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Writer's pictureDenna White

Disney 101: Disney Parks

Written by Denna White


Did we hear you say you wanted to go to Disney?


Would you believe that The Walt Disney Company has 14 theme parks? You read that correctly!


“Going to Disney” can mean going anywhere from the two Southern California parks that make up Disneyland; the six park complex in Orlando, Florida; two parks in France, two in Japan, one in Hong Kong, and one in Shanghai! 



Confused?


We’ve got you covered!


Let’s start by demystifying the US parks.


  • Disneyland, located in Anaheim, CA, is the one that started it all in 1955 by Walt himself! You’ll find the original Fantasyland, Adventureland, Fronteirland, Tomorrowland, and more here. Sleeping Beauty’s castle, the Matterhorn, and Mickey’s Toontown are popular attractions you’ll only find here! 

  • Disney’s California Adventure is right next door to Disneyland. Themed in the early 20th century style when Walt arrived in Southern California, this park pays homage to the history and culture of California. You’ll find Cars Land, The Avengers Campus, San Fransokyo Square, Pixar Pier, and Paradise Gardens here. 

In Central Florida, you’ll find four distinct theme parks plus two water parks and Disney Springs! 


  • Disney’s Magic Kingdom opened in 1971 with Cinderella’s Castle as its centerpiece. It is comprised of many of the classic rides you’ll find at Disneyland, plus its own specialties like TRON, Aladdin’s Magic Carpets, The Seven Dwarfs' Mine Train, and Country Bear Jamboree.

  • EPCOT (Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow) was Walt’s dream for the future. While its original intent may have been an actual community where people live, it continues to draw millions of visitors every year. Its theme is technological innovation and celebrating international cultures. Here you can travel to space, take a ride on a hang glider, travel through time and around the world—all without leaving Orlando! Popular rides include Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Test Track.

  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios pays homage to the Golden Age of Hollywood in the 1930s and 1940s along with popular modern classics. Here you’ll find Sunset Boulevard, Toy Story Land, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and more! Popular attractions include: Hollywood Tower of Terror, Slinky Dog Dash, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.

  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom is themed around our connection to the natural world. While often given an incorrect and unfair description as a “glorified zoo”, this park takes you from Africa to Asia and from the prehistoric past to the fictional future in Pandora. This gorgeous park has plenty of thrills and fun for the whole family. Where else could you go on a safari through the savanna and ride on a Banshee? 

  • Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is the original of the two water parks at Walt Disney World. This tropical paradise full of waterslides and places to relax is themed around the aftermath of a storm that left surfboards in trees and a boat at the top of a “mountain”. Plenty of fun in the sun for the whole family!

  • Disney’s Blizzard Beach tells the tale of a ski resort that has melted! You’ll find former ski runs that make excellent water slides and kids can climb across “icebergs” alongside one of the tallest free fall water slides in the world! 

  • Disney Springs is a shopping, dining, and entertainment center that is themed around historic Florida. Four distinct “neighborhoods” make this a great place for visitors to take a break from the parks and enjoy all its unique offerings.


So, do you know where you want to go? We would be thrilled to wave our magic wands and create the Disney trip of your dreams!


Let’s start planning!


Step into the enchanting realm of travel with Denna as your guide! In a whirlwind of busy days, Denna reignites the spark of meaningful human bonds. Just like your personal fairy godmother, she will create

your dream vacation with Disney magic, crafting moments you'll treasure forever!







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