Disney’s Magic Kingdom in Florida opened in 1971, and its castle, like the rest of Disney World, has evolved since then. The best time to visit the park is early in the morning or late at night, when crowds are low. Photo © Joni Hanebutt | Dreamstime.com

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No, it’s not Africa; it’s Florida. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the newest of the four theme parks that make up Disney World, guests glimpse giraffes, lions, elephants, rhinos and monkeys on a safari ride through Disney’s 110-acre sanctuary. Photo © Wisconsinart | Dreamstime.com

Walt Disney once said, “Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional.”

Visiting Disney World in 1974 remains my happiest childhood memory. Before our family trip, I spent months poring over pamphlets and guidebooks in that world without the internet. Decades later, I found myself obsessively studying websites and apps to plan my husband’s 60^th birthday adventure, his first visit to the mecca of magic.

The park may be much larger, but the warm and cozy feelings that Disney creates remain the same. We gleefully donned the large buttons they give guests to designate special status as a first-time visitor. There are no age limits to special treatment in Disney World.

If you’re an adult visiting Disney World for the first time in decades, prepare to be wowed and possibly overwhelmed. Located in Orlando, Florida, Disney World is a huge immersive bubble of fantasy, both nostalgic and futuristic. Opened in 1971, it is an ever-evolving place that embodies Disney’s spirit of guest service known as the Four Keys: safety, courtesy, show and efficiency.

Disney World is the size of San Francisco, with four theme parks, two water parks, four golf courses, two miniature golf courses, at least 25 hotels, more than 200 restaurants and a 120-acre shopping and dining complex called Disney Springs.

All four main theme parks have attractions for all ages. EPCOT (Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow), a favorite of adult guests, is a utopian park Walt Disney himself envisioned in the 1950s and 60s. The park has two sections: The World Showcase travels the globe with architecture, cuisine and entertainment from 11 countries. The World of Discovery features rides with a unique blend of science, technology and intergalactic travel. EPCOT is sprawling but has many delightful detours and corners to discover.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios combines charming settings with thrilling rides. Adults will appreciate its well-appointed streets and old Hollywood glamour. One of its newer neighborhoods, Galaxy’s Edge, is an impressive, immersive area modeled after the Star Wars movies where storm troopers interrogate tourists and even the bartenders stay in character. This is where the future of Disney is on display, and it takes entertainment to a whole new level.

For a quiet respite, Animal Kingdom takes you on safari (Disney cares for more than 2,000 live animals), through the ruins of an Indian palace, and into Pandora: The World of Avatar. The beautiful landscapes and roaming wildlife make this park a lovely and relaxing escape.

The Magic Kingdom remains the heart of Disney World. Nostalgic adults will find new magic to add to their old memories of Peter Pan’s Flight or Space Mountain. The park is beautifully laid out with artistic touches and creative elements that returning adults may notice for the first time.

Escape from the real world

Despite its reputation for cuteness, Disney World maintains a level of sophistication that enchants both adults and children. More than once, I saw a parent joyfully crying more than the child upon meeting beloved storybook characters in person.

Adults can appreciate the tremendous effort required to maintain the parks: thorough security checks, costumed cleaning crews and unique food. No detail is overlooked, right down to the designs of the trash cans.

Two things stand out: The park and its employees are there to serve you with a smile, and the guests embrace the positivity.  No one complained about the security checks or waiting in line.

Also, it is a world without cars — unless they’re the cartoon variety. For those of us who drive everywhere and spend hours in traffic, taking Disney World’s free buses, monorail, boats and skyliner can be a relief.

The number one thing to know about visiting Disney World is that it encompasses approximately 40 square miles, and you may walk 10 miles in one day. This traveler went from a sedentary 1,500 steps a day to over 18,000 steps trekking through the “Happiest Place on Earth.”

To maintain that happiness, pack extra comfortable shoes and first aid for feet. Some travelers say, “There is no tired like Disney tired,” but it’s an exhilarated exhaustion. Plus, there are cookies the size of dinner plates to fortify your excursion.

Go early, stay late

You will not follow the strict budget you set for yourself. I thought I had no interest in the nearly endless arrays of collectible Disney pins in every store in every park, but somehow, I ended up with quite a haul of these mini souvenirs along with multiple ears. Such is the spell cast by Disney.

The most magical time in every park is when the gates first open and during late-night hours (usually for guests staying in one of the 25 Disney resorts). It’s a good idea to retreat to your hotel to rest during the middle of the day, which can be hot and crowded.

We rode all the most popular rides in the Magic Kingdom by ourselves at midnight. The Haunted Mansion is still the best ride in the park, and even better at midnight. Wandering the beautifully lit streets under the night sky will transform your experience into a true fairytale.

Perhaps the real magic of Disney is how the ideas of one creative visionary from the last century live on in this one. Disney World makes those ideas tangible and expands upon them with every generation. What Disney knows is that a happy life is always rooted in wonder and delight.

If you go

Plan ahead, but don’t worry about seeing everything. Six to eight months is not too early to start mapping out your vacation.

Crowds, costs and weather are the main factors. Late summer and early fall have lower costs and smaller crowds. The months of January to March have milder weather and less rain.

Round-trip flights to Orlando cost around $250, depending on when you go. For travelers who want to take their cars but skip the 14-hour drive, splurge on Amtrak’s Auto Train from Lorton, Virginia, to Sanford, Florida.

If you insist on being a planner and not an aimless wanderer, you will need three things: The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World by Bob Sehlinger and Len Testa. The size of this book may seem off-putting, but it covers everything and is updated yearly.

Next, download the My Disney Experience app to check park hours, showtimes and wait times. You can also book rides, dining reservations (up to six months in advance) and place same-day food orders.

Finally, consider booking your trip with a Disney-specialized travel agency. I connected with Ann & Tara, an Affiliate of Academy Travel. At no cost to you, these delightfully well-versed Disney experts will guide you every step of the way, offer advice, make reservations and create a trip as simple or complicated as you desire.

As an adult over 50, you may be eligible for some discounts and perks at Disney World. For example, you can get a senior discount on your tickets if you’re a member of AARP or AAA.