Fodor's Walt Disney World: with Universal and the Best of Orlando

By Fodor's Travel Guides

Whether you want to celebrate Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary, ride Remy's Ratatouille Adventure or Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railroad, or see the new Velocicoaster at Islands of Adventure, the local Fodor’s travel experts in Walt Disney World are here to help! Fodor’s Walt Disney World with the Best of Universal and Orlando guidebook is packed with maps, carefully curated recommendations, and everything else you need to simplify your trip-planning process and make the most of your time. This new edition has been fully-redesigned with an easy-to-read layout, fresh information, and beautiful color photos.

Fodor’s Walt Disney World with the Best of Universal and Orlando travel guide includes:

• AN ILLUSTRATED ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES GUIDE to the top things to see and do
• MULTIPLE ITINERARIES to effectively organize your days and maximize your time
• MORE THAN 20 DETAILED MAPS and a FREE PULL-OUT MAP to help you navigate confidently
• COLOR PHOTOS throughout to spark your wanderlust!
• HONEST RECOMMENDATIONSon the best sights, restaurants, hotels, nightlife, shopping, performing arts, activities, side-trips, and more
• PHOTO-FILLED “BEST OF” FEATURES on “Best Hotels in Orlando,” “Best Non Theme Park Restaurants,” “Best Theme Park Souvenirs,” “Best Theme Park Foods,” and more
• TRIP-PLANNING TOOLS AND PRACTICAL TIPS including when to go, getting around, beating the crowds, and saving time and money
• HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL INSIGHTS providing rich context on the local people, politics, art, architecture, cuisine, music, geography and more
• SPECIAL FEATURES on “A Man, a Mouse, a Legacy,” “Doing Orlando and the Parks Right,” and “On the Calendar”
• LOCAL WRITERS to help you find the under-the-radar gems
• UP-TO-DATE COVERAGE ON: The Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Disney Hollywood Studios, Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios, Volcano Bay, Winter Park, Cape Canaveral, Kennedy Space Center, and more.

Planning on visiting other destinations in Florida? Check out Fodor’s Florida, Fodor's South Florida, or Fodor's InFocus Florida Keys.

*Important note for digital editions: The digital edition of this guide does not contain all the images or text included in the physical edition.

ABOUT FODOR'S AUTHORS: Each Fodor's Travel Guide is researched and written by local experts. Fodor’s has been offering expert advice for all tastes and budgets for over 80 years. For more travel inspiration, you can sign up for our travel newsletter at fodors.com/newsletter/signup, or follow us @FodorsTravel on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We invite you to join our friendly community of travel experts at fodors.com/community to ask any other questions and share your experience with us!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fodor's Travel
• Release date: Jul 19, 2022
• ISBN: 9781640974999

Fodor's Travel Guides

For over 80 years, Fodor's Travel has been a trusted resource offering expert travel advice for every stage of a traveler's trip. We hire local writers who know their destinations better than anyone else, allowing us to provide the best travel recommendations for all tastes and budgets in over 7,500 worldwide destinations. Our books make it possible for every trip to be a trip of a lifetime.

Book preview

Chapter 1: Experience Orlando and the Parks

25 ULTIMATE Experiences

Walt Disney World and Orlando offer terrific experiences that should be on every traveler’s list. Here are Fodor’s top picks for a memorable trip.

1 Visit the Galaxy’s Edge

Walt Disney World’s otherworldly land is devoted to a Star Wars galaxy far, far away and features two of the park’s most impressive and technologically advanced rides. (Ch. 5)

2 Ride the Tower of Terror

This classic takes you on a stomach-flipping elevator ride into the Twilight Zone. The best part? It’s different every single time you ride it. (Ch. 5)

3 Channel your Inner Child

Dedicated to your favorite building blocks, the sprawling LEGOLAND theme park, 45 minutes from Orlando, is a great non-Disney option if you have younger kids. (Ch. 11)

4 Let It Go

After touring Arendelle on the Frozen Ever After ride, you can feast on Scandinavian fare and stock up on Viking gear at EPCOT’s Norway pavilion. (Ch. 4)

5 Find Prehistoric Thrills

The new (in 2021) high-altitude (150 feet), high-speed (70 mph) VelociCoaster at Universal’s Islands of Adventure is a real scream. (Ch. 9)

6 Experience Pandora

This popular land in Animal Kingdom includes Avatar Flight of Passage in addition to the otherworldly beauty of Pandora’s bioluminescent flora and fauna. (Ch. 6)

7 Visit Winter Park

This historic gem is a great place to spend some quality family time, shop on fashionable Park Avenue, and take a scenic boat ride across the town lake. (Ch. 11)

8 Ride Jurassic Park

At Universal Islands of Adventure, you can ride on a river past dinosaurs both gentle and scary, ending your journey with an 85-foot plunge. You will get wet. (Ch. 9)

9 Party at CityWalk

Like Disney Springs, Universal’s outdoor mall is full of restaurants and entertainment, but the experience feels more Las Vegas than Orlando. (Ch. 9)

10 Kayak the Wekiwa River

Wekiwa Springs State Park, an hour from Orlando, gives you a break from the go-go-go vibe in all the parks, with plenty of space to enjoy a quiet river adventure. (Ch. 11)

11 Stroll Down a Garden Path

If theme parks aren’t your thing, you can relax in more than 50 acres of lush greenery at the Harry P. Leu Gardens, which offer flora and fauna from all over the world. (Ch. 10)

12 Get Spooked

No matter the time of year, the Haunted Mansion is a classic that can’t be missed. It’s more fun than spooky and definitely good for the whole family. (Ch. 3)

13 Stay at a Disney Resort

Staying at a Disney-owned resort gives you perks such as free transportation, early access to reservations, and extra time at the parks. (Ch. 3, 4, 6, 7)

14 Soar Over the World

Soarin’ lets you travel around the world on a simulated hang-glider, offering 180-degree panoramas and other special effects. You’ll feel like you’re really flying. (Ch. 4)

15 Ride the Waves

Cool your heels (and the rest of you) at water parks like Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, Universal’s Volcano Bay, and SeaWorld’s Aquatica. (Ch. 5, 7, 9, 10)

16 Park It Downtown

In Downtown’s verdant, 43-acre Lake Eola Park, ducks and swans (and swan-shape paddleboats) bob on the water, and a landmark fountain features a light-and-music show on summer evenings. (Ch. 10)

17 Be Their Guest

It’s worth booking a prix-fixe breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Be Our Guest, the Magic Kingdom’s most popular restaurant. Be sure to try the grey stuff—it’s delicious! (Ch. 3)

18 Frolic at Disney Springs

Disney’s dining and shopping megacomplex is a fitting way to end your day with a meal, a movie, or a stroll. (Ch. 7)

19 Explore Everest

Journey to the summit of the world’s highest peak at Animal Kingdom’s exciting thrill ride, which moves both backward and forward. (Ch. 6)

20 Dine (or Drink) Around the World

With dozens of dining options, many of them in the World Showcase, EPCOT allows you to eat a wide variety of cuisines, from American to Mexican to Moroccan. (Ch. 4)

21 Toy Story Land

Explore Andy’s backyard and ride Slinky Dog Dash or the Alien Flying Saucers as you enjoy Pixar’s movieland. (Ch. 5)

22 Meet the Characters

One of the best parts of going to Disney? Meeting beloved characters—from Minnie and Mickey to your favorite princess. (Ch. 3, 4, 5, 6)

23 Putt Putt Your Way to Victory

If you’re looking to hit the links, Orlando has you covered—from Walt Disney World to Universal Orlando to I-Drive—with more than a dozen courses. (Ch. 12)

24 Ride the Mega Coasters

Universal Orlando is home to two of the country’s biggest and most exciting roller coasters: The Incredible Hulk Coaster and the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. (Ch. 9)

25 Get the Harry Potter Experience

Harry is the biggest draw at Universal Orlando Resort, whether you’re going to Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure or Diagon Alley at Universal Studios. (Ch. 9)

What’s New in Orlando and the Parks

Prior to 1971, Orlando was a quiet town whose main industry was citrus. There was a new interstate highway and a nature park where you could see alligators, but that was about it. But then came Walt Disney World. The boom in tourism meant the city needed a more modern airport and new hotels. That, of course, meant Orlando would need more workers, which meant more housing and successively more theme parks, malls, as well as arts, culture, and industry to keep things going.

Change is a constant in Orlando, and the city you see in the 2020s will continue to grow and be transformed. Indeed, when the pandemic descended, and workers realized they didn’t necessarily have to report to an office, Central Florida saw a massive influx of newcomers who were keen to work from home in a more temperate climate. To keep pace with this growth, a modern, new-in-2022 terminal at Florida’s busiest airport, Orlando International, increases its capacity by 10 million more travelers each year.

And there are always new shows, events, and attractions at the theme parks as creative teams at Disney and Universal try to out-tech and out-dazzle each other.

PANDEMIC PRESSURES

The COVID-19 pandemic put the theme parks, attractions, restaurants, and many hotels in Orlando under lockdown during the spring of 2020. Even with the availability of vaccines in 2021, the enduring pandemic demanded changes and modifications to area tourism.

For example, to better manage visitation and crowds, Disney created its Park Pass System requiring not only tickets but also reservations for visits to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. To the dismay of many, the system is likely to continue through at least 2023.

The pandemic also led the theme parks to put previously announced developments on hold. Many of the changes that insiders have been awaiting will likely be delayed into 2023 and beyond.

WALT DISNEY WORLD

When Universal was creating its Wizarding Worlds, Disney responded with the world of Pandora. As Universal continues to enhance all things Potter, with new attractions like Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, Disney counters by applying its distinctive creativity to Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney film–theme experiences.

One example of Disney drawing inspiration from its movies is the Magic Kingdom’s new-in-2022 TRON Lightcycle Power Run, which nods to the 1982 Disney cult classic Tron. Like its Shanghai Disneyland counterpart, this attraction lets guests straddle a mock-up motorcycle for a high-speed ride into the heart of an adrenaline-fueled video game.

Other exciting developments in the offing include the premiere of the highly anticipated, highly themed Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser resort hotel; the opening of the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind coaster at Wonders of Xandar (formerly the Universe of Energy) in EPCOT’s World Discovery area; and the launch of the Disney Wish, Disney Cruise Line’s newest vessel. As more vaccinations go into more arms and the restrictions of 2020 and 2021 recede, Disney will no doubt accelerate the pace of expansion.

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO

Universal Orlando completed several large-scale projects and announced several others. At Islands of Adventure in mid-2021, the VelociCoaster ride debuted, with guests happily lining up to be strapped in, hoisted 150 feet in the air, and then sped through twists and turns at speeds of up to 70 mph.

Although Universal’s most ambitious development—a fourth theme park called Epic Universe—was delayed by the pandemic, construction resumed in 2021. When the park does open, it will fill 750 acres with new attractions, shops, entertainment, and restaurants.

SEAWORLD

Although it has a vibe that’s decidedly different from that of its high-paced, deep-pocketed counterparts, SeaWorld has found a way forward by creating a popular water park (Aquatica), as well as an all-inclusive tropical retreat (Discovery Cove) where guests can swim with dolphins. The original park has been developing thrill rides, too, with attractions such as the new-in-2022 Ice Breaker, a steel roller coaster that reaches a height of 93 feet and speeds of up to 52 mph.

ELSEWHERE IN ORLANDO

Roughly midway between SeaWorld and Universal Orlando, ICON Park is noticeable due to the towering presence of The Wheel, which, at 400 feet, makes the list of the Top Ten of the World’s Tallest Ferris Wheels. It’s the centerpiece of a complex that is also home to Madame Tussauds Orlando, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, Museum of Illusions, the Pearl Express Train for kids, and America’s tallest swing ride—the 450-foot Orlando StarFlyer.

Anticipated ICON Park thrill-ride additions include the Orlando Slingshot, which will rocket passengers 450 feet straight up, and the Orlando Gyro Drop Tower, which will drop passengers into a free fall of up to 75 mph. Note that unlike the major theme parks, this park charges for each attraction—a practice that can result in considerable sticker shock with each purchase.

Several miles west of Walt Disney World, near the junction of Highway 192 and the Highway 429 toll road, music legend Jimmy Buffett lent his name and vision to the highly themed, 175-room Margaritaville Orlando Resort. Next door, the 14-acre Island H2O Live! water park is now open between March and November and features waterslides, a lazy river, and live entertainment.

Surprisingly, what feels new to visitors may well be familiar to locals. With the pandemic throwing kinks into even the best-laid plans, travelers have discovered classics elsewhere in the region like Seminole-Lake Gliderport, where they can climb into a silent sailplane for rides and lessons high above the untrammeled countryside; Wilotree Park, which offers high-flying experiences in tandem with a skilled hang glider pilot; and Revolution Adventures, which has a fleet of rentable ATVS, quads, four-wheelers, and buggies, as well as an eight-wheeled amphibious vehicle that can traverse land, lakes, and ponds.

Other recently rediscovered regional classics include airboat rides on area waterways; wandering charming Florida communities like Winter Garden, Winter Park, and Mount Dora; lounging on Atlantic beaches; and finding still more space at nearby Kennedy Space Center.

In short, sometimes everything old is new again.

WHAT’S WHERE

dingbat Magic Kingdom Park and Resort Area. The centerpiece of Walt Disney World’s most popular park is Cinderella Castle. Nearby are several of Walt Disney World’s premier hotels.

dingbat EPCOT Park and Resort Area. EPCOT is made up of four distinct worlds: World Discovery, World Nature, World Celebration, and World Showcase, which celebrates the cuisine and cultures of Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Japan, Morocco, America, Italy, Germany, China, Norway, and Mexico.

dingbat Disney’s Hollywood Studios Park. Paying tribute to the movies, especially Disney movies, this park offers stunt shows, thrill rides, characters, and plenty of Star Wars .

dingbat Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park and Resort Area. This park is far more than just a zoo thanks to Disney’s trademark blend of details, designs, thrills, and laughs at imaginative attractions like Expedition Everest, It’s Tough to Be a Bug, and Pandora—The World of Avatar.

dingbat Disney Springs and Resort Area. Both resort guests and locals head for Disney’s popular shopping, dining, and nightlife area to eat, bowl, go to the movies, and just hang out.

dingbat Kissimmee, Lake Buena Vista, and Celebration. Immediately adjacent to Walt Disney World are two communities, Lake Buena Vista and Disney’s planned community of Celebration. Nearby Kissimmee retains a small-town feel.

dingbat Universal Orlando. Though it already has two theme parks (Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure), a water theme park (Volcano Bay), and several resort hotels, Universal is expanding to offer even more attractions.

dingbat Orlando. The sleepy citrus town was completely transformed by Walt Disney World, but its busy downtown district and 1920s-era residential districts give visitors plenty of reasons to go beyond the theme parks.

dingbat Excursions from Orlando. In the vicinity are several worthy trips: Winter Park, Maitland, Wekiwa Springs, Sanford, Mount Dora, LEGOLAND, and Bok Tower Garden.

Ways to Save Money in Orlando

TRAVEL OFF SEASON

The off-season in Orlando, times when the parks are less crowded, is becoming shorter each year. That being said, those who can travel in January, February, May, and September will still see significant savings over those visiting at other times of the year.

CONSIDER FAMILY SUITES

Many properties in Orlando, which has more hotel rooms than any other American city except for Las Vegas, offer family suites that can sleep five or six people and can include an extra bathroom or a kitchenette where you can make meals.

SPLIT MEALS

Disney caters to hefty eaters, with most entrées big enough for an adult and a child to share, so consider splitting meals. There’s no upcharge if you ask for an extra plate—especially at counter-service locations—and you can always fill up later, outside the theme parks (buffets are affordable and popular with kids).

BRING YOUR OWN BREAKFAST

Even those staying in a room without a kitchenette will find it easy to bring their own breakfast to the parks. Packing breakfast bars and a couple of bottles of apple juice is a hands-down easy way for a family of four to save up to $75 a day on a vacation. Pair that with the in-room coffeemaker for adults, and you’re ready to start the day. Ambitious travelers can even make sandwiches and snacks to bring into the park.

RIDESHARE TO THE PARKS

Visitors staying at hotels outside Disney property face the dilemma of how to get to the parks affordably. Although most hotels offer shuttles, these are usually slow and inconvenient. Instead of paying for a costly rental car and the exorbitant parking fees of the theme parks, plan to Uber or Lyft around Orlando. Most trips will actually cost less than the fee for a single day’s parking.

CHECK OUT DINING PLANS

If you have big eaters in your group and have booked a Disney Vacation Package or are staying at a Disney-owned-and-operated property and have bought tickets to the parks, look into one of the four, prepaid Disney Dining Plans. These can save money, though selecting the one that’s best for you requires thought to ensure that it includes what you want or need—and no more.

FLY INTO SANFORD

Flying into Orlando? Instead of heading to the overwhelming Orlando International Airport, check out flights into Orlando Sanford Airport (SFB) north of the attractions. Though it is farther from Disney World and Universal and about an hour from most hotels, flights to it can be significantly cheaper, and toll roads make the drive easy.

EAT OFF-SITE

When you can, dine at restaurants just beyond Disney’s property boundary, something that’s especially easy to do if you’re staying at an off-site hotel. Although it isn’t worth interrupting a theme-park visit to head outside Walt Disney World for a meal, you can eat off-site on your first night in town, on a day off, or on the way back to your hotel.

LOOK INTO FREE ACTIVITIES

If you have an extra day, look around Orlando for free alternatives to the theme parks. Disney Springs and Universal’s CityWalk are free to enter, though both have tempting wares to buy. Disney’s BoardWalk Inn has an active boardwalk, often with street performers, midway games, and music. Though not free, the mini-golf courses that line International Drive are much cheaper than the theme-park options. And families often find that a day at the hotel swimming pool is just as entertaining as a day in a park.

DEVISE A SOUVENIR STRATEGY

Impulse purchases can add up, so consider giving kids a per-park allowance and insisting you have the final say on how they spend it. Note, too, that off-site souvenir stores often have bargains on T-shirts, towels, and myriad other theme-park and Orlando souvenirs.

Best Orlando Thrill Rides

THE INCREDIBLE HULK COASTER

Roller coaster enthusiasts regularly list this as not only the smoothest roller coaster in Orlando, but also one of the most intense. Impossible to miss from the gates of Islands of Adventure, the Incredible Hulk Coaster is so extreme that you are required to empty your pockets before riding.

MAKO

Mako launched at SeaWorld in 2016 as the tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster in Orlando. Some of the turns are sharp enough to make you feel like you’ve gotten some airtime.

HARRY POTTER AND THE FORBIDDEN JOURNEY

On the main attraction in Universal Studios’ Hogsmeade, a flying bench takes you around Hogwarts. Screens and technology make this nontraditional thrill ride intense.

HOLLYWOOD RIP RIDE ROCKIT!

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit! is Universal Studios’ most intense ride. You begin with a completely vertical takeoff at a 90-degree angle. And you get to choose your own soundtrack for the experience.

HARRY POTTER AND THE ESCAPE FROM GRINGOTT’S

The signature ride in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios is an indoor coaster that is more atmospherically thrilling than traditional attractions: 3-D projections with original Harry Potter cast members make the effects seem more real.

MANTA

This flying roller coaster at SeaWorld simulates the feeling of—you guessed it—a manta in the water. You’ll board Manta sitting upright and then be lowered down onto your stomach before departure, with safety bars, a vest harness, and flaps on your feet keeping you in place.

STAR WARS: RISE OF THE RESISTANCE

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge—the most immersive area in any of the Orlando theme parks—this multipart attraction drops you right into the action of a Star Wars film. You don’t board a roller coaster, but this ride is a wild one.

ROCK ‘N’ ROLLER COASTER STARRING AEROSMITH

At Hollywood Studios, Disney’s only roller coaster with inversions features the sounds of the classic band Aerosmith. The takeoff is intense, as you travel directly into two inversions, but the ride itself is smooth, and most older kids can handle it. Plus, the soundtrack is fun.

EXPEDITION EVEREST

Located deep in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, this coaster tries to take you up Mount Everest but is run off its rails by a ferocious yeti. Hands-down the most exciting part of Expedition Everest is when you find the yeti has torn up your track. This forces the car to careen backward in a circle so tight and so dark that those in the front will feel like they’re being flipped upside-down.

ICE BREAKER

SeaWorld takes things to the next level with its thrill ride: the Ice Breaker. Your car will undergo four different launches, as you travel forward and backward along the track. The final reverse launch is the steepest in all of Florida. You’ll fall back 93 feet at a 100-degree angle. This is the culmination of SeaWorld’s quest to become known for its roller coasters, so expect sharp thrills and long lines here.

Best Non-Theme Park Restaurants in Orlando

SOCO

At this restaurant in the trendy Thornton Park neighborhood near Downtown, the menu is inspired by those found in diners across the South. Playful dishes might include lobster-mashed potatoes with meat loaf or chicken-fried cauliflower steak. Be sure to order some buttermilk biscuits on the side—and to save room for a Moon Pie.

CAFÉ TU TU TANGO

Designed to look like a Parisian artist’s loft, this lively International Drive restaurant features a tapas-style menu that takes you on a culinary trip around the world, with dishes such as guava-glazed barbecue pork ribs, hazelnut-lemongrass fish, and spiced alligator bites. The drinks list and the weekend entertainment line-ups are also eclectic and worldly.

HAWKERS

The adventurous Asian street food menu at this Central Orlando restaurant, developed by four Florida friends, includes roti canai, a flaky bread with a chicken-curry dip; curry laksa, a noodle soup with exotic flavors; and crispy Korean wings.

SEITO SUSHI AND NEW JAPANESE

Traditional or contemporary ramen bowls featuring hand-pulled noodles, exquisitely crafted sushi, and Wagyu steak tartare epitomize the modern Japanese cuisine at this Central Orlando restaurant. The bar is intriguing, too, offering Japanese cask whiskey and exclusive brands of sake.

COLUMBIA RESTAURANT

You can’t go wrong with any of the paellas on offer at this the Celebration branch of a well-established, family-owned chain that originated in Tampa.

LUKE’S KITCHEN & BAR

Head to Maitland for acclaimed chef Braden McGlamery’s innovative American cuisine, on the kitchen side of things, and craft cocktails that might incorporate house-made tinctures on the bar side of things. Sunday brunch here is a must.

PRIMO

South Orlando’s upscale JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes is home to this restaurant helmed by chef Melissa Kelly whose Italian creations often incorporate produce grown in the hotel’s organic garden. Seafood and chicken are also sourced locally, the pasta is made on site, and the pizza is primo—just like everything else.

KNIFE & SPOON

At this elegant-casual steak house in the Ritz-Carlton in South Orlando, two-time Top Chef contestant John Tesar focuses on prime (and pricey), house-aged steaks and premium (and equally pricey) seafood.

DEEP BLU SEAFOOD GRILLE

The raw bar is super fresh and the crab mac ‘n’ cheese is divine at this sophisticated, critically acclaimed restaurant in Lake Buena Vista’s Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek.

THE RAVENOUS PIG

This popular Winter Park gastropub has been making waves in the Orlando food scene since its 2007 opening, and owners James and Julie Petrakis have launched spin-offs such as the Cask & Larder at Orlando International Airport and the Polite Pig at Disney Springs.

Best Hotels in Orlando

ROSEN SHINGLE CREEK

Shingle Creek is equidistant to the Orange County Convention Center and Orlando International Airport, but more than placement sets this resort apart. The tropical setting merges with the Florida landscape and the rolling greens of the championship golf course.

DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE

No one matches Disney’s ability to dazzle, and that’s exactly what this resort hotel does best, from the soaring lobby and the signature restaurants to the wildlife-inspired pool area and the animals grazing in the savanna just outside your window.

HILTON ORLANDO BUENA VISTA PALACE

Although this family-friendly resort, a short walk from Disney Springs, isn’t owned by Disney, as a partner hotel it offers special perks such as Disney stores, character breakfasts, free park shuttles, and early admission to Disney parks.

DISNEY’S CONTEMPORARY RESORT

This treasured classic is the closest resort hotel to the Magic Kingdom, resting between natural Bay Lake and the man-made Seven Seas Lagoon. Its timeless A-frame design is still sleek and stylish, as is the iconic visual of monorails slipping through the hotel via the Grand Canyon concourse. Guests love dining at the rooftop California Grill.

HYATT REGENCY GRAND CYPRESS

There’s a lot that goes into a 1,500-acre resort, including nearly 800 rooms and suites; five dining establishments; a private lake; a tennis and racquet club; an 800,000-gallon lagoon-style pool with caves, waterfalls, and slides; a Marilyn Monroe–themed spa; and an award-winning, 18-hole golf course with Jack Nicklaus–designed holes.

GRAND BOHEMIAN

In the heart of Downtown Orlando, at the epicenter of class and elegance, the Grand Bohemian has a style that is naturally appealing to overnight and day guests, who have made dining at The Boheme restaurant or having drinks at the famed Bösendorfer Lounge a pre- and postshow ritual when attending performances at the adjacent Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

RITZ-CARLTON ORLANDO

This 582-room resort inspired by the grand palazzos of Italy promises elegance in every way, from the meticulously groomed Greg Norman–designed golf course to the array of personalized indulgences found in its 40,000 square-foot spa and salon. Culinary extravagances can be discovered in nearly a dozen dining establishments. From check-in to departure, the total experience affirms Ritz as the synonym for luxury.

UNIVERSAL’S HARD ROCK HOTEL

The Hotel California style of this premier Universal Orlando resort puts guests in a musical state of mind, and that feeling is enhanced by an eye-popping collection of memorabilia, as well as by a sun-sparkled free-form pool that seems inspired by a rock ‘n’ roll fantasy. It’s a short walk from CityWalk and the Universal theme parks, where flashing your room key gets you front-of-line access at any attraction.

GAYLORD PALMS RESORT

This Kissimmee resort pays tribute to the Everglades in the flora and vegetation found in a soaring glass atrium; to St. Augustine with its cobblestone streets; and to Key West through vibrant, tropical colors that create a thoroughly comfortable feeling of Florida. Adding to all this is a pool with waterpark features, a full-service spa, and a high level of hospitality.

DISNEY’S POLYNESIAN RESORT

With a tranquil setting on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon, one of Disney’s original resort hotels is beloved by guests who long to escape to a South Pacific wonderland.

Best Theme Park Foods in Orlando

EARL GREY AND LAVENDER ICE CREAM

In Universal Studios’ Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley brave the lines at Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour. The tempting list of frosty treats includes the unusual and very tasty Earl Grey and lavender ice cream (yes, it’s better than butterbeer).

TIRAMISU

Look for this classic dessert at Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It might be hard to find room after feasting on delicious entrées like chicken parmigiana or shrimp in a four-cheese sauce, but you can always split an order of tiramisu at the end—or make a reservation just for dessert.

PINEAPPLE DOLE WHIP

There are many great theme-park foods, but only a few are as good the Pineapple Dole Whip Float at Aloha Isle in the Magic Kingdom. Fresh pineapple juice is topped with either vanilla or pineapple-flavored ice cream to make this much sought-after treat. Use Disney’s mobile app to order ahead and skip the lines.

CASEY’S CORN DOG NUGGETS

A twist on the traditional corn dog, these little bites thrill kids and adults alike. Since Casey’s Corner at the Magic Kingdom is always popular for lunch, plan on grabbing a pick-me-up snack to chow down while watching the afternoon parade. For a sharper bite, add jalapeños and chili-lime seasoning.

PLOUGHMAN’S PLATTER

The Ploughman’s Platter is one of the best things on the menu at the Leaky Cauldron in Universal Studios’ Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley. This meal is made to serve two, and includes Scotch eggs, apple beet salad, two large pieces of bread, three English cheeses, tomatoes, and salad.

BUTTERBEER

How can anyone miss Harry Potter’s favorite drink? In the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you’ll find butterbeer available at every cart and restaurant you turn to. This butterscotch-esque sweet treat is also available as an ice cream flavor!

BAKLAVA

You cannot beat the pistachio baklava found in the Morocco pavilion at EPCOT’s World Showcase. Grab some as part of an assortment of treats at the quick-service Oasis Sweets & Sips on the World Showcase Lagoon.

PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY MILK SHAKE

This is a specialty at 50’s Prime Time Café in Echo Lake at Disney’s Hollywood Studios; if you can’t get reservations, though, the milk shake is also offered at the neighboring Tune-In Lounge.

CARCIOFI PIZZA

Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria in the Italy pavilion at EPCOT offers hand-tossed pizzas. The best is the family-sized carciofi, a white pizza with artichoke, fontina, mozzarella, and truffle oil.

BRAISED LAMB SHANK

One of the best dishes at Tiffins in Discovery Island at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the braised lamb shank. It’s served with couscous, piquillo peppers, kottu (a stew of eggplant and chickpeas), and pan-roasted vegetables.

POTATO AND ONION WEB

A long-time Universal Studios favorite is Finnegan’s Bar and Grill. Wise diners start with the potato and onion web, a beer-battered mixture of thinly sliced potatoes and onions that will satisfy the entire table.

Best Theme Park Souvenirs

EMBROIDERED MICKEY MOUSE EARS

The gold standard of Orlando souvenirs, these iconic chapeaux first appeared in the 1950s on the Mickey Mouse Club and continue to be a favorite for guests from around the world. The ubiquitous black beanie with the half-dome ears wouldn’t be complete without your name.

PLUSH MICKEY OR MINNIE MOUSE

Nearly every character appearing in a Disney film is stamped, printed, stuffed, or otherwise memorialized in nearly every form and on nearly every surface. But of hundreds of characters, none rivals the stature of Mickey and Minnie, whose plush doppelgangers are a comforting and cuddly memento of your Orlando visit (and they pack well, too).

GOOFY BASEBALL CAP

The age-old question Is Goofy a dog? doesn’t detract from his popularity with Disney guests. The combination of his big feet, baggy pants, turtleneck sweater, tall hat, and exclamations of Oh, gawrsh! have placed him among Disney’s Fab Five with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Pluto. A Goofy cap captures his unique personality with dangling ears hanging on the sides and Goofy eyes peering down the length of his outstretched nose.

BANSHEE

Animal Kingdom is filled with hundreds of unusual and eye-catching sights. One head-turner is the colorful banshee that’s often perched on the shoulders of park guests. Found at the shop at Pandora’s–Avatar Flight of Passage, the multihued mechanical minidragons flap their wings, crane their necks, make sounds, and turn their heads (with a little bit of magic from you).

DROID

When you enter the Droid Depot at Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios and see a line of parts and pieces speeding along a conveyor belt, it’s easy to cast costs aside and get busy building your personalized BB or R unit. With hundreds of possible combinations, it’s easy to get creative. Made using blueprints, your assembled, personality-rich droid will be ready to roll via remote control. These souvenirs are pricey, but for aficionados, it’s a price worth paying.

HARRY POTTER WAND

As if by magic there happens to be several Orlando locations where Harry Potter fans can buy wands worthy of a wizard, including two branches of Ollivander’s. Whether you’re at Islands of Adventure or Universal Studios, you’ll have access to multiple styles of wonderfully packaged wands either straightforward or, for a slight upcharge, interactive. The latter version comes with a map and instructional chart that reveals how, with precise movements and the right incantation, you can cast a spell to animate objects throughout Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.

THING 1 (OR THING 2) T-SHIRT

Although it might be reaching the point where it’s an old joke, couples (or kids or families) wearing Dr. Seuss–inspired Thing 1 and Thing 2 T-shirts is still a pretty funny joke. Visible at a hundred yards, the bright red shirt with the cartoonish lettering within a white circle is always good for a smile. More folks in the family? Things 3 and 4 are also available, as are Thing 1 and Thing 2 onesies.

GATORLAND T-SHIRT

One of Florida’s original tourist attractions, Kissimmee’s Gatorland has been a popular destination since opening in 1949. Its appealing kitsch factor (you enter through the gaping mouth of a concrete alligator) has no doubt contributed to its longevity. An impressive souvenir shop featuring all things alligator includes T-shirts in a variety of fonts, colors, and styles. Those featuring 1949 and/or the legend Alligator Capital of the World, are perennial favorites.

FACE PAINTING

It’s rare for a child to leave a theme park unchanged in some way. The most visible sign are kids whose faces are primed and painted with a specialty design or the likeness of their favorite Universal or Disney characters. Relatively inexpensive (and easy to wash off), the colors can get a free touch-up until you leave the park.

PLUSH ORCA

Orcas are iconic at SeaWorld. Of course, getting a life-size orca doll through airport security is an impossibility, but you can invest in the next best thing: a 12-inch super-soft plush toy or a pair of equally soft orca slippers. Either way, you’ll have a touchingly tangible black-and-white snapshot of your vacation.

PICTURE WITH WALT AND MICKEY

Although no one changed the entertainment world more than Walt Disney, he was too gracious to accept all the credit. Instead, Walt maintained It all started with a mouse…. Today the pair are inseparable in show business and in the statue Partners, which stands in the hub of the Magic Kingdom in front of Cinderella Castle. At one of Orlando’s most popular photo ops, guests from around the world line up for a souvenir picture with Walt and Mickey.

Orlando Weddings and Honeymoons

Thanks to the diversity of botanical garden backdrops and fantastical theme park settings, Orlando is a popular destination for showers, weddings, and honeymoons. Starry-eyed young couples and, more and more, older couples who are marrying for the second time or are renewing their vows in the wedding-vacation-reunion of a lifetime travel from across America and around the world to mark their memorable moment here.

More than anyone else, Disney has created a cottage industry from weddings. Just visit its website (wwww.disneyweddings.com), and you can begin designing the nuptials of your dreams, picking and choosing from hundreds of locations and enhancements until your imagination (or bank account) runs dry.

One bride made an entrance in Cinderella’s glass coach; her groom rode in on a white horse. A thrill-seeking couple took the free-fall plunge on the Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Two couples, on separate occasions, tied the knot in the middle of their Walt Disney World Marathon run, exchanging vows in front of Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom. Moonlight on the Ritz-Carlton lawn set the scene for another couple’s romantic vow exchange, and a rooftop Orlando wedding wowed yet another couple’s guests with a 360-degree view of the downtown skyline and scenic Lake Eola Park.

PREWEDDING EVENTS

Showers and bachelor and bachelorette parties are easy to arrange in a city where there’s so much to do—provided you have a lot of money to spend. At Disney, the Mad Hatter can show up for a bridesmaids’ tea event at the Grand Floridian. Grooms who stay at Portofino Bay like to party at Universal CityWalk because no driving is required—a ferry will shuttle them back to the hotel.

For rehearsal dinners (or wedding receptions or honeymoons), Disney pulls out the stops to stage events ranging from an after-hours reception in one of the theme parks to an internationally themed affair at one of the World Showcase countries in EPCOT.

WEDDINGS

You can opt for a traditional ceremony at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion on the Seven Seas Lagoon by the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Designed with the charming features of a Victorian summerhouse, the pavilion is an airy room with a view of Cinderella Castle just across the lagoon. Alternatively you can plan an informal beachside vow exchange at a lakeside Disney resort; a garden or gazebo ceremony; an over-the-top, Cinderella-style wedding; or a Broadway-theme blowout.

Downtown Orlando and historic Winter Park are popular wedding destinations as well. Elegant, yet affordable, lakefront ceremonies at Orlando’s Lake Eola or Winter Park’s Kraft Azalea Gardens on Lake Maitland are popular, with a variety of waterfront pavilions and gardens available in picturesque city and county parks and botanical gardens.

Other top wedding spots are downtown’s Orange County Regional History Center; the Mennello Museum of American Art in the city’s Loch Haven area; and Casa Feliz, a historic Spanish home–museum in Winter Park.

Another factor that makes Orlando the perfect choice for a wedding is the city’s wealth of entertainment and resort hotels. Theme-park musicians and other performers often hire out for receptions at reasonable prices, and there’s a lot of diversity, from zydeco and salsa bands to groups that specialize in swing music. Resort hotels like the Four Seasons, the Ritz-Carlton, Waldorf Astoria, and Portofino Bay at Universal feature romantic backdrops for the ceremony plus smaller ballrooms ideal for receptions. The hotels can also support activities ranging from spa parties to golf outings for those in the wedding party.

HONEYMOONS

Central Florida resorts cater to honeymooners with special packages. Honeymoon suites with whirlpools and other amenities create the backdrop for romance that’s enhanced with extras like champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries. Resort pools with cabanas, beaches, waterfalls, swaying palms, and poolside margarita delivery make the subtropical setting seem as exotic as a tropical island.

Disney’s Fairy Tale Honeymoons division helps you customize a vacation package and even offers a Honeymoon Registry if your guests wish to contribute to your postwedding getaway rather than give a traditional gift. There are package deals to be had at Walt Disney World resorts and at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. Some couples make their wedding dreams or vow renewals come true at sea, where the honeymoon follows immediately.

PLANNING TIPS

If you’re dreaming about a Central Florida wedding, keep these tips from the experts in mind:

dingbat If your budget can handle the expense, hire a reputable planner long before the big date. Though you’ll pay a fee for your planner, he or she will be an advocate with barter power when dealing with vendors.

dingbat For a destination wedding, build in plenty of time to book travel arrangements and accommodations for all who plan to attend.

dingbat If your budget is tight, plan your Orlando wedding between Monday and Thursday during nonpeak season for the lowest hotel rates.

dingbat Split the wedding-planning tasks with your partner. If the groom is focused more on the reception’s music, food, and beverages, the bride can focus on, say, wedding flowers and photography.

dingbat Let your wedding planner arrange romantic escapes from your guests, especially if you plan to wed and honeymoon in Orlando. If everyone’s staying at the Gaylord Palms Resort or the Hard Rock Hotel, have your wedding planner book you a spa package at the Waldorf Astoria or Ritz-Carlton.

dingbat Start your research by visiting two of Orlando’s most popular wedding-planner websites: Visit Orlando (wwww.visitorlando.com/plan/weddings) features an overview of area wedding locations (theme parks, hotels, botanical gardens) and additional insights, and you’ll find the extraordinary range (and prices) at Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons (wwww.disneyweddings.com).

Disney Cruises

When Disney first went to sea in 1998, some assumed the Disney Magic would be its only vessel. But the Disney Wonder debuted the following year, and Disney’s level of style, class, characters, and theming proved so popular that Disney Cruise Line (DCL) leaped to the top of passenger favorites. As a result, two more ships joined the fleet: the Disney Dream in 2011 and the Disney Fantasy in 2014. Three additional ships—starting with the Disney Wish—are now scheduled to head out to sea.

Disney Cruise Line. A winner of Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards and Cruise Critic’s Cruiser’s Choice, Disney Cruise Line is a bucket-list pick for families with kids of all ages. Children can interact with Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars characters; join a pirate-themed deck party under fireworks; or sit back and watch their favorite films come to life during Broadway-worthy shows. P800/951–3532 wdisneycruise.disney.go.com.

FOR GUESTS WITH DISABILITIES

Accessible staterooms for people with disabilities have ramps, handrails, fold-down shower seats, and handheld showerheads. Special communications kits are available with phone alerts, amplifiers, and text typewriters. Assisted-listening systems are offered in the ships’ main theaters, and sign-language interpretation is offered for live performances on specified cruise dates.

ADULT ACTIVITIES

Poolside games, wine tastings, and behind-the-scenes seminars are among the adults-only diversions. Each ship’s spa is a don’t-miss for those who need some pampering—book early! In addition to shows and shore excursions, all the ships have an assortment of bars, lounges, dance clubs, piano bars, Irish pubs, sports bars, and nightclubs. You’re sure to find a place that’s perfect—whatever your mood.

For a romantic dinner, the intimate, adults-only Palo (all vessels) offers sweeping ocean views. Expect a fantastic wine list and dishes such as grilled salmon with creamy risotto and grilled filet mignon with a port-wine reduction and Gorgonzola cheese sauce. Reserve early for this hot ticket. The champagne brunch is another great Palo dining event.

The decor in the Dream’s and Fantasy’s exclusive, 80-seat restaurant, Remy, is a nod to the movie Ratatouille, and, of course, the cuisine is French inspired. The eight or nine tasting dishes served each night might include Kurobata pork tenderloin and belly with corn ragout and wild turbot with lemon, capers, and spinach. Wine pairings are amazing; so are the pastries. Remy also has a champagne brunch. Book as far ahead of your trip as possible.

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES

More than a few prospective passengers have passed on DCL, assuming the decks would be cluttered with kids. On the contrary—on all the ships, there’s nearly an entire deck reserved for kids and you might enjoy a complete voyage without ever noticing them. Making it better for parents—and even better for the kids—are activity centers divided by age groups, for kids 10 and younger, for tweens 11–14, and for older teens ages 14–17.

Counselors keep them focused with a wide-ranging assortment of activities including playrooms, rope bridges, scavenger hunts, science experiments, sports challenges, karaoke games, video games, trivia contests, and evening dance parties. While you’re having fun with other adults, kids are literally having a ball on their own level. To help stay in touch, an onboard mobile phone service keeps you connected with activities counselors.

RESTAURANTS

Dining is one of the most anticipated experiences aboard the Disney ships, and the Animator’s Palate is a favorite. Scenes featuring Disney characters change from black-and-white to Technicolor as the meal progresses on the Magic and Wonder; on the Dream and Fantasy, diners are surrounded by an artist’s studio where famous film scenes line the walls and fiber-optic brush pillars paint oversize ceiling palettes in vibrant colors. Dining is slightly more formal at Lumiere’s, on the Magic, where beef tenderloin, lamb shank, and other entrées are served French style in a classic ocean-liner-style dining room.

At Triton’s, on the Wonder, seafood, roast duck, pasta, and other selections are served in an elegant, art deco, under-the-sea-theme dining room. The Dream’s Royal Palace and the Fantasy’s Royal Court are inspired by Disney’s princess films, with menus that might include crowned rack of lamb, beef Wellington, and other regal dishes. At the Caribbean-theme Parrot Cay restaurant (Wonder) and the Rio de Janeiro–theme Carioca’s (Magic), the mood is casual and festive. On the Fantasy and Dream, Enchanted Garden is the whimsical, more informal rotation restaurant. Character breakfasts are offered one morning on most seven-nights-or-longer sailings.

Three restaurants are exclusive to the new Disney Wish. Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure features Nordic cuisine and performers who turn every meal into a royal engagement party for Anna and Kristoff. World of Marvel diners participate in an Avengers mission while enjoying dishes inspired by Marvel locales (New York City, Wakanda, Sokovia). In a nod to the year that Walt and brother Roy formed the Walt Disney Company, the elegant 1923 has decor honoring the golden age of animation with drawings and movie props. The menu honors the wine and sophisticated cuisine of Napa Valley.

AFTER-DARK ENTERTAINMENT

Few can out-do Disney entertainment, and the on-deck performances and character greetings—featuring Disney, Star Wars, and Marvel characters—are spectacular. Lavish stage shows and variety acts entertain families nightly. These over-the-top theatricals have Broadway-quality sets and staging and are often musicals based on Disney blockbusters such as Frozen, Tangled, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, or Beauty and the Beast. Whatever is playing, prepare to be dazzled. Each ship also has a cinema screening classic Disney films, and both films and shows might have digital 3-D enhancements.

Everyone, it seems, is in the mood for the Pirate Night event, when swashbuckling servers dish up Caribbean and Bahamian treats, cups of grog, and (on seven-night cruises) a pirate bandanna for every dinner guest. After dinner, you head off to a deck party where Captain Hook, Mr. Smee, and others appear for some high-spirited action, dancing, and fireworks.

CASTAWAY CAY

Disney’s

Reviews for Fodor's Walt Disney World

[fauxbro_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Sigh… This guide book is fine, but I really wish there was someone who would take the Rick Steves approach and apply it to the US. When I read a guide book I want opinions as well as facts.

[raizel_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Big 608-page book with map tucked into back cover. Lots of useful information, even when used in 2013, although everything is more expensive. Tells you which rides are not good for people with specific issues. But don't read it from beginning to end as I started to do: after 200 pages I knew where to stay and eat, but not so much what to see.