Cover Feature Meet All Your Favorite Animated Characters at

Walt Disney World Resort

Woody, Jessie & Buzz at Toy Story Land, Disney’s Hollywood Studios

It’s Playtime, Kids! Round up the gang and get those batteries charged! Shake the snakes out of your boots and say howdy to Sheriff Woody. Yodel a hello to Jessie the Cowgirl. Remember to greet Buzz Lightyear with your best Space Ranger salute – he’s always looking for a few good toys.

Moana at Discovery Island, Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Take off on an excursion to Discovery Island – a place common to explorers from all over the world. During your journey, you just might find Moana, the voyager from Motunui. Whenever she passes through, she graciously welcomes new friends to visit with her and share their tales of adventure.

Mickey at World Celebration . EPCOT

Just inside the entrance of the Magic Eye Theater, say hello to Mickey Mouse in his “breakthrough” role as he steps out of a giant filmstrip to greet guests and celebrate his on-screen stardom.

Belle at Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom

Take your places inside the Beast’s splendid library, where Lumière the talking candlestick directs the action. When Belle appears, you’ll get a chance to play your part in her fairytale story— or just cheer along as you observe the fun!

Mr & Mrs . Incredible at Pixar Plaza, Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Join popular Pixar Characters for a super fun hangout. All you need to do is bring your autograph book, a camera and your best smile! Mr. Incredible loves being a Super Hero. He’s glad to be back in action, with his family by his side. Mrs. Incredible keeps it together, even when she’s stretched a little thin. Family first—Super Mom, then Super Hero!

Anna & Elsa from Frozen in the World Showcase, EPCOT

Chill out with royal sisters Elsa & Anna. Confident and caring, Elsa looks after those she loves. She embraces her magical abilities and has found freedom in simply being herself. Spirited and loving, Anna freely gives her heart. She always looks on the bright side and tries to do the next right thing for her kingdom and the people she cares about.

Merida from Brave at Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom

Join Merida, Princess of DunBroch, inside Fairytale Garden. Hear tales of her passion for archery and adventures. Merida is determined to change her own fate. When things go wrong, she learns what it means to be truly brave.

Donald Duck at DinoLand U . S . A . at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Donald just heard the news—some of his feathered ancestors were dinosaurs! To mark this inquackable discovery, he’s transformed this land into a celebration for the ages. Join the festivities featuring some of Donald’s closest companions, including Daisy Duck. You can even catch Chip ‘n’ Dale sporting some nutty dino-inspired costumes.

For more character experiences & info, visit disneyworld.disney.go.com with the code EFL23. Expires 4/30/24.

Treasure Awaits on Pirate River Quest

Anchors aweigh! Set sail aboard the Pirate River Quest at LEGOLAND ® Florida Resort. This one-of-a-kind boat ride through the natural canals of historic Cypress Gardens whisks families away into a world of adventure in search of Captain Redbeard’s lost treasure, stolen by a troop of mischievous monkeys. Buccaneers can embark upon this quest daily, all included with general park admission or an Annual Pass.

The hilarious story unfolds brick by brick with a rowdy crew of LEGO ® pirates, as adventurers encounter exciting sequences and exotic creatures on this captain-driven boat ride. From a sunken pirate ship to a fearsome kraken set amongst the lush Florida landscape, this tale captivates pirates and landlubbers of all ages. It’s all-hands-on-deck for this treasure quest, as riders count Captain Redbeard’s gems, coins and golden bricks along the way.

This year’s opening of Pirate River Quest marks the return of the canal boats, a beloved feature of the historic Cypress Gardens for decades.

For park times and more info, visit legoland.com/florida.

Did you know?

Central Florida’s first and longest running theme park is Gatorland, opened in 1949. Now known as the Alligator Capital of the World, it opened with a giant reptile touted as the “largest crocodile in the world” and many snakes.

Central Florida’s NBA Team, the Orlando Magic, was almost called the Orlando Juice. By popular vote, “The Magic” won in a contest hosted by The Orlando Sentinel. Other name options included “The Heat” and “The Tropics”.

Central Florida has hundreds of lakes, many of which are the result of sinkholes. Lake Rose in Winter Park is a sinkhole which formed in 1981, swallowing a home, a Porsche dealership and several other businesses.

Notable Orlando resident and Air Force Command Pilot Joe Kittinger was the first person to cross the Atlantic Ocean alone by gas hot air balloon.

Many famous movies have been shot in Orlando including Lethal Weapon 3, a film that includes a scene of the explosion of Orlando’s City Hall, which helped fund the cost of its demolition. Other films produced in Orlando include Sharknado 3, Apollo 13, Waterboy, Jaws and Sisters.

Central Florida is known at the Lightning Capital of America due to the number of fatal hits as well as the density of lightning strikes. Over 20 flashes per square mile occur every year.

Walt Disney World estimates that, since 1971, a staggering 1.65 million pairs of sunglasses have been handed over to its lost and found department.

Central Florida Options for When the Weather’s Not So Sunny

Visiting Orlando with your family and worried about what you’ll do if it rains during your stay? There are still plenty of fun activities to do indoors! From immersive educational experiences at museums to indoor parks and shows, there’s a wide range of great rainy-day activities in the area that are perfect for visitors of all ages. Read on to discover just a few examples and get ready to make lasting memories on your next trip no matter what the weather.

Crayola Experience

If you’re looking for a playful and interactive indoor attraction, you won’t want to miss the Crayola Experience at the Florida Mall. With over 70,000 square feet of colorful fun, you can let your imagination run wild as you explore 26 different creative activities. You can make your own custom crayon, melt crayons to form drip art, and even design your own coloring page. There are also live shows, a playground area, and a Crayola store filled with all of your favorite products. It’s perfect for families with kids who love to create and play.

Orlando Science Center

This dynamic fully-indoor museum is the perfect place for curious minds of all ages, offering hands-on exhibits and demonstrations that allow you to explore the wonders of the natural world and beyond. From interactive displays that teach you about the human body to immersive experiences that take you on a journey through space, the Orlando Science Center is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves to learn and have fun at the same time. So why not spend your next rainy day at this fascinating museum, and discover all the amazing things that science has to offer?

Andretti Indoor Karting & Games

Are you ready for some high-octane fun? Look no further than Andretti Indoor Karting & Games! With thrilling go-kart racing tracks, arcade games, laser tag, bowling, ropes courses, and more, Andretti is the ultimate entertainment destination for all ages. Feel like a professional racer as you speed around the track in a state-of-the-art kart, and then unwind with some friendly competition in the arcade. Andretti’s friendly staff is always ready to make your experience unforgettable. There are no rain delays at this fastpaced attraction, so strap in and get ready for the ride of your life at Andretti Orlando!

Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

With over 16 galleries showcasing weird and wonderful exhibits, this is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the stranger side of life. Don’t forget to snap a photo next to the world’s tallest man and spin the vortex tunnel for a truly mind-bending experience. And don’t miss Ripley’s newest attraction right next door, Ripley’s Mirror Maze! Challenge your senses as you and your family wander through a complex hall of mirrors and lighting! Both attractions are perfect for a rainy day in Orlando and offer free covered parking and proximity to ICON Park attractions.

WonderWorks

If you’re looking for a day filled with awe and adventure, WonderWorks Orlando is the perfect away-from-the-weather destination! Experience what it’s like to be in the middle of a hurricane, test your skills on a virtual ropes course, or explore outer space in the 4D XD motion theater. If it’s still raining outside, stay late for the Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show, a pizza party with magic and improv comedy fun for the whole family. At WonderWorks Orlando, the possibilities for indoor fun are endless!

For discounts on these attractions and more, visit our Fun Things To Do Guide on pages 24-28.