Walt Disney World Map and Brochure (1971 – 2024)
Location: Orlando, Florida
Years Active: 1971 – Active
The Walt Disney World Resort, also called Walt Disney World or Disney World, is an entertainment resort complex in Bay Lake and Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States, near Orlando and Kissimmee.
This page is an archive of Walt Disney World maps and brochures dating back to 1975. Due to the expansive nature of Walt Disney World Resort, encompassing four theme parks, two water parks, and numerous other recreational areas, modern Disney World maps often resemble traditional regional maps rather than simple theme park guides.
Maps of Theme Parks and Water Parks within Walt Disney World Resort
The Walt Disney World resort comprises four theme parks:
- Magic Kingdom (see Disney Magic Kingdom Map and Brochure)
- Epcot (see Disney Epcot Map and Brochure)
- Hollywood Studios (See Disney’s Hollywood Studios Map and Brochure)
- Animal Kingdom (see Disney’s Animal Kingdom Map and Brochure)
Two water parks:
There are 31 themed resort hotels, nine non-Disney hotels, several golf courses, a camping resort, and other entertainment venues, including the Disney Springs outdoor shopping center.
Walt Disney World Map 2024
In 2024, Walt Disney World introduced several key changes. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opened as a new attraction at Magic Kingdom Park. Beginning January 9, the resort stopped requiring theme park reservations for guests with date-based tickets. Additionally, Disney’s Hollywood Studios updated Star Tours – The Adventures Continue with new stories and characters. These updates marked the most significant additions and operational changes across the resort during the year.
Printable Walt Disney World Map PDF 2024
Walt Disney World Map 2023
In 2023, Walt Disney World permanently closed Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom on January 23 for its transformation into a new ride. On March 23, Roundup Rodeo BBQ opened as a table-service restaurant in Hollywood Studios’ Toy Story Land. On April 2, EPCOT ended performances of its nighttime spectacular Harmonious, followed by the April 4 debut of TRON Lightcycle / Run in Tomorrowland. September 30 marked the closure of the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel. On October 16, EPCOT introduced Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana. On December 5, EPCOT unveiled the World Celebration neighborhood with the “Walt the Dreamer” statue and launched the new nighttime spectacular Luminous the Symphony of Us.
Walt Disney World Map 2020
In 2020, Walt Disney World introduced Regal Eagle Smokehouse at EPCOT’s American Adventure pavilion on February 19, followed by the March 4 debut of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Hollywood Studios. On March 15, all theme parks closed temporarily as a public health precaution, with Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom reopening July 11 and EPCOT and Hollywood Studios reopening July 15. On July 16, Primeval Whirl at Animal Kingdom and Stitch’s Great Escape! at Magic Kingdom were permanently closed.
Walt Disney World Map 2013
In 2013, Walt Disney World reopened California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort on September 9 following a refurbishment that updated both the dining room and the menu. On September 18, Magic Kingdom expanded its Fantasyland offerings with the official opening of Princess Fairytale Hall, a dedicated character meet-and-greet venue designed for guest interactions with Disney princesses.
Walt Disney World Map 2012
In 2012, Walt Disney World opened Disney’s Art of Animation Resort on May 31 with the debut of its Finding Nemo family suites. On June 1, Magic Kingdom permanently closed the original Snow White’s Scary Adventures attraction. December 6 marked the grand opening of New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom, including Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid and the Be Our Guest Restaurant, while EPCOT reopened a reimagined Test Track sponsored by Chevrolet.
Walt Disney World Map 2011
In 2011, Walt Disney World permanently closed Mickey’s Toontown Fair at Magic Kingdom on February 11 to make way for the Fantasyland expansion. On May 20, Disney’s Hollywood Studios reopened the Star Tours attraction as Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, a newly reimagined 3-D experience featuring updated technology and multiple ride variations.
Walt Disney World Map 2010
In 2010, Walt Disney World closed the 3-D film Honey, I Shrunk the Audience at EPCOT’s Imagination! pavilion on May 9, followed by the July 2 return of Captain EO with updated in-theater effects. On September 8, the original Star Tours attraction at Hollywood Studios closed to prepare for its conversion into Star Tours: The Adventures Continue. Additionally, EPCOT expanded dining offerings with the September 15 opening of La Hacienda de San Angel, a new waterfront table-service restaurant.
Walt Disney World Map 2009
In 2009, Walt Disney World introduced The American Idol Experience at Hollywood Studios on February 14, followed by Stitch’s Supersonic Celebration stage show at Magic Kingdom on May 6. On August 4, Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort opened as a new Disney Vacation Club property. Later in the year, Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom reopened on November 21 after an extensive refurbishment that updated its queue, ride environment, and sound system, marking a major attraction overhaul.
Walt Disney World Map 2008
In 2008, Walt Disney World reopened EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth on February 15 following an extensive refurbishment. On May 31, Disney’s Hollywood Studios introduced the new 4-D interactive ride Toy Story Midway Mania! alongside the debut of Pixar Place, a themed area dedicated to Pixar films. Later that summer, on June 27, the park added Journey into Narnia: Prince Caspian, a new walk-through attraction that expanded Hollywood Studios’ offerings with content from the Disney film franchise.
Walt Disney World Map 2007
In 2007, Walt Disney World introduced several major updates across its parks. On January 24, Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened the new stage production Finding Nemo – The Musical, while EPCOT’s The Living Seas pavilion was rededicated as The Seas with Nemo & Friends. On April 2, Magic Kingdom launched Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor in Tomorrowland, and EPCOT’s Mexico boat ride reopened as Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros. Later that year, on July 9, EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth closed for a significant renovation.
Walt Disney World Map 2006
In 2006, Walt Disney World opened Expedition Everest on April 7 in Animal Kingdom’s Asia section as a major new roller coaster. On August 20, Hollywood Studios permanently closed the interactive attraction Who Wants to Be a Millionaire – Play It!, followed by the September 16 closure of the Cinderellabration stage show at Magic Kingdom. On October 1, Magic Kingdom introduced Dream Along with Mickey, a new castle forecourt stage show tied to the Year of a Million Dreams celebration.
Walt Disney World Map 2005
In 2005, Walt Disney World expanded with major new attractions across multiple parks. On March 15, Typhoon Lagoon introduced Crush ’n’ Gusher, a water coaster featuring multiple flume sections. On May 5, EPCOT opened Soarin’ inside The Land pavilion as a flight simulator experience, while Disney-MGM Studios debuted the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show, a large-scale production showcasing high-speed stunts and vehicle action.
Walt Disney World Map 2004
In 2004, Walt Disney World closed the Food Rocks stage show at EPCOT’s The Land pavilion on January 3. On May 17, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa opened as a new Disney Vacation Club property. Later in the year, November 16 saw the debut of Stitch’s Great Escape! in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland, replacing Alien Encounter, and the opening of Turtle Talk with Crush, an interactive attraction inside EPCOT’s The Living Seas pavilion.
Walt Disney World Map 2003
In 2003, Walt Disney World expanded with several major additions. On October 8, Magic Kingdom opened Mickey’s PhilharMagic, a 3D film attraction in Fantasyland, followed the next day by the debut of the Wishes fireworks spectacular over Cinderella Castle. Also on October 9, EPCOT introduced Mission: SPACE, a motion simulator replacing Horizons. On October 12, Magic Kingdom’s ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter permanently closed. Later in the year, December 14 marked the opening of the first phase of Disney’s Pop Century Resort.
Walt Disney World Map 2002
In 2002, Walt Disney World expanded Animal Kingdom with the debut of Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama, anchored by the new Primeval Whirl spinning roller coaster on March 31. On June 1, EPCOT’s Imagination pavilion reopened with Journey Into Imagination with Figment, marking the third version of the ride. Later that summer, July 1 saw the opening of Disney’s Beach Club Villas, a 208-unit Disney Vacation Club property located next to the existing Beach Club Resort.
Walt Disney World Map 2001
In 2001, Walt Disney World introduced multiple new experiences. On April 7, Disney-MGM Studios opened the interactive attraction Who Wants to Be a Millionaire – Play It!, followed on April 16 by the debut of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, a deluxe African-themed resort with its own savanna. On May 24, Magic Kingdom added The Magic Carpets of Aladdin in Adventureland, and on October 1 debuted the Share a Dream Come True parade. That same year, EPCOT closed Journey into YOUR Imagination on October 8.
Walt Disney World Brochure 2001
Walt Disney World Map 1996
In 1996, Walt Disney World closed two EPCOT attractions: World of Motion on January 2 and the original Universe of Energy on January 21, while that same day introducing Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable at The Land pavilion. On February 9, the Disney Institute resort opened, offering vacation-learning programs. July 1 saw the debut of Disney’s BoardWalk Inn & Villas as a new deluxe resort complex. Later that year, Magic Kingdom’s Mickey’s Starland was officially renamed Mickey’s Toontown Fair.
Walt Disney World Map 1994
In 1994, Walt Disney World closed EPCOT’s Communicore pavilions on January 30, later replacing them with the Innoventions pavilion that opened July 1. On May 28, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge debuted as a new deluxe resort. July 22 brought the opening of Sunset Boulevard, the first expansion of Disney-MGM Studios, anchored by The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. On September 5, Magic Kingdom permanently closed 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and on November 21 EPCOT introduced the 3D film Honey, I Shrunk the Audience.
Walt Disney World Map 1990
In 1990, Walt Disney World introduced several major additions. On May 25, Disney-MGM Studios premiered the live stage show Here Come the Muppets. Later that year, two new deluxe resorts opened in the EPCOT Resort Area: Disney’s Yacht Club Resort on November 5 and Disney’s Beach Club Resort on November 19. On December 17, Disney-MGM Studios added the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure, an 11,000-square-foot interactive playground themed to the popular film.
Walt Disney World Map 1979
Walt Disney World Map 1975
In 1975, Walt Disney World introduced several major additions. On January 15, Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland saw the opening of Space Mountain, the park’s first indoor roller coaster, alongside the relocated Carousel of Progress stage show. On March 22, the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village debuted as a new retail and dining district. Later that year, Tomorrowland added Mission to Mars on June 7, replacing Flight to the Moon, and the WEDway PeopleMover transportation system officially opened on July 1.
Walt Disney World Brochure 1975
Walt Disney World Map 1971
In 1971, Walt Disney World officially opened on October 1 with the Magic Kingdom as its first theme park, debuting attractions including The Haunted Mansion in Liberty Square, Jungle Cruise in Adventureland, and it’s a small world in Fantasyland. That same day, the resort complex also launched its first two hotels: Disney’s Contemporary Resort, featuring a monorail station, and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, a tropical-themed deluxe property located along the monorail line near the park.
Walt Disney World History
Walt Disney World opened on October 1, 1971. WDW is owned and operated by Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, and The Walt Disney Company division. The property covers nearly 27,000 acres, of which half has been used.
Designed to supplement Disneyland in Anaheim, California, which opened in 1955, the complex was developed by Walt Disney in the 1960s. “The Florida Project,” as it was known, was intended to present a distinct vision with its own diverse set of attractions. Walt Disney’s original plans also called for the inclusion of an “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow” (EPCOT), a planned community intended to serve as a testbed for new city-living innovations.
Walt Disney died on December 15, 1966, during the initial planning of the complex. After his death, the company wrestled with whether to bring the Disney World project to fruition. However, Walt’s older brother, Roy, came out of retirement to ensure Walt’s biggest dream was realized. Construction started in 1967, with the company building a resort similar to Disneyland, abandoning the experimental concepts for a planned community.
The Magic Kingdom was the first theme park to open in the complex in 1971, followed by Epcot (1982), Disney’s Hollywood Studios (1989), and Disney’s Animal Kingdom (1998). Roy insisted the name of the entire complex be changed from Disney World to Walt Disney World, ensuring that people would remember that the project was Walt’s dream.
In 2018, Walt Disney World was the most visited vacation resort in the world, with an average annual attendance of more than 58 million. The resort is the flagship destination of Disney’s worldwide corporate enterprise and has become a popular staple in American culture. In 2020, Walt Disney World was chosen to host the NBA Bubble for play of the 2019–20 season of the National Basketball Association to resume at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
Walt Disney World (as well as Disneyland) is also covered by an FAA-prohibited airspace zone that restricts all airspace activities without approval from the Federal government of the United States, including the usage of drones. This level of protection is otherwise only offered to American critical infrastructure (like the Pantex nuclear weapons plant), military bases, the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area Special Flight Rules Area, official presidential travels, and Camp David.
FAQ
What’s the cheapest month to go to Disney World?
The cheapest month to go to Disney is January. Travel costs, park ticket prices, and hotel rates are lowest after New Year’s and before Presidents Day. Weekdays in early February and late August also offer low prices due to minimal crowd levels.
What is the 2pm rule at Disney World?
The 2PM rule at Disney World allows guests with park hopper tickets to switch parks after 2:00 PM. Visitors must enter their first reserved park before park hopping. The rule helps manage crowd levels and applies to all four Walt Disney World theme parks.
What does 33 mean at Disney World?
At Disney World, “33” refers to Club 33, an exclusive private lounge modeled after the original in Disneyland. Club 33 offers fine dining, upscale décor, and VIP perks. Membership is by invitation only and includes access to secret lounges in each of Disney World’s four parks.
Why is it called Walt Disney World?
It is called Walt Disney World to honor Walt Disney, the visionary behind the project. After Walt’s death in 1966, his brother Roy Disney added “Walt” to the name to recognize his leadership and legacy. The full name distinguishes it from Disneyland in California.
