Covering over 30,000 acres (47 square miles, roughly the size of San Francisco), the Walt Disney World Resort is considered by many to be one of the great icons of the Orlando area and is a must for all Orlando vacations. The resort includes four theme parks, two waterparks as well as other attractions.

Magic Kingdom

Opened in 1971, this theme park is the most popular in all of Florida. Magic Kingdom is typically the theme park that guests relate to Walt Disney World because of Cinderella's Castle, a beautiful castle that is seen throughout the park. This park features legendary amusement rides such as Dumbo, the Carousel of Progress and It's a Small World (recently renovated). Walk down Main Street, USA and find numerous shops resembling mid - 20th century America. During Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party during the winter holiday season, this area is completely decorated with holiday decor, complete with "snow" that falls periodically. Every night, the park displays its "Wishes" fireworks show, the largest fireworks show conducted nightly in the United States. Visit Magic Kingdom today!

Epcot

In this theme park at Walt Disney World, visitors are emersed in two seperate concepts: technology and cultural unity. Future World explores the advances in technology and how it relates to our own lives with a variety of pavilions and rides such as Mission Space, Soarin! and Test Track. In the world showcase, 11 pavilions representing 11 different countries are operated by their respected country's citizens through the Walt Disney World College Program. Experience boutiques and food of each country, along with exhibits and rides. Every night, Epcot's fireworks and laser show IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth is displayed in the large lake in the center of the park. Featuring a large globe with television screens, the show is meant to represent humanity as one with 20 torches lit around the lake representing each century and a 21st torch in the center of the globe. Each year, Epcot hosts the Food and Wine Festival, a celebration in which the top Disney chefs give seminars and visitors can sample thousands of beers and wines from numerous countries.

MGM Studios

Ride the movies and meet the stars at the Disney-MGM Studios theme park. This fun-filled theme park features rides such as The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Fantasmic! and the Rockin' Roller Coaster. Each year, the park hosts Star Wars Weekends, bringing many Star Wars fans to the park. Every winter holiday season, the park hosts the Osborne Family Spectacle Lights, illuminating the park with 5 million lights and 350 miles of wiring.

Animal Kingdom

This African- themed park was built entirely around the concept of environmental conservation. The largest of the Disney theme parks, Animal Kingdom boasts numerous thrill rides and expeditions and it centered around a large artificial tree named the Tree of Life which hosts a 3D show. Highlights of Animal Kingdom include the Kilimanjaro Safari, DINOSAUR, and the brand- new roller coaster Expedition Everest. No matter what age, Animal Kingdom will sure provide entertainment and a new respect for the fading wildlife across many different habitats.

Typhoon Lagoon

Typhoon Lagoon is a water park at the Walt Disney World Resort featuring numerous water attractions including the the world's largest outdoor wave pool which produces 6- foot surfing waves. The wave is pool is occasionally home to surfing competitions.

Blizzard Beach

Other Attractions

• DisneyQuest is an indoor interactive theme park containing several virtual reality attractions, as well as classic and recent arcade video games.
• Disney's Wide World of Sports is a sports complex with 8 venues including a 9500-seat baseball stadium.
• La Noube is an original nightime show conducted by Cirque du Soleil which features stunning performances by acrobats, gymnasts and more.