Walt Disney World holidays from the UK
Walt Disney World holidays from the UK: the first-timer’s guide
Everything you need to know for your first Walt Disney World holiday, from parks and hotels to tickets, getting around and the best food. We’ve been more than 30 times, so here’s everything we’d tell a friend.
To Walt Disney World
Plus 2 water parks
Value to Deluxe
UK-only offers
With flights included
Why Walt Disney World?
More than a theme park
Set in the heart of Orlando, Florida, Walt Disney World covers a jaw-dropping 43 square miles, about the size of Manchester. With four theme parks, two water parks, more than 25 themed resort hotels and its own transport system, there’s truly nowhere like it. For UK families planning a first visit, it can feel both exciting and overwhelming, so here’s how it all works.
✦From the moment you step into a Disney park, you’re part of something bigger.
- Four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom
- Two water parks: Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach
- Disney Springs: shopping, dining and entertainment, free to enter
The parks
Four theme parks, four different days
Each park has its own personality. Click through for our full guide to each one.
The classic
Magic Kingdom
Cinderella Castle, Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain and the Happily Ever After fireworks.
Explore the park →
Discovery & the world
EPCOT
Guardians of the Galaxy, Frozen Ever After and 11 countries of food and culture in World Showcase.
Explore the park →
The movies
Hollywood Studios
Pilot the Millennium Falcon, shrink to toy size and brave the Tower of Terror.
Explore the park →
Nature & adventure
Animal Kingdom
Fly over Pandora, roam the savannah on safari and visit the Tree of Life.
Explore the park →
Where to stay
Staying at Walt Disney World
More than 25 Disney Resort hotels across Value, Moderate and Deluxe, each a different way to stay in the magic. Every Disney hotel gives you Early Theme Park Entry, free Disney transport and access to the Disney Dining Plan.
✦Waking up to a view of the castle, with the magic just a monorail ride away.
- Deluxe: the Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Animal Kingdom Lodge and more, with the best locations
- Moderate: Caribbean Beach and Port Orleans Riverside are long-time UK favourites
- Value: Pop Century and Art of Animation, colourful and great value
Tickets
Disney tickets for UK visitors
UK visitors can buy special multi-day tickets that aren’t sold at the gate. They’re usually the best value for anyone visiting more than a couple of parks, and depending on the ticket can include all four theme parks for up to 14 days, park hopping, water park entry and Memory Maker for your ride and character photos.
Best value
Up to 14 days
Visit at your own pace, mixing park days with pool days, rather than cramming it all in.
Flexibility
Park hopping
Start the day at one park and finish at another, perfect for fireworks at Magic Kingdom.
Book ahead
Not sold at the gate
UK tickets must be bought before you travel. We’ll include the right one in your package.
Getting around
Walt Disney World transport
How do you get around a resort the size of a city? Disney’s complimentary transport makes it easy, and fun too.
Magic Kingdom & EPCOT
Monorail
Direct access to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT from the Contemporary, Polynesian and Grand Floridian.
Ask us →
Cable cars
Skyliner
A scenic ride linking EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and several resorts.
Ask us →
To every park
Disney buses
Regular, reliable buses to all parks, resorts and Disney Springs.
Ask us →
Water taxis
Boats
Relax across Bay Lake, Seven Seas Lagoon or along the Sassagoula River.
Ask us →
It’s safe, efficient and ideal for UK guests used to public transport. And there’s something magical about sailing across Seven Seas Lagoon or gliding through the sky before you’ve even entered the park.
Dining
A foodie’s paradise
From character breakfasts to fine dining, quick snacks to dishes from around the world.
Meet them over a meal
Character dining
Chef Mickey’s at the Contemporary, Cinderella’s Royal Table in the castle and Tusker House with Donald: a relaxed way to meet characters without queueing.
Ask us to book →
Unforgettable views
Fine dining
Victoria & Albert’s at the Grand Floridian, or California Grill atop the Contemporary with views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks.
Ask us to book →
Families on the go
Quick service
Flame Tree Barbecue in Animal Kingdom, Woody’s Lunch Box in Hollywood Studios and Satu’li Canteen in Pandora.
Ask us →
Dole Whip & more
Iconic snacks
Giant turkey legs, Dole Whip, Mickey pretzels, churros and treats from Main Street U.S.A.
Ask us →
Pre-pay with the Disney Dining Plan
One of the easiest ways to budget, available to guests staying in Disney hotels. The Quick-Service Dining Plan includes two quick-service meals and one snack or non-alcoholic drink per person per night. The Disney Dining Plan includes one table-service meal, one quick-service meal and one snack or drink per person per night, and character dining is included. Both include a refillable resort mug. Disney also runs free dining offers on some dates.
Planning your first visit
When to go and how long to stay
When to book
As early as you can
Especially for Easter, summer, October half term and American Thanksgiving. Flights and the best hotels go fast, and we can often book flight-inclusive Disney packages well in advance so you can pay in instalments.
When to go
Pick your crowds
School holidays are busy. If you’re flexible, January, early May and mid-September offer lower crowds and milder weather. See the best time to visit.
How long
10 to 14 days
Enough to enjoy all four parks at a relaxed pace, with pool and rest days built in.
Skip the queues
Lightning Lane
Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass let you book return times for popular rides. Staying at a Disney hotel lets you book earlier. We’ll help you plan your strategy.
Entry
ESTA
UK passport holders on holiday normally need an approved ESTA before travelling to the US. Apply on the official US government website.
Getting there
Fly direct to Orlando
Direct flights from the UK take around nine hours. We’ll package flights, hotel, tickets and transfers together, ATOL protected.
Extra magic
Tips from the experts
Must-have
The My Disney Experience app
Check wait times, mobile order meals, book Lightning Lane, see your PhotoPass and Memory Maker photos and unlock your Disney hotel room. Download it and link your tickets before you go.
For everyone
Accessibility
Disney offers the Disability Access Service for guests who can’t wait in traditional queues, Rider Switch for families, and allergy-friendly menus. Visit Guest Relations when you arrive.
Celebrating?
Let Disney join in
Pick up a free celebration badge, order a celebration cake or arrange in-room surprises. Tell us what you’re celebrating and we’ll add those extra Disney touches.
Seasonal
Halloween and Christmas parties
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party from late summer to October, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in November and December, and EPCOT festivals all year. See our Halloween party guide.
Beyond Disney
Other things to do near Walt Disney World
There’s so much more to explore in Orlando and Central Florida.
Theme parks
Universal Orlando Resort
Home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and thrilling rides for all ages.
For little ones
LEGOLAND Florida
Perfect for families with younger children.
Only in Florida
Gatorland
A uniquely Floridian day out, with wildlife shows and zip lines.
Shopping
Outlets
From the Disney Character Warehouse to premium designer outlets.
News, offers & guides
Latest Walt Disney World posts
Your questions answered
Walt Disney World first-timer FAQs
How long should we stay at Walt Disney World?
We recommend 10 to 14 days to enjoy all four parks with rest days built in. Many UK families add a few days at the beach, Universal or a Disney cruise.
Is it worth staying in a Disney hotel?
Usually, yes: Early Theme Park Entry every day, free Disney transport and access to the Disney Dining Plan. See our Disney hotels guide.
Do we need a car at Walt Disney World?
Not if you stay at a Disney hotel: buses, the monorail, boats and the Skyliner take you everywhere. A car is handy if you’re staying off-site or visiting Universal and the coast.
What is Lightning Lane?
Disney’s paid option for shorter queues. Lightning Lane Multi Pass lets you book return times for several rides, and Single Pass is for the biggest headliners.
Can we book a package ourselves?
Yes, you can search Walt Disney World packages, or ask us to build one with flights and transfers.
Is my holiday protected?
Yes. Holidays that include flights are ATOL protected, and as members of Merlin Travel Group your money is protected through PTS. See how we protect your holiday.
Ready to plan your Walt Disney World holiday?
Let us craft your perfect Disney holiday, from your first enquiry to that final firework over Cinderella Castle.