Walt Disney World Resort Celebrating 100 Years Of Magic
The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida is celebrating 100 years of magic this year. The resort, which opened in 1971, has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, welcoming millions of visitors every year. The resort is home to four theme parks, two water parks, a shopping and entertainment district, and more than 30 hotels. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that Walt Disney World has become a magical destination for families all over the world.
The History of Walt Disney World
The idea for Walt Disney World was first conceived by Walt Disney himself in the 1960s. Disney had a vision for a larger, more elaborate version of his successful Disneyland park in California. He wanted to create a destination that would be more than just a theme park, with hotels, restaurants, and other amenities to keep guests entertained for days on end. Unfortunately, Walt Disney passed away in 1966 before he could see his dream become a reality.
Despite Walt’s passing, his brother Roy Disney was determined to see the project through. In 1967, he announced plans to build Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The project was a massive undertaking, with construction crews working around the clock to bring Walt’s vision to life. Finally, on October 1, 1971, the Magic Kingdom park opened its gates to the public.
The Theme Parks
The Walt Disney World Resort is home to four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Each park has its own unique theme and attractions:
Magic Kingdom: This is the park that started it all. Magic Kingdom is home to classic Disney attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, and It’s a Small World. The park is anchored by Cinderella Castle, which serves as an iconic symbol of the Walt Disney World Resort.
Epcot: Epcot is dedicated to celebrating technology, innovation, and international culture. The park is divided into two sections: Future World and World Showcase. Future World is home to a variety of exhibits and attractions focused on innovation and technology. World Showcase features pavilions representing different countries from around the world, complete with shops, restaurants, and attractions that showcase each country’s unique culture.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: This park celebrates the magic of movies and television. Guests can experience the thrill of being on a movie set with attractions like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land, and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: This park lets guests get up close and personal with some of the world’s most fascinating animals. Attractions like Kilimanjaro Safaris, Avatar Flight of Passage, and Expedition Everest offer guests a chance to experience the thrill of the wild.
The Water Parks
The Walt Disney World Resort is home to two water parks: Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. Each park features a variety of water attractions, including water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools. Typhoon Lagoon is inspired by a tropical paradise hit by a typhoon, while Blizzard Beach is themed around a ski resort that has melted into a watery wonderland.
The Shopping and Entertainment District
Disney Springs is a shopping and entertainment district located in the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort. The area features more than 100 shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, including The LEGO Store, The World of Disney, and The House of Blues. Disney Springs also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including live music, food festivals, and holiday celebrations.
The Accommodations
The Walt Disney World Resort offers more than 30 hotels for guests to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxurious resorts. Guests can stay in a themed room at one of the resort’s Value or Moderate hotels, or enjoy the ultimate in luxury at one of the Deluxe or Deluxe Villa hotels. Each hotel offers its own unique theming and amenities, making it easy for guests to find the perfect fit for their budget and preferences.
Conclusion
Walt Disney World Resort is one of the most magical places on earth, offering a world-class entertainment experience for the whole family. With four theme parks, two water parks, a shopping and entertainment district, and more than 30 hotels, there’s something for everyone at the resort. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for the latest roller coaster, or a foodie looking for the best eats in town, Walt Disney World Resort has it all.
