Beyond the Magic Kingdom

When you think of Disney World, it's likely that the Magic Kingdom immediately comes to mind, with its famed Main Street as a throwback to simpler times. You might think of the majestic Cinderella's Castle, the legendary Pirates of the Caribbean or the whimsical Dumbo ride. Whether you went as a kid or want to bring your own children to this magical Florida destination, it's no secret that the Magic Kingdom is at the epicenter of Walt Disney's vision. 

However, that's not the only park in the Disney empire. From Animal Kingdom and Epcot to Hollywood Studios and two water parks, there is so much more to explore in Orlando.

Hollywood Studios

Renamed Hollywood Studios from its former name MGM in 2008, this park pays tribute to everything movie-related. Reminiscent of a bustling movie set, you can become a part of the action, from blockbuster hits and TV shows, to movies from Hollywood's Golden Age. Step into eight different areas of the park, including Hollywood Boulevard, Sunset Boulevard, Streets of America, Commissary Lane, Echo Lake, Pixar Place, Animation Courtyard and Mickey Avenue. 

From thrilling rides like Aerosmith's Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror to more family-oriented attractions like Honey I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure and Muppet Vision 3D, there is something for everyone. Kids and adults alike can learn new concepts through hands-on exhibits like the Magic of Disney Animation, which shows how animated features come to life. At the Animation Academy, you can even draw your own sketch and get advice from Disney artists.

EPCOT

Walt Disney modeled Epcot, which stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, after a Utopian city he envisioned for the future. The park features cultural attractions, diverse international pavilions, breathtaking fireworks, and two main areas: Future World and World Showcase, which contains small versions of 11 countries. These countries include Mexico, Norway, Japan, China, Germany, France, Italy, the United States, Morocco, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Choose your international favorites and dine immersed in the culture of your selection. Learn more about the environment with the Circle of Life attraction or Ellen's Energy Adventure. The little ones can explore, create and learn at ImageWorks within a fun interactive play area.

Animal Kingdom

Eclipsed by the enormous Tree of Life that overlooks the park, Animal Kingdom is a tribute to animals of all kinds. From exotic wildlife to everyday barn animals to extinct creatures, adventures await at this park, which houses more than 1,700 animals and 250 species. With a mission to dedicate and conserve animal care and education, Animal Kingdom is home to six lands: Oasis, Africa, Discovery Island, Asia, Rafiki's Planet Watch and DinoLand, U.S.A. Enjoy Broadway-style musicals, such as Finding Nemo, and listen to the African band Burudika as you walk through the park. Also consider getting a lesson in exotic birds at Flights of Wonder. The kids will love learning about prehistoric creatures and fossils at the Dino Institute and the interactive Boneyard. Don't forget to ride on the thrilling Expedition Everest!

Price Bundling

Like many bulk purchases, the more park passes you purchase at once, the more you save. Single day tickets for Hollywood Studios, Epcot and Animal Kingdom will cost you $84 for those ages 3 to 9 and $90 for kids 10 and up. Magic Kingdom tickets are slightly pricier, at $89 and $95 respectively. Kids under three enter for free at all four parks. If you bundle and buy a 4-day ticket though, your admission to those parks reduces to $65 and $69.75 respectively. You can add on other tickets, such as Park Hoppers and Water Park Fun, to the final price. There are a variety of combinations you can try to get the most for your money in Disney World.

This article was provided by Samantha Greenbaum, jet-setting Disney fanatic and mother of two. If you're a business or individual on the other side of things, presenting people with an interesting, entaining experience, Samantha recommends visiting www.excaliburexhibits.com.