Mickey Mouse ears on. Check. Walking up to Cinderella Castle. Check. Waving to Ariel at a Walt Disney World parade. Check. Inner child gleefully running free. CHECK!
Having spent my childhood glued to Disney films, it really is a magical feeling to get immersed in the world of hit films such as The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan and Beauty and the Beast.
But it’s not all nostalgia; there are plenty of 21st century thrills too.
In the space of a week I escaped the First Order in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, boarded a Jungle Cruise, helped the Guardians of the Galaxy save the universe, ate a meal in Space, went on a safari and flew on a banshee high above Avatar’s Pandora.
Even waking up was exciting, thanks to our base at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. No need to hit the snooze button when you can enjoy a morning coffee on your balcony overlooking giraffes and antelopes.
For those who aren’t big fans of rides and thrills, you won’t be stuck waiting around with people’s bags.
There are plenty of fun shows, 4D experiences, character interactions, parades and those world-famous Disney snacks to enjoy. The parks are beautiful too; they’ve been designed as a holiday destination and that means great restaurants, picturesque views and fun games – seeking out “hidden Mickeys” is an easy way to keep everyone entertained as you wander.
We explored the resort’s four theme parks during our trip and I won’t lie – the amount there to see and do can be a little overwhelming.
Each of the parks offers something unique, so having a gameplan is key, especially if it’s your first visit.
Magic Kingdom
Where you’ll want to go for full-on nostalgia – and I think it’s the best theme park of the four if you’ve got little Disney fans with you.
For a start, it’s where you will find the Cinderella Castle. There’s no feeling quite like walking up Main Street USA as it comes into view, with Disney music playing in the background and the buzz of communal giddiness. By day you’ll feel like you’re in a fairy tale; by night you’ll be transported to a whole new world of Disney magic courtesy of the fireworks and night-time spectacular – bring tissues, it can get a bit emotional.
Magic Kingdom is also where you’ll find classic, gentle rides such as Peter Pan’s Flight, It’s a Small World and Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid. They’re perfect for younger children as they don’t go fast and you are immersed in the stories. As an Ariel fan, sitting in a clam shell and heading under the sea to be part of her world was quite the experience.
For bigger kids, roller coasters such as Space Mountain and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train are great for an adrenaline rush, while Pirates of the Caribbean is a good dose of excitement without being too overwhelming.
For a great ride offering a chance to sit down, relax and get some shade, don’t miss out on Jungle Cruise.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
For thrills and adventure, this place doesn’t disappoint. It’s home to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge where you can take on the First Order in Rise of the Resistance – one of the best attractions I’ve ever been on.
Another strong contender is Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, where you operate the biggest hunk of junk in the galaxy.
The land itself is awe-inspiring, with droids and panels you can hack using the Play Disney app. As it’s immersive you often see Stormtroopers, Rey and Chewbacca wandering through the market and near the ships.
Toy Story Land is another must-visit with fun attractions such as Slinky Dog Dash and the Alien Swirling Saucers. The theming is fantastic – you truly feel like you have become a toy. It was one of the lands where there were heaps of character interactions, from a toy soldier marching band to a chance to meet Woody and Jessie (the queue took about 20 minutes).
With an Old Hollywood theme, the park also has some fun rides that aren’t necessarily Disney film-related. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is not for the faint-hearted but is great fun. The theme is excellent and you can hear the screams from around the park!
Meanwhile, Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is the only ride where you find yourself upside down, although some of the Aerosmith puns seemed lost on the younger generation.
Another epic ride not to be missed is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind over at ...
Epcot
Hits from the 70s and 80s such as Disco Inferno, Everybody Wants To Rule The World, I Ran and September – my favourite – make up the soundtrack for this high-octane coaster that shoots you off in reverse, spins you and has moments that are truly jaw-dropping.
The rest of Epcot offers a slower pace, but I found that it made for a laidback day out, with a few rides along the way including Frozen Ever After, Soarin’ Around The World and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
Epcot is divided into pavilions, each themed around a specific country, and it’s truly joyful to wander around. Make sure you don’t have a huge breakfast – there are so many themed snacks and drinks to try. (Even locals come here to eat and drink their way around the park.)
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Another park with a relaxed atmosphere, you’ll find fun attractions such as a safari ride, 4D shows and exhibits about conservation efforts around the world.
However, one of the biggest highlights has to be Pandora – The World of Avatar. Impressively, there are already features from the second instalment of the film franchise, even though it only hit screens last year.
Pandora has floating islands, mystical plants and spectacular backdrops to explore, but it’s also home to two brilliant rides.
Avatar Flight of Passage is unlike any other ride I’ve been on, using special effects to make you feel like you’re riding a banshee and flying high above the world. Meanwhile Na’vi River Journey is a serene boat ride – definitely one to bookmark when you need a break from all the running around.
No matter which of the four parks you’re in, make sure to give yourself plenty of breathing space. People are often determined to rush from one ride to the next, but we found that some of our favourite moments came from simply wandering around.
After all, you never know which of Mickey Mouse’s friends might be around the corner to greet you – we ended up bumping into Baloo and getting photos without needing to queue, while Chip and Dale made an appearance as we were having a coffee break.
After dark
The fun doesn’t end when the sun starts to set, thanks to the night-time shows.
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Fantasmic! is mind-boggling. There are special effects using lights and water, as Mickey ends up in a battle against iconic Disney villains. It’s not scary though – there are plenty of fun and light-hearted moments, and appearances from the Disney princesses too. Get there early, as the stadium fills up quickly.
In Epcot, Harmonious is a beautiful show, set to the sound of iconic Disney songs. Come April, however, it’s going to be replaced with Epcot Forever.
But for me there was nothing quite like the fireworks at Magic Kingdom. The enchanting music, the projections of characters and famous scenes, and the general atmosphere – it really is the perfect way to end a day with an extra sprinkling of pixie dust.
Extra Walt Disney World tips
- Use the apps: Use the My Disney Experience app to find your tickets, bookings, PhotoPass snaps and ride wait times. Play Disney App has fun quests.
- Mobile food orders: Order your food, select a pick-up time, then head to your chosen restaurant.
- Have a plan: List the rides you don’t want to miss, plus show times, so you’re not running across the parks.
- It's not all about the rides: Leave time to enjoy the parks. There are games and elements that can be missed if you’re focused on getting to a queue.
- Character breakfasts: This is a way to meet your favourites, have a big meal and take the stress out of trying to find them for the rest of your trip.
- Celebration badges: If visiting for the first time or celebrating a special occasion, ask Guest Services for a badge – Cast Members always go the extra mile to make your trip even more special!
Book the holiday
Virgin Atlantic Holidays offers seven nights in Disney World Florida from £2,065 per person including room-only accommodation at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, flights from Heathrow to Tampa on April 20 and 7-Day Magic Tickets. Find out more and book at virginholidays.co.uk.
You can also get more information at disneyworld.co.uk and visitflorida.com.
