DK Travel : Orlando : Walt Disney World® Resort & Lake Buena Vista

There was only one drawback to California’s Disneyland, Walt Disney’s first theme park, which opened in 1955: the area was prime real estate and there was no free space around the park in which to expand. So, following an aerial tour of Central Florida in 1965, Disney began covertly to buy large tracts of land. At the time, this patch of the Sunshine State was little more than cow pastures, citrus groves, and swamps, and was of little interest to anyone. Today, the 27,400-acre- (11,100-ha) Walt Disney World Resort is a self-contained and virtually self-governing entity (call 911 here and you get a Disney employee) containing four major theme parks, three water parks, several smaller attractions, and many hotels and resorts, which also spill over into the adjoining Lake Buena Vista area. For some of the 43 million guests who visit annually, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, but many can’t get enough of this enchanted fantasyland and return time and again to relive the experience.

For information on Disney sights and attractions, including up-to-date hours of operation, call 407-934-7639. More on Sports & Outdoor Activities

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8TRAX

Specializing in 1970s music, this club is often packed with a crowd ranging from twentysome-things to those who remember the decade in question.
Adventurers Club

Head here for improvisation and sketch-comedy shows, which can be bawdy, absurd, and even political.
Akershus

Hunker down for traditional Norweigian dishes (herring, potato salad, gravlax in mustard sauce, venison stew, and more) in a medieval castle setting.
Art of Disney

This large gallery is one of a kind in Florida. You’ll find Disney sculptures, animation cels, and other collectibles.
Arthur’s 27

The French-style food doesn’t always live up to the high prices, but the view of Disney’s fireworks is a winner.
Artist Point

Bison rib-eye steak and nut-and-herb crusted lamb chops are a few of the delicious options here. There’s patio dining as well.
Atlantic Dance Hall

This glorious 1930s-style dance hall has been re-imagined as a predominantly Latin hotspot, with a live Latin band (Thu–Sat) and a Latin DJ who spins tunes (Tue).
Berber Oasis

Hand-tied Berber rugs, camel-bone boxes, and more are on offer in this square, which has the bustle but not the hustle of the real thing.
Best shopping at Disney

I am a comparison shopper by nature and while at Disney World this past summer I found Disney has many ways of you parting with your money, but I found some of the best shopping at the Animal Kingdom Park and Animal Kingdom Lodge. Better than at the other parks and resorts.
Boma - Flavors of Africa

Bask in the warmth of this expansive and inviting family buffet which resembles an African marketplace. Experience open kitchens and watch the creative culinary team prepare salads, vegetarian dishes, grilled seafood and roasted meats — inspired by the varied flavours of over 50 African countries from the coast of the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean. Capture the magic of the alluring tapestry of tastes and textures that make up the flavours of Africa.

Cuisine: African (D); American (B)

Facility Type: Restaurant

Dining Experience: Disney Special and Unique Dining (D, B)

Location: Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Meals Served:

Breakfast, Dinner: Buffet, US$$ (US$15-US$29 per person)

Disney Dining Plan Restaurant

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one, a glass of house wine, and all unavoidable extra charges including tax.
- under $20
- $20–$30
- $30–$45
- $45–$60
- over $60