Walt Disney World, Orlando - The most magical holiday of them all
I recently had the opportunity to travel to Walt Disney World Orlando as a guest of Walt Disney & Aer Lingus as part of group for 5 days and flew direct from Dublin to Orlando direct on an 8 ½ hour flight. As we had completed US Immigration in Dublin prior to our departure, on our arrival in Orlando we just collected our luggage and within 20 mins of landing we were at our hotel using the Disney Express shuttle bus. The whole experience was seamless, fast and stress free.
As our time was limited in Orlando we had a jam back itinerary which ensured we experienced all what Walt Disney World had to offer as a magical and wonderful holiday destination. During our trip we stayed at the Port Orleans Disney Resort, French Quarter. This French themed hotel was ideal for our stay as it is just 1.7 kms from downtown Disney and has regular free shuttle bus services to all the Disney theme parks. I found the staff at this hotel to be very friendly and just couldn’t do enough for us during our stay.
We got to visit the four Disney theme parks and sample the many rides, shows and various performances. Firstly we visited Hollywood Studio where movie magic comes to life and is awash in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age. At this theme park we got to test our level of fear with the Rock n’ Roller Coaster and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, both not for the faint hearted but very enjoyable.
In the afternoon we travelled to the downtown area of Disney to Disney Springs which is perfect for a spot of shopping with plenty of restaurants, bars and entertainment. When we were exhausted from shopping we had a wonderful dinner at an Irish Pub and Restaurant called Raglan Road which is a must if going to Disney Springs as the food was out of this world and we also had some traditional Irish entertainment. After dinner we got the opportunity to attend a Cirque du Soleil show called “La Nouba” which was very entertaining and funny.
The following morning we were in for a lovely treat as we were taken to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa for breakfast and got to meet many of the Disney characters such as Winnie the Pooh, Tiger, Mary Poppins to name a few and got some lovely photo opportunities. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a deluxe family resort which has a Victorian style décor and is just one stop from Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park.
After breakfast we went on various Disney resort site tours and got to see some of the popular hotels that people stay in when visiting Disney world with various star ratings for all budgets. At Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club you can delight in the formal grace of a grand New England-style yacht club at this lakeside hotel. It is walking distance to Epcot and a convenient boat ride to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Disney’s Caribbean Resort is a tropical paradise built around 45-acre Barefoot Bay, this Resort hotel brings the Caribbean Islands to you with swaying palm trees, colonial architecture and so much more and also hosts colourful guest rooms, some pirate-themed based on the film Pirates of the Caribbean! My favourite has have been the Disney’s Art of Animation Resort where you are surrounded in the artistry, enchantment and magic of Walt Disney and Disney Pixar movies. This resort invites you to explore the storybook landscapes seen in such classics as Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King and The Little Mermaid. It also boasts having the largest pool in Disney World and has two life guards on duty at all times.
In the afternoon we travelled to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme park you encounter the magic of nature with rare creatures, authentic adventures and world-class entertainment which has one of the largest animal theme parks in the world. At this park a must is Expedition Everest, River Rapids and a 20 minute Kilimanjaro Safari. A favourite among families is the Lion King Show definitely worth seeing. In the evening we had dinner at Tiffin’s Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom where you set off on a culinary expedition of international cuisine inspired by exploration and adventure.
The following day we had a real treat where we were taken to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park where we experienced exhilarating waterslides, glide down the lazy river, and plunge down the rushing rapids to name but a few fun activities while lounging in our cabana with some drinks and lunch. After lunch we departed for Disney’s Magic Kingdom. This was a truly magical experience where fairy-tale dreams come true for children of all ages. You can delight in classic attractions, enchanting fireworks, musical parades and beloved Disney Characters across six whimsical lands. My personal favourites were Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and it’s a small world. In the evening we dined at The Crystal Palace for a buffet dinner and got to meet more Disney characters. Afterwards we attended Mickey’s not so Scary Halloween Party and fire display which was an absolutely magical display, you would have to be there to experience it yourself.
On our final day we had the privilege of travelling to Port Canaveral for a Ship Tour of Disney Dream. While on board the ship we got to see all the facilities and various staterooms. We also got the opportunity to sample their food at lunch in the Enchanted Garden Restaurant.
In the afternoon we travelled to Epcot which was our final theme park. At this park we got to explore exciting attractions including Mission Space which is not for the faint hearted, Spaceship Earth, Soarin which is a definite must do. In the evening we ate dinner around the world a World Showcase, which shares with guests the culture and cuisine of 11 countries. After enjoying some French Cuisine we had a private dessert party while enjoying a spectacular display of IllumiNations – Reflections of Earth where we had uninterrupted view of the fireworks.
As we stayed at a Disney property during out trip we got the chance to use the “My Disney Experience” app which allows you to customise your trip prior to your departure. Walt Disney World is a wonderful and magical holiday for both families of all ages and for the big kid within all of us and is one I would highly recommend for people of all ages. For further information give me a call and I would be delighted to make your Disney dreams come true. To quote Winnie the Pooh – “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”