Walt Disney World® Resort: Location, Transportation, and Top Attractions

Looking for a unique adventure filled with Disney magic? Visit Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando for an ultimate theme park experience! If it's your first time at the Most Magical Place on Earth, planning is essential. This guide covers the basics of your visit, from location to top experiences at the four Theme Parks. Get ready to embrace Disney charm as you make your way to the best theme park in Orlando. Read on.

Walt Disney World Resort’s Location

The Walt Disney World Resort is in Lake Buena Vista and Bay Lake, Florida, about 20 miles (32 km) southwest of downtown Orlando.

Is Walt Disney World Resort the same as Disneyland®?

Walt Disney World® Resort and Disneyland are not the same; they are two distinct resorts in different parts of the U.S. Disneyland Resort is in Anaheim, California, while Walt Disney World Resort is in Orlando, Florida.

Ways to Go to the Most Magical Place on Earth

You can get to Walt Disney World® Resort in different ways. The great news is that all transport inside the Resort (buses, monorails, water taxis, and the Disney Skyliner) is free after you arrive. Here are four top transport options to think about:

Plane

Over 800 daily flights to Orlando by 40+ airlines are available. Booking tickets early during peak seasons offers the best deals and savings for your Walt Disney World Resort trip.

Car Rental

Renting a car is the best way to get the full experience, allowing you to drive to Walt Disney World Resort or run errands before your trip.

Rideshare Services

This is an affordable way to reach the Walt Disney World Resort. Rideshare services let you skip the stress of driving and parking fees.

Shared Shuttle Services

At the airport, you can take shared shuttles like Mears Connect for about $16–$18 for adults one way. If you want to save money, local LYNX buses are only about $2 per ride. Remember, shared shuttles might take longer because they have many stops and transfers.

NOTE: You do not need to book a package at any Disney Hotel to use the complimentary internal transportation. The only service that requires payment via Lyft is the Minnie Van Service.

Closest airports to Walt Disney World Resort

For a trip to Walt Disney World® Resort, the best airport to use is Orlando International Airport (MCO). It is 25 miles (40 km) away, and the drive usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. You can also use Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), which is about 47 miles (75 km) north.

Nearby Places to Visit During Your Walt Disney World Resort Trip

Visit Disney Springs® for shopping and dining. Nightlife lovers will enjoy Disney's BoardWalk Entertainment District. These attractions are in the resort complex but outside the Theme Parks, so no ticket is needed.

Top Attractions and Experiences

For first-timers, exploring Walt Disney World Resort® can be overwhelming. The resort spans about 25,000 acres, similar to San Francisco. Here are our recommendations:

Magic Kingdom® Park

Home of the famous Halloween event: Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

• Tiana's Bayou Adventure
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant Presented by Scentsy
• Jungle Cruise
• Haunted Mansion

EPCOT®

See the impossible happen. It has the most fun and exciting festivals, like the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival and the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival.

• World Showcase
• Soarin' Across America
• Test Track® Presented by General Motors®
• Mission: Space
• Character Meet-and-Greets, and of course...the Spaceship Earth!

Disney's Hollywood Studios®

Experience the ultimate adventure and have fun this season at Disney Jollywood Nights.

• Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge
• Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets
• Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!
• Millenium Falcon: Smugger's Run with The Mandalorian and Grogu

Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park

See the magic of the wild. Enjoy fun safari trips and play with Bluey and Bingo.

• Avatar: Flight of Passage
• Na'vi River Journey at Pandora
• Kilimanjaro Safaris
• Festival of the Lion King.
• Bluey's Wild World at Conservation Station

Walt Disney World Resort features two water parks: Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach, which have alternating schedules and close on certain dates for annual refurbishments.

TIP: Purchase a Lightning Lane pass to skip long queues during peak seasons, ensuring quick entry to popular rides and attractions.

Experience the enchanting world of Disney excitement in Orlando.

Plan your ultimate Disney experience at the Most Magical Place on Earth! Use this guide to prepare for your dream getaway. New attractions await you at Walt Disney World Resort, so get your discount tickets now! Whether it's a magical day at Magic Kingdom Park or an adventure at Disney's Animal Kingdom, you’ll have a blast. Create memories and explore the unforgettable Theme Parks. See you there!