4 Days at Walt Disney World

When our oldest graduated from high school last year with an excellent GPA and a great run at state
on his sports team, we asked him what family vacation he would like to take, anywhere he wanted to go!  His answer both excited and terrified us: Walt Disney World, Orlando.

Day 1 for us was Magic Kingdom, Day 2 Disney’s Hollywood Studios, followed by Animal Kingdom and EPCOT for days 3 and 4. Utilizing the park hopper brought us back to Magic Kingdom the night of day 3 for the fireworks show which was nothing less than spectacular…the best I’ve ever seen. We intended a 2nd trip to Hollywood Studios the evening of our last day but got rained out.  
 
Highlights included the new TRON Light Cycle ride at Magic Kingdom (our personal favorite….
amazing), the Star Wars world and rides at Hollywood Studios, and original classics like the “Haunted Mansion” and “Pirates of the Caribbean” (they never get old).

What is never lost on me is how brilliant Disney is at “world building”…so detailed and completely immersive, just as Walt wanted. You truly feel like you are walking through a village in Africa or Tibet at Animal Kingdom or strolling down 1940’s Sunset Blvd at Hollywood Studios. Likewise, the far-flung world of Pandora from Avatar truly comes alive, and same for the dangerous/mysterious spaceport town of Batuu from Star Wars Galaxies Edge. We also don’t think the Safari at Animal Kingdom gets enough credit (or that park, for that matter) – it’s world class and you are closer to giraffes, apes, and elephants than you will ever get. 
 
All in all, a FANTASTIC vacation, incredible family time and, yes… worth the sweat soaked 95+ degree days and the endless stream of dollars flying from our pockets. Always say yes to
Disney…no regrets! But you must plan well and tactically about it, or the mouse will eat you alive!  
Read on to our “Disney Springs” encounter for our dining and accommodation tips from this
adventure and our “Tips for Visiting Disney” encounter has some good “survive and thrive” advice, as well.