We all know what the big attraction is here -- the one that put Orlando on the map. With the exception of conventioneers (and I'm sure many of them sneak off to the parks, as well), most people who come to Orlando have come to meet -- or become reacquainted with -- the Mouse.

Walt Disney World, attracting more than 13 million visitors annually, is one of the world's most popular travel destinations. All of the Disney parks make the industry's top 10 list for attendance. And why not? They provide a welcome retreat in a star-spangled, all-American fantasyland where wonderment, human progress, and old-fashioned family fun are the major themes. And these themes are presented in spectacular parades and fireworks displays; 3-D, and 360° CircleVision movies; and adventure-filled journeys through time and space. Though it's not inexpensive, you'll seldom hear people complain about not getting their money's worth. Disney delivers!

One reason is that rides and shows are periodically updated and, as with some of the attractions at the latest park Animal Kingdom, if something doesn't quite work Disney is willing to fix it. As part of this process, the company conducts extensive interviews with parkgoers to determine how well things are working.

There have been many changes and additions to the Magic Kingdom since it opened in 1971. The oldest section, Tomorrowland, was actually looking a little dated by the time it underwent a recent upgrade and renovation. Other recent additions to WDW include Disney's West Side, a collection of shops, restaurants, and nightclubs that opened in 1997, joining with Pleasure Island and the Disney Village Marketplace to become what WDW is calling Downtown Disney. In 1998, the fourth major park, Animal Kingdom, dedicated to wildlife, opened four of its five sections. In 1999, the final section was opened and rides and attractions continue to be changed and fine-tuned even at press time. But those are just the latest additions. Smaller changes are taking place throughout Walt's World, which includes Epcot, where guests take exhilarating voyages around the world and into the future, and Disney-MGM Studios, centered on ``Hollywood Boulevard'' and providing a thrilling behind-the-scenes look at motion-picture and TV studios. Recent additions at MGM include a new nighttime entertainment show, Fantasmic. (A version of this show has been playing at California's Disneyland for some time, but Disney folks promise the Florida version still delivers some surprises.)

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Visitor Information

Before leaving home, call or write the Walt Disney World Co., Box 10000, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-1000 (407/934-7639), for a copy of the very informative Walt Disney World Vacations brochure -- an invaluable planning aid. When you call, also ask about special events that will be going on during your stay. Once you've arrived in town, guest-services and concierge desks in all the area hotels -- especially Disney properties and ``official'' hotels -- have up-to-the-minute information about happenings in the parks. Stop by to ask questions and pick up literature, including a schedule of park hours and special events. If you have questions your hotel can't answer, call 407/824-4321.

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Best Time of Year to Visit

Because of the large number of international visitors, there is really no ``off'' season for Disney, but during the winter months, usually from January through April, the park crowds are smallest, the weather coolest, and the air least humid. The crowds also thin after September until the week before Thanksgiving. The summer months, when the masses throng to the park, are not only crowded, but hot, hot, hot, sticky, and humid. During the cooler months, you also don't have to worry about the daily summer thunderstorms.

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Tickets

There are several ticket options, ranging from 1- to 7-day passes. Most people get the best value from 4- and 5-day passes. All passes offer unlimited use of the WDW transportation system.

The 4-Day Park Hopper Passes provide unlimited admission to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Disney-MGM. For a 4-day pass, adults pay $167; children, $134. A 5-Day Park Hopper Plus Pass also includes your choice of two admissions to either Typhoon Lagoon, River Country, Blizzard Beach, Pleasure Island, or Disney's Wide World of Sports. The 5-day pass costs adults $229; children, $183. Passes for 6 and 7 days are available; call (407/824-4321 for details).

Adult prices are paid by anyone over 10 years of age. Children's rates are for ages 3 to 9. Children 2 and under are admitted free.

A 1-day, one-park ticket for the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, or Disney-MGM Studios is $44 for adults, $36 for children.

A 1-day ticket to Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach is $26.95 for adults, $21.50 for children.

A 1-day ticket to River Country is $15.95 for adults, $12.50 for children.

A 1-day ticket to Pleasure Island is $18.95. Since this is primarily an 18 and over entertainment complex, there is no special pricing for children.

If you're staying at any Walt Disney World resort or ``official'' hotel, you're also eligible for a money-saving Unlimited Magic Pass, which is priced according to the length of your stay. It also offers special perks.

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The Magic Kingdom

Centered around Cinderella's Castle -- its Gothic spires are Walt Disney World's most recognizable symbol, after Mickey Mouse -- the Magic Kingdom occupies about 100 acres, with numerous attractions, restaurants, and shops in seven theme sections, or ``Lands.''

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Epcot

This is the place that Disney really celebrates the future. In 1982, Disney opened Epcot (Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow) as its second major theme park. Its aims are described in a dedication plaque: ``May Epcot entertain, inform and inspire. And, above all... instill a new sense of belief and pride in man's ability to shape a world that offers hope to people everywhere.'' Ever growing and changing, Epcot today occupies 260 acres so stunningly landscaped, they are worth visiting for botanical beauty alone -- so stop and smell the roses. There are two major sections, Future World and World Showcase.

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Disney-MGM Studios

Disney-MGM Studios offers exciting movie-and TV-themed shows and behind-the-scenes ``reel-life'' adventures. You'll see the eerie Tower of Terror and the Earrfel Tower, a water tower with mouse ears, off in the distance. Once inside, its main streets include Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard, with art deco movie sets evoking Hollywood's glamorous golden age. There's also a New York Street lined with Gotham landmarks (the Empire State, Flatiron, and Chrysler buildings), and typical New York characters including peddlers hawking knock-off watches. Here you'll find some of the best street performing in the Disney parks. More importantly, this is a working movie-and-TV studio, where shows are in production even as you tour the premises.

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Animal Kingdom

Disney's fourth major park combines animals, elaborate landscapes, and a handful of rides to create yet another reason not to venture outside of the Disney World. The bulk of the park opened in 1998, the final ``land'' Asia, opened in 1999. Michael Eisner says it's the next best thing to going to Africa, but don't cancel that safari vacation yet. It is definitely a different theme park experience, filled with lush landscapes and exotic wildlife. There are also a few great shows -- notably the Lion King. If the animals are cooperative, you can have an up close encounter that you aren't likely to find anywhere else.

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Typhoon Lagoon

Located off Lake Buena Vista Drive, halfway between the Disney Village Marketplace and Disney-MGM Studios, Typhoon Lagoon is the ultimate in water-theme parks. Its fantasy setting is a palm-fringed tropical island village of ramshackle, tin-roofed structures, strewn with cargo, surfboards, and other marine wreckage left by the ``great typhoon.'' A storm-stranded fishing boat dangles precariously atop the 95-foot-high Mount Mayday, the steep setting for several major park attractions. Every half hour the boat's smokestack erupts, shooting a 50-foot geyser of water into the air.

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