Walt Disney World: Share the Memories
saveIntroduce your family to a kingdom of imagination they'll never forget.
Cinderella Castle
You can spot it from a mile away. Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom is one of the most photographed landmarks in the country and its magic and beauty fascinates children of all ages. Tip: You can book a character meal at Cinderella's Royal Table.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Get ready to take your family for a trip on the wildest ride in the wilderness through the abandoned mining town of Tumbleweed on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Tip: For a really great experience, ride the attraction in the evening and ask to sit toward the back.
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Your children's friends won't believe that they flew on a magic carpet — until you show them the pictures. Based on the movie "Aladdin," The Magic Carpets of Aladdin attraction will give your kids the height to see a whole new world at the Magic Kingdom's Adventureland — including the wilds of the jungle and a pillaging band of pirates. Tip: Watch out for the spitting camels at the entrance.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Want a place where you kids can step into the movies and meet Beauty and the Beast, the Muppets, Indiana Jones and R2D2? Silver screen magic comes to life everyday at Disney's Hollywood Studios where mom and dad can introduce the family to some of the best films ever made on The Great Movie Ride. Tip: Book a dining package that includes a viewing of the nighttime spectacular Fantasmic! so you don't need to fight for a spot.
50s Prime Time Cafe
You always tell the kids to eat their veggies before they can have dessert. At the '50s Prime Time Cafe, someone else gets that job — like your "Mom" or "Aunt." There's a nostalgic quality of your little ones have only seen on vintage sitcoms. They'll get a kick out of the black and white TVs around the restaurant, too. Don't forget to keep your elbows off the table. Tip: Let the hostess know if you are celebrating a special occasion, as they put a special twist on birthdays here.
Spaceship Earth
Discover the history of communication from cave drawings through to the Internet on Spaceship Earth (aka that huge, white ball at the entrance to Epcot). The Future World attraction is just one of many where your kids will learn without realizing it. Tip: Say cheese! During the attraction you'll be able to take a quiz and learn where you should live in the future (complete with your picture).
Test Track
Take a trip through the ultimate car testing facility where you not only get to go behind-the-scenes, you and your kids get to be in the drivers seat, so to speak on Test Track. Enjoy sharp turns, quick stops and starts, extreme temperatures and the thrill of racing 64.8 miles an hour above Epcot in the former World of Motion pavilion. Tip: Grab a Fastpass and pay attention to the exhibits in the waiting area, you might spot a Hidden Mickey.
Mission: Space
Older kids will get a big kick out of being the navigator, pilot, commander or engineer on an amazing voyage to Mars on Mission: Space. Be alert, because you've got a job to do at this thrill ride, which took over from the Horizons attraction. Tip: If you get even the tiniest bit queasy on coasters or in the car, you might want to opt for the "less intense" Green Team experience. It is just as exciting, but without the spinning centrifuge of the Orange Team.
China Pavilion
Epcot's World Showcase will let your family travel to 11 countries without a passport. In the China Pavilion, walk through the replica of the Paifang gate and visit the Temple of Heaven. (It is also where Christina Aguilera filmed her video for "Reflection" from "Mulan.") Tip: Sign up for Kim Possible's World Showcase Adventure, where your kids can become spies for the afternoon and stop evil masterminds from taking over.
Kali River Rapids
It's one thing to get soaked on a water ride, it is quite another when that ride also provides a lesson in habitat preservation. Kali River Rapids in the Asia section of the Animal Kingdom combines the best of both worlds — your family will learn about the ecological impact of loggers while finding a way to get a break from the Orlando humidity. Tip: If you don't want to get soaked, bring a garbage bag or poncho to cover you and your seat.
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Take a journey through the wilds of Africa on Kilimanjaro Safaris. Track down poachers and introduce your kids to animals they've never seen before — closer than they've ever thought possible. The safari is so large that the entire Magic Kingdom could fit inside it. Tip: Keep your camera handy and snap fast — it is never the same ride twice.
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
Among the themed hotels at Walt Disney World, the flagship Victorian-era designed Grand Floridian Resort and Spa stands out among the rest for its beauty. Get from there to the Magic Kingdom by monorail or water taxi across the Seven Seas Lagoon. Tip: If you are too tired to head back to the park for the Wishes! Fireworks, you can see them from the grounds of the resort.
Fishing
Take a break from the theme parks and head to the docks for some great family fishing with knowledgeable guides or go out on your own at one of several resorts, like Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. Tip: You can fish (or learn to fish) at many locations around the property, just inquire at your hotel.
Downtown Disney
Shopping at the world's largest Disney Store, a Cirque Du Soleil show and a huge Ghiradelli sundae for dessert. If your family is all about bigger and better, a stop at Downtown Disney is a must during your vacation. Where better to buy those souvenirs for all the jealous friends (and pets) back at home? Tip: Disney's Days of Christmas Store will personalize ornaments for you year-round.
Water Parks
When it gets hot in Florida, your family can zip down Mount Gushmore at Disney's Blizzard Beach or snorkel with stingrays at Disney'sTyphoon Lagoon. Both Walt Disney World water parks are a great break from the theme parks - and a great way to cool off. Tip: Shuttles from the Walt Disney World resorts stop at both!
