How does Disney World work?

For those who come across this question, "Disney World" (or Walt Disney World) is the name of a resort in Florida. It contains four theme parks:

• Magic Kingdom - the main park which contains the Cinderella Castle, Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean etc.

• Epcot - a "prototype city of tomorrow" containing Spaceship Earth, various pavillions and attractions based on different countries etc.

• Animal Kingdom, containing various animal attractions and the new Avatar area

• Disney's Hollywood Studios, with the recent Star Wars and Toy Story areas, plus more based on the movies

The Disney World resort also contains many hotels, water parks, a shopping precinct, and lots more. Many people will mistake the Magic Kingdom park for being "Disney World", as the park is mostly identical to the "Disneyland" park in California (itself a part of the Disneyland Resort, containing two parks, hotels, and a shopping precinct).

You can buy individual admissions to the parks, or various tickets giving you access to all the parks for varying periods of time.

As with most large theme parks, it is not advised to attempt to visit more than one in a day as you would likely be spread thin across the attractions.

Getting between the parks can be difficult - Disney World is a large place. If you are staying on-site, Disney do provide different transportation options, but it is by far the best if you have your own (eg a rental car).