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The 11 Best Things to Do in Disney Orlando (A Local’s Guide)

If you’re planning a trip to Orlando, a visit to Walt Disney World is likely at the top of your list. With four theme parks, two water parks, and a massive entertainment district, there’s an overwhelming amount of fun to be had. To help you navigate the magic and make the most of your vacation, we’ve compiled a list of the 11 best things to do in Disney Orlando. From iconic attractions and thrilling rides to spectacular shows and delicious dining, this guide will help you create a truly unforgettable experience.

Magic Kingdom

πŸ—ΊοΈ Address: 1180 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
☎️ Phone: (407) 939-5277
🌐 Website
πŸ•’ Open Hours: Varies, typically 9 AM – 10 PM
Highlights

  • Cinderella Castle
  • Classic attractions like “it’s a small world”
  • Thrilling rides like Space Mountain
  • Nightly fireworks spectacular

Magic Kingdom is the quintessential Disney experience. It’s the original Orlando park and home to the iconic Cinderella Castle. You can meet your favorite characters, ride classic attractions like “Peter Pan’s Flight” and “Pirates of the Caribbean,” and experience thrilling roller coasters like “TRON Lightcycle / Run.” The park is divided into six themed lands, each with its own unique charm and attractions. It’s a must-do for any first-time visitor to Disney World.

You might also want to check out the best things to do in Magic Kingdom Orlando.

Epcot

πŸ—ΊοΈ Address: 200 Epcot Center Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
☎️ Phone: (407) 939-5277
🌐 Website
πŸ•’ Open Hours: Varies, typically 9 AM – 9 PM
Highlights

  • World Showcase featuring 11 countries
  • Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
  • Year-round festivals (Food & Wine, Flower & Garden)
  • Spaceship Earth

Epcot is a unique theme park that’s divided into two distinct sections: World Celebration/Discovery/Nature and World Showcase. The front of the park is home to futuristic attractions and thrilling rides like “Test Track” and the incredible “Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.” The World Showcase is a collection of 11 pavilions, each representing a different country. You can sample food and drinks from around the world, watch cultural performances, and shop for authentic merchandise. Epcot is also known for its year-round festivals, which are a must-do for any foodie or garden lover.

You might also want to check out the best food in Epcot Disney World.

Hollywood Studios

πŸ—ΊοΈ Address: 351 S Studio Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
☎️ Phone: (407) 939-5277
🌐 Website
πŸ•’ Open Hours: Varies, typically 9 AM – 9 PM
Highlights

  • Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
  • Toy Story Land
  • The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
  • Slinky Dog Dash roller coaster

Hollywood Studios is a theme park that’s dedicated to the magic of movies, television, and music. It’s home to the immersive “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” land, where you can fly the Millennium Falcon and build your own lightsaber. You can also shrink down to the size of a toy in “Toy Story Land,” or take a thrilling drop on “The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.” The park has a great mix of classic and modern attractions, and it’s a must-do for any movie lover.

You might also want to check out the best attractions in Hollywood Studios Orlando.

Animal Kingdom

πŸ—ΊοΈ Address: 2901 Osceola Pkwy, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
☎️ Phone: (407) 939-5277
🌐 Website
πŸ•’ Open Hours: Varies, typically 8 AM – 7 PM
Highlights

  • The Tree of Life
  • Pandora – The World of Avatar
  • Kilimanjaro Safaris
  • Expedition Everest roller coaster

Animal Kingdom is a theme park that’s dedicated to the magic of nature and conservation. It’s home to a variety of animals from around the world, as well as a number of thrilling rides and attractions. You can go on a safari through the African savanna, fly on the back of a banshee in “Pandora – The World of Avatar,” or take a thrilling ride on “Expedition Everest.” The park is beautifully themed and immersive, and it’s a great place to learn about the natural world.

You might also want to check out the best things to do in Animal Kingdom Orlando.

Disney Springs

πŸ—ΊοΈ Address: 1486 Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
☎️ Phone: (407) 939-5277
🌐 Website
πŸ•’ Open Hours: 10 AM – 11 PM daily
Highlights

  • Free to enter
  • Over 150 shops and restaurants
  • Live entertainment
  • World of Disney store

Disney Springs is a massive shopping, dining, and entertainment district that’s free to enter. It’s home to over 150 shops and restaurants, including the world’s largest Disney store. You can also see a movie, go bowling, or catch a live music show. It’s a great place to spend a day or an evening, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

You might also want to check out the best restaurants in Disney Springs Orlando.

Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

πŸ—ΊοΈ Address: 1145 E Buena Vista Blvd, Orlando, FL 32830
☎️ Phone: (407) 939-5277
🌐 Website
πŸ•’ Open Hours: Varies by season, typically 10 AM – 5 PM
Highlights

  • Giant wave pool
  • Lazy river
  • Thrilling water slides
  • Tropical theming

Typhoon Lagoon is one of Disney’s two water parks. It’s themed to a tropical paradise that’s been hit by a typhoon, and it features a giant wave pool, a lazy river, and a variety of thrilling water slides. It’s the perfect place to cool off on a hot day and have some fun in the sun.

You might also want to check out the best water park in Disney World.

Blizzard Beach Water Park

πŸ—ΊοΈ Address: 1534 Blizzard Beach Drive, Orlando, FL 32830
☎️ Phone: (407) 939-5277
🌐 Website
πŸ•’ Open Hours: Varies by season, typically 10 AM – 5 PM
Highlights

  • Unique ski resort theme
  • Summit Plummet water slide
  • Chairlift to the top of Mount Gushmore
  • Family-friendly play areas

Blizzard Beach is Disney’s other water park, and it’s themed to a melting ski resort. It’s home to one of the tallest and fastest freefall body slides in the world, Summit Plummet. You can also take a chairlift to the top of Mount Gushmore, or relax in the lazy river. It’s a fun and unique water park that’s a great place to cool off and have some fun.

You might also want to check out the best pools in Disney World.

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