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Navigating Walt Disney World®: Guide for First-Timers

Posted on June 15, 2025

Three young adults smile and take a selfie together in front of a large Sorcerer Mickey statue and whimsical decorations at a theme park or resort.

First time at Disney World? If you haven’t been to this majestic place, you might find navigating the parks really challenging. Why not? Walt Disney World® is MASSIVE. With four theme parks and two water parks, it’s a literal “world” beyond your colorful imagination.

Don’t fret if you haven’t been to Disney World because we’re here to save your day! As advocates of fun, we want to make sure that you can maximize your Disney adventures. That’s why we are giving you this friendly guide to navigate Walt Disney World®. From basics like transportation to entertainment and accessibility at the parks, we’ve got you covered.

What’s in Walt Disney World®?

Would it be an exaggeration to say that Walt Disney World® has everything? The 25,000-acre park features four state-of-the-art theme parks: Magic Kingdom©, EPCOT©, Disney’s Hollywood Studios©, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom©. It also features two world-class water parks: Typhoon Lagoon© and Blizzard Beach.

Walt Disney World® offers an unforgettable experience with seasonal shows, events, and 173 rides across its theme and water parks. You read that right. Over a hundred rides and magical events for all Disney enthusiasts of all ages.

FUN FACT: Did you know that Walt Disney World® is so big that it is about the same size as the city of San Francisco? No wonder WDW packs so many surprises for all Disney fanatics!

Read more to discover how you can navigate Walt Disney World® with so much ease.

Traveling to Walt Disney World®

There are many ways to travel to Walt Disney World®. Here are the top three transportation options when heading to Disney World:

Plane

There are over 600 flights to Orlando operated by over 20 airlines per day. The Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the closest airport to Walt Disney World®, located just 20 minutes away by car.

Car Rental

For everyone who wants to deeply immerse in the WDW experience, renting a car is the way to go. You can rent and drive the vehicle to Walt Disney World®, or run through some errands before your WDW getaway.

Rideshare Services

Arguably the best transportation option heading to Disney World. Rideshare services let you skip the hassle of driving and paying for parking.

Walt Disney World® Park Hours

Operating hours at Walt Disney World® parks vary per season. Be sure to check the WDW website for early closing or extended hours. Here are the operating hours of each park this May 2025:

  • Magic Kingdom©: 9AM-10PM
  • EPCOT© : 9AM-9PM
  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios©: 9AM-9PM
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom©: 8AM-6PM
  • Blizzard Beach: 10AM-5PM
  • Typhoon Lagoon©: 10AM-5PM

Getting around Walt Disney World®

Person wearing mouse ears reaches up toward flying Dumbo ride cars at an amusement park, with a blue sky in the background.

Worried about sore toes and painful legs after walking? Disney World knows how to treat guests like VIPs. WDW offers lots of amazing transportation within the resort to help you navigate smoothly across the parks.

Walt Disney World® Bus Service

Complimentary

Easily the most convenient way to explore Walt Disney World®, buses are available across the parks. The complimentary bus service offers more than just your typical bus amenities. In addition to charging stations and better accessibility for guests, it also stepped up with its new appearance.

The new bus wraps will delight all guests on this ride. Featuring beloved Disney characters from Zootopia, Ratatouille, 101 Dalmatians, and more, every ride is a joyride.

Spot WDW Buses at:

Near park entrances, the Town Center entrance of Disney Springs, and near the main lobbies of resorts.

Monorail

Complimentary

For an old-school Disney feeling, the monorail is the best choice. To experience WDW nostalgia and visit key locations at the resort, the monorail offers three lines that will help you access different areas of WDW. Here are some key monorail stops that you should note:

  • Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC)
  • Magic Kingdom©
  • EPCOT©
  • Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
  • Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Disney Skyliner

Complimentary

Want to enjoy the spectacular views of your favorite WDW attractions? Disney Skyliner is the newest complimentary transportation for guests. Explore Disney World in style with a ride on these aerial gondolas. The Disney Skyliner connects Disney’s Hollywood Studios© and the International Gateway at EPCOT© to the following Disney Resort hotels:

  • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
  • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
  • Disney’s Pop Century Resort
  • Disney’s Riviera Resort

Where is it located?

The Disney Skyliner Station is located at International Gateway at EPCOT©. Just a few strolls away from Disney’s BoardWalk entertainment district, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, and Disney’s BoardWalk Inn.

Water Taxis and Ferryboats

Complimentary

Fancy a relaxing boat ride? Walt Disney World®’s unique water transportation options will take your Disney cruising to the next level. Sail smoothly to and from Magic Kingdom©, Disney’s Hollywood Studios©, EPCOT©, and throughout Walt Disney World® Resort.

Minnie Van Service

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For a more exclusive way to navigate across Disney World, the Minnie Van Service is an excellent choice. These ultra-stylish vehicles are decorated with Minnie Mouse’s signature polka dots and feature the following amenities:

  • Seating for 5 people
  • Disney cast members as operators/drivers
  • One complimentary car seat
  • 2 designated spaces for mobility devices

The complimentary seat can be used by one of the five passengers. For an accessible Minnie Van, the maximum capacity is 7 passengers.

Accessibility Services at Walt Disney World®

A family gathered around a table, happily sharing a meal at a restaurant.

Here's a simple guide to accessibility services at Walt Disney World® for a comfortable and hassle-free first visit.

Dining

There are over 200 dining options inside the resort. From restaurants to snack bars, your cravings will be 100% satisfied. Don’t forget to try the following dining hubs at each WDW park:

Magic Kingdom©

  • Be Our Guest Restaurant (table service)
  • Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe (quick service)
  • The Plaza Restaurant (table service)

EPCOT©

  • Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria (table service)
  • Le Cellier Steakhouse (table service)
  • Sunshine Seasons (quick service)

EPCOT©’s newest bar and lounge, Geo-82, opens this June at the Spaceship Earth. Reserve now for a luxurious Disney dining experience.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios©

  • Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant (table service)
  • 50's Prime Time Cafe (table service)
  • Woody's Lunch Box (quick service)

Disney’s Animal Kingdom©

  • Tiffins Restaurant (table service)
  • Flame Tree Barbecue (quick service)
  • Satu'li Canteen (quick service)

Parking

Both complimentary and paid parking/valet parking are available at Walt Disney World®.

Theme Parks

Guests will only have to pay for one park parking pass that is good all day for all four theme parks inside WDW: Magic Kingdom©, EPCOT©, Disney’s Hollywood Studios©, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom©.

Disney Resort Hotels

Complimentary self-parking (both standard and overnight) is available for Disney Resort Hotels guests. Complimentary standard parking is available to Guests staying at The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort.

Valet parking is offered at Disney Deluxe and Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, as well as at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

Guests with Disabilities

There are designated parking areas throughout WDW available for guests with disabilities.

Restrooms

Walt Disney World® has a significant number of restrooms spread throughout the parks and attractions. Most of these facilities are equipped with baby changing stations as well as adult changing tables.

Disney World also has companion restrooms and facilities packed with menstrual and incontinence support products. Below are guides to each attraction, along with the approximate number of restrooms in it:

  • Magic Kingdom©: 23
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom©: 21
  • EPCOT©: 27
  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios©: 25
  • Typhoon Lagoon©: 7
  • Blizzard Beach: 5
  • Disney Springs: 14
  • ESPN Wide World of Sports: 35

**Restrooms at table service restaurants and pre-entrance are not included in this list.**

Wheelchair & ECV Rentals

For guests who need mobility assistance, wheelchairs are available throughout the parks on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios©: 1
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom© Theme Park: 1
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom© Resort Area: 1
  • EPCOT©: 2
  • Disney Springs Resort Area: 2
  • Magic Kingdom© Park: 1

Electronic Conveyance Vehicles (ECV) are also available for rental on a first-come, first-served basis. There are two ECV rental stations located at EPCOT© and Disney Springs Resort Area, and one each for the other parks.

First Aid

Nurses and first aid stations are available for guests needing over-the-counter medications and medical care. If you’re feeling under the weather, head over to the first aid stations located at the following areas:

  • Disney Springs Resort Area
  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios©
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom© Resort Area
  • EPCOT©
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom© Theme Park
  • Magic Kingdom© Park

Make your first Walt Disney World® visit worth it.

A group of cast members stands smiling in front of a bright, colorful building, highlighting their unity and the cheerful setting.

Book your flights, secure your , pack your bags, and get ready to explore Disney World. Walt Disney World® offers a whole new world of fun, magic, and imagination, with hundreds of rides and attractions.

We hope that this guide can help you make your first WDW experience oh-so comfortable. Get ready to be captivated by the timeless and unrivaled magic of Disney. You don’t have to break the bank for this escapade. So make sure to get your discounted Walt Disney World® tickets now for non-stop, affordable fun.

Have a wonderful first time at Disney World!

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