Back to the Basics: Walt Disney World Edition
Lindsey Brown, Travel Advisor
October 5, 2026
Walt Disney World is more than rides and characters, so if you’re planning your first trip or returning after a few years, let’s get back to the basics and rediscover what makes each park special.
Magic Kingdom
Photo Credit: Walt Disney World
Magic Kingdom, the park most people picture when they think of Disney World boasts Cinderella Castle and classic rides like Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion. It offers the most attractions without heigh requirements, making it a great choice for families! End your day here with Happily Ever After, a fireworks and projection show on Cinderella Castle. Getting there is part of the fun with transportation options like the monorail, boats, and buses!
EPCOT
Photo Credit: Walt Disney World
EPCOT features four unique areas celebrating innovation, nature, culture, and the future. It offers unique cultural experiences, princess meet-and-greets, including Anna and Elsa in Norway, and five seasonal festivals filled with delicious food and entertainment. Soarin’, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and Test Track are popular rides here! If you love exploring cultures and trying new foods, EPCOT is a must-visit!
Hollywood Studios
Photo Credit: Walt Disney World
Home to Toy Story Land, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and the new Magic of Disney Animation, this park features Tower of Terror and the reimagined Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster starring the Muppets. Your smallest Disney fans will love the Disney Junior character meet-and-greets and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! The whole family can enjoy stage shows like Indiana Jones, Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After, and my personal favorite, Beauty and the Beast—Live! End your day with the Nighttime Spectacular: Fantasmic!
Animal Kingdom
Photo Credit: Walt Disney World
Explore Pandora–The World of Avatar, take a safari across the savanna and discover some of the wildlife that call Animal Kingdom home, with the park featuring more than 250 animal species. Thrill seekers will love Expedition Everest (the tallest coaster at WDW) and young adventurers can meet Bluey and Bingo! Festival of the Lion King is a must-see live show. It is so immersive and truly a Broadway-quality production. Animal Kingdom is perfect for animal lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Each park offers something different. So whether you want to experience classic attractions, thrilling rides, characters, animals, or nighttime entertainment, you can experience it all at Walt Disney World. I’d love to help your family experience the magic Walt Disney World has to offer!
Email: Lindsey@wishesfamilytravel.com