Disney Resorts/Disney World, Florida

A- Overview:
Disney is all about dreams. Even better, it is about dreams with happy endings! “When you wish upon a star”, as the song goes, there is the hope and expectation that marvelous things will happen. When Walt Disney designed the Magic Kingdom, it was with this in mind, and the result is far beyond what was anticipated. As soon as Disneyworld opened in the 1960s, families flocked to its gates. Their children and grandchildren have followed year by year in ever greater numbers.

What is the most exciting and memorable experience you can envision? Is it looking out your hotel window across the plains of Africa and watching a giraffe gracefully loping along? Or do you see in you mind’s eye the cloudless, blue Florida sky from which the sun will rise on your wedding day? Disney weddings are at the pinnacle of perfection. The couple arrives at the wedding chapel in a Rolls Royce, attended by a footman. Following the ceremony, a reception may be held in one of the gardens or in a tastefully appointed dining room with a musical ensemble (or a DJ) providing the entertainment. There is the option of choosing to have dessert in another country, as the wedding party adjourns to their chosen destination at Epcot.

Recently, a couple who work in a London hospital dined with their wedding guests at the Grand Floridian and then traveled to the British sector of Epcot for tea and cakes, followed by the all American fireworks display on the lake.

Whatever your hopes and dreams, chances are they can be realized while vacationing in this wonderland of possibilities.

B- City Information:
Population: 47,814 (Disney World and Kissimmee)

Elevation: 70 Feet Above Sea Level

Land Area: 16.7 Square Miles

Location: Disney World (Lake Buena Vista) is located 77 miles east of Tampa, 220 Miles northwest of Miami and 162 miles southwest of Jacksonville. Major interstates–I-95, I-75, and I-10–provide access into Florida from the north, with connections directly into the area via I-4, the Florida Turnpike, and US 192. I-75, I-95, and the Florida Turnpike provide quick access from south Florida.

Time Zone: Disney World (Lake Buena Vista) is located in the Eastern Time Zone (when it’s noon at Disney World, it’s 11:00am in Chicago and 9:00am in Los Angeles). Disney World observes Daylight Savings Time from April – October.

Weather:

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Average temp. (°F)
59.8
61.1
65.4
70.0
75.6
80.3
81.8
82.0
80.4
74.5
67.7
61.7

High temperature (°F)
71.6
73.2
77.5
81.8
86.8
90.2
91.6
91.6
89.7
84.5
78.8
73.1

Low temperature (°F)
47.8
48.8
53.3
58.2
64.4
70.4
71.9
72.3
71.1
64.5
56.7
50.1

Precipitation (in)
2.4
2.7
3.3
2.0
3.8
6.1
6.6
7.3
6.0
3.1
2.4
2.2

Climate:

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Days with precip.
6
7
7
6
8
14
17
16
14
9
6
6

Wind speed (mph)
9.0
9.6
9.9
9.4
8.8
8.0
7.3
7.2
7.6
8.6
8.6
8.5

Morning humidity (%)
88
88
89
88
88
90
91
93
92
90
90
89

Afternoon humidity (%)
57
53
50
47
49
58
59
60
61
57
56
58

Sunshine (%)
63
65
71
75
75
67
62
61
61
65
64
61

Days clear of clouds
9
9
9
10
9
4
3
3
4
9
10
10

Partly cloudy days
10
9
10
11
14
14
17
17
15
11
10
9

Cloudy days
12
11
12
9
9
12
11
11
12
11
10
12

Snowfall (in)
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0

Local Seasons:

Snow Days – None!!!!

Disney World enjoys a year round warm climate. The winter is popular with many tourists as the temperatures average in the low-mid 60’s F, the perfect time to enjoy this truly remarkable world known attraction as well as the numerous other sites and attractions which make up this number 1 tourist area in the world. In the spring, fall and winter, it is usually less crowded with the exception of spring break and when large convention groups are in town.Shorts are acceptable wear at all of the major attractions and most restaurants. It is also the perfect time to enjoy one of the numerous water theme parks in the area. Jump in and cool off, the waters fine!

How to Get There

By Air

Orlando International Airport

407/825-200

Airport Transportation

Orlando International is 25 miles east of Walt Disney World and 20 miles south of downtown. At rush hour (7-9am and 4-6pm), the drive can be a torturous hour or more; at other times, it’s about 30 to 40 minutes.

Driving to Disney World

To get from the airport to the attractions, take the North exit out of the airport to Highway 528 West. Follow signs to I-4; it takes about 30 to 40 minutes to get to Disney World if the traffic isn’t too heavy (double or worse in rush hour or when there’s an accident). When you get to I-4, follow the signs west toward the attractions.

An Alternative: Orlando Sanford International Airport

407-585-4000

Is much smaller than the main airport, but it has grown a bit in recent years. The airport has most of the major car rental desks on site. Mears Transportation shuttles also serve it.

Kissimmee Gateway Airport

301 N. Dyer Blvd., Suite 101
Kissimmee, FL 34741
407-847-4600

Located near Orlando, just eight miles from Disney World and ten miles from the Orlando-Orange County Convention center, Kissimmee Gateway Airport (ISM)

By Car:

Driving to Disney is easy, too! Major interstates–I-95, I-75, and I-10–provide access into Florida from the north, with connections directly into the area via I-4, the Florida Turnpike, and US 192. I-75, I-95, and the Florida Turnpike provide quick access from south Florida.

By Bus:

Greyhound Bus Terminal
103 East Dakin Avenue
Kissimmee, FL 34741

407-847-3911

By Train:

Amtrak
111 Dakin St.
Kissimmee, FL 34741

407-425-9411or 800-872-7245

C- Attractions/Things To Do:
Area Designations and Some Highlights Within Disney World

Main Street, USA

Walt Disney World Railroad

Town Square Exhibition Hall

Adventureland

Swiss Family Treehouse

Jungle Cruise

Pirates of the Caribbean

Frontierland

Tom Sawyer Island

Splash Mountain

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Liberty Square

The Hall of Presidents

Liberty Belle Riverboat

The Haunted Mansion

Fantasyland

Cinderella Castle

Fairy Tale Garden

Mickey’s Philharmagic

Peter Pan’s Flight

It’s a Small World

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Ariel’s Grotto

Mickey’s Toontown Fair

The Barnstormer

Mickey’s Country House

Judge’s Tent

Toontown Hall of Fame

Minnie’sCountry House

Toon Park

Tomorrowland

The Extraterrestrial Alien Encounter

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

Astro Orbiter

Space Mountain

Tomorrowland Indy Speedway

Epcot

Future World

Spaceship Earth

Innoventions

The Living Seas

The Land

Ice Station Cool

Circle of Life

Imagination!

Honey, I Shrunk the Audience

Automobile Test Track

Mission: Space

Wonders of Life

Cranium Command

Body Wars

Universe of Energy

World Showcase

Pavilions, shops, restaurants, and attractions that capture the essence of countries around the world surround the vast World Showcase Lagoon.

Disney-MGM Studios

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage

The Magic of Disney Animation

Voyage of the Little Mermaid

Playhouse Disney

Backlot Tour

Who Wants to be a Millionaire: Play It

American Film Institute Showcase

The Great Movie Ride

Sounds Dangerous starring Drew Carey

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular

Star Tours (based on Star Wars)

Jim Henson’s Muppets Vision 3-D

Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure

D- Family Fun Attractions:
Main Disney Destinations for the Family

Animal Kingdom Lodge

African Wildlife Preserve

Features story time beside the lobby fireplace and a continuous and fascinating view of the animals on the savannah.

Boardwalk

Epcot Area

Features the Keister Coaster, a 200 foot water slide, and traditional Boardwalk treats reminiscent of Turn of the Century (early 1900s) Atlantic City.

Contemporary

In the Magic Kingdom.

Features Chef Mickey’s fabulous meals; also fireworks at night, all in a high-tech, retrofuturistic setting.

Grand Floridian

A lavish, Victorian seaside resort in the Magic Kingdom area.

Features Honeymoon suites, afternoon tea, and many activities for children.

Polynesian

South Pacific theme in the Magic Kingdom area.

Features white sand beaches, tropical lagoons, and a pool with slide and waterfall…also a fabulous weekend Luau .

Swan and Dolphin

Maritime theme in the Epcot area.

Features swan-shaped paddle boats and a small, private beach.

Wilderness Lodge

Celebrates the grand lodges of America’s National Parks. (Magic Kingdom area)

Features totem poles, and erupting geyser, and hot springs whirlpools.

Yacht and Beach Club

Cape Cod ambience in the Epcot area.

Features Stormalong Bay: a sand-bottomed, three acre pool with water jets, a series of water slides, and a shipwreck!

Disney’s Old Key West

Key West theme in downtown Disney

Features Tiny Tot Tea Parties, Unbirthday Parties, and a homey, village atmosphere.

Disney’s Saratoga Springs

Historic Saratoga Springs atmosphere in Downtown Disney area.

Features beautiful gardens, restful pathways on which to wander, and a kids only water spray pool.

Caribbean Beach

Tropical Islands in the Epcot area.

Features the Fortress Pool and Parrot Cay Island, and a secluded, sandy beach.

Coronado Springs

Mexico and southwest US theme in the Animal Kingdom area.

Features The Dig Site with its Mayan Temple.

Port Orleans and Riverside French Quarter

Antebellum South and New Orleans French Quarter themes. Located in Downtown Disney.

Features a pool, fishing hole, and playground at Riverside’s Ol’ Man Island, and a sea serpent themed family pool at the French Quarter’s Doubloon Lagoon.

All Star Movies, Music, and Sports

A comic strip theme; located in the Animal Kingdom area.

Features All Stars Jazz and Broadway Music areas.

Pop Century

American pop culture theme.

Celebrates pop history. Features a stste-of-the-art arcade; a playground and interactive water fountain.

Fort Wilderness

Rustic woods theme.

Features pony rides, hayrides, a petting farm, and a blacksmith’s shop. Also a nightly campfire circle complete with roasted marshmallows.

E- Events & Entertainment:
January

Walt Disney World Marathon

Some 15,000 entrants run through several theme parks. Live bands, hot air balloons, and Disney characters cheer the runners on. There is also a 5K run for children.

Spring

Wide World of Sports Complex

Atlanta Braves Spring TrainingAtlanta Braves Spring Training
Be up close as the Braves battle it out with some of the best in in this on-site ballpark.

Mid-April –early June

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival
Have a field day as Epcot celebrates spring with a colorful array of fragrant flowers, elaborate gardens and Disney-themed topiaries.

May and June

Star Wars Weekends

Weekends in May and June
Disney salutes the “Star Wars saga with celebrities and characters from the movies.

September

Night of Joy Contemporary Christian Music concerts. 407-827-7200.

October

FUNAI Golf Classic at Walt Disney World Resort
Mid-late October
The Classic features golf’s greatest pros, challenging each other on Disney’s magnificent Palm and Magnolia courses.

October

Epcot International Food and Wine Festival
October 1 – Mid-November
Sample delectable dishes and wonderful wines from around the world.

November

Festival of the Masters
Mid November
Inspire your artistic side at one of the most acclaimed and eclectic open air art festivals in the country. Voila! You’re in the picture.

ABC Super Soap Weekend
Mid November
Meet and greet popular stars from your favorite ABC daytime dramas.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights
End of November- January 2
Check at 407-934-7639 for updates on this popular event..

Holidays Around the World (Epcot)
Late November – Late December
Discover the joy of holiday celebrations, customs and characters from different countries and diverse cultures all around the world.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Late November and early December
Join the celebration and make your holiday the merriest with this festive party – the best gift that you can’t fit under your tree.

Festival of the Seasons
Thanksgiving weekend – December 24
Stroll down this holiday haven of shops, entertainment and good cheer. Enjoy the festive atmosphere as Downtown Disney celebrates the season.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Several nights during the first three weeks of December. Includes snow flurries and hot cocoa on Main Street. Includes Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade and a holiday edition of fireworks.

Mickey’s Jingle Jangle Parade
End of November – January 2
Celebrate the holiday season on the savannah with this spectacular parade.

December

Pleasure Island New Year’s Eve
December 31
Make a resolution to dance the night away at the most stupendous New Year’s Eve street party around.

New Year’s Eve at Cirque du Soleil
December 31
Celebrate the New Year with the captivating and spellbinding spectacle of La Nouba.

Atlantic Dance Hall New Year’s Eve
December 31, 2004
Move into the New Year dancing and dining to the latest sounds in an atmosphere of timeless elegance.