reflexology and Shiatsu treatments are also available.
Depending on your child's age, you can hire an in room babysitter or schedule your child to participate in supervised activities while you relax and rejuvenate, or take in the fabulous nightlife and entertainment.
Shopping, Entertainment & Fine Dining
Step back in time to a 1940's Atlantic coastal village and spend the day shopping on Disney's Boardwalk, featuring the best in shopping, fine dining and entertainment.In addition to the fabulous entertainment you'll find scattered throughout the theme parks, take in the nightlife at Pleasure Island. Spend an evening at the Pleasure Island Jazz Company, Comedy Warehouse or Mannequins Dance Palace, to name a few.
Disney World Theme Parks
With four unique and fascinating theme parks, you'll want to spend at least a day at each. Below are some helpful tips to help you enjoy your visit. Please click the links above for details about each park and its attractions.
The Magic Kingdom (Open 9:00AM-7:00, 8:00 or 9:00PM)
Epcot (Open 9:00AM-7:00PM)
Hollywood Studios (Open 9:00AM-7:00 or 7:30PM)
Disney's Animal Kingdom (Open 9:00 AM-5:00PM)
Park hours can vary. Please check hours before visiting the park.
Helpful Tips for the Parks
- Allow plenty of time for each park. You can easily spend a day at each, with a dip in the pool back at your resort before/after dinner. Keep in mind you are going to do a lot of walking and standing in line in the warm Florida sunshine. Small children can tire out easily and become cranky. Perhaps you should allow for two shorter days at the Magic Kingdom to keep everybody in a good mood.
- Before you leave for your trip, purchase a book on the theme parks and familiarize yourself with ride locations, etc. The parks are big and having a general idea where you are going will cut down on wasted walking time.
- Arriving at the park early and riding some of the main attractions, like Space Mountain, first will greatly reduce your "stand in line" time.
- If you set aside two days for the Magic Kingdom, watch the parade on the first day and hit the popular rides during the parade on the following day to avoid long lines.
- If you're staying at a Disney Resort, take advantage of the Extra Magic Hour when some attractions are open to hotel guests only.
- FASTPASS - Just pick up your designated ride time at the attraction and you can go enjoy the rest of the Park. When your ride time rolls around, come back to the FASTPASS entrance and have a great time.
Popular Ride LocationsTomorrowlandSpace Mountain Astro Orbiter ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter Fantasyland Peter Pan's Flight Mad Tea Party Dumbo the Flying Elephant Liberty Square The Haunted Mansion The Hall of Presidents Frontierland Splash Mountain Big Thunder Mountain Country Bear Jamboree Adventureland Jungle Cruise Pirates of the Caribbean Swiss Family Treehouse Magic Carpets of Aladdin |
 This is just a partial listing of some of the many rides and attractions at the Magic Kingdom. You'll also want to check out the parade on Main Streeet during the day and the Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks and SpectroMagic Parade at night for a truly fantastic light show. Your favorite Disney characters can be found throughout the park at many different locations. |
Where to Stay
Whether you're looking for a luxurious hotel or a place to park the RV, you'll find something to suit every budget and preference at the Disney World Resorts. For your convenience, we've listed them here according to budget. All resorts have pools, and on site restaurants starting with the Moderately Priced Resorts. Click the links for detailed resort descriptions, pricing and reservation information on the Walt Disney World website.
Travel Suggestions
Stay at a Disney Resort and take the monorail or shuttlebus to the various parks. Unless you plan on venturing outside of the theme parks, you'll save the expense of a rental car.
Enjoy your stay!