Why A Week-Long Holiday To Walt Disney World Resort In Florida Will Heal Your Inner Child

If you’re craving an escape from the daily grind (and the doomscroll), consider this your sign to book a holiday that taps straight into your childhood joy. Walt Disney World Resort isn’t just a holiday—it’s a full-blown, feel-good reset.

Set in Orlando, Florida, you’ll want to carve out a whole week to do this incredible destination properly. With four theme parks—Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park—plus Resort Hotels, Disney Springs Area and two water parks (Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park), it’s stacked with attractions, shows, shopping and dining. 

The only challenge? Fitting it all in. Consider this your game plan.

Hit Up The Best Attractions

From pure Disney magic that will bring on all the nostalgia to thrill rides that will make your stomach drop, put these attractions at the top of your hit list.

Expedition Everest—Legend of the Forbidden Mountain

Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

All aboard for a high-speed escape through the Himalayas. This runaway train hurtles forwards, backwards and into the unknown as you dodge the legendary Yeti—complete with a 24-metre drop and heart-racing twists. Not for the faint-hearted, but an absolute must for adrenaline junkies.

Guardians Of The Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

EPCOT

Still not over that Guardians of the Galaxy ending? Consider this your redemption arc. This epic reverse-launch coaster—one of the largest fully-enclosed coasters on the planet—blasts you through an intergalactic chase with Rocket, Groot and the gang, spinning, soaring and saving the galaxy to an absolute banger soundtrack.

Spaceship Earth

EPCOT

This goosebump-inducing icon is non-negotiable. Journey from cave paintings to the moon landing (and beyond) as human innovation unfolds around you in this 16-minute experience inside EPCOT’s sphere. With stunning sets, storytelling and narration by Judi Dench (swoon!), it’s pure Disney magic.

Haunted Mansion

Magic Kingdom Park

Climb into your Doom Buggy and try not to flinch as you enter the Haunted Mansion. Combining an eerie atmosphere with lighthearted haunted humour, you'll drift past Madame Leota’s séance, a casket-filled conservatory and a graveyard full of singing spirits—make sure to watch out for any hitchhiking ghosts. 

Star Wars: Rise Of The Resistance

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Calling all Star Wars fans—this is your moment. Deep in the forest near Black Spire Outpost, you’re recruited for a top-secret Resistance mission that quickly goes sideways. Captured by the First Order and face-to-face with Kylo Ren, you’ll rely on Rey, BB-8 and a covert crew to escape. It’s part ride, part cinematic spectacle.

Kilimanjaro Safaris

Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Climb aboard an open-air vehicle and roam the Harambe Wildlife Reserve with an expert guide, where over 30 species—from lions and giraffes to elephants and rhinos—roam across 110 acres of savanna, forest and wetlands. 

Tick Off These Epic Shows And Fireworks

Fireworks, light shows, blockbuster Disney moments—these are the can’t-miss entertainment experiences worth locking into your itinerary.

Festival Of The Lion King

Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Cue the childhood feels as this stage spectacular brings The Lion King to life in a celebration of colour, music and top-tier talent. Expect puppets, acrobats and stilt walkers, all set to iconic songs—from Hakuna Matata to Circle of Life—you won’t be able to resist singing along to.

Disney Starlight: Dream The Night Away

Magic Kingdom Park

As the sun dips, claim your spot on Main Street, U.S.A. and get ready for a star-kissed nighttime parade. Guided by the Blue Fairy, this shimmering nighttime show brings Disney and Pixar stories such as Moana, Frozen and Encanto to life in a kaleidoscope of lights and music. 

Indiana Jones™ Epic Stunt Spectacular!

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

This 30-minute show is a must for film buffs! Grab a front-row seat as Indy and Marion pull off heart-stopping stunts while revealing the behind-the-scenes magic that brings movies to life. Brace yourself for high falls, fiery escapes and edge-of-your-seat moments.

Luminous Symphony Of Us

EPCOT

Cap off your day with this sky-high spectacle over World Showcase Lagoon. Think fireworks, lasers and lights all synced to a seriously epic Disney soundtrack—a can't miss nighttime spectacular!

Feast Your Way Around This Stacked Culinary Line-Up

You won’t go hungry at Walt Disney World Resort—make sure you save room for these unforgettable dining experiences. Pro tip: We highly recommend booking ahead to secure your seat!

Coral Reef Restaurant

EPCOT

Channel your inner Ariel at this under-the-sea restaurant. Tuck into coconut fried shrimp, seafood boil and key lime tart while gazing into The Seas—one of the world’s largest aquariums (think 54 Olympic pools). With 2,000 marine creatures gliding past, look out for sharks, sea turtles and rays as they swim in this wondrous coral reef.

Yak & Yeti™ Restaurant

Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Perched at the base of Expedition Everest, Yak & Yeti™ drops you into a quaint Nepalese village—if you can’t find it, just follow the scent of pan-Asian eats, and it’ll lead you straight there. You'll be surrounded by South East Asian artefacts while you tuck into kimchi calamari and Korean fried chicken tossed in gochujang maple syrup. 

Be Our Guest

Magic Kingdom Park

Step straight into the Beast’s enchanted castle for a fairytale feast. Inside, three opulent dining rooms—the Grand Ballroom, the West Wing and the Rose Gallery—bring Beauty and the Beast to life. On the menu? A three-course, French-inspired lineup featuring the likes of blue crab bisque and classic steak frites.

50s Prime Time Café

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Step into a retro 1950s kitchen serving comfort food with a side of sass. Think vinyl chairs, Formica tables and plates piled high with mac and cheese, pot roast and milkshakes. But mind your manners—the staff will call you out if you don’t.

GEO-82

EPCOT

This adults-only, space-inspired bar pays homage to Spaceship Earth with sleek interiors and innovative sips. Think brown butter old fashioneds and caramelised leek martinis, paired with truffled ahi tuna and charcuterie—all with dreamy views over World Celebration Gardens. With reservations required in advance, make sure you don’t forget to book for this incredible experience.

Already booking in your annual leave? Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is a must-do holiday destination that will heal your inner child. With four theme parks, loads of fun attractions, spectacular shows and unique dining experiences, you'll need at least a week to hit all the spots. Contact your travel agent today or start planning your dream holiday right here.

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Walt Disney World Resort and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why, read our editorial policy here.

Both a theme Park reservation and valid ticket for the same Park on the same date are required for Park entry. Entertainment and offerings are subject to availability, restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed. Visit WaltDisneyWorld.com.au for important information before visiting Walt Disney World Resort.
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Image credit: Supplied.