Disney World Resort Review
- 4 hours ago
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Disney World is one of the most visited destinations in the world, receiving more guests annually than many countries have tourists. It exists in a semi-autonomous area known as Reedy Creek* about 25 minutes from the Orlando Airport. The entire resort covers approximately 43 square miles (twice the size of Manhattan).
A Bit of History
Walt Disney World opened near Orlando, Florida, on October 1, 1971, with Magic Kingdom as its first theme park, along with two hotels, a campground, golf courses, and the iconic monorail system. Conceived as a much larger destination than Disneyland, the Florida resort quickly grew beyond its original park. EPCOT opened on October 1, 1982, bringing together Future World and World Showcase and transforming Walt Disney World into a destination focused on technology, culture, and entertainment. Disney-MGM Studios, now Disney’s Hollywood Studios, followed on May 1, 1989, adding a behind-the-scenes look at filmmaking and television.
The resort continued expanding in the 1990s and beyond, with Disney’s Animal Kingdom opening on April 22, 1998, completing Walt Disney World’s lineup of four major theme parks. Major milestones included the opening of Disney Springs’ predecessor as a shopping and entertainment area in the 1970s, the large-scale New Fantasyland expansion at Magic Kingdom in 2012, and the arrival of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios and Pandora – The World of Avatar at Animal Kingdom in 2019 and 2017, respectively. Today, Walt Disney World encompasses four theme parks, two water parks, numerous resorts, dining and shopping districts, sports facilities, and an ever-growing collection of attractions and experiences.
Disney World Resort Review - Overall
My family and I have been going to Disney World every since our first daughter was 6 months old. We fell in love with the magic, the ease, and the countless things to do and see. Not to mention the look of pure enchantment and happiness on our daughter's face. Now, 13 years later, and a total of 3 children, we're still going and enjoying, although not as often as we originally did.
In 2013/2014, we would tell everyone about Disney World and urge people go and visit. Today, we smile and say, "It's worth it, but start saving up. It will cost you as much as a car." And I mean that, which you'll see later in this article.
The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando Florida is, despite current costs, one of the best vacations you and your family will ever take. They have wonderful rides for people of all ages. There's food options to satiate any of your desires. There's character meet and greets that will have your kids giddy with joy. There's plenty to do and it's well worth the trip.
There's also huge crowds. So be sure to read my articles on Disney World Vacation Planning to make the most of it.
Due to cost alone, my family now visits Disney World once a year, sometimes once every 18 months if we can't find good enough deals. But when we're in Disney World, we're focused on 1 thing: enjoying the magic!
The Final Verdict
If you have the chance to go, at least once: go. Walt Disney World has something for everyone and it will create memories you won't forget.
Walt Disney World Review of Expenses
There's a joke circulating all over the internet and social media, and it's pretty accurate:
Don't let anyone talk you out of that $5,000 Disney World Trip. That $10,000 will be the best $18,000 you've ever spent!
Sadly, it's true. Just when you think you've booked everything needed, more expenses roll in. From Park Tickets, Food, Snacks, Souvenirs, Hotel Reservations, and Flights, a week in Disney World can easily be $2,500+/day when all is said and done.
13 years ago a trip to Walt Disney World was expensive, but manageable. We were able to budget for annual passes and, at the height of travel, went 4 times a year (spending almost 30 days/year at Disney World). When 2020 hit, however, although prices briefly plummeted, the world fundamentally changed.
Ticket prices shifted from $94/person/day (for a 1 day pass) in 2014 to dynamic pricing that ranges from $109 - $209/person/day depending on the time of year you are going. And that annual pass we had? It went from $850/person/year ($700/person/year for renewals) to $1,699/person/year in 2026.
Hotels and Resorts haven't been immune to price increases either. We used to be able to stay at the Yacht & Beach Club for $350/night on average. Now, that same room averages $800/night.
Today, in 2026, expenses are adding up beyond just the hotel and basic park entry ticket. Lines can sometimes be so long that they encourage you to buy Lightning Lane passes. Those passes can get extremely expensive.
Extra Ticketed Events
Each year the Magic Kingdom hosts two primary private events: Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Christmas Party. Given the exorbitant costs of everything, do yourself a favor: don't buy regular park passes for the day(s) of these events. Go enjoy the hotel pool, Disney Springs, or even a different park. During these events, all the rides are open and crowds are smaller than they are during the regular daytime hours. You'll be able to get everything in, and see a special event, without having to spend double that day.
On-Property Hotels
Disney has a series of hotels that are referred to as "on-property" hotels. Most of them are owned by Disney, but there are also a few that are not owned by Disney. As someone who's been to Disney World more times than I can count, in my opinion, the additional amenities (ie: transportation, extra magic hours, etc) that come with an on-property hotel are well worth the extra cost. But even this has taken a hit in recent years.
Back in 2014 we could get to the airport in our home city, put a Disney tag on our bags, and they magically showed up in our hotel room. We also could land in Orlando and get on the Disney World Bus and get to our hotel with no worries. All of those amenities are gone, despite prices being higher than ever.
Notes
*The autonomy Disney enjoyed in Reedy Creek was revoked by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2021.
