Where in the World will you stay on your next trip to Walt Disney World?
France Pavillion EPCOT
Location for me is one of the major considerations when planning where to stay in the World.
The reason this is so, is that Walt Disney World is expansive with its many Theme Parks, Water Parks, Resort/Hotels, shopping areas, and other sports and entertainment centers, spread out over 27,000 acres. Where your Resort/Hotel room is located in this expanse determines how and how long it takes you to travel to other parts of the Resort.
So, what is the Best Location in Walt Disney World? That depends primarily on what you plan to do on your vacation. Once you know that and know what the various locations in Walt Disney World have to offer you can decide where you want to stay. However, it is not cast in stone. Your preferred location may change from one trip to the next depending on how you plan to spend your time while in Walt Disney World.
The location of each Resort/Hotel includes in which Disney Designated Area it resides. There are four Disney Designated Areas within Walt Disney World: one for each of the four Theme Parks and one for Disney Springs.
However, I have come up with a division of my own that I feel fits better with the changes in Walt Disney World in recent years. I have combined the EPCOT and Hollywood Studios Areas (they really are close together) and added the four other Resorts on the Skyliner route to form a new area. I call this the Skyliner Area, of course. I then added a fifth area, the Value Resort Area.
The five areas of Walt Disney World are:
1. Magic Kingdom Area
2. Skyliner Area
3. Animal Kingdom Area
4. Disney Springs Area
5. Value Resort Area
So, which one is the best location? Again, that depends on what you’re looking for.
In this Blog I’ll look broadly at the pros and cons of each area.
Magic Kingdom Area is the prime real estate according to most estimates. All of the Resorts in this area are close to the Magic Kingdom which is their main claim to fame. Three are connected to the Magic Kingdom and each other via the Monorail. The Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness are connected by boat.
Other features of this area include views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks and the Electrical Water Parade, many excellent restaurants and shopping venues, and connection to EPCOT via the Monorail.
Fort Wilderness Campground and Cabins ( part DVC Resort)
There is one additional Resort in this area that is a Disney Good Neighbors Resort.
Shades of Green (owned and run by Us Department of Defense and exclusive to Military and their families. Though not on the Monorail it is within walking distance of the Polynesian.
The SkyLiner Area in recent years seems to have taken over the primo spot. Now that Hollywood Studios has added Toy Storyland and Galaxy’s Edge and EPCOT has practically continuous Festivals, people want to stay close to these Parks. But I think the biggest rise in popularity of the Resorts in this area has been the opening of the SkyLiner.
SkyLiner
Resorts in this Area are:
Boardwalk Inn
Boardwalk Villas (the DVC Resort)
Beach Club Resort (a DVC Resort)
Yacht Club Resort
Riviera Resort (a DVC Resort)
Caribbean Resort and Gran Destino Tower
Art of Animation
Pop Century
EPCOT
There are two other Resort/Hotels in this area which are Disney Good Neighbor Hotels owned by the Marriot Chain. Good Neighbor Hotels receive all of the benefits of guest at any Disney Resort.
Disney Swan Hotel
Disney Dolphin Hotel
Then there is the Disney Springs Area. All of the resorts here are connected to Disney Springs by boat and from there to all of the other Parks and Resorts in the World. If you are planning to spend much of your time shopping, visiting the numerous restaurants or enjoying the entertainment and attractions in Disney Springs then this is the area for you.
The Animal Kingdom Area is a bit out of the way by any assessment. You can only get to any of the parks and Disney Springs or other Resorts by bus. And except for Animal Kingdom Theme Park, it’s a long ride.
Tree of Life – Animal Kingdom
But if Animal Kingdom is your favorite park or you plan on a lot of resort time, (quiet, beautiful, with lots of animals to watch) then this is your best pick.
Resorts in this area include:
Animal Kingdom Lodge (includes some DVC rooms and Concierge Level)
Kidani Village ( a DVC Resort)
Coronado Springs and Destino Tower
Finally, we have the Value Resort Area. This area is the farthest area from the rest of the action and has the least access to restaurants and attractions. The only way to get anywhere is by bus and expect long waits and longer bus rides.
The draw for these resorts is in the name. They are the least expensive resorts on property. So, if you’re on a budget and plan to spend little time at the resort, this area may be for you.
Resorts include:
All Star Sports
All Star Music
All Star Movies
My rating of the five areas with regard to location, where 1 is the worst and 5 is the best, is as follows:
5 SkyLiner Area
4 Magic Kingdom Area
3. Disney Springs Area
2 Animal Kingdom Area
1. Value Resort Area
Final Thoughts
That is an overview of the five Disney Designated Areas. Your choice of which Resort you might choose is in large part dictated by where in and around Walt Disney World you plan to spend most of your time.
I have stayed in all of the areas at one time or another. Which is my favorite? That depends. I have found however that doing a split-stay, staying in two different Hotels in two different Areas of Walt Disney World is the way to make the most of my vacation. The drawback, of course is the unpacking, repacking, and unpacking again.
Next Blog – I’ll be discussing the importance of the general Environment of a Resort to choosing where to stay.
It only goes to say, since disabilities come in all shapes and sizes.
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What works for those with mental health and cognitive disabilities will require very different changes to the environment than those of us with mobility issues. Therefore companies, governments, and public venues have a lot to address to make their spaces fully accessible to everyone.
As I’ve said before and you’re probably getting sick of hearing it, Walt Disney World does everything possible to do just that.
They have disability specific accommodations for all the major disability categories. They may not be able to accommodate ever single need for every single Guest — they try. And if you need something else just ask. They may not be able to fulfill the need but there’s no harm in asking. The key word is asking. Asking politely and thanking the cast members graciously even when they can’t.
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This Blog will look at the specific accommodations Disney provides for thosewith various disabilities.
Disability Specific accommodation at Walt Disney World
Guests with Cognitive, Developmental, and Mental Health Disabilities
This category is broad and encompasses many different and varied disorders: autism, developmental delays, depression, anxiety disorders, dementia.
Guests in this category may have difficulty with
crowds and close contact with others,
over sensory stimulation from bright lights, loud noises, strong smells,
strangers,
strange new environments,
new unknown experiences,
strange foods,
altercations among guests around them,
unknown expectations,
stressful situations and environments.
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I know. I know. All of the above are a definition of a visit to WDW. But there are ways to reduce the stress and prevent a melt-down. Disney has gone out of their way to make this as easy as possible for these guests and their companions.
Som, but not all, accommodations for Guests with cognitive disabilities:
1.Break Areas There are dozens of areas available throughout the Parks where, when a Guest with a cognitive disability becomes over-stimulated or needs some down-time, can “take a break.” To locate the nearest area, please ask a Cast Member for assistance. A full list can be found in the WDW Cognitive Guide.
2.Disability Assisstive Service –– DAS The DAS program is primarily intended for individuals in this category.
he Disability Access Service (DAS) is a program for Guests who are unable to tolerate long waits in the regular queue environment due to a disability. The DAS program is primarily intended for Guests with cognitive, mental health, visual, or chronic health issues that make waiting in crowded, close, noisy, poorly or inconsistently lit areas for long periods of time.
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(I will be disvussing this service completely in a future Blog.
3.Companion Restrooms
Companion restrooms are larger which can be helpful if a Guest needs assistance or requires that someone accompany him or her.
Please note many of our restrooms use automatic toilet flushing equipment which may be loud nd disturbing to these individuals.
5Helpful Guides Many attractions at Walt Disney World Resort feature a variety of special effects including scents, flashing lights, loud noises and periods of darkness. Some of these may be disturbing to guests with cognitive disabilities. Knowing what to expect is important to deciding which rides or attractions are appropriate for the Guest. For more information on experiences in Walt Disney World Resort, download Attraction Details for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities or our more general Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities and
Walt Disney World Resort offers a variety of services to help Guests with hearing disabilities enjoy the Resort.
Services include:
Guest Room Amenities
Assistive Listening
Handheld Captioning
Video Captioning
Sign Language Interpretation
Guest Room Amenities
Guest Rooms at Walt Disney World Resort hotels can be equipped with door knock and phone alerts, phone amplifiers, bed shaker notification, a strobe light smoke detector and a Text Typewriter (TTY) telephone.
For more information or to request a Room Communication Kit, please call Walt Disney World Resort Information at (407) 824–4321.
Handheld Devices
Walt Disney World has various ways for those with hearing impairments to experience some shows and attractions. Handheld Devices offer Assistive Listening, Handheld Captioning, and Video Captioning. Each works only at specific attractions.
All the theme parks have Disney’s Handheld Devices available at Guest Relations on a first-come, first-serve basis for a fully-refundable $25 daily deposit.
Handheld Captioning displays on-screen text in 29 attractions, most attractions that involve spoken word.
Video Captioning is available at select locations in queue areas for attractions have video screens throughout that give exposition for the attraction’s story. With most o for use in queues with videos. Video Cptioning on Disney’s Handheld Device is available for 15 attractions, most of which are shows or mild attractions that rely on a video screen.
Some attractions have American sign language interpretation on certain days of the week. Disney’s PDF guide lists which days. You will need to arrive at an attraction 15–25 minutes early to request an interpreter or be seated in the appropriate section to see the interpreter.
A few Cast Members can communicate using American Sign Language (ASL) and will have this indicated in a golden box under nametag. If you have a serious emergency, ask Guest Relations or another Cast Member to call one in.
Guests with Visual Disabilities
Walt Disney World Resort has a variety of services for Guests with visual disabilities. These services include:
Disney Handheld Devices provide audio description of visual elements of an attraction. Available at all four theme parks at Guest Relations on a first-come, first-serve basis and a fully refundable $25 deposit.
Guidebooks for people with visual disabilities.Audio description is available for most shows and slow-moving rides. You can find the full list of attractions with audio description service on Disney’s website.
There are two Guidebooks, Both are available at Guest Relations on a first-come, first-serve basis with a refundable $25 deposit.
Braille guidebooks are printed in large text and Braille and have descriptions of attractions, restaurants, and stores.
Portable tactile map booklets are maps of the park with tactile outlines of buildings, walkways, and landmarks.
Visit Guest Relations first thing as you arrive in the park as you cannot reserve these items.
Stationary braille maps
Stationary braille maps are located throughout the parks. One at every Guest Relations in each of the Parks. You usually have to ask a Cast Member for additional locations.
The stationary braille maps indicate the location of attractions, service animal relief areas, restrooms and companion restrooms, Guest Relations, and First Aid.
Braille Menus Select table-service restaurants offer menus in Braille — ask a Cast Member about availability
Guests with Lighting Sensitivity
Walt Disney World Resort uses specialty lighting effects and other visual effects throughout many shows and attractions. This is something to be aware of if you or a member of your party have a photosensitivity or seizure disorder. Consult the signage posted at our attractions — which includes height requirements, health and safety advisories, and accessibility guidelines. Restrictions and advisories are also listed on individual attraction pages on disneyworld.com.
Helpful services and access options are available throughout Walt Disney World Resort for Guests with mobility disabilities. For more information, please contact Disability Services at (407) 560–2547 or email disability.services@disneyparks.com.
Walt Disney World attractions offer access for Guests with mobility disabilities in the following categories:
1. Must Be Ambulatory: These attractions require Guests to walk by themselves or be assisted by members of their party. There are just a few of these in the four parks.
2. Must Transfer from Wheelchair/ECV to Ride Vehicle These attractions require Guests to transfer from their wheelchair or ECV — by themselves or with assistance from their party — to a ride vehicle.
3. Must Transfer from ECV to Wheelchair from Wheelchair to Ride Vehicle Guests must transfer to a wheelchair provided at the attraction. At some attractions, the transfer will occur at the entrance, while at other attractions, the transfer will occur within the building or queue.
4. May Remain in Wheelchair/ECV These attractions allow Guests to remain in their wheelchair or Electric Conveyance Vehicle (ECV) during the experience.
Wheelchair and ECV Accessibility with Walt Disney World Transportation
All of the transportation systems at the Walt Disney World Resort are accessible to Guests with disabilities. The only exception to this are the smaller ferry boats.
Bus Access
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All buses are equipped to accommodate various types of wheelchairs and ECVs/. The mobility device must fit the lift without being forced. Most buses can hold up to 2 mobility devices.
Guests using canes, walkers, crutches or who have difficulty walking can board via the rear door.
Watercraft Access
Watercraft access varies depending on the type of watercraft and the existing water levels and conditions. Boats and ferries are boarded via a ramp and devices must be parked in designated areas.
Monorail Access need for elevators or ramps at the Transportation and Ticket Center, Magic Kingdom park, Epcot, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
Notify cast member as monorail approaches the station that you will be in need of a ramp.
Guests may remain in their vehicle during transport.
Theme Park Disability Parking Lots
Guests with mobility disabilities — including those traveling with personal wheelchairs, electric scooters or other mobility devices — should park in our Disability Parking Lots, located a short distance from the main entrance to each of the 4 theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort. Courtesy trams do not stop at these locations. Guests with the ability to walk short distances and step onto courtesy trams should park in the main parking lots of Magic Kingdom park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. If necessary, Guests may ask for a space at the end of a row closest to the courtesy tram pick-up/drop-off location. Courtesy trams will then transport Guests to each theme park’s Main Entrance.
Guests with chronic illnesses may have individual and specific needs and limitations. Disney does whatever they can to accommodate these diverse needs.
It is recommended that you contact the D Disability Services before your visit. please contact Disability Services at (407) 560–2547 or email disability.services@disneyparks.com.
In case something goes wrong while you’re at Disney World, it’s good to know where to seek medical care when needed
First aid stations located in each of the Parks. You can find where they are on the individual Park Guide Maps or aks any cast member for directions.
Magic Kingdom, First Aid is located between The Crystal Palace and Casey’s Corner, as you’re walking towards Adventureland.
In EPCOT, find First Aid in the Odyssey Center between Future World and the World Showcase, near the Mexico Pavilion.
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, First Aid is in the guest relations building on Hollywood Boulevard, right near the park entrance.
nimal Kingdom has a First Aid station on Discovery Island right next to Creature Comforts.
Baby care stations these also are lcated in each of the parks and marked on Guide Maps. They ar enot just for babies. Older children and adults are welcome as well. These air-conditioned spaces are quiet with places to sit, relax, and recoop. there are large companion bathrooms with large changing tables.
AdventHealt services
AdventHealth is the official health care provider at Walt Disney World Resort, offering a network of services to Guests — including urgent care, doctor visits, prescription delivery, equipment delivery and more.
Guests with Special dietary needs, restrictions r allergies
Most Disney Dining locations are able to accommodate many special dietary needs, such as diabetes, gluten or dairy intolerance, vegan or vegetarian preferences, with no advanced notice..
Walt Disney World Resort, we take great pride in providing choice and variety for Guests with special dietary requests. You can request to speak with a chef or a special diets-trained Cast Member at most table-service and select quick-service restaurants. In most cases, no advance arrangements are needed. While restaurants take reasonable efforts to accommodate dietary requests, we cannot guarantee that they will be able to meet all requests.
Most quick service locations have and allergy friendly menus available for the asking
Most small kiosks and food carts may not have a listing of allergy friendly items. You can ask the cast member for this information however if your allergy is severe I would recommend going elsewhere.
Mobile ordering now includes many allergy friendly items though this may not include all of the items available at the location
Sit down restaurants have allergy friendly menus for the most common categories if you have another allergy or intolerance or more specific request ask to speak with the chef they will be happy to accommodate your needs whenever possible.
Buffets Most buffets have allergy friendly item marked at the buffet. If you have an uncommon allergy or another special request ask to speak with a chef. They will be happy to come and walk you through the buffet tables to point out those item that are appropriate for you.
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Final Thoughts
All of the Theme Parks, resorts, and most other areas withinthe greater Walt Disney World Resort are accessible to individuals with disabilities. Walt Disney World is one of the top wheelchair-accessible vacation destinations kn the world. At least that’s my opinion.
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I am currently planning my next trip to the Magic.
While many disabilities are visible and easily recognized, many others pre not so apparent. You can not see that I have significant vision problems just by looking at me. And you may not be able to tell that someone has an anxiety disorder and is prone to panic attacks unless you witness such an attack.
According to the online Oxford languages dictionary a disability is defined as ‘a physical or mental condition that limits a person’s movements, senses, or activities. https://languages.oup.com/google-dictionary-en/
If you really think about it, using that definition nearly every one of us has a limitation, a disability of some sort. We all have limitations. You may not be able to run as fast as your brother or hear as well as you did when you were twenty. This is a limitation but is not considered a disability.
By law the definition is a bit different. According to the American Disabilities act enacted in 1990:
The ADA defines a person with a disability as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity.
The KEY word here is Substantially. A vague term and one open to interpretation. But interpretatioon by whom? Since we’re talking about Disney here, I am glad to report that Disney seems to define Disability very broadly and accomodates, where possible, for all types and levels of limitation.
Further provisions under the Americans with Disabilities Act include:
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in several areas, including employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications and access to state and local government’ programs and services. As it relates to employment, Title I of the ADA protects the rights of both employees and job seekers.
“According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, a person with a disability can with proper preparation travel. However travelers with disabilities, such as mobility limitations, vision or hearing loss, or cognitive disabilities may require special attention and adaptation of transportation devices.
CDC Yellobook 2020 “Travel with Disabilities by Cynthia F. Hinton, John Eichwald , Deborah Nicolls Barbeau, Gail A. Rosselot, Sue Ann McDevitt.
As you can see from the definitions above disabilities come as physical and/or mental limitations. I would extend and expand the definitions to include several more categories.
List of Disabilities
Physical Disabilities to include
Altered Mobility
Sensory (vision, hearing, tactile) Limitations,
Chronic Illness.
Mental Disabilities such as
Learning Disabilities/Developmental Delays
Autism,
AD/HD,
Anxiety,
Mood Disorders/Emotional Disabilities
Multiple handicaps – those with disabilities in motor, sensory, and mental/developmental areas
Diet Restrictions/Allergies
(Bolded items are those I added)
All of these come in varying levels of impairment that have varying impact on an individual’s ability to function, perform daily activities, and respond to and enjoy the world around them.
What does that mean for traveling?
Traveling with any kind of disability isn’t easy. To travel successfully, the decision to travel and where to go requires more planning. And the actual travelling may take more effort. Adjusting to both mental and physical/mobility issues depends on both the traveler ‘s and their companion’s (if they are no traveling alone) mental and physical abilities.
Know yourself
It’s important to know yourself: your specific needs, abilities, and limitations. You’ll need to allow more time for planning and more pre-trip preparation.
Know your rights
The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) define these rights. They aim to ensure that any traveler with a disability and their companion have the freedom to travel equally.
Examples of rights under the ACAA and ADA include:
Service animals are allowed to accompany people with disabilities.
Entrances, doors, ramps, and elevators must have accessible routes.
Accessible building elements such as signs, toilets, parking spaces, and loading zones.
Adequate time to board on all modes of public transportation.
Aircrafts with over 60 seats must provide an accessible lavatory and onboard wheelchair.
When is it possible and when it isn’t it for those with disabilities to travel?
This is a very important consideration for any of us with a disability and one we need to be honest with ourselves about.
For those with stable disabilities or chronic conditions traveling, though difficult, should be possible. Of course, you need to take into account such things as the particular location, weather, season, and the availability of medical facilities.
When not to travel? When your health condition is acute rather than chronic or when you have new or unmanaged issues.
The world, at least the world of travel, just isn’t made for those of us with disabilities. Disabilities of any kind. Though many places and locations have made some accomodation for some disabilities.
Disney makes accommodation for all types of disabilities to the best of their ability within the constraints of the environment, wmeather, numbers of guests, costs, and personel. They do a cery good job.
That’s why I think Walt Disney World is an excellent destination for those of us with a disability.
Final Thoughts,
Travel is possible for those of us with disabilities of all kinds, even if it isn’t easy. Because the world outside our homes wasn’t designed with us in mind we have to make special preparation in order to be successful in our travels and enjoy the experience.
So Remember!
Planning is the KEY!
You need to do your research
Know your own limitations, abilities, and stamina
Next time I’ll go into just what accomodation you can expect. Stay tuned.
I was super excited about the recent changes to the DAS – Disability Access System = at Walt Disney World.
But after hours, and hours, and hours waiting to get through to a LIVE cast member, I’m not so sure this was a good idea.
I know Mickey and Disney thought this was a great innovation and would make the DAS process more accessible . But I don’t think they thought it through. They obviously didn’t expect the numbers of guests trying to access the system accurately.
On paper it sounded great.
You can pre-register for the DAS pass before you leave home. Great!
No taking time out frrom your first day in the Magic waiting in a line at Guest Services to register for DAS.
You can do it all on your phone or computer 30 to 2 days beffore you arrive.
And you get a bonus of 2 DAS’s set before you get there. This is the perk that drew me in.
But it doesn’t work!
For those of you who don’t know
DAS stands for Disability Access Services. It is an accommodation Disney has made for Guests with Disabilities that make it difficult or impossibile to tolerate or manage long waits in the stand-by queues for one reeason or other.
It is not just a mobility thing. It is not a way to skip the line. It is a way to make rides and attractions with long, diffiult queues accessible to everyone.
The way it works
An eligible guest or their represientative must register for DAS.
Until last fall this had to be done in person at Guest Services in one of the Parks on their first Park Day.
Now we can do it online, supposedly.
The process is simple. No doctors note or medical documentation needed.
Just a series of questions about why standing in a long line or navigating a queue is a hardsship for the individual.
Who is Elliginle
Those with Mental Health issues (AD/HD, Anxiety Disprders, Autism) who find the close quarters, crowds, noise, bright lights, stimuli and the long waits intolerable.
2. Those guests with physical disabilities that require frequent/routine treatment/medications, meals. or trips to the rest rooms necassary.
3. Those with vision or other sensory issues that make it difficult to manuever, manage, or tolerate the enviornment/atmosphere of the ques. (This is why I request DAS. My vision is such that I can not adjustt to sudden or frquent changes in light/dark. I become blinded for minutes when moving from bright light to darkness and vice versa and become disoriented.)
The use of a mobility device alone does not necessarily make one eligible.
So how do you use it?
I repeat DAS is not just a means of skipping the often long wait times in the Stand-By line. It is a way to wait outside the queue itself for those of us who can’t manage the queue.
Step 1. The individual with a DAS, requests a return time for an attraction. In the past this had to be done in person at the ride entrance. Now thanks to recent changes in the system you can do this on the My Disney Experience App.
Step 2. You are given a return time EQUAL to the current wait time in the Stand-By line.
Step 3. You can wait anywhere.
Step 4. The PWD (Person with Disability) returns at the appointed timewith all those in their party. They return to the Lightening Lane or disability entrance to access the ride without going through the regular queues.
So everyone waits the same amount of time, just not in the queue. Got It?
The major changes then are:
You can pre-register online 30 to 2 days before your arrival.
You can access your DAS passes on your phone or computer via the My Disney Experience App.
Now back to the pre-registration fiasco.
It sounded great. I could do it all on my computer before leaving home. And I could get 2 bonus DAS passes in the bargin. This is really why I decided to pre-register. And I’m sure this is why many people decided to also.
But after trying repeatedly. Four days so far. For 4+ hours each day. A total of 20+ hours of my time waiting for someone: a live cast member or MIckey or anyone to answer, I’n about to give up!!
Twenty+ hours of waiting and never getting through is enough. Another glitch in the process. My system keept timing out every hour or so. I had to login again. It indicates that I reenter the queue in the same place in line. But I’m not so sure.
Bottom line I haven’t gotten through yet. I’m beginning to think Mickey and all his friends just aren’t answering the phone anymore.
Is anyone else out there having the same problem? Has anyone had better luck or are we all still waiting?
By the way, ever the optimist, while writing this post I am curently waiting in line once more. Got on at 7 AM. It is now 10:32 and I’m still waiting.
This is absolutely the last time!!
Pat
P.S. Before posting this I finally got through to Winifred at 12:23. The procedure from there was quick, seamless, and enjoyable. The cast member was able to register me, answer all my questions, and set up my 2 bonus DAS passes per day. A big shout out and THANKS to Winifred.
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All of the Walt Disney Parks are magical of course. But which one do you like best and why?
The Magic Kingdom is the original. And so, for me it is full of great memories of happy times with friends and family over the years. It has the iconic rides that still fascinate and thrill. What better symbol of Walt Disney World itself than Cinderella Castle and Space Mountain?
Magic Kingdom was my favorite park, especially when I visited with my nieces and nephews. But without any kids in tow, it’s not so much my favorite anymore.
Too crowded. Too hectic. Too noisy. I’m not into rides that much anymore. Definitely not a thrill rider, so the coasters aren’t for me. But you can’t beat the fireworks, though I tend to enjoy them from afar anymore rather than stand on Main Street shoulder to shoulder with everyone else. I like them better from the Polynesian or the Grand Floridian now.
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Epcot was once my favorite park.The original Epcot that is. I was fascinated by the innovations and the science. The World of Energy and Wonders of Life were my favorites. And what about the original Figment of the Imagination and Honey I Shrunk the Kids.
EPCOT has changed and, in my opinion, not for the better. Oh I still love the World Showcase and learn all about the different cultures. And the Festivals are still great fun.
But I feel that EPCOT has become much more of a Theme Park in recent years. The atmosphere has changed. The crowds have increased. It’s become much more of an eating and drinking venue, than oneof learning. I for one don’t like having to battle my way through visitors that have imbibed the ‘spirits’ a bit too much.
Hollywood studios. You know what I’m going to say bye now before I say it. Don’t you?
I liked it better when it was MGM studios or at least before all the recent changes. When the park was dedicated to the the making of movies rather than the promotion of Disney IPs and brand.
I liked The Backstage Studio Tour, The Magic of Disney Animation Tour, Superstar Television and The Monster Sound Show. And, oh yes, the Great Movie Ride, though I must say I enjoy Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railroad even more.
Galaxies Edge and Toy Storyland are great but with them have come the crowds, the lines, and the long, long waits.
By now I suppose you’ve guessed the answer to my first question. Which part is my favorite?
Animal Kingdom is my favorite Walt Disney World Park by far.
Why? Well, the Animals of course. And the environment, the theming, the food. But most of all Animals Animals, Animals.
When I’m in Animal Kingdom I don’t feel like I’m in a theme park at all. I feel like I’m really on an adventure. On an adventure in Africa or Asia, or on an archaeological dig with dinosaurs. Or yes, even on a strange planet called Pandora. And who doesn’t love going on Safari, closest I’ll ever get to a Safari, I think. Or how about petting barnyard animals or seeing wild animals up close.
There are rides of course and they’re great ones. But what is most important they don’t interfere with the overall theming. As Disney has made changes and added attractions to the park, they don’t seem to have altered the learning experience.
Animal Kingdom was created to provide a message that is its underlying character. A message that of the world of animals is endangered and their preservation and the ecology of the world in general is important and our responsibility. Disney hasn’t broken with Disney imagineer Joe Rohde’s concept for the park. And I’m thankful for that.
But most of all, I love Animal Kingdom because of the space, the openness, the Peace. Though the park is often crowded in most areas it just doesn’t feel that way. The animal trails in particular are great places to get away from the crowds.
So, while I love all of the Walt Disney World Parks, magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios. I will still visit each of them on every visit to the Magic. But Animal Kingdom is my favorite and I plan on spending two full days there on my trip next month.
Doing Disney with Disabilities 