Those traveling to Disney World in Florida may not understand which theme parks are part of the Disney-themed area. There are 4 Disney World parks and they are all within an easy drive to one another (if not a boat ride or walk!).
Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom’s main theme is just that, animals and you will find the park divided into 5 different areas based on different lands.
Africa— In this area, you will walk through an African village where you will find everything from drum circles to acrobatic performers.
Guests can go on an African safari to see wildlife like lions, zebra, giraffes, and other magnificent animals roaming freely.
There is a Wildlife Express steam train that takes you from Africa to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, an interactive conservation center where guests enter and learn about animals and their environments.
Asia— Here, you will be able to walk past Asian ruins complete with monkeys and take a walking journey that will allow you to see Bengal Tigers, Komodo dragons and even bats!
Two rides you won’t want to miss are Expedition Everest (a coaster that brings you on a close encounter with the Yeti) and Kali River Rapids, a white-water raft adventure through a rainforest.
DinoLand U.S.A.— You will venture back in time with this part of Animal Kingdom.
Go on a thrilling ride to escape dinosaurs on DINOSAUR, kids can dig in The Boneyard for fossils and have a fun time in the dinosaur-themed fair playground.
Although not dinosaur-themed, you will also find the live show, “Finding Nemo-The Musical.”
Discovery Island— The center of Animal Kingdom is where all the lands meet. You will find The Tree of Life in the center.
Surrounding the tree are animal exhibits. Inside the tree, is a 3D show with special effects, “It’s Tough to be a Bug.”
Pandora – The World of Avatar— This land in Animal Kingdom makes you feel like you are walking straight into the movie, Avatar.
You can fly on the back of a mountain banshee in Pandora on the Avatar Flight of Passage or journey into a bioluminescent rainforest on Na’vi River Journey.
EPCOT
The first thing that you need to understand about EPCOT is that it is divided into four sections: World Celebration, World Discovery, World Nature and World Showcase.
World Celebration
World Celebration is the section of EPCOT nearest to the park entrance and focuses on connecting with the global community.
Spaceship Earth is the only ride in this section and it takes you on a journey through the evolution of society’s greatest achievements.
World Discovery
World Discovery focuses on innovation, technology and exploration.
This is where you will find some of the more popular rides at the park: Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind, Test Track and Mission Space.
Mission Space allows you to feel what it’s like to travel in space as you travel on a space mission!
Test Track gives you a chance to develop your car and then race it against others to see how well it stacks up!
World Nature
World Nature encourages guests to learn about the world through interaction with our environment and to take care of our natural resources.
Journey of Water takes guests through the lifecycle of water so that they can see how valuable this natural resource is for us.
The Seas with Nemo & Friends is a ride where you will go on an adventure with Nemo inside a clamshell. When you finish, you can spend time exploring the Coral Reef.
Soarin’ Around the World takes you on a high-flying journey to different parts of the world where all your senses will be in overdrive!
EPCOT’s World Showcase
World Showcase invites you to explore cultures around the world.
Mexico Pavilion
Gran Fiesta tour. Go on a search for Donald Duck with 2 of the 2 Caballeros, Panchito (the Mexican charro rooster) and José Carioca (the Brazilian parrot).
“Remember Me!” – La Celebración del Día de Muertos exhibit. Learn about the Day of the Dead holiday and see scenes from Pixar’s Coco.
Norway Pavilion
Frozen Ever After. This is one of the most popular rides in EPCOT. Take a journey to Arendale to visit Elsa and see some of her friends along the way!
Royal Sommerhus. If you want to meet Anna & Elsa, this is where you will find them.
China Pavilion
Reflections of China takes you on a 14-minute journey to see parts of China you might not otherwise see.
Jeweled Dragons Acrobatics is a wonderful show that showcases talented acrobat artists from China.
Germany Pavilion
The Pavilion doesn’t feature any attractions or rides but does have great places to eat and unique shops selling delicious caramel treats, Christmas ornaments, and Beer Steins.
Italy Pavilion
The pavilion doesn’t feature any rides or attractions but you may see Sergio, the mime & juggler perform if you are there at the right time.
There are also some great restaurants and stores that sell glass, jewelry, and Venetian-style masks.
American Adventure
Colonial theater Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain walk you through American history using 35 animatronic figures from history.
You may also enjoy listening to the singing of the Voices of Liberty inside the pavilion. They put on 15-minute performances throughout the day.
Japan Pavilion
There are no rides & attractions in Japan Pavilion, but they have some unique shops and great places to eat including Tepan Edo which is a Hibachi-style restaurant.
Morocco Pavilion
There are no rides & attractions in the pavilion, but you should take your time to walk around. There is plenty to see!
France Pavilion
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure takes guests into the world of “Ratatouille,” where they will shrink to the size of Chef Remy and scurry through Gusteau’s famous restaurant.
Beauty & the Beast Singalong Visit a French cinema for a 15-minute film featuring songs from the animated classic, Beauty and the Beast.
Impressions de France. Watch an 18-minute video that transports you to some of the most famous landmarks in France.
UK Pavilion
While there are no rides, attractions, or restaurants, there are some places to grab a pint or some fish & chips.
There are also plenty of great shops including a Tea Store, a Toy Store, and a Store specializing in Soccer gear.
Canada
Canada Far & Wide. Explore Canada in a newly updated edition of the classic Epcot Circle-Vision 360 presentation
Hollywood Studios
This Disney World park focuses on giving guests a behind-the-scenes Hollywood experience.
You will find that the entire park has many Hollywood-inspired rides and attractions.
Hollywood Boulevard– is the central area of the park. You will find stage shows and a replica of Grauman’s Chinese Theater which is the central hub of Hollywood Studios.
Echo Lake– In this area of the park, you will find a theme of adventure.
Two of the most popular attractions in this area are Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! and Star Tours—The Adventures Continues.
Grand Avenue–The Muppets take the center stage on this street. You will find a 3D Muppet show as well as Muppet-themed pizzeria.
Toy Story Land– The newest addition to Hollywood Studios makes you feel as though you have walked right into the backyard of Andy.
Filled with Andy’s toys, you will find Toy Story-themed rides and experiences.
Galaxy’s Edge- This part of the park is built to make you feel like you are inside the Star Wars universe.
It is where you will find two new rides along with shops and Star Wars-themed experiences. It is brand new and perfect for anyone who wants to be where the action is!
Animation Courtyard- Star Wars Launch Bay is a primary location within the park for fans to celebrate all things Star Wars. Another area is dedicated to Disney Junior.
You’ll find a live stage show as well as a meet & greet for some of your favorite Disney Junior characters.
Sunset Boulevard–One of the most popular areas in Hollywood Studios, this street features some of the best rides and attractions.
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror takes guests on a plummeting ride down 13 stories.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is an indoor roller coaster featuring music from Aerosmith.
There are two amazing live shows: Beauty and the Beast and Fantasmic!
Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom is divided into 6 different lands with Cinderella Castle as the centerpiece of the park.
Main Street, U.S.A.– This is the first area you go through when entering the park. You will find a town filled with its normal buildings including a Fire station, City Hall and Barbershop!
Adventureland– In this land, you will find rides and attractions that deal with adventure: Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, and more.
Frontierland –Go back to a time when the United States was just beginning to go West.
Built to look like the old West, you will find the popular rides Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in this part of the park.
Liberty Square–The location of the United States’ first White House was in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
This area of the park is built to look like you’ve walked back in time to Philadelphia in the 18th century.
You’ll find Haunted Mansion, Liberty Square Riverboat, and The Hall of Presidents.
Fantasyland– Probably the most favorite part of Magic Kingdom takes you into the Disney classics.
You’ll find rides and attractions that bring Disney characters to life Peter Pan’s Flight, Mad Tea Party, Prince Charming Regal Carousel, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid, Enchanted Tales with Belle, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
Tomorrowland – Venture into the land of the future with rides and attractions that take on an out-of-this-world theme.
You’ll find TRON Light Cycle Run, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, Space Mountain, and Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress.
Each of the 4 Disney World Parks is in a separate area on Disney property but are all part of the true Disney experience.
In addition to these 4 Disney World parks, Disney also has two water parks (Blizzard Beach & Typhoon Lagoon), two mini-golf courses (Fantasia Gardens & Summerland), an ESPN Sports complex, and a shopping district (Disney Springs).
Get Adults at Kids’ Prices on all 3-Day or longer Disneyland® Resort tickets and 3-Day or longer Walt Disney World® Resort tickets when you book through Get Away Today! You can take an additional $10 discount off your vacation package when you use our exclusive promo code INSIDER .
Are you ready to plan a trip to Walt Disney World? Be sure to read our tips for planning a Disney World Vacation.
Neil Harmon
Wednesday 28th of August 2024
At 83 I'm afraid I won't be able to come to Walt Disney World again. I did go several times with my children. We stayed in a camper in Fort Wilderness the first time and created some wonderful family memories. Only The Magic Kingdom and later Epcot were open at that time This guide helps me imagine what it's all like now. I'll save it view it again.