Newcomers often think Walt Disney World® Resort is comparable in size to California’s Disneyland® Resort, with the Magic Kingdom® being first and foremost in their minds. Most never envision a complex twice the size of Manhattan with four theme parks spread out over nearly 40 square miles along with 25 resort hotels, 70,000 cast members, 63 holes of golf…this list goes on!
Magic Kingdom, opened in 1971, was the first theme park at Walt Disney World with three more parks following in succession beginning with Epcot® a little over a decade later. Twice the size of Magic Kingdom, Epcot was a totally different concept—an education in technology and innovation, other lands and cultures. Disney’s Hollywood Studios® opened in 1988, and with it came the glamour and glitz of show business. Then came Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park in 1998, conveying the theme of unity and harmony among all living creatures. Each park is unique and offers its own brand of enjoyment with new additions and attractions constantly in the works.