'Walt Disney World's four theme parks let me rediscover my childlike wonder'
Clutching my autograph book, I waited excitedly in the queue to meet Pluto. With a flourish of a pen gripped by a giant, fuzzy paw, that swirly signature planted on the page also left an indelible imprint on me that represented the childhood wonder of Disney.
But could that magic withstand the test of time, 20 years after visiting Disneyland Paris with my family?
Well, let me spill the Tinkerbell pixie dust-infused beans and assure you that Disney, this time in Florida, not only lived up to those rose-tinted memories, but made me realise that adults love it just as much as the kids. It’s certainly not a chore for parents taking their kids to see the real-life Mickey and friends. While plenty of child-free grown-ups like me have their own wild time riding the biggest coasters and reminiscing about what they used to love about Disney when they were kids.
Comprising four incredible theme parks – Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios – each packed with its own unique rides, live shows and attractions, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer volume and variety of options.
A heartwarming reunion with Pluto
Pluto hadn't changed one bitSo if you’re making that big trip across the pond to “do Disney”, it’s best to plan your time according to what you love – be it big thrills, epic performances, cute rides for kids, favourite characters and fairy tales.
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Itching to experience Disney’s latest big launch, I headed straight for Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom to road test Tron Lightcycle Run. Opened in April this year, this semi-enclosed coaster, with a motorbike-style seat is based on the Disney sci-fi film Tron: Legacy, and launches riders into a high-speed race across the world with sharp turns, sudden drops and stops. Hang on tight folks!
TRON Lightcycle / Run at Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom in Orlando (DISNEY)Meanwhile, on Avatar Flight of Passage simulation ride over at Animal Kingdom, more technical wizardry works its magic. Inspired by James Cameron’s epic movie, the ride simulates the sensation of flying, with riders soaring through the skies, gliding over mountains and swooping through valleys. Ingenious engineering ensures that you feel every rumble, every gust of wind, and splash of water as you hurtle through this extraordinary adventure.
Modern marvels aside, however, in my opinion, classic coaster Expedition Everest is up there with the best. When it opened in 2006 it set a new world record for the most expensive roller coaster ever built at $100million (now it’s Guardians of the Galaxy at Epcot which cost $500million).
Make your way to the Asia area of Animal Kingdom for a trip to the Himalayas where the giant mountain dominates the skyline, then brace yourself for hairpin turns, sudden drops and surprises. The ride’s immersive theming is complete with fluttering prayer flags, mystical artefacts and abandoned backpacks. I later discovered that Disney “Imagineers” actually spent six years creating it and they took many trips to the Himalayas for research purposes. Meticulous craftsmanship at Disney also extends to the playground.
Over in Toy Story Land in Hollywood Studios, I found myself shrunk down to toy size surrounded by giant building blocks and beloved characters from the films. While you’re there, don’t miss Toy Story Mania; the ultimate test of skill and competitiveness.
Toy Story Land transports guests into the world of the beloved Toy Story films, making them feel shrunk down to the size of a toyArmed with a trusty 3D shooter, I boarded a carnival-inspired tram donning a pair of special 3D glasses. I then unleashed my inner toy soldier firing at targets, racking up points and defeating my pals in a friendly rivalry.
The fun and games continued over lunch at the Roundup Rodeo BBQ, Toy Story Land’s new restaurant which opened in March. The colourful joint serves barbecue-inspired comfort food, without leaving vegetarian toys like me discarded at the bottom of the toy box. From plant-based bratwurst to campfire-roasted veggies, the delightful dishes continued to arrive like a never-ending Slinky Dog.
But you have to stay on high alert. “Andy’s coming!” boomed a voice over the speaker and it was time for toys to freeze, whether you’re mid-mouthful or eyeing up the last tater tot.
While the rides and experiences have become more hi-tech and diverse, dining at Disney has certainly reached new levels of sophistication. The gastronomic journey at Space 220 restaurant over at Epcot is guaranteed to take you to new heights.
Picture this: you step into an elevator, and before you can say “launch sequence”, the park below plummets away beneath you. Doors open and you find yourself floating in the vastness of space, 220 miles up, surrounded by (semi-realistic) views of the planet. The food itself was nothing short of stellar, offering an array of celestial flavours and space-themed cocktails. I went for the Blue Moon cauliflower.
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If you fancy a food safari around the world, Epcot offers tea-sipping in “England” and taco-tasting in “Mexico”, along with the “greatest hits” of eleven countries – from the cuisine to the most iconic landmarks.
So of course in true British fashion, I headed straight to the “British Pub”. Given each “country” is staffed by people native to that country, I ordered a pint from a man from Putney.
But hold on to your crumpets, because things were about to get frosty! I made my way to the Norway pavilion and joined Elsa, Anna, and Olaf on an icy adventure on the Frozen boat ride. This wholesome family-friendly voyage had me belting out “Let It Go” with more gusto than a pub singalong!
I then stayed into the night for Epcot Forever; dazzling fireworks and stunning laser effects set to tunes that have become theme-park favourites.
If you’re lucky, you can track down some “Mickey vision” glasses. These paper glasses don’t look like much, but when you put them on and look at the fireworks, a Mickey Mouse appears at every spark. Mind blown.
Ready for a change of scene I spent half a day at Typhoon Lagoon, Disney’s famous waterpark where the towering palm trees give it a tropical island feel. The slides certainly hit the mark on the excitement scale, or if you just want to chill, take a float along the lazy river.
The relaxing vibes continued at the Boardwalk Inn hotel, my base for the trip, which exudes a charmingly nostalgic vibe, transporting you to the bygone era of classic seaside amusement parks.
Newly refurbished and within walking distance of Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot, all standard rooms come with two queen-size beds or one king size so you really can starfish after a day on your feet.
With pools, hot tubs and lounge chairs, a vacation just doesn’t feel complete without spending time enjoying the sunshine –and this hotel has plenty of ways to do it. But I still wasn’t finished at the Disney parks…
During a final wander around Epcot, I had an unexpected reunion with an old friend – Pluto! Meeting him again was like finding a favourite pair of slippers.
I left Disney World with a heart full of joy and a promise to myself to never let go of that childlike wonder.
Book the holiday
- Walt Disney Travel Company offers a Florida package for a family of four arriving on selected dates between August 10-September 10 from £932pp. Includes 14 nights on room-only at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, two free nights worth £282, Disney 14-Day Magic Ticket theme park and water park entry for the price of a 7-Day Magic Ticket, Memory Maker worth $210, free resort transportation. Book by March 28 for the free nights.
- Add flights to the package for a $200 Disney Gift Card per booking. disneyholidays.co.uk
- More info at visitorlando.com
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