Disney+World

What is some of the history of Disney World? Disney World hasn't been around for very long. "1971 was the __seminole__ year in Orlando. . . Disney and company decided that the vast acreage and accomodating local leaders were just what __local leaders were just what__ they needed to build the company's first theme park outside California. Thus was born Disney World's Magic Kingdom, which welcomed it's first visitors in 1971" ("History"). Disney World also brought a lot of renovation to Orlando and surrounding areas. It led to many new banks, shopping centers, restaurants, hotels and motels, and apartment buildings (Grimsley).

What are some of the parks and sites at Disney World? Disney World has four theme parks and and two water parks, along with many other attractions. Magic Kingdom was the first theme park, opening in 1971. It has seven different lands, each with different themes, within the park. Next was Epcot, which opened in 1982. Epcot is also divided- into two different worlds called Future World and World Showcase (Henthorn). World Showcase displays many different countries and their customs and cuisines- "Ambassadors come from across the globe to represent their homelands, providing shows and entertainment that celebrate their cultures 'back home'" (Henthorn). Future World displays technologies of the future, as well as those that have already been discovered. The third park, Hollywood Studios (previously MGM) has tons of thrill rides and adventurous shows that are fun for anyone in the family. Hollywood Studios has expanded to nearly twice it's original size, and added even more thrilling rides along the way (Henthorn). The final park is Animal Kingdom. There is real wildlife __raoming__ around this park- "more than 1,700 animals representing 250 different species make their home at Animal Kingdom, yet you won't see many behind bars" (Henthorn). Disney's two water parks are Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Blizzard Beach showcases "one of the world's tallest and fastest free-falling waterslides" ("Theme Parks and Water Parks"). At Typhoon Lagoon, you can surf in a surf pool, and snorkel with real sealife in like leopard sharks, bonnethead sharks, stingrays, and other tropical fish in Shark Reef ("Theme Parks and Water Parks"). The last main attraction at Disney World is Downtown Disney, where you can shop at over 70 stores, eat at a variety of restaurants, or enjoy shows, dances, or parades. Downtown Disney is, like many places at Disney World, divided into sections. The three sections are Downtown Disney West Side, Downtown Disney Marketplace, and Pleasure Island. With all three sections, you're sure to find something perfect for you and your family ("Theme Parks and Water Parks").

Where can I stay that's close to Disney World? "Disney has two dozen resorts within the Walt Disney World resort property" (Henthorn). Many of those resorts provide daycare, numerous restaurants and shows, and tons of extra features. The Yacht Club Resort has a bay area called Stormalong Bay with a shipwreck theme and a sandy bottom pool. The Wilderness Lodge has huge trees, carvings, and even a geyser to make you feel like you're in the Northwest. The Polynesian Resort has tropical landscaping, sandy beaches, and it's very own water park. The Grand Floridian, one of the most formal resorts, has a full-service spa and within it lies the only Disney restaurant with a dress code! If you stayed at the Contemporary Resort, you would often see the monorail passing right through the center. Finally, one of the last main resorts, the Animal Kingdom Lodge, has balconies in every room, with wildlife right outside your door (Henthorn).

What are some other parks I could visit while I'm in Orlando? Universal Studios also has tons of thrilling rides but also a lot of rides for young kids. It arrived in 1990 and in 1999 it expanded with the addition of Islands of Adventure. Another park to visit is Sea World. It arrived after Disney in 1973 featuring their killer whale, Shamu and leaping dolphins show ("History"). Wherever you go in Orlando, you're not going to be bored.

Works Cited


 * Grimsley, Judy L. “Orlando.” __World Book Advanced__. 2009. [ SD State Library ] 6 May 2009 
 * Henthorn, Dawn. “Disney World Park-by-Park Guides.” __About.com__. 2009. The New York Times Company. 8 May 2009. 
 * “History.” __Yahoo Travel__. 2009. Wcities. 8 May 2009. 
 * “Theme Parks and Water Parks.” __Walt Disney World__. 2009. Disney. 12 May 2009. 
 * "Disney- Cinderella Castle at Night- Monotone blue (explored)" []