A guide to Walt Disney World Resort
By Eloise Barker
Discover a world where Cinderella doesn’t vanish after midnight and where you don’t have to wish upon a star to make someone’s dreams come true. Whether it’s your first time, your kids’ first time, or your first time without the kids – it’s always the right time to discover the magic of Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
The most magical place on earth
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What if you could make someone’s dreams come true? Walt Disney World can help you out: they’ve been in the wish-fulfilment business for decades.
Their four wonderful Theme Parks, plus Water Park Fun, have everything you could want – rides, resorts, restaurants and nightlife – to make your trip amazing. This really is the most magical place on earth. Here is our pick of the best.
Free Dining & Drinks on your 2026 Holiday
This is your chance to make 2026 a year you’ll never forget with this amazing offer when you book a holiday at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
Experience the Magic next summer with free dining and drinks plus 14 for 7-day park tickets. Offer valid for select Disney Resort hotel + ticket packages & arrivals.
Available to book from 29 April to 5 November 2025.
You can now book your 2026 Orlando summer holiday and secure your booking will a low deposit. All our holiday packages are ATOL protected.
Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability.
Where to stay
Disney’s All Star Movies Resort
Stay for: Planning to cram in as many parks as possible? Disney’s All Star resorts are great value for groups to use as a base.
Disney's Pop Century Resort
Stay for: The aerial gondola, Disney Skyliner, picks up and drops off from this hotel – it’s such a lovely way to arrive at Epcot.
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Stay for: This big resort is heaped high with Southern hospitality. You can even toast marshmallows on an outdoor fire pit.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Stay for: Enjoy tropical rooms and sandy beaches, themed like a series of pirate-plundered islands.
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Stay for: Quietly spread out amongst parks and lakes with enough space for a golf course.
Disney's Beach Club Resort
Stay for: Its three-acre water wonderland, Stormalong Bay, complete with a life-size shipwreck.
Disney's Boardwalk Inn
Stay for: This grand waterfront hotel has a carnival-themed pool with a 200-foot-long waterslide and a miniature golf course.
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
Stay for: Decked out in old-style Florida clapboard, this luxury hotel perfectly balances sophistication with a fun and lively atmosphere.
What’s the best Disney Dining Plan to choose?
Disney Dining Plans offer great value for money when you're staying at any Disney Resort Hotels. All you need to do is touch your Disney band or card. to the magic point when you make your purchase.
With the Disney Quick Service Meal option and Disney Quick Service Dining Plan you'll have access to over 90 restaurants throughout Disney Resort Hotels, theme parks and selected locations at Disney Springs. For access to over 170 locations opt for the Disney Dining Plan.
Disney Quick Service Meal includes one Quick Service meal, Disney Quick Service Dining Plan includes two Quick Service meals and Disney Dining Plan includes one Quick Service meal and one Table Service meal. They all include one non-alcoholic/alcoholic drink (aged 21+) per meal. Both the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan and Disney Dining plan also includes one selected snack and a Resort-refillable mug so you can fill up at any of the drink stations.
Terms and conditions apply
What's new
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom Park
Sprawling in Mississippi fashion across Magic Kingdom Park, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, is great for riding all together as you whimsically wind around the waterways. That is until a massive ramp grinds you up to the top of a wide, slushing slide – then it’s all, as they say, downhill from there.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind brings a whole new stardom to EPCOT. If you’ve got your eyes on the next intergalactic flight, racing through time and space, take on this next exploration and be spun through your paces.
Magic Kingdom Park
Best for: Magic Kingdom Park is where Walt Disney World Resort began and is still full of timeless fairy tale magic. Fireworks cascade over Cinderella Castle at the Happily Ever After nighttime spectacular, the Haunted Mansion is ghoulishly good, and Main Street, U.S.A. swells with music, and even smells of fresh cookies.
The lowdown: In this pocket of childhood memories, you’ll float, rather than walk towards your first view of Cinderella Castle. Mickey’s PhilharmMagic and “it’s a small world”, both beloved attractions, are practically run on a mix of nostalgia and children’s smiles. Book into the Be Our Guest Restaurant and make sure you try their Chocolate Tart, topped with curiously-named ‘grey stuff’; just like they say in the Disney song, ‘it’s delicious’! This does have a habit of getting booked up fast, so plan 60 days ahead.
Tips for little visitors: Are there excited children jumping on your bed at the crack of dawn? Take them to the Magic Kingdom Park and see the Opening Show on Main Street, U.S.A. Watch their little faces beam as Mickey and the gang welcomes you in.
Tips for bigger visitors: Plenty of adults flock to Magic Kingdom Park to relive cherished childhood memories. At Disney’s version of The Princess and the Frog: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure sees you traversing waterways and humming along with jazz-loving alligator Louis. It all feels rather tame until you plummet 50-foot. Then buckle up for one of the fastest coasters at any Disney theme park in the world, TRON Lightcycle / Run: Presented by Enterprise. In this digital frontier circuits are like freeways and Lightcycles race on ribbons of light, transporting you across the Grid on this high-speed adventure that knows no bounds. Oh, and don’t miss a chance to take a photo in front of the purple wall in Tomorrowland for your Instagram.
Live the fairy tale
Discover a world where Cinderella doesn’t vanish after midnight and – oh, boy! Is that Mickey Mouse? Stay at an on-site resort near Magic Kingdom Park and discover the magic at Walt Disney World Resort.
EPCOT
Best for: A world in miniature, EPCOT is for explorers. There are 11 country ‘pavilions’ to explore – great for anyone who wants to channel Phileas Fogg and circumnavigate the world at pace – and you can experiment with space and speed on impressive attractions – Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is the one everyone is talking about here.
The lowdown: The park fans out around a lake with the famous Spaceship Earth monument right in the middle. Split your time between 11 'countries' along the shore, meeting Mulan in China, Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs in Germany and Aladdin in Morocco. Go tourin' around the four neighbourhoods and Soarin’ Around The World – with the help of a big screen and piped-in scents it takes you flying over the wonders of earth. Mission: SPACE is for more intrepid explorers – but do it before lunch, not after.
Tips for little visitors: Little tiddlers will love meeting their favourite Finding Nemo friends in Turtle Talk With Crush, where they can discuss current affairs with the wise turtle himself through an ocean window. While Frozen fever has taken over the Norway Pavilion. Have a laff with Olaf the optimistic snowman and take the family river boat ride, where you’ll be buoyed along with hit songs from the film. Singing Let it Go isn’t mandatory, but if you break out your best Elsa impression you certainly won’t be doing it solo. Then step straight into Disney’s film Ratatouille and follow Chef Remy on a wild adventure through Gusteau’s Restaurant… What could possibly go wrong?
Tips for bigger visitors: Stay late and watch the evening nighttime spectacular, Luminous The Symphony of Us, on EPCOT's lake: it’s possibly the best fireworks display at Disney.
Magic Tickets
Have the fullest experience of the parks by buying Disney’s Magic Ticket , which can be purchased for 7 or 14 days. With Magic Tickets, you’ll have access to all wonderful Theme Parks, plus Water Park Fun. These tickets include Memory Maker, which means that you can document your trip with the help of park photographers and ride cams.. This ticket is only available pre-departure.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Best for: Bringing film to life in a blaze of attractions, shows and state-of-the art sound, Disney's Hollywood Studios is for movie lovers.
The lowdown: Despite exciting new openings at Disney's Hollywood Studios, classic favourites like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ isn't going anywhere. The riotous Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is always ready for an encore, whilst colourful Toy Story Land will enchant little fans. If you want to stop for lunch, enjoy house-smoked cooking at the Roundup Rodeo BBQ where Andy’s rodeo sets the scene with western towns and train station playsets.
Tips for little visitors: Playtime hits the big time in Toy Story Land. Prepare to get your springs in a twist on the Slinky Dog Dash roller coaster and spin into space on the Alien Swirling Saucers.
Tips for bigger visitors: It’s all about Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge®. Even diehard fans will be impressed by the level of detail and love that’s gone into creating the galaxy far, far away. Feel the force on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, form your rebel alliance for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and find yourself surrounded by Stormtroopers as the score swells.
Don't miss
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge®
The lowdown: Enjoy the shows, rides and chances to meet your favourite characters (give Chewbacca a call if you see him wandering around at the entrance). Embark on an important space mission at the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, then head to Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance for your next thrilling adventure. Make sure you visit Savi's Workshop and Droid Depot to nerd out on custom memorabilia too.
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
Best for: A tropical-themed day at a water park. Waves lap at your feet, calypso music comes drifting on the breeze, and ice cream comes served in a bucket.
The lowdown: Disney's Typhoon Lagoon is dominated by a seismically stupendous wave pool and a long lazy river. The Crush ‘n’ Gusher attraction will do you no harm… unless you’re a banana. Based on an abandoned fruit processing plant this ride is a fruity blend of water slide and roller coaster. Pick a buddy to ride with you on your double float. You might be happier sprawled on a lounger with a picnic, though, in which case the sandy beaches are all yours. Little ones will love their special play areas.
Tips for little visitors: There’s a special play area just for little ones, Ketchakiddee Creek, where there are special miniature slides. Tell tales to the all imitating, never intimidating, crocodiles, seals and elephants, as they splash around in shallow pools.
Tips for bigger visitors: Why not sign up to purchase early morning surf lessons (payable locally) at the wave pool before the park opens? Or see if you can withstand Humunga Kowabunga, this water slide drops you straight into the dark. So, you’re not as wise as you thought.
* currently only one water park is open at a time.
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
Best for: Confusing skiers: there’s nothing chilly about this great water park, which is themed around an alpine ski resort – just one that ‘melted’.
The lowdown: You’ll find big slides and fun rides centred around Mount Gushmore and the water remains a civilised 21°C throughout the park. One of the biggest rides is Summit Plummet, which you can see from far, far away. The faint-hearted might want to keep it at a distance. Shaped like a ski jump, this waterslide shoots you like a piece of pneumatic post through a tunnel at a phenomenal 60 mph.
Tips for little visitors: Little children will love splashing around at Tikes Peak, where there are special miniature slides. For afters, nothing beats Melt-Away Bay, a lazy river so lethargic you’ll never want to leave.
Tips for bigger visitors: If you’re too old and wise to tackle Summit Plummet, then try Toboggan Racers. This water slide as eight competive lanes, so every mat counts on this downhill slalom.
*Currently only one water park is open at a time.
And after all that...
Disney Springs is Walt Disney World Resort’s shopping, dining and entertainment district. Prepare to be consumed with entertainment, from DJs with your steak at STK® Steakhouse, to pagodas made of sushi at Morimoto Asia™, to taking a vintage Amphicar for a dip in the lake. You can bag designer brands in Disney Springs and haul the world's largest collection of Disney merchandise at the World of Disney shop. Buy a squillion variations on the Minnie Mouse ears and wear them proudly for dancing at the House of Blues® Music Hall.
Good Neighbor® Hotels?
Disney Resort Hotels aren’t the only place you can stay within Walt Disney World Resort: step forward, Disney’s Good Neighbor® Hotels.
Book the Four Seasons Resort or the Waldorf Astoria Orlando for five-star comfort or the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace to be close to Disney Springs. You can also choose to stay at the vast Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort complex, which boasts a heap of restaurants and facilities.
Disney Offer Terms and Conditions
Free Dining & Drinks offer
Book your dream 2026 package holiday by 5 November 2025 to get Free Dining & Drinks and the Disney 14-day Magic ticket for the price of 7 days on selected arrivals.
1. Offer applies to new bookings made between 29 April and 5 November 2025 only.
2. Valid for selected travel for arrival between 07 Jan – 30 Mar 26, 13 Apr - 07 Oct 26, 22 Oct - 19 Dec 26.
3. The offer will appear in red text on ba.com should it be applicable for the room type and travel period. To book the 2026 Free Dining & Drinks offer you must select a room type with 2026 Early Booking Offer, this will include a Disney Dining Plan for each guest and a 14 Day Magic Ticket for the price of 7 days, with free memory maker (worth $210). Exclusions apply.
4. Free Dining & Drinks offer applies when staying at one of the Resorts listed below for a minimum of 5 nights and a maximum of 21 nights. Excludes gratuities. Note various meal plans apply to different Resorts - Quick Service Meal, Quick Service Dining Plan, Disney Dining Plan – as listed below.
Disney Value Resorts – Disney Quick Service Meal
- Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, excluding Mermaid Standard (VA) Rooms
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Disney Moderate Resorts (excluding suites) – Disney Quick Service Dining Plan
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Disney Deluxe Resorts (excluding Suites, Club Level Rooms and 3-Bedroom Villas) – Disney Dining Plan
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts (excluding Suites, Club Level Rooms and 3-Bedroom Villas) – Disney Dining Plan
· Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
· Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
· Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, excluding 2 Bedroom Cabins (2K)
· Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas Kidani Village
· Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
· Disney’s Riviera Resort
· Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, excluding Treehouse Villas (TH)
· The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, excluding 2 Bedroom Villas Lake View (83), 2 Bedroom Villas – Standard View (88)
Disney Quick Service Meal
Includes the following per person (ages 3+) per night during the package stay at participating Disney Resort hotel and Theme Park locations:
· One (1) Quick Service meal
· Participating restaurants are subject to change.
· The duration of the Disney Quick Service Meal Component must coincide with the number of nights of the room reservation.
· Meals for guests ages 3-9 may not be used by persons ages 10 and up. Guests ages 3-9 must order from the children’s menu where available.
· Each Quick Service Meal includes one (1) single serving at a participating Quick-Service restaurant:
· Entrée or Combo meal (if available)
· Beverage
· Where “beverage” is included for quick service meals, the guest may choose any non-alcoholic beverage, or, if beer, wine or mixed drink beverages are offered at the location and the guest is 21 years of age or older with proof of age (see below), the guest may choose from a selection of the beer, wine or mixed drinks available at the location. Such selection will include most of the total offering of beer, wine or mixed drinks available at the location; some beer, wine and mixed drinks will be excluded. Novelty or souvenir cups are not included.
Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan
Includes the following per person (ages 3+) per night during the package stay at participating Disney Resort hotel and Theme Park locations:
· Two (2) Quick Service meals
· One (1) Snack
· Participating restaurants are subject to change.
· The duration of the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan must coincide with the number of nights of the room reservation.
· Meals for guests ages 3-9 may not be used by persons ages 10 and up. Guests ages 3-9 must order from the children’s menu where available.
· Each Quick Service Meal includes one (1) single serving at a participating Quick-Service restaurant:
· Entrée or Combo meal (if available)
· Beverage
· Examples of snacks include a choice of:
· Frozen Ice-Cream Novelty, Popsicle or Fruit Bar
· Two scoops of hand scooped ice cream
· Popcorn Scoop (single serving size)
· Mickey pretzel with cheese
· Single piece of whole fruit
· 20 oz. Bottle of Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite or Dasani® Water
· 20 oz. fountain Soft Drink
· Single-serve Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Hot Tea, milk or juice
· Alcoholic beverages are not included.
· Snack icons are located on qualifying snack items throughout participating locations in the Theme Parks and Resorts.
· Where “beverage” is included for quick service meals, the guest may choose any non-alcoholic beverage, or, if beer, wine or mixed drink beverages are offered at the location and the guest is 21 years of age or older with acceptable proof of age (see below), the guest may choose from a selection of the beer, wine or mixed drinks available at the location. Such selection will include most of the total offering of beer, wine or mixed drinks available at the location; some beer, wine and mixed drinks will be excluded. Novelty or souvenir cups are not included.
· The Resort refillable drink mug entitles guest to refills of fountain soda from quick-service restaurants in the Resorts during the Guest’s stay. Mugs are not eligible for fills or refills in Theme Park, Water Park or Disney Springs locations.
Disney Dining Plan
Includes the following per person (ages 3+) per night during the package stay at participating Disney Resort hotel and Theme Park locations:
· One (1) Quick Service meal
· One (1) Table-Service meal
· One (1) Snack
· Participating restaurants are subject to change.
· The duration of the Disney Dining Plan must coincide with the number of nights of the room reservation.
· Meals for guests ages 3-9 may not be used by persons ages 10 and up. Guests ages 3-9 must order from the children’s menu where available.
· Many dining locations require the redemption of two (2) Table-Service meals per guest (these locations are referred to as “Signature Restaurants”).
· Due to the popularity of our Disney table-service restaurants, dining availability may be limited or not available. Guests can call 407-WDW-DINE to make reservations up to 60 days prior to their visit, subject to availability.
· Each Quick Service Meal includes one (1) single serving at a participating Quick-Service restaurant:
· Entrée or Combo meal (if available)
· Beverage
· Each Table-Service Meal includes one (1) single serving, at a participating Table-Service restaurant:
· For Breakfast:
· Entrée OR One (1) Full Buffet, Pre-Fixe or Family-Style Meal (if available)
· Beverage
· For Lunch/Dinner
· Entrée OR One (1) Full Buffet, Pre-Fixe or Family-Style Meal (if available)
· Dessert
· Beverage
· Examples of snacks include a choice of:
· Frozen Ice-Cream Novelty, Popsicle or Fruit Bar
· Two scoops of hand scooped ice cream
· Popcorn Scoop (single serving size)
· Mickey pretzel with cheese
· Single piece of whole fruit
· 20 oz. Bottle of Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite or Dasani® Water
· 20 oz. fountain Soft Drink
· Single-serve Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Hot Tea, milk or juice
· Alcoholic beverages are not included.
· Snack icons are located on qualifying snack items throughout participating locations in the Theme Parks and Resorts.
· Where “beverage” is included for quick-service meals and table-service meals, the guest may choose any non-alcoholic beverage, or, if beer, wine or mixed drink beverages are offered at the location and the guest is 21 years of age or older with acceptable proof of age (see below), the guest may choose from a selection of the beer, wine or mixed drinks available at the location. Such selection will include most of the total offering of beer, wine or mixed drinks available at the location; some beer, wine and mixed drinks will be excluded. Novelty or souvenir cups are not included.
· The Resort refillable drink mug entitles guest to refills of fountain soda from quick-service restaurants in the Resorts during the Guest’s stay. Mugs are not eligible for fills or refills in Theme Park, Water Park or Disney Springs locations.
5. Offer is valid when booking a participating hotel and ticket package directly with British Airways Holidays, via ba.com or the British Airways Holidays Contact Centres only.
6. Package holiday prices are updated every 24 to 48 hours and are accurate when published and may vary upon reaching subsequent pages.
7. All hotels and holiday packages are subject to availability. Additional resort/hotel taxes may apply.
8. British Airways Holidays reserve the right to amend or withdraw these offers at any time.
9. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer, voucher or promotion.
10. British Airways Holidays and British Airways Conditions of Carriage Apply – please click here for details.
11. All information is correct at time of publishing online – 17 April 2025, errors and omissions excepted (E&OE).
12. All holiday packages are protected under British Airways Holidays Ltd by the Civil Aviation Authority. The British Airways Holidays ATOL number is 5985.
Free days ticket offer
You will also receive a Disney 14-Day Magic Ticket for the price of a Disney 7-Day Magic Ticket when you pre book your ticket, giving you double the days to experience all the magic of the Theme Parks, Water Parks and beyond.
1. Free days ticket offer applies to new ticket bookings made between 29 April and 5 November 2025.
Valid on the below ticket packages:
· 14-Day Disney Magic Ticket with Memory Maker for 2026 Arrivals
2. Valid for arrivals between 07 Jan – 30 Mar 26, 13 Apr - 07 Oct 26, 22 Oct - 19 Dec 26 only unless otherwise stated. The offer will appear in red text on ba.com should it be applicable.
3. If the Special Offer Ticket is purchased for any guest in the party, it must be purchased for all guests in the party
4. Package holiday prices are updated every 24 to 48 hours and are accurate when published and may vary upon reaching subsequent pages.
5. All hotels and holiday packages are subject to availability. Additional resort/hotel taxes may apply.
6. British Airways Holidays reserve the right to amend or withdraw these offers at any time.
7. Not valid in conjunction with any other ticket offer, voucher or promotion.
8. British Airways Holidays and British Airways Conditions of Carriage Apply – please click here for details.
9. All information is correct at time of publishing online – 17 April 2025 errors and omissions excepted (E&OE).
10. All holiday packages are protected under British Airways Holidays Ltd by the Civil Aviation Authority. The British Airways Holidays ATOL number is 5985.
Terms and Conditions
- Flight only prices are updated every 24 hours and are accurate when published. Flights at these prices are limited and may sell out quickly.
- Package holiday prices (flight + hotel or flight + car) prices are updated every 24 to 48 hours and are accurate when published and may vary upon reaching subsequent pages. Availability may be extremely limited particularly during peak periods.
- Return fares displayed are the lowest adult return prices in the cabin specified including taxes, fees and carrier charges, based on a 7-day return journey.
- Each–way fares displayed are the lowest adult each-way prices in the cabin specified based on the lowest adult return prices for a 7 day travel period, including all taxes, fees and carrier charges available in this period.
- One-way fares displayed are the lowest adult prices in the cabin specified including taxes, fees and carrier charges available in this period.
- Package holiday prices (flight + hotel and flight + car) shown are in GBP per person based on 2 adults sharing one room or one car and prices include taxes, fees and carrier charges unless otherwise specified. Flight + car prices based on drivers aged 30-70 years.
- Additional charges will be applied for payments made using a corporate credit card.
- Advertised fares are available on ba.com. Additional charges may apply if purchased through British Airways outlets or travel agents.
- Combine and save on Holidays: Guaranteed savings are only available when booking a Flight + Hotel or Flight + Car booking including one land product, it does not apply to a ‘Customise your trip’ holiday including more than one hotel and / or car.
- Package holidays are protected under British Airways Holidays Ltd by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 5985.
- Standard British Airways terms and conditions apply