Walt Disney World may have temporarily closed its doors in the spirit of social distancing during the coronavirus outbreak, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy all the thrills and charm of the most magical place on earth.
While we can’t experience the theme parks in person right now, the Virtual Disney World YouTube channel can help you relive the attractions and places you love at Walt Disney World anytime and anywhere. Virtual Disney World is not affiliated, sponsored or endorsed by Walt Disney World, but its interactive 360-degree videos can help you connect with the place where dreams come true — something we may all need during this difficult time.
Kids and kids-at-heart can experience their favorite rides at home, making you feel like you’re really there — a VR headset will make these videos even more realistic. And when we can all actually travel again, it’s the perfect way to plan out your next trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla.
We’ve organized the virtual rides by park — consider it a virtual park hopper pass — so you can experience some of the iconic rides from the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. And the best part — you won’t need a fast pass because you can skip the lines!
Photographing Travis via Flickr
Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is the perfect place for kids of all ages to explore a world of enchantment. See all your favorite characters on Main Street USA, marvel at Cinderella’s castle, meet a princess in Fantasyland, zoom through the galaxy in Tomorrowland, make a splash in Frontierland, tour a haunted mansion in Liberty Square, or board a pirate ship in Adventureland. Fantasy becomes reality at the Magic Kingdom, and you can virtual experience the magic through these rides.
Michael Gordon | Dreamstime.com
Enjoy a whimsical world without getting wet on Splash Mountain – Watch here
Take a wild ride on the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Watch here
Whistle while you ride the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – Watch here
No trip to Walt Disney World is complete without It’s a Small World! Watch here
Jennifer Lynn via Flickr
Epcot
Whether you want to explore science and technology in Future World or globe trot in the World Showcase, Epcot has a little something for everyone. Future World features some thrilling attractions that offer a fun-filled look into technology, communication and the environment. If you’re looking for a more relaxed place to roam, the World Showcase features 11 countries where you can stroll through shops and eateries, and enjoy a ride or two, as you travel from country to country. Here are a few virtual experiences you can enjoy from Epcot while you’re at home.
Joni Hanebutt | Dreamstime.com
Join Anna and Elsa for an adventure on Frozen Ever After – Watch here
Take to the skies with Soarin’ Around the World – Watch here
It’s a Fin-tastic Adventure on The Seas with Nemo and Friends – Watch here
Explore the Imagination Institute with a Journey into Imagination with Figment – Watch here
Michael Gordon | Dreamstime.com
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
This theme park has undergone several major expansions and includes thrilling attractions from some of the most beloved Disney films. Toy Story Land opened in 2018, bringing the Buzz, Woody and the gang to life. The largest expansion at Hollywood Studios is Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which fully immerses visitors into the galaxy far, far away with rides and character meet and greets. Meanwhile, you can still enjoy old favorites like the Twlight Zone Tower of Terror and the Rockin’ Roller Coaster. Check out some virtual rides to take at home from Hollywood Studios.
Craig Russell | Dreamstime.com
Enjoy a bit of Toy Story Land on the Slinky Dog Dash – Watch here
Use the Force when you Fly the Millennium Falcon – Watch here
Get Intergalactic on the Alien Swirling Saucers – Watch here
Walt Disney World
Animal Kingdom
Enjoy the magic of nature as you explore the wild and the wonderful through safaris, treks and adventures. At Animal Kingdom, you can experience exotic wild animals on the African savanna, enjoy trilling rides searching for yetis and dinosaurs, and walk through Avatar’s world of Pandora. Here are a few ways you can visit this exciting theme park virtually.