If you’re a Kiwi family thinking about heading to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, get ready; this isn’t just the “Disneyland Park in Florida.” Walt Disney World Resort is on another level entirely. It’s a massive resort complex with four world-famous theme parks, two waterparks, golf courses, shopping, entertainment, and more than 25 themed hotels. Basically, it’s the theme park capital of the world, and it really does take time to do it properly.
We usually suggest allowing around 14 days to soak it all in. That way, you can enjoy the thrills of the parks, relax by the pool, and fit in a few Orlando extras without feeling rushed. Planning is everything with a trip this big, and that’s where we come in.
Getting There from New Zealand
The journey to Orlando is a long one, but thankfully it’s straightforward with our Star Alliance partners, Air New Zealand and United Airlines. Between them, you’ve got seamless one-stop connections via Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Houston. Some travellers like to build in a stopover along the way, while others prefer to fly straight through and get into holiday mode as quickly as possible.
When you touch down in Florida, the heat greets you straight away. Transfers and shuttles are easy enough to organise, but we often recommend hiring a rental car. It gives you freedom to explore Orlando’s attractions at your own pace, pop out for some shopping, or nip back to your resort when the kids need a break. After a long-haul flight from New Zealand, jet lag is a given, so we always suggest keeping your first day quiet. A swim, a simple dinner, and an early night sets you up perfectly for the adventure ahead.
Staying in (or near) the Magic
Accommodation at Walt Disney World Resort falls into two main camps. You can stay at one of Disney’s themed resorts within the resort area itself, or you can base yourself just outside in larger villa-style accommodation.
Disney resorts are ideal if you want the magic on your doorstep. Guests often enjoy perks like extra park hours and free shuttles, which makes getting around easy. But for many Kiwi travellers, having extra space wins out. Multi-bedroom villas and condos just outside the resort area give you your own kitchen, laundry, parking and pools. They’re perfect for families and groups who want flexibility and room to spread out. We work with some fantastic properties in this category, and they strike the right balance between convenience and comfort.
The Parks: Where the Magic Happens
Walt Disney World Resort is home to four incredible theme parks, each with its own personality. Magic Kingdom is the beating heart of the resort, with Cinderella’s Castle, dazzling parades, fireworks, and the rides everyone grew up with. EPCOT offers a completely different feel, blending futuristic attractions with cultural pavilions and food from around the globe. Disney’s Animal Kingdom brings together wildlife and adventure, with safaris and headline rides like Avatar Flight of Passage. Hollywood Studios is all about movie magic, where Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land pull you into the worlds of film.
On top of the four main parks, Walt Disney World Resort also has two waterparks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, which are brilliant for cooling off on those hot Florida days. With so much variety, every day feels different. That’s why our Walt Disney World Resort holiday packages are fully customisable. Whether it’s a character breakfast, a behind-the-scenes tour, or after-hours parties, we help you piece it all together so the fun flows without the stress.
But Wait… There’s More!
As incredible as Walt Disney World Resort is, Orlando has so much more waiting to be explored. It’s not called the theme park capital of the world for nothing. Universal Orlando Resort is another must, especially for fans of Harry Potter who want to experience the Wizarding World in full. SeaWorld Orlando blends marine life encounters with some of the city’s most thrilling rides, while the Kennedy Space Center is a highlight for anyone with even a passing interest in space travel.
And then there’s the shopping. Orlando’s major malls and premium outlet centres are world-class, but it’s the hidden gems that stand out too, like Rock ’n’ Roll Heaven, one of the coolest second-hand record stores you’ll ever find. Evenings can be just as entertaining, with themed dinner shows like Medieval Times or Pirates Dinner Adventure, or concerts at Hard Rock Live Orlando. Sport is also a big part of the Orlando experience, whether you’re into basketball, baseball or even ice hockey. The point is, there’s always more to do than you’ll ever fit in, which is why planning matters.
Why Tailormade Packages Make All the Difference
A holiday like this is never one-size-fits-all. Some want to be at the parks from sunrise to fireworks every day, while others prefer a mix of action and downtime. Without a plan, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by queues, transport and decisions on the fly. With the right support though, it all clicks into place.
At Travel USA – New Zealand’s only 100% dedicated USA travel specialists – we create Walt Disney World Resort holiday packages that fit your travelling party, your style and your budget. From flights and accommodation to park passes, dining and non-Disney extras, we make sure every piece works together. If you’d like to go bigger, we can tailor the Ultimate Orlando Experience, blending Disney, Universal, Kennedy Space Center, shopping and more into one seamless holiday.
Memories That Last a Lifetime
Travelling halfway around the world for a holiday is no small effort, but the payoff is huge. Watching your kids’ faces light up as they see Cinderella’s Castle for the first time, or sharing a laugh at a themed dinner, creates memories that go far beyond the parks themselves.
At Travel USA, our goal is simple: to make sure every part of your Walt Disney World resort trip is magical, fun and stress-free. When you’re ready to turn the dream into a plan, we’ll help you make it happen. If you’re thinking about how to put together the right mix of park days and downtime, have a look at our Walt Disney World holiday packages to see how it could come together. Let us know when you’re ready to start planning.
