One of the most common things that I encounter as a travel agent who sells Disney trips is confusion about what parks are actual Disney parks and what those parks are. For example, when I ask if the client knows which parks they want to visit, they will often say, “Well, we definitely want to see Disney World and probably Universal Studios.”

There are two problems here. One is that “Disney World” is a giant piece of land in central Florida that contains four theme parks, two water parks, dozens of resorts, a golf course, and more. And two, Universal Studios is most definitely NOT Disney World. It is its own company with its own movies and its own theme parks, water park, and resorts. So if your group wants to see Harry Potter and the minions, you want Universal, not Disney World!

So what are the Disney theme parks? I am so glad you asked! When people say “Disney World,” what they actually mean is Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingom

Disney’s Magic Kingdom is the quintessential Disney park. If this is your family’s first trip to Walt Disney World, this park is a must do! It is the home of the iconic Cinderella Castle, Main Street USA, and the most classic Disney rides like it’s a small world, Peter Pan’s Flight, and Space Mountain…rides that you can also find on the West Coast in Disneyland park as well. While I could write a book about Magic Kingdom, this isn’t the place…and tons of books have already been written!

Epcot

Epcot stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow and is the last park that Walt himself had a hand in. Due to its initial futuristic theming, Epcot consists of Future World, the home of its iconic “big ball” properly knowns as Spaceship Earth, and the World Showcase consisting of eleven country-specific pavilions.

Many people consider Epcot to be the “adult park” because of its plethora of amazing food and drink choices, but I find it to be extremely family friendly. Yes, there are several thrill rides that will excite thrill seekers in your travel party…Test Track, Mission: Space, and the newest attraction (and my personal favorite ride in all of Disney World) Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind!

BUT Epcot is also the home of the Seas with Nemo and friends which has a very cute ride through the Nemo movie, Turtle Talk with Crush, a small play area centered around Bruce the shark, and an aquarium that you could spend hours in! Epcot also has the only Frozen ride and the only meet and greet for Elsa and Anna. For families with little princesses that love all things Frozen, Epcot is a must do as well!

And don’t forget Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, a new trackless ride that shrinks riders down to the size of a rat! In spite of its appeal to adults, Epcot is great for littles and has been my daughter’s favorite park since she was about six!

Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios is most popular for two things: Toy Story Land and Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. Toy Story Land features two family friendly rides, Alien Swirling Saucers and Toy Story Mania, and one roller coaster Slinky Dog Dash that is pretty family friendly even with its height requirement.

Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge features Millenium Falcon Smuggler’s Run and Rise of the Resistance, both of which are pretty thrilling, along with a myriad of restaurants, shops, photo ops, characters, and opportunities to be fully immersed in the Star Wars world.

But those aren’t the only things drawing guests to this park. The Hollywood Tower of Terror is a fantastic thrill ride you should definitely “drop in” for, and Rock N Roller Coaster is one of the few true roller coasters with loops and barrel rolls on Disney property. It is also the home to Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, a new trackless ride that is family friendly for riders of all ages and sizes.

Before you decide that your preschoolers won’t like Hollywood Studios, keep in mind that it’s the only park to have any of the Disney Jr. characters, so your littles can meet Doc McStuffins, Jake without his Neverland Pirates, Sofia the First, and more. Your family can enjoy the adorable Frozen Sing Along live show before meeting Olaf, Voyage Under the Sea with the Little Mermaid show, and enjoy the Beauty and the Beast Live on stage show as well.

Much like all Disney parks, Hollywood Studios has something for everyone.

Animal Kingdom

I normally say that Animal Kingdom is Disney’s version of a zoo, but honestly that probably really undersells this theme park! If you’re looking for a park that is full of rides, you may be disappointed as this is the park with the least amount of actual rides. But that doesn’t mean this park isn’t full of fun!

Expedition Everest is a thrill seeker’s delight as you jet through the Himalayas in search of the Yeti. Lovers of the movie Avatar can ride a banshee on Flight of Passage or relax on a slow boat ride on Na’vi River Journey. But one of the most unique experiences in Animal Kingdom is the Kilimanjaro Safari…the closest thing to a true African Safari ride you will get this side of the Atlantic Ocean!

But if your travel party is looking to see animals, this is the park for you. Gorillas, tigers, monkeys, bats, flamingos, and my personal favorite OTTERS, Animal Kingdom has not shortage of places to sit and view various animals and learn about conservation.

Which parks should you visit?

The short answer is all four! I usually advise at least three days in the theme parks, but every family has their own priorities and their own way of touring each park. For me personally, Animal Kingdom is a half-day park, but for my husband who could sit all day and watch the monkey play, it could easily be an all-day park! For my clients who are not sure which parks to visit, I will usually have a short conversation, ask a few questions, and work with them to customize a touring plan that will meet the needs of every person in their travel party!

All photos are photos I took myself on trips or courtesy of Disney’s Memory Maker photo package.