How big is Disney?
Visiting Walt Disney World isn’t just a Vacation! It’s an adventure through a world of magic, imagination, and sheer size. Just how big is Walt Disney World? Over 43 square miles (27,000 acres), it’s nearly as large as the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which spans 46.9 square miles. Navigating Walt Disney World which encompasses four theme parks, two water parks, thirty resorts, golf courses, shopping districts, and more can be daunting. But let me help you to break it down!
Amazingly, only half of Disney’s property is currently developed, leaving plenty of room for future magic.
Four Disney Theme Parks
Walt Disney World is made up of four incredible theme park, each offering its own unique experience.
Magic Kingdom
The true heart of Disney Magic beats here, where Cinderella Castle welcomes you to a world of classic attractions! You’ll find beloved characters and Disney Broadway style entertainment. From soaring over Neverland to braving a swashbuckling pirate adventure, to riding the wildest ride in the wilderness and blasting off into outer space, every moment is pure Disney Magic.
Epcot
Journey through World Celebration,World Discovery and World Nature exploring the various neighborhoods learning, exploring and experiencing exhilarating rides. World Showcase – where you can discover the immersive pavilions and enjoy international cuisine. Experience the rich traditions of culture from around the world. Bring home a treasure or two from one of the eleven countries represented here.
Hollywood Studios
The ultimate destination for movie lovers, Where you can step into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, shrink down to toy size in Toy Story Land, experience thrills on the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror! This is the place to enjoy Hollywood Style entertainment, Stage Shows and character meets including your favorites from Star Wars.
Animal Kingdom
Where Nature and Adventure go hand in hand! Explore this one-of-a-kind park and embark on an opened-sided Safari Ride through Harambe Wildlife Reserve and catch a glimpse of wild African animals up close. Next, conquer the thrills of Expedition Everest. Immerse yourself in the magic of live entertainment with The Lion King and Finding Nemo:The Big Blue and Beyond. Wander the serene trails around Tree of Life, keep an eye out for the ever-elusive DeVine, and discover countless hidden gems along the way. In short, trust me-you’ll fall in love with every inch of this incredible park!
Two Disney Water parks
There are two immersive water parks each with a unique and exciting theme.
Typhoon Lagoon
Typhoon Lagoon whisks you away to a tropical paradise that was struck by a wild typhoon leaving everything from surf boards to a ship tossed about! The parks huge wave pool is a must do! Then, hop on Castaway Creek, a lazy river that meanders through the park, perfect for sight seeing or getting from one attraction to another. Finally, for little ones, Ketchakiddee Creek is the ideal spot to keep little ones entertained. There are plenty of slides to keep the thrill seekers entertained too.
Blizzard Beach
Blizzard Beach is one of the coolest water parks, literally. Imagine a Ski Resort built after a freak snow storm in Florida, only for the snow to melt and transform into a water filled adventure. You can Ride a chair lift in your bathing suit to the summit of Mount Gushmore. Then you’re ready to take on a waterslide or a family whitewater raft. Younger adventurers will love Tike’s Peak, a special area with pint-sized water slides and splash zones just for them!
Whether you’re catching waves, floating along a lazy river, or racing down thrilling slides, both of these water parks offer endless fun for you the entire family.
Disney is running a promotion for 2025! Guests who are staying at a Disney Resorts Collection Hotel will be able to visit one of these amazing water parks for FREE on your check in day included! Such a great bonus!
Disney Springs Shopping and Entertainment
Disney Springs shopping and entertainment area has something for everyone. This place is a small city, You can dine at restaurants, shop til you drop, enjoy a movie, take a balloon ride, or go bowling. You can even ride in a car thats a boat, listen to live music and more! From shopping at The World of Disney Store, The Lego Store, and clothing and specialty shops, you’ll find something for everyone here.
Miniature Golf
Next let’s add a few miniature golf courses. Winter Summerland Miniature Golf has two 18 hole miniature golf courses. Santa himself built these for his off-duty elves to have a little fun and relaxation and they are located by Disney’s Blizzard Beach Area. One themed to summer and one to winter shenanigans. Challenge your family to special game and maybe ice cream afterwards.
Last but not least the Miniature Golf courses near the Swan And Dolphin Hotel in the Epcot Area of Walt Disney World! Disney’s Fantasia Gardens and Fantasia Fairways Miniature Golf.Two more miniature golf courses to try your hand.
Resorts
Need a place to rest your head? Disney has 30 resorts, and you’ll have fun finding the resort that’s right for your crew. There are Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Disney Vacation Club Villas and even a Campground with a variety of amenities. You can choose from a standard or deluxe room with special views, a studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, or a Grand Villa.
Most resorts have a playground, some have a water play area, and some have both. You’ll have plenty of activities like an Arcade, bike rentals, campfires and even movie night at the resorts. At the main themed pool, specific times are set for games, relays, trivia and music. Check out your resort schedule for details.
Disney Vacation Club Resorts with a Community Hall
The following Disney Vacation Club Resorts that have a Community Hall available exclusively to guests staying at that resort. The community halls include TV Viewing areas, games like pool, ping pong, foosball, table tennis or darts, as well as rainy day activities and DVD to loan out. Most activities are free, some may require a fee.
Here are the resorts with a Community Hall:
- Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village
- Disney’s Boardwalk Villas
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- Disney’s Riviera Resort
- Disneys Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Guests staying at Disney Hotel guests can enter the parks 30 minutes early, even on check-in and check-out days! Don’t underestimate how much you can do during this time when crowds are at their lowest. Resort guests are allowed to enter the park 30 minutes before early entry officially begins but you are held you at specific areas until early opening time!
Value Resorts
If you are looking to save money, Value resorts, are the most budget-friendly option. Each resort will have a nice food court (but not sit down restaurants) and fun themed swimming pools -though no slides. The rooms are themed, clean, and smaller than other resorts.
Moderate Resorts
Moderate Resorts are a step up, offering both food courts and sit down restaurants. Each has a lounge but Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, being a convention hotel, has three lounges.
All Moderate Resorts feature a themed swimming pool with a slide, inspired by themes like:
- Ole’ Swimming Hole
- Mayan Ruins
- A Spanish Fortress
- King Neptune’s Sea Serpent
Each also includes a spa pool, pool bar, and quiet pools throughout the resort. Additionally, Port Orleans – Riverside Resort and Port Orleans – French Quarter offer boat access to the Disney Springs, and bikes rentals are available at Port Orleans Riverside or Caribbean Beach.
Deluxe Resorts & Villas
Deluxe Resorts and Villas are Disney’s most luxurious accommodations, featuring perks like:
- Monorail, Skyliner, or boat access
- Highly themed swimming pools and splash areas
- State-of-the-Art Gyms
- Some even have Spa and/or marina
You’ll find beautifully themed lounges and multiple sit-down restaurants at these resorts. Some of the most stunning, spacious, and welcoming lobbies include:
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Resort Hopping & Dining Experiences
No matter which resort you choose at Walt Disney World, you’re welcome to visit any other Disney Resort to enjoy a meal, lounge, or simply explore the lobby. Taking a break from the parks? Consider hopping the skyliner or monorail to enjoy lunch at a resort.
If you have a non-park day, here’s a great idea:
- Take a bus to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
- View the animals on the savanna
- Explore the stunning lobby
During the Christmas season, you can ride the monorail and visit each resort, grab a snack, and admire the beautiful holiday decorations.
Transportation – How to navigate Walt Disney World!
Last, but not least Disney World has an incredible transportation network that keeps the magic moving! With a fleet of buses, boats, the Skyliner and three monorails, thousands of guests travel between parks resorts, and parking lots every day. But these aren’t just ways to get around – they’re experiences in themselves, adding extra fun to your trip.
*Jeneice’s tip*-For a little extra magic, have fun using my free transportation bingo card(large) or free transportation multiple bingo cards -medium size and see how many different transportation options you can check off.
If you prefer to drive, you can park at any of the parks and hop on a tram to the entrance or walk to the park entrance if you’re parked close by. No matter how you choose to get around, Disney’s transportation system is part of the adventure.
You Definitely Can’t see it all in one Trip!
Without a doubt, now that you know just how massive the Disney World Resort area is, one thing is certain – you’re going to have an absolute blast exploring this magical world! With so much to see and do, you’ll just scratch the surface during your visit. From the thrilling attractions and incredible live entertainment to unforgettable character meet-and-greats, plus endless places to snack, eat and shop, every moment is packed with magic.
Finally, no matter how much you see, there’s always something new waiting for your next trip. So what are you waiting for? Then you’ll want to make sure you read this post about essentials to pack for your trip I hope you find this helpful!
