Walt Disney World 2022

When people ask me to describe Walt Disney World (WDW) I usually say, "it is like its own city". WDW has their own transit system between the hotels, parks, and shopping area (Disney Springs). It's HUGE!

What I've done in the past visits to WDW is to visit one park a day. I don't see the benefit of park hopping the parks. Each of the parks is full of rides, entertainment, and experiences to explore! Specially if it is your first time at WDW. Experiencing the Disney magic from each of the parks is a must.

WDW consists of 6 Parks (4 theme and 2 water) but we were there for the theme parks.

I created a blog post for each of the parks with information on what we did, ate, experienced, & etc. I hope this information can help someone if they are planning a trip to WDW!

MAGIC BAND, GENIE+, & LIGHTNING LANE

WDW has/uses the "Magic Band" system, which it literally is a band on your wrist (or keychain, newest thing) that you use as your "ticket/fast pass entry". You use the WDW app in connection with it to reserve your time slots for ride entries (Genie+/Lightning Lane) or entertainment. Some of us know it as what use to be the "Fast Pass" system.

I purchased the Disney Genie+ service for each park ($15 per person-per day, plus tax)
- 4 Parks + 2 People is $30 x 4 = $120
- Tax was $1.96 ; $1.96 x 4 = $7.84
Additionally, I purchased the Lightning Lane where offered. (Amount varies, plus tax)
- Avatar Flight of Passage ($11 per person) = $22 + tax
- Snow White Seven Dwarfs Mine Train ($12 per person) = $24 + tax

We found it to be worth the money because it freed up time for us to go check out other experiences or rides in the park.

PARK HOURS: WALT DISNEY WORLD

They vary by park but a perk of staying at one of the Disney Resort Hotels is that they have "Early Entry" for guests. You can go into the park 1 hour before it opens up to the general public. It's a nice perk if you are trying to get those memorable photos (less crowd). You also have less wait times in the AM. As the day progresses it gets busier and wait time get longer.

Animal Kingdom: 8am - 7pm.
- It was still bright by 7pm, so we couldn't experience the land of Pandora and the Tree of Life illuminated in its glorious night glow.
EPCOT: 8am - 9pm.
Hollywood Studios: 8:30am - 9pm.
Magic Kingdom: 9am - 11pm.

JUNE 29: ANIMAL KINGDOM

I started us off with Animal Kingdom because I know how much Ramon loves animals and the reason for this trip was because of Pandora. Avatar is one of our favorite movies and when he heard there was a world and ride based on this in Orlando he said, "let's go"! He was not disappointed! I like to describe it as a big zoo! The weather was hot & humid but nothing crazy.

JUNE 30: EPCOT

The goal was to drink and eat around the world and we sort of made it! LOL This was the sunniest and hottest-humid day of our trip. The sun would burn! During our visit EPCOT had the International Flower & Garden Festival going on. Which means they had topiary displays throughout the park in all types of shapes and Disney characters!

July 1: HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

In my opinion Hollywood Studios is not a huge park. I figured that with EPCOT the day before and Magic Kingdom the next day this would fall perfect. The park wouldn't require a lot of walking and rushing. They have amazing rides here, but their shows & photo ops are what I feel differentiates it from Disney California Adventure. This day we actually had to break out the umbrellas! It would rain sporadically which made the humidity levels 10x worse for someone born and raised in Los Angeles.

July 2: MAGIC KINGDOM

Unfortunately, this was the day that COVID really kicked my ass (I didn't know it was COVID I thought it was a cold). The goal here was to do as much as we could, and I wasn't going to complain but I had to accept defeat. I was looking forward to the fireworks at the end of the day, but by late afternoon I was not feeling well so we went back to the hotel. The weather was gloomy, rainy, and humid. Which didn't help my mood and mental state to push through the day. I owe Ramon a do over at this park!