Welcome to our new blog series, Dear Flora! For this inaugural post, Mommy Frog is kicking it off by answering some of the most basic, but frequently asked questions about Walt Disney World Resort. The resort is massive, and for first-timers, we know planning a Disney vacation can get a little overwhelming! But not to fear — there is no such thing as a "silly" question in the Pond. This Disney World FAQ post is truly beginner-level, making it the perfect place to start. Let's jump right in!
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Introducing Dear Flora
Hello! My name is Flora, also known as Mommy Frog at the Pond. As the expert planner of the Frog Family, I have over 25 years of experience going to theme parks in both Florida and Southern California. With countless trips to Disney, Universal and Disney Cruise Line sailings under our family's belt, we have compiled all our planning expertise into our handy-dandy tools and resources:
- Comprehensive blog (which you're reading now!)
- Helpful Crowd Calendars, with daily and annual crowd estimates for theme parks, plus daily park hours, refurbishments, special events and more so you can get a holistic view of your vacay dates
- Daily itineraries — aka Park Plans — to help you go into the parks with a pre-structured plan
- Jump Start Guides, our easy-to-read, visual PDF guides with everything you need to know to start your theme park vacation planning in one spot!
- And more!
Every day, we get questions from our lovely frog friends on our blog and social channels, such as Instagram and YouTube. I wanted to start Dear Flora to showcase some of the most popular ones we receive (or even hear ourselves while in the parks). After all, if you have a question, chances are that someone else is wondering the same thing! While we're starting with a focus on Disney World, I'm already planning out Dear Flora editions that cover theme parks on both coasts and Disney Cruise Line, as well as themed topics such as seasonal events.
Hop along for the ride, and feel free to submit other questions in the comments below! Perhaps it'll even spark a future Dear Flora post. :)
Disney World FAQs
Where is Disney World?
Walt Disney World is technically located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida — a municipality in Orange County that's owned and operated by the Walt Disney Company and Bay Lake. Because the closest airport to Disney World is the Orlando International Airport, the resort is often referred to as being in Orlando. However, if you're driving, it's about 15 miles outside the city.
When did Disney World open?
Disney World officially opened its doors (and kingdom) to guests on Oct. 1, 1971. However, Walt Disney started thinking about opening the resort in the late 1950s after the success of Disneyland.
In fact, Walt first flew over the area now known as Disney World in 1963, and by 1965, revealed his plans for his famed Florida Project. The first park to open was Magic Kingdom on Oct. 1, 1971, then EPCOT in 1982, followed by Hollywood Studios in 1989 and lastly, Animal Kingdom in 1998.
What's the difference between Disney World and Disneyland?
Disneyland Resort is located in Anaheim, California. Disneyland Park was the first-ever Disneyland theme park, and it's right next door to Disney California Adventure Park. It can be easy to confuse the two, but to remember their locations, we keep it straight with this trick: DisneyLAnd (think LA) and Disney WORLd (think Orlando). For a full breakdown of differences, hop over to our Disney World vs. Disneyland post.
How big is Disney World?
The city of Manhattan in New York is a little over 22 square miles. Disney World is 43 square miles — nearly double!
With four theme parks, two water parks, a shopping district, an entire transportation system with bus/boat/monorail/gondola options, 20+ hotels and more, Disney World needs the space, and at a little more than 27,000 acres ... it has it!
It doesn't stop here, though. Disney World is already planning expansions and future projects, such as the addition of a Cars Land to Frontierland, Villains Land and more. With a property that's a little bit bigger than the entire span of San Francisco, the possibilities of growth over the next decade are truly endless. Hop over to our full post on What's Coming to Disney World to check out what else is on the horizon!
How much are Disney World tickets?
The price of your Disney World ticket will depend on the time of year you're visiting. Since most people are traveling, you can expect ticket prices to cost more during spring break, over the summer and during the holidays. We have a whole post about the best times to visit year-round.
Single date-based tickets cost anywhere from $157-$203 from October to mid-April, with the most expensive prices during the second half of December. Prices start to drop at the end of April, before picking up over the summer, then dropping to their lowest between August and September at around $121 per ticket.
Park Hopper tickets, which let you hop from park to park in a day, cost a bit more. For example, a 1-Day Park Hopper ticket for use in August 2025 costs about $200-237 per ticket. Florida residents, on the other hand, get discount tickets with proof of residence. It's also important to keep in mind that the price of Disney World tickets depends on the park you're visiting, as well. Magic Kingdom is usually always the most expensive, whereas Animal Kingdom is the cheapest.
It's a lot to remember and try to figure out, but we've taken the guesswork out of trying to find the cheapest Disney World tickets. Buy discount tickets through Undercover Tourist, and save on your next visit (including special event tickets, Florida resident tickets and more)!
What age is considered a child at Disney World?
If you're buying tickets to Disney World and have kids, you might be wondering what age is considered a child at the theme park. Young guests between the ages of 3-9 are considered children, and as such qualify for child-priced admission to the parks.
If you have really young children, ages 3 and under, they are considered to be Guests of Mickey and are free to enter! Check out our helpful guide about preparing for a visit to Disney World with kids!
Can you share Disney World tickets?
Right off the bat, if you use your ticket but have to leave EPCOT early, you can't just hand it over to your friend for them to use. Disney tickets are non-transferable and once they've been used, even for only a few hours, they can't be used again by a new person.
That being said, if your ticket hasn't been used yet, you have the option to reassign it to someone else in your existing Family & Friends list. To do so:
- Log in to your My Disney Experience account.
- Click on "My Reservations."
- Find the ticket you want to reassign.
- Select "Reassign Ticket."
Easy peasy! You also have the option to share your account with those on your Family & Friends list, including linking photos and reservations.
What time does Disney World open?
Disney World's hours vary across the theme parks. All of the opening hours are posted either on Disney World's website or are accessible on the My Disney Experience app. You can also easily see park hours on the Undercover Tourist Crowd Calendar. Park opening hours are usually as follows:
- Magic Kingdom: 9 a.m.
- EPCOT: 9 a.m.
- Hollywood Studios: 9 a.m.
- Animal Kingdom: 8 a.m.
For guests staying on-site at a Disney World resort, there's also Early Theme Park Entry. With this benefit, guests can enter all four theme parks 30 minutes prior to the regular posted park opening time.
What time does Disney World close?
Like opening times, park closing times at Disney World vary but are usually:
- Magic Kingdom: 10 p.m.
- EPCOT: 9 p.m.
- Hollywood Studios: 9 p.m.
- Animal Kingdom: 6 p.m.
It's important to remember that these closing times may change throughout the year. For example, sometimes during winter, Animal Kingdom will stay open later, closing at around 8 p.m. During the fall, both Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios close down early for their themed after-hours events. Magic Kingdom, for instance, closes at 6 p.m. for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Hollywood Studios closes around 7 p.m. for Disney Jollywood Nights.
Also, at certain points throughout the year, it's not unusual for Magic Kingdom to stay open until 11 p.m. Because of these changes, it's always a good idea to check in on park hours so you're prepared. Guests staying at a deluxe resort such as Animal Kingdom Lodge or Wilderness Lodge can take advantage of Extended Evening Theme Park Hours. On select nights, guests of these resorts can stay at the park for an additional two hours after closing.
How much is parking at Disney World?
It depends!
There are a few different rates for parking at the four theme parks:
- Standard parking: $30
- Preferred parking: $45-$55 (depending on seasonal rates)
- Oversized Vehicle parking: $35 (shuttle, limo, camper trailer, RV, bus or tractor trailer)
Standard theme park parking is included for Disney Resort hotel guests and select annual passholders. These guests can choose to upgrade to preferred parking by paying the difference.
Otherwise, parking is free at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park and Disney Springs. Standard self-parking is free for day guests while they enjoy select dining, shopping and entertainment and recreational experiences at Disney Resort hotels. Overnight self-parking is also free for guests staying at Disney Resort hotels.
Is Disney World open year-round?
Yes, Disney World is open seven days a week, 365 days a year. Because of this year-round schedule, it is one of the most popular places to spend both summer vacation and the holiday season.
While very rare, Disney World has closed due to extreme circumstances, such as severe weather. If and when this happens, Disney makes announcements on its social media and website (and so do we, so you stay informed and know how to reach us!).
How many parks are in Disney World?
There are four main theme parks in Disney World: Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, EPCOT and Animal Kingdom.
- Magic Kingdom is the original park, featuring classic rides like Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion. It is most similar to the original Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California.
- EPCOT blends innovation and world culture. It features four festivals throughout the year, including the International Festival of the Arts, International Flower & Garden Festival, International Food & Wine Festival and International Festival of the Holidays.
- Hollywood Studios brings filmmaking and storytelling to life! Guests can immerse themselves in the galactic adventures of Batuu in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge or see how stunts are pulled off in the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular.
- Animal Kingdom is an animal lovers' paradise, featuring glimpses into the vibrancies and cultures of Africa, Asia and the fictional world of Pandora.
In addition to the four theme parks, Disney World is also home to two water parks: Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. For the first time since 2019, both water parks are open during the summer months through Sept. 7, 2025. During the slower season, at least one water park remains open, and they will often switch off operations.
How many rides are at Disney World?
How long do you have? Including all four theme parks, there are 49 total rides at Disney World (and counting!). Here they are broken up by park:
Magic Kingdom:
- Astro Orbiter
- The Barnstormer
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Haunted Mansion
- "it's a small world"
- Jungle Cruise
- Mad Tea Party
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Peter Pan's Flight
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Space Mountain
- Tiana's Bayou Adventure
- Tomorrowland Speedway
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
- TRON Lightcycle Run
- Under the Sea - Journey of The Little Mermaid
- Walt Disney World Railroad
- Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress
EPCOT:
- Frozen Ever After
- Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
- Journey Into Imagination With Figment
- Living with the Land
- Mission: SPACE
- Remy's Ratatouille Adventure
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends
- Soarin' Around the World
- Spaceship Earth
- Test Track
Hollywood Studios:
- Alien Swirling Saucers
- Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
- Slinky Dog Dash
- Star Tours — The Adventure Continues
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
- Toy Story Mania!
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Animal Kingdom:
- Avatar Flight of Passage
- DINOSAUR
- Expedition Everest — Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
- Kali River Rapids
- Kilimanjaro Safaris
- Na'vi River Journey
Whew! These rides are all in addition to the countless shows, animal encounters, character meet-and-greets and other exciting things to do around Disney World. Plus, there are also rides at the water parks! It's a lot to get done, for sure, which is why you may want to consider Disney's Lightning Lane service. For a fee per person, per day, you can buy a Multi Pass that lets you skip the line at most of these attractions. Check out our guide for maximizing your time at Disney World for some other helpful tips!
Can I bring my own food?
Yes, you can — and we highly recommend it! Not only can bringing your own food into the parks save you some serious dough, but it can be a huge time saver, too. After all, what sounds more appealing: waiting in line for a pastry or crossing Big Thunder Mountain Railroad off your must-do list?
When bringing in your own food, there are some limitations to keep in mind. First, you cannot bring in any glass containers. There's nothing worse than glass shattering in line for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train! The only exception to this rule is glass baby jar food containers at your hotel. Furthermore, you aren't allowed to bring in coolers that exceed 24" x 15" x 18" or dry ice. Outside of these limitations, we have our own froggy suggestions — don't bring foods that need to stay cool or may spoil in the Florida heat. Remember, during the summer, temps can reach the mid to upper 90s.
We recommend:
- Pretzels
- Fruit, such as oranges, apples, grapes and bananas
- Fruit gummy snacks
- Granola bars
- Pop Tarts
- Baby carrots
- Reusable water bottles
What is the dress code?
It's important to remember that Disney World is a family-friendly resort. Disney World doesn't allow clothing with profanity or graphic images.
Furthermore, guests are asked to avoid any clothes that hang or drag on the ground, have multiple layers (outside of a regular jacket) or wear a costume. There are some exceptions for costumes, however. They are allowed for guests under the age of 14 and everyone at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. However, costumes should still be appropriate.
Certain fine dining locations, such as California Grill and Victoria & Albert's, also have a dress code. The same rules apply! Furthermore, Disney encourages guests to avoid flip-flops, bathing suits and other casual attire. Dress code aside, you want to make sure you're packing the right stuff for your Disney World trip. We can't tell you how many times we packed for rain, only to experience the biggest heat wave and vice versa. Fortunately, we've got you covered in this Disney World weather and packing guide!
Will rides be shut down for refurbishment?
There certainly could be! While some rides may be down due to changeovers or random operational issues, it's always a good idea to be aware of Disney's refurbishment schedule. For example, many of the outdoor rides, especially those with water, close for an annual refurbishment in January and February. This is immediately following the rush of the holiday season, so crowd levels aren't as high. Furthermore, the weather is still relatively cool during the early months of the year, making it the perfect time to work on water rides guests may be choosing to skip anyway.
Check out our post on Disney World Refurbishments & Closings to best prepare for your trip. Also, keep in mind that refurbs and closures are subject to change at any time.
Where do I start?
We've covered a lot of ground so far in this blog. You know the rules, what you need to pack and where to turn for affordable tickets ... but now what? For example, you might be asking: "When is the best time to visit?" Moreover, you might want to know, "What should I do when I get there?" We answer these questions in our Jump Start planning guide!
We also offer projected crowd levels, average weather temps and park hours to determine the best time of year to visit. We create detailed itineraries for the entire family. Do you have thrill seekers and foodies in your group? We have just the recommendations! Download these guides and our app for a personalized, seamless vacation planning experience.
Well, there you have it, folks: a full-length, comprehensive Disney World FAQ to kick off Dear Flora. In short, there's a lot to know about a trip to the Disney Parks. Whether you want to save money, choose the best time of year to visit, or just want to learn more about the parks, we're here to help!
Have more questions? Hop over to our Walt Disney World Jump Start Guide for the ultimate planning resource with everything you need to know in one place. Also, feel free to leave questions in the comments!
Related: The Best Times to Visit Walt Disney World Resort
Hoppy planning!
