According to the Orlando Tourist Information Bureau, over 50 million people visit the Orlando area each year--many of which are going to enjoy Orlando's major theme parks. Orlando has eight well known theme parks--the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Sea World and Discovery Cove. The Orlando area also has many golf courses, including the five courses in the Walt Disney World Resort.
Magic Kingdom
The Magic Kingdom was the very first theme park of what is now Walt Disney World Resort, with its grand opening in October 1971. The Magic Kingdom is split into four different lands, each with a separate theme: Fantasyland, Frontierland, Adventureland and Tomorrowland. They are all connected by Main Street U.S.A, which is where guests first enter the park. While there are no rides on Main Street, there are many shops, restaurants and bakeries. Although the park in extensive, the Walt Disney World Railroad goes all the way around the perimeter of park, with stops in Main Street U.S.A., Frontierland and in the back of Fantasyland.
Magic Kingdom
3111 World Drive
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 824-4321
disneyworld.disney.go.com
Epcot
Epcot was the second park to be added to the Walt Disney World Resort, with its grand opening in October 1982. Epcot is split into two main areas--Future World and World Showcase. World Showcase is further divided into 11 countries. These 11 countries include--from the left side of the park to the right--Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, United States, Japan, Morocco, France, United Kingdom and Canada. Most of the rides are in Future World, but the World Showcase offers international cuisines and movies or performers that teach you about each culture. There are even Kidcot stations that allow younger kids to learn with hands-on activities and create distinctive souvenirs.
Epcot
1200 Epcot Resort Blvd.
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) WDW-MAGIC
disneyworld.disney.go.com
Animal Kingdom
The Animal Kingdom was the fourth, and latest, park to be added to the Walt Disney World resort, with its grand opening in April 1998. The Animal Kingdom is split into seven different lands, each with a separate theme. These seven lands are Africa, Asia, Dinoland U.S.A., Discovery Island, Camp Mickey and Minnie, Rafiki's Planet Watch and Oasis. The park is home to over 1,700 animals and 250 animal species. They are all connected by Discovery Island. You can learn and explore, ride thrill rides, watch shows or get a bite to eat at one of the restaurants. There is one Signature dining experience, the Brown Derby, in the park.
Animal Kingdom
Osceola Pkwy.
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 824-4321
disneyworld.disney.go.com
