GET AROUND
Getting around Walt Disney World is easy. You may walk, drive, or ride public transit (in this case, buses, monorails, or ferryboats). In most cases, the service is direct and non-stop. All Walt Disney World transit vehicles are wheelchair-accessible, pursuant to state law and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
By foot
In some places, walking is the most convenient way to travel from one area to another. Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios, and the three resorts in between (Swan & Dolphin, Yacht & Beach Clubs, and Boardwalk) are connected by walkways, as is Downtown Disney to Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort.
By bus
Walt Disney World also has an extensive bus service, so there is really no need to rent a car unless you are travelling outside of WDW. The buses can be slow and inconvenient if, for example, you are traveling with young children or strollers. Note that budgetary constraints may indicate the rental of a car, as many nearby grocery stores and restaurants are less expensive than the typical in-park eatery. The bus service is a hub-and-spoke distribution paradigm. Most resorts have five bus routes originating from them, providing direct service to all four theme parks and Downtown Disney. Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach are also serviced by the Downtown Disney and Animal Kingdom routes respectively. Note that there is no bus service to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot from the Grand Floridian, Contemporary, or Polynesian resorts; or to Epcot and Disney-MGM Studios from the Swan/Dolphin, Yacht/Beach Clubs, or Boardwalk. The former three resorts are linked to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot by monorail, and the latter three resorts are linked to Epcot and Disney-MGM Studios either by boat or by walking. There is also no direct bus service between the theme parks and Downtown Disney; you must make a transfer at any resort. Best advice is to transfer at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort as it is right next door and has three connections to Downtown Disney: a pedestrian bridge, bus, and ferry.
By train (monorail)
The monorail service is limited and only goes to certain areas, all originating from the Transportation and Ticket Center. There are three monorail lines:
* Magic Kingdom / Transportation and Ticket Center. This is the only way to enter the Magic Kingdom besides the ferry or WDW bus service.
* Magic Kingdom Resort Hotels / Transportation and Ticket Center. This line runs parallel to the loop of the direct Magic Kingdom line, but stops at all the resorts it passes. They are (in order) the Contemporary, Magic Kingdom Park, Grand Floridian, and the Polynesian.
* EPCOT / Transportation and Ticket Center. When entering EPCOT this way, the monorail makes a nice loop in the park, giving a great aerial view of Futureworld and the World Showcase.
By boat
Walt Disney World also has several waterways which are serviced by ferryboats.
* Magic Kingdom: service to the Contemporary, Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Fort Wilderness Campground, and Wilderness Lodge.
* Epcot and Disney-MGM Studios: service to the Swan/Dolphin, Yacht/Beach Club, and Boardwalk.
* Downtown Disney: service to Port Orleans, Saratoga Springs, and Old Key West resorts.
By car
If you are staying at a hotel off Disney property, a car is recommended. Many off-resort hotels offer shuttle service to the parks, but the schedules may not be convenient. Getting around Walt Disney World by car is not much of a problem. All you need to do is follow the purple directional signs - some even have black Mickey Mouse ears - to your destination.
EAT
Food is surprisingly good, considering WDW isn't known for it. In particular, try an exotic restaurant in Epcot's World Showcase, or many of the hotels have good places to eat, some sophisticated, some complete with screaming children.
Here are a few unique dining opportunities worth experiencing:
MAGIC KINGDOM
* Cinderella's Royal Table - Dine in Cinderella Castle.
MGM STUSIOS
* 50's Prime Time Cafe - Dine in a kitchen inspired by classic 50's sitcoms.
* Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater - Watch classic Sci-Fi movies from your "car"
ANIMAL KINGDOM
* Rainforest Cafe - Animatronic animals, thunderstorms, and good food
* Restaurantosaurus- character dining for breakfast and fast food meals throughout the day
FORT WILDERNESS CAMPGROUND
* Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue - Western themed dinner theater
POLYNESIAN RESORT
* Disney's Spirit of Aloha Show - South Pacific Luau themed dinner theater
ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE RESORT
* Boma- Flavors of Africa- authentic African cuisine served buffet style.
* Mara- Cafeteria Style eats with American cuisine served hot and fresh.
EPCOT
* Coral Reef Restaurant-eat in view of a giant aquarium in Epcot's Living Seas Pavilion.
* Teppanyaki-Japanese Chefs prepare your very tasty meal in front of you. Great food and nice atmosphere. Lunch offers an extensive menu at a slightly lower price than dinner. Epcot's Japan Pavilion.
DISNEY'S GRAND FLORIDIAN RESORT
* Victoria & Alberts - Undeniably the best restaurant on Disney property. Victoria & Alberts is a AAA Five-Diamond rated restaurant, the only one in central Florida. Designed for a more intimate dining experience; meaning leave the children at one of the many popular child activity centers and have a night out just for the adults. A menu designed specifically for the party and impeccable service. Wine pairing is also an option.
DISNEY'S CONTEMPORARY RESORT
* California Grill - California cuisine served with the best view on Disney property on the side. The menu changes frequently, as the chefs vary the tastes according to season and their ingenuity. Priority seatings are a must for this restaurant (especially at the time of the Wishes display), and window seats (some with a view of the Magic Kingdom) are not guaranteed. If all seatings are taken, another option is the bar, which offers a great selection of wines and sushi.
DISNEY'S PORT ORLEANS RESORT
* Boatwright's Dining Hall- American/Southern fare such as ribs, chicken, steaks etc. Great for families and or groups of adults, as the large restaurant is big enough to absorb a lot of noise. Moderate prices, especially for Disney.
DRINK
A large variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available in Disney World. Keep in mind these few things when purchasing alcoholic beverages at Disney.
- The drinking age for alcohol in Disney World (and all of Florida, for that matter) is 21. Be prepared for strict enforcement of this rule; anybody caught drinking underage, even with parents, may be subject to ejection from the property and criminal prosecution.
- No more than one alcoholic beverage may be purchased per legal I.D.
- There are no alcoholic beverages for sale in the Magic Kingdom.
- Be sure to bring an actual I.D. with you when purchasing beverages. Copies will not suffice.
- No alcoholic beverages may be brought in to any of the theme parks.
In Epcot, some try "Drinking Around the World," getting alcohol in every country of the World Showcase. For a fun, free, and sober trip "around the world" try Club Cool located near Spaceship Earth in EPCOT. They offer nearly a dozen unlimited free samples of Coke products made around the world. Make sure to try the Beverly. Disney-MGM Studios and Animal Kingdom offer a small variety of draft beer at select dining locations.
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