Disney World

For first timers 

The Disney World Resort area is 49 square miles. That is the size of a whole city. This means that if you stay at a hotel inside Disney World you are NOT staying inside one of the parks like Magic Kingdom. Inside the World, as it is known to the initiated, there are four theme parks and  three water parks. There are hotels ranging from budget to luxury accomodations. There are many restaurants.

Orlando is  a perfect place to spend a family vacation. And spend spend spend you will here.  There are deals to be had for sure but there are sooo many things to do and see it is hard to choose.

The obvious choice is Walt Disney World. For the uninitiated this is not Disneyland-that is in California. Inside Disney World are four theme parks a couple unbelievable water parks and of course Downtown Disney. 

Part of Donald's boat in a water play area

Disney World- Magic Kingdom -this is what everyone thinks of when Disney World is mentioned. Cinderella's Castle is here. I always wondered what exactly is inside that castle soon my first trip to Disney World I made reservations to eat there. Take my advice, unless you have a 6 year old girl who would be mesmerized upon seeing a girl in a Cinderella costume then skip this venue. The meals are way over priced, I mean over Disney's usual overpriced price. It is just a big round room up in the castle and you meet Cindy Now everything else at Magic Kingdom is magical-I even like "It's a Small World" A little boat ride around animatronic dolls dressed in the stereotypical garb of many different countries. Rated must see by travelin' Ann

EPCOT-Exhibits-yes rides or more correctly experiences focusing on science and technology and World Showcase with exhibits displaying the lifestyle and foods of many nations.The Mexican pavilion is a must see. The San Angel Inn (really a restaurant) is one of my all time favorites. Tortilla soup is grande here.

Animal Kingdom-the smallest Disney World park, you can see it in a day. A Disneyfied version of a  zoo. Tres cool I must say.

MGM studios-Great for those into how movies are made. Lots of rides . Direct competition for Universal Studios

Downtown Disney-In my opinion one of the best attractions in Orlando but one often overlooked by first time visitors.  Restaurants and shops and home to Disneyquest. Disneyquest is full of attractions that are interactive. No sitting and watching here. For exmaple the Alladin attraction has you don a virtual reality helmet where inside everything looks 3D. When you turn around to look behind you it really looks as though you are inside the cartoon.