Bird’s Eye View of Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World Resort spans for miles and miles and covers hundreds of acres in the heart of Central Florida. If you look at it on a map, you’ll see just how truly massive it is! For a long time I pictured Walt Disney World as a small, contained place that held 4 incredible theme parks and a few hotels to go along with them. My first inclination that WDW spanned a bit more acreage than I thought came many years ago when my family and I weren’t staying at one of the resorts. My parents and I would drive onto Disney property each day, passing more landmarks and properties than I knew existed. Fast forward a few years later, and I took a fateful balloon ride that changed my view forever- both literally and figuratively. Experience it just once, and the thrill of seeing the place where dreams come true from high above will change your whole outlook on everyone’s favorite vacation destination. Here are the best spots to see Walt Disney World Resort from the highest heights:
The Tower of Terror
The journey to the Twilight Zone is not one for the faint of heart. If the tale of the elevator incident in 1939 isn’t enough to put you on edge, the suspense in waiting for the nail biting 13-story plunge will do the trick for the bravest of them all! It might be tempting, but resist closing your eyes when your elevator makes its brief stop at the top of the hotel for a view of Hollywood Studios you can’t get anywhere else! It’s fleeting, but take in as much as you can- it’s definitely the prime place to check in on the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge construction progress!
Splash Mountain
Try as you might to escape his plot, but Br’er Fox always finds a way to send your boat down the briar patch! When you crest the peak, just before the epic drop, look straight ahead for a breathtaking view of Frontierland, Fantasyland, Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and Cinderella Castle!
Astro Orbiters
The Astro Orbiter is the one attraction that’s easy to spot from both inside and outside Magic Kingdom’s gates. Think of it this way: if you can see the Astro Orbiter, it can see you. Take a spin and pilot your own high-flying rocket for a view of Magic Kingdom and its surrounding areas that’ll take your breath away.
Swiss Family Robinson Tree House
You’ll have to use the power of your own two legs to ascend to the tip-top tree branches that serve as the beams for the Swiss Family Robinson’s house in the trees. Reward your efforts with a rest at the peak of the stairs and take a moment to peek through the leaves. This is my hands-down favorite view of Cinderella Castle, and a great spot to watch Happily Ever After from a different point of view.
Expedition Everest
No, this attraction is not to be mistaken for a leisurely sightseeing excursion through Asia…but the view from the ascent chain is unparalleled. When your train is climbing the chain at the onset of the ride, make sure to look behind you for glimpses of Spaceship Earth, Hollywood Studios, and maybe even Cinderella Castle…that is, if your neck is that flexible.
Coca-Cola Store Rooftop Beverage Bar
Coca-Cola’s new store in Disney Springs is great for fans of the drink looking to stock up on apparel and merchandise associated with the cola. Once you’re through shopping, head up to the rooftop bar where you can sip countless flavors of the famous drink from the Rooftop Beverage Bar. While you’re enjoying your Coke, take a walk to the edge of the roof and look out over Disney Springs- this is a great spot to see just how much the Springs has grown in the past few years!
Characters In Flight
For the ultimate birds’ eye view of the Walt Disney World Resort property, you’ve got to check out Characters in Flight! The hot air balloon is decked out with images of high-flying Disney characters like Peter Pan and Tink, and they’re inviting you to see the World from their point of view! This experience is really eye-opening…you can see everything from up there! It’s the experience that changed my point of view for good- so let us know, will you take a ride in this out of this world balloon on your next vacation? Let us know in the comments below! And oh yeah…have a nice flight.
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Special thanks to Maria Salerno for writing this article: Hiya pal! I am a NYC-based writer/musician thrilled to be bringing you all things Disney! I’m a WDW Annual Passholder, so you can find me in the parks regularly throughout the year. In addition to being a Disney Parks loving girl, I’m also a Disney toy and merchandise collector, a runDisney enthusiast, and Disney music and movie aficionado. You can follow me on Instagram: NYCtoAP and find me on YouTube: NYCtoAP. Thanks for reading, hope to see ya real soon!