Located in Orlando, FL, Walt Disney World debuted to throngs of enthusiastic visitors on October 1, 1971. This amazing amalgamation of parks is celebrating a milestone anniversary and celebrations are in store throughout the parks. Welcoming children and adults of all ages, the atmosphere throughout is contagious and brings joy, smiles, and laughter to a multitude of guests from around the globe. Now is the time to join the celebration and schedule your trip to what really is “the happiest place on earth!”
When planning your visit, Travelgirl recommends you divide your time among the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Star War’s Rise of the Resistance (located in Hollywood Studios), and Animal Kingdom Park, which is also home to Pandora — The World of Avatar. Travelgirl also recommends you schedule a minimum of four days, more if possible, to fully enjoy the enriching activities and inspirational rides each park offers. Each day promises to be quite spectacular. Travelgirl Tip: use the Park Hopper option to purchase tickets. A multi-day ticket is economical and flexible allowing the ticket holder to visit several parks on the same day.
For Travelgirl moms and dads, this is one family vacation where children of all ages are welcomed with smiles throughout each and every park. Rides and restaurants are geared for large crowds. You can have lunch and dinner in a different country every night in EPCOT, and there are ample activities to keep children and adults of all ages engaged all day and into the night. Travelgirl Tip: Guests staying at Walt Disney World Hotels and Resorts enjoy early openings and late nights at different parks each day.
Walt Disney World offers a wide array of hotel choices; there is an option to fit every interest and budget. Disney offers value resorts, moderate hotel choices, campgrounds and deluxe accommodations replete with five star restaurants. Call your travel agent or Walt Disney World direct for expert advice on where to stay. Travelgirl tip: Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Beach Club Resort and BoardWalk Inn are located quite close to EPCOT. Travelgirl moms with their strollers can walk to and from EPCOT with ease. Disney’s Contemporary Resort, located on the monorail, is an easy walk to the Magic Kingdom.
If you are excited about taking a safari, book the Savannah room at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Located inside a 43-acre wildlife preserve, this amazing hotel is host to an array of wild animals including zebras, giraffes, gazelles, waterbucks, and wildebeest. The Savannah view allows guests to sit on their balcony and observe the animals from the comfort of their room. One enjoys a bird’s eye view of the animals as they parade the grounds searching for food. Travelgirl Tip: if you are on a budget, book a more economical hotel. You can see the animals when you visit Animal Kingdom Park.
Dreaming of Paris, London, Morocco or Rome, but can’t swing it right now? Head to EPCOT’s World Showcase; no luggage, Euro, nor passport required. Transport yourself into 11 different countries all in one day. You will find a wealth of authentic items, attractions, and restaurants that represent each country’s culture and cuisine. Travelgirl Tip: The Givenchy Shop inside Paris is a must-see that offers the complete collection of coveted Givenchy fragrances and cosmetics. Walk in a tourist and walk out a princess under the careful tutelage of Givenchy cosmeticians. The luxurious products are ooh la la!!!
Disney’s cuisine offers a kaleidoscope of imaginative and scrumptious eateries. You can fast food it with hot dogs, burgers, popcorn, candy, and ice cream at various stands throughout the parks or dine in style in an array of supercalifragilisticexpialidocious restaurants. You can choose from indigenous cuisine through EPCOT or make a reservation for a coveted table at Space 220, the first of its kind eatery. This is a concept restaurant that blasts the diner 220 miles into the atmosphere via a space elevator to the Centauri Space Station where you enjoy a delectable lunch or dinner Disney style. You will also love Disney’s California Grille located on the 15th floor of the Contemporary Resort and the brand new Steakhouse 71 located on the first floor of the hotel. Cinderella’s Royal Table, Citricos, and Topolino’s Terrace also headline a host of divine places to dine. Travelgirl tip: Reservations are a must and should be made well in advance of your visit.
What’s new, you ask? Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge located in Hollywood Studios, has taken a galaxy far, far away and brought it home so all of us can come and enjoy this Disney tour de force. Headlining Galaxy’s Edge is the splendid Star War’s Rise of the Resistance, which offers a fun-filled opportunity to join the Resistance in an action-packed adventure. Star Wars fans will also want to fly the Millennium Falcon; six guests are seated in the cockpit, steering the Falcon on an action-packed adventure. Be sure to have a drink at Olga’s Cantina and shop for a lightsaber before you stroll over to Toy Story Land for a visit to Woody and Buzz’s favorite place. Take a rollercoaster ride on the enchanting Slinky Dog Dash. Try your luck at Toy Story Mania where you test your skills competing with your partner in carnival games and power up for an interstellar romp on an alien swirling saucer.
Mickey’s Run A Way Railway, located inside Hollywood Studios, is a hi-tech ride that lands you inside a Disney cartoon. Thrill seekers won’t want to miss The Tower of Terror for a drop into The Twilight Zone, prepare yourself! For an instant 0-to-60 thrill, head over to the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith, which will rush you through traffic to an Aerosmith concert. What a way to go!
The incredible world of Pandora, located inside the Animal Kingdom Park, has a truly mind-blowing 4-D experience with a ride entitled Avatar Flights of Passage. Step aboard and you’ll be transported into the movie, Avatar, while riding on the back of a winged banshee. You’ll soar through the stunning created by the magic of Pandora. Next take a gentle boat on the Na’vi River Journey through the bioluminescent rainforest. Young and old will enjoy this pleasant ride.
Head back over to the Animal Kingdom Park and book a safari. Keep your eyes glued to the terrain and hands and arms should be inside your vehicle; these animals roam all over and a giraffe might just walk past your car. Roller coaster aficionados will want to experience Expedition Everest; currently it is king of the rollercoasters and a sought-after thrill. Be ready to join a cast of billions in the family-focused experience, It’s Tough to be a Bug. Hosted by Flick, you’ll finally find out what it’s like to be a bug!
Disney’s newest experience is Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and it’s located inside EPCOT. Join Chef Remy on a wild restaurant four-dimensional ride complete with sensational scents of food cooking in Remy’s kitchen. This is an immersive experience right into Chef Remy’s world. After your ride, enjoy a crêpe at Le Crêperie de Paris Restaurant. Travelgirl Tip: Book ahead or stand in line at the window for one of these coveted crêpes.
Alas, every guest will want to visit the original park — the magnificent Magic Kingdom. Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Pluto, and their friends all hang out here. This was Disney’s first park and the magic began here. Cinderella’s Castle anchors the park and has concerts throughout the day and night. The Magic Kingdom is divided into six distinct areas (lands), and all six converge at the top of Main Street, USA right in front of Cinderella Castle. The six lands include: Main Street,USA, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, and Adventureland. Favorite rides include the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Haunted Mansion. Rollercoaster enthusiasts will want to experience Space Mountain; it’s always a fan favorite. The Magic Kingdom’s new Disney Enchantment fireworks show combines astonishing technology with stunning visuals and a special soundtrack of your favorite Disney songs.
This is one 18-month-long celebration you won’t want to miss. Book a trip and enjoy a treasure trove of memories you’ll make each day when you visit The Wonderful World of Disney down in Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort.
www.disneyworld.disney.go.com
