Birnbaum’s 2024 Walt Disney World

When Steve Birnbaum launched this guide in 1981, he made it clear what was expected of anyone who worked on it: The book would be meticulously revised each year, leaving no attraction untested, no snack or meal untasted, no hotel untried. First-hand experiences like these, accumulated over the years, make this book the most authoritative guide to Walt Disney World. Our expertise, however, is not achieved by being escorted through back doors of attractions (although we would enjoy that). Instead, we wait in lines with everyone else, always hoping to have a Disney experience like that of any other guest. While Walt Disney World has vastly expanded, and so has our knowledge of the most popular vacation destinations on the planet. We believe the best way to gather useful advice for a Disney park guest is to be one. Over and over again!—Jill Safro, editor

"A guide to the different sections of Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, including the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and the Walt Disney World resorts."--

7: GETTING READY TO GO Here’s all the practical information you need to organize a Walt Disney World visit down to the smallest detail: when to go, how to get there, how to save money and work within a budget, how to secure theme park tickets, how to use Genie+ and access Lightning Lane entrances, and how to customize a Disney MagicBand. Plus sample schedules and hints for parents, international travelers, travelers with disabilities, singles, couples, and older visitors.   63: TRANSPORTATION & ACCOMMODATIONS Two big questions about Walt Disney World are where to stay and how to get around. The accommodations range from concierge suites to modest campsites, with thousands of rooms and villas in between. Our guide describes every Disney resort, with details presented in a handy chart. And we explain the World’s vast transportation system, to boot.   119: MAGIC KINGDOM The enchantment of Walt Disney World is most apparent in the wealth of attractions and amusements that fill this, its original theme park. Our land-by-land guide describes all there is to see and do in this classic play zone, plus plenty of other insider tips and the scoop on new additions to the Kingdom.   151: EPCOT A gleaming silver geosphere introduces Disney’s newly revitalized wonderland of discovery—an ambitious exploration of the world of the future as well as the present. The park’s four neighborhoods offer every visitor the opportunity to be a global and cerebral voyager, without setting foot outside Florida. Here’s how to make the most of this uniquely fascinating destination.   183: DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS Now’s your chance to be part of Disney’s Hollywood adventure! Everything from controlling the Millennium Falcon to a Frozen sing-along to a trip to The Twilight Zone™ and the excitement of daring stunts and special effects is waiting to be enjoyed. There are also opportunities to bond with Disney characters and experience a thrill ride or two. We have developed strategies for seeing this Tinseltown, ensuring the most fun possible.   205: DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM The most sprawling member of WDW’s theme park lineup celebrates the circle of life and the wonders of Earth’s animal kingdom. Amid nature’s majesty, guests experience a stirring safari, dodge dastardly dinosaurs, and ride raging rapids. Our coverage, which includes the beloved land, Pandora—The World of Avatar, guarantees a fun-filled trip to a place where humans are humbly reminded of their role in the natural world.   225: EVERYTHING ELSE IN THE WORLD Beyond the theme park boundaries lie countless acres full of just the sort of wonders for which Disney is famous: state-of-the-art water parks and the dynamic Disney Springs entertainment, shopping, and dining district among them. So if you want to ride down watery slides, dance the night away, shop at elegant boutiques, pamper yourself at a spa, or experience behind-the-scenes tours, this chapter will help you find your way.   253: SPORTS & RECREATION Walt Disney World has more tennis courts and golf greens than most posh resorts, plus plenty of places for boating, biking, horseback riding, swimming, and fishing. Here’s how to combine these options with the rest of the WDW fun.   261: GOOD MEALS, GREAT TIMES Restaurants around Disney World property run the gamut from simple snack shops to bastions of haute cuisine. Choices are nearly endless, so we’ve organized them in an area-by-area directory that lets you know where each restaurant is located and what specialties it offers. We also tell you about the Disney Dining Plan, WDW’s reservations system, dinner shows, where to dine with Disney characters, and where to enjoy an after-dinner drink.   337: DISNEY CRUISE LINE Many guests choose to make a Walt Disney World visit even more magical by pairing it with a cruise to the Caribbean or the Bahamas—the ultimate Land and Sea vacation, Disney style. This “bonus” chapter tells you how to plan it.   365: COUPONS We’ve stuffed the final pages of this book with valuable coupons to help you save hundreds of dollars on Walt Disney World food, merchandise, recreational experiences, and more!   WHAT’S NEW? To spotlight attractions, shows, restaurants, and events that are making (or have recently made) their debut, listings are marked with the icon shown below. Look for it throughout the book. Here are some of the highlights: 296: BoardWalk Deli 297: The Cake Bake Shop 297: Carousel Coffee 164: DuckTales World Showcase Adventure 155: Dreamers Point 159: Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana 306: Rosa Mexicano 276: Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya 294: Summer House on the Lake 129: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure 140: TRON Lightcycle/Run