Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is the happiest place on Earth. I consider this a stone cold, indisputable fact. If you went as a child you’d have barely scratched the surface of what’s on offer. Now that you’re older and in charge of your own destiny, maybe it’s time you went back and steeped yourself in some Disney magic.
1. Be prepared for sensational thrills
Where would Simba be without Scar? He’d just be a normal lion prince with a king for a father. What would Aladdin be without Jafar? He’d still be a “street rat”. If Ariel didn’t have Ursula, she’d never have felt sand beneath her feet or married Prince Eric. If you’ve ever seen a Disney film, you know that you can’t have magic and joy without a scare or two. My hands-down absolute favourite ride is Disney’s tallest attraction, Expedition Everest. It’s based in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where you’ll find yourself making a wild escape from an angst-filled Yeti. I dare you not to scream. If that sounds a bit too extreme, why not have an adorable adventure on Splash Mountain in the Magic Kingdom? Make some friends, sing some songs and then plummet down a five-storey splashdown. And how about flying on the back of a mountain banshee in the ultimate 3D ride at Pandora – the World of Avatar? If this is all a little too much for you, then I won’t mention hurtling up and down on a haunted elevator ride at The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
2. Beautify the Beast
Take a break. You deserve it. Treat yourself to some treatments at Senses Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, one of the most luxurious spots at Disney. A warm bamboo massage is the perfect way to soothe your worries and your strife. Or discover that roses can do a lot more than smell good with a Rose Hydrating Body Experience or Rose Renewal Facial – just avoid the Beast for a while, he gets a bit weird about roses. After you’ve been born anew, put on your finest clothes and indulge yourself at Narcoossee’s with incredible seafood, and views over the Seven Seas Lagoon. And if you time your booking right, it’s a great spot to catch the Magic Kingdom’s nightly firework spectacular Happily Ever After, which transforms Cinderella’s castle with awe-inspiring laser shows, immersive lighting and rooftop pyrotechnics.
3. A resort for all seasons
You know how at home, the best festivals are nearly always miles away or on the wrong dates – or both. And at that one festival that you actually managed to get to it rained all weekend. Well, at Walt Disney World Resort there are endless seasonal activities all year round – all to be enjoyed in the warm Florida sunshine. Among the many delights on offer are tastings and culinary demos at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival and interactive gardens and outdoor kitchens at Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.
4. The proof is in the putting
As you’ll already have excellent walking stamina from tackling the parks, why not treat yourself to a round in the glorious Floridian sunshine? Walt Disney World Resort has four golf courses – including Disney’s Lake Buena Vista, which winds through picturesque pine forests and glistening lakes, and has hosted PGA and LPGA tour events. All are an absolute delight to play on – but you’re more likely to find me over at the whimsical Winter Summerland Miniature Golf.
5. You shall go to the ball
You want to let your hair down, don’t you? Yeah you do! Disney Springs is the place to be. Start your night at Raglan Road, an Irish bar with all the violins, drums and table thumping you’d expect. Then make your way to the Edison, an entirely new bar with a steampunk aesthetic and top mixologists making cocktails. The best part is that after 10pm it’s over-21s only, so you can enjoy live music, aerialists and cabaret dancers. After that, if you still want more, finish your night at Jellyrolls along Disney’s Boardwalk and sing to those duelling pianos until you’ve got less voice than a finless Ariel.
6. Learn more than the bare necessities
As an adult, you get to have the joy of being able to peak behind the curtain without ruining the magic. Disney offers a whole host of tours to show you the inner workings. For all the backstage production secrets, design history and a trip into the tunnels that let cast members magically appear in new locations, you can’t go wrong with the Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour. Or try the Wild Animal Trek over at the Disney’s Animal Kingdom and journey into Africa, walking the grassland path and riding in a safari car around an open savanna, with the chance to spot giraffes, rhinos, hippos and crocodiles.
7. Fine dining and fabulous feasts
Whatever your culinary fancy, you’ll find it at Walt Disney World Resort. Feast your eyes and tastebuds on the Chinese, Japanese and Korean dishes at Morimoto Asia, the newest flagship restaurant at Disney Springs. Or after a close-up encounter with the exotic animals on the Wanyama Safari, dine on African-inspired fare at Jiko – The Cooking Place, in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Another great option is the dining around the world at Epcot Showcase.
8. Let it go
My final bit of advice is just give in. Become absorbed in the magic of Walt Disney World Resort. Book an early breakfast with Winnie-the-Pooh, so you’ll be first to access Disney’s Magic Kingdom and run down the empty Main Street with your arms in the air. Jump aboard Star Tours – The Adventures Continue and fly across the red and white surface of Crait. Visit the Na’vi in Pandora – The World of Avatar, to journey deep into a bioluminescent rainforest and walk through floating mountains. Feel like you belong to Andy in Toy Story Land (opening 30 June 2018). Hug Mickey and tell him you love him. And back at base, don’t forget to enjoy the life at whatever Disney Resort Hotel you are staying in, whether it’s Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort or Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter. And remember, if it all gets too much, you can always switch off and relax at one of the many fabulous spas and pools.
For more information please visit Disney Holidays
Walt Disney World Resort in Florida images are ©Disney
