Walt Disney World Theme Parks

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom opened October 1, 1971. Best known for Cinderella Castle, Magic Kingdom has become the most visited theme park in the world for the twelfth consecutive year, as of 2017. Let’s break down the park by the numbers.

- Size: The park is 107 acres, making it the third largest out of the four parks in Florida, and seventh largest out of all 11 Disney theme parks around the world.
- Lands: There are six individual lands in Magic Kingdom – Main Street, USA, Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland.
- Attractions: There are currently 32 attractions in Magic Kingdom.
- Dining: There are 32 dining options, a mix of table service, quick service, snacking options, and seasonal restaurants.
- Upcoming Additions: Tomorrowland will see the addition of the TRON roller coaster that is scheduled to be completed by 2021, in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary.

Epcot

Epcot opened October 1, 1982. The initial concept for Epcot thought up by Walt Disney himself was an “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.” He wanted it to be a city, complete with mass transportation and residential ares. The idea was abandoned after Disney’s death, however, and was later revisited after Magic Kingdom’s popularity grew and they realized they needed a second park.

Today, Epcot is viewed by many as having two distinct parks of its own inside just one theme park gate. There is the Future World area that celebrates innovation and science and there is the World Showcase that celebrates the nations of the world. As of 2018, Epcot was the fourth most visited theme park in North American and the seventh most visited in the world.

- Size: The park is 300 acres, making it the second largest out of the four parks in Florida, and second largest out of all 11 Disney theme parks around the world.
- Countries: There are currently 11 nations represented by individual pavilions in Epcot. In the World Showcase you will fine Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, The American Adventure, Japan, Morocco, France, United Kingdom, and Canada.
- Attractions: There are currently 9 rides in Epcot, but that does not include shows or extra entertainment that can be found in the World Showcase or during festivals.
- Dining: There are over 20 dining options, a mix of table service and quick service. There are over 20 more locations that are snack stands or carts, bars, or lounges, as well.
- Upcoming Additions: There are a few additions coming to Epcot in the upcoming years. Keep an eye out for:
  - - In the fall of 2019, the Disney Skyliner is set to open. The gondola system will connect Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Rivera Resort, Caribbean Beach Resort, Pop Century, and Art of Animation
    - Illuminations fireworks show comes to an end on September 30, 2019. Epcot Forever will start on October 1, 2019
    - “Space Restaurant” whose name has not been announced, is expected to open toward the end of 2019
    - Beauty and the Beast sing-a-long is coming to the France Pavilion
    - Updates are being made to the O Canada! 360-degree show in the Canada Pavilion
    - Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster is expected to be completed by the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World in 2021
    - Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is being added to the France Pavilion in spring of 2020
    - A new restaurant, that has yet to be named, will offer table service and counter service crepes that are both savory and sweet. It will be open in time for the 50th anniversary, but there is a chance it opens when Remy’s ride opens in 2020
    - The Japan Pavilion is adding a signature restaurant named Takumi-Tei, scheduled to open Summer 2019
    - Wonders of Life is being replaced by Play Pavilion for the 50th anniversary in 2021

Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios opened May 1, 1989 and was originally called Disney-MGM Studios Park. The idea behind the park was bringing the golden age of Hollywood to life. Allowing guests to experience film, TV, music, theater, and more. Around 2010, the park started focusing more on the immersiveness of the park into the stories of TV and film and less on the original idea as a behind the scenes look into that world.

In 2018, Hollywood Studios was the fifth most-visited theme park in North America and ninth move-visited in the world.

- Size: The park is currently 103 acres, making it the fourth largest out of the four parks in Florida, and eighth largest out of all 11 Disney theme parks around the world. Once Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge officially opens, it will surpass Magic Kingdom in size, reaching 135 acres.
- Attractions: There are close to 20 rides and shows throughout the park. Thirteen of which can be fastpassed.
- Dining: There are currently 5 table service restaurants and 9 counter service restaurants. There will be 3 more counter service locations once Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens and there are over 20 food stands and carts throughout the park.
- Upcoming Additions:
  - - In the fall of 2019, the Disney Skyliner is set to open. The gondola system will connect Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Rivera Resort, Caribbean Beach Resort, Pop Century, and Art of Animation
    - Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is arguably the most anticipated theme park opening since Universal Studios open Wizarding World. It is scheduled to open August 29, 2019, however, only one of the attractions, Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, will be running. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is expected to open completely by the end of 2019
    - Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is a 2.5D dark ride that is replacing The Great Movie Ride. It was scheduled to open fall of 2019, however has been pushed until 2020
    - Roundup Rodeo BBQ is a new table service restaurant that will be added to Toy Story Land that is expected to open in 2020

Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom opened on Earth Day, April 22, 1998. The idea was to open a park dedicated to animals and the environment. They are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, meaning they meet or exceed the standards in education, conservation, and research. The iconic Tree of Life is 145 feet tall and 50 feet wide.

In 2018, it was the third most visited park in North American and sixth most visited park in the world.

- Size: The park is currently 500 acres, making it the largest out of the four parks in Florida, and the largest out of all 11 Disney theme parks around the world.
- Attractions: There are close to 20 ride, shows, and other attractions throughout the park. Thirteen of which can be fastpassed.
- Dining: There are currently 4 table service restaurants, 10 counter service restaurants and 4 bars. There are over 20 food stands and carts throughout the park.
- Upcoming Additions:
  - - Currently there are no anticipated additions to Animal Kingdom, however, 2019 they are celebrating 25 years of The Lion King so there are special additions, such as the Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party and Rivers of Light: We Are One