Fun, family vacation, a dream come true, and of all magical are common words to describe Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.
Is it really family-friendly?
In 1971, Walt Disney World Resort had its grand opening with more than 100,000 employees and guests visiting. The cost of an adult admission ticket was only $3.50. Now, with an average of 58 million visitors a year between the four theme parks, a single-day ticket at the Magic Kingdom costs $115 for adults and $107 for kids ages 3-9 years old. The price increase, in June 2019, poses a problem for larger families, or families that simply cannot afford it. It is getting so expensive that it's pricing out the middle class. Will the price drop? Probably not, but yet they are still labeled as family-friendly.
So how much does a Disney World vacation cost? Check out Vacation Kids Post.
What do they offer?
Walt Disney World is 27, 258 acres – about the same area as all of San Francisco and two times the size of Manhattan (Magic Guides). The size alone should tell you that there are a lot of things to do. There are four theme parks, the first is Magic Kingdom featuring attractions, fireworks, musical parades, and Disney Characters. Second is Epcot featuring attractions, international pavilions, fireworks, and seasonal special events. The third is Hollywood Studios that showcases the glamour and excitement of movie-making. Fourth is Animal Kingdom which features attractions and wildlife experiences. There are also two waterparks: Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach both featuring waterslides, a surf pool, a lazy river, and more.
Why should you visit?
This theme park has the ability to bring you back to your childhood, which is why it is a kid’s wonderland. The Disney characters walking around, the attractions, the shops, the food, and most importantly the family coming together makes this vacation seem like a dream. Seeing your kids light up every time they turn the corner and see their favorite character is unforgettable. It is not only for kids, although they market it for families and children, it is also for couples, solo travelers, and older people.
My Experience:
I was fortunate to go, many years ago, when I was around 7 years old. I remember to this day the parade, the fireworks, and the characters. My family took their first trip to Florida together and that alone was exciting. My goal, throughout the entire vacation, was to get all the character's signatures - I probably wasn’t even close to half of them. The magic of the park is that it is made for everyone, which could be one of the reasons it is called “the happiest place on earth”. I would recommend going with family, friends, your partner, or anyone who shares the same enthusiasm! While the price is high, and I could argue isn't family-friendly solely in terms of cost, it is worth the experience!
Fun Fact from Magic Guides:
Disney World has only closed 7 times in its history: Hurricane Floyd (Sept. 1999); 9/11 Terrorist Attacks (Sept. 2001); Hurricane Charley (Aug. 2004); Hurricane Frances (Sept. 2004); Hurricane Matthew (Oct. 2016); Hurricane Irma (Sept. 2017); and Coronavirus COVID-19 (March 2020).