Walt Disney World: Imagination Has No Age Requirement
The minute you arrive at your Disney resort hotel – and let’s face it, why go to Disney World at all if you’re not going to stay on the property? – you can feel your worries and stress melt away in the face of the relentless happiness that permeates the very air you breathe. And Disney works hard to make sure that that happiness is always with you during your stay. From the super-cheery hotel employees at check-in to the super-cheery park employees at the Magic Kingdom – and every other Disney World park – everyone is determined to make sure you’re happy. My fiance is still on a mission to find that ONE grumpy Disney employee, though after several trips he has not managed to fulfill that goal.
The best way to begin enjoying the Disney magic is to stay at a Disney resort. Disney’s deluxe resorts, while beautiful, can get a bit pricey at $359 per night (Grand Floridian Resort & Spa), but there are several other options available. And honestly, no matter which resort hotel you choose, you can’t go wrong. For a slightly cheaper – but still deluxe – option, Disney’s Polynesian Resort is absolutely stunning, bringing to mind a stay on a tropical island. With several waterfalls right there in the hotel, it’s quite a treat for the senses, however, at $315 per night, it’s still a bit on the high side. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, at $205 per night, is a bit more attainable, and one of the most unique benefits of a stay there is the opportunity for some serious animal watching. As you may have been able to tell by the name of the hotel, animals play a big part in the appeal here. At any given time, you could look out your room’s window and see giraffes, rhinos and more, all closer than you’ve ever imagined. This is an especially delightful treat for the little ones!
Disney’s moderate resorts, such as the Carribean Beach Resort, Coronado Spring Resort, or Port Orleans Resort, aren’t so much geared toward children as couples, and at $139 per night, a very affordable and enjoyable place to stay on your Disney vacation. Prefer to rough it? Stay at a Disney campgroud for $39 – $53 per night!
If you’re looking for even more value – and a bit of whimsical fun – then Disney’s value resorts are the place for you. At $79 per night, you can’t possibly go wrong with a stay at one of these fun hotels! Disney’s All-Star Resorts (Music, Movies and Sports), with their family-friendly atmosphere and fun decor (i.e., taller-than-the-hotel dalmations, etc.) are perfect for kids and adults. On the same level, Disney’s new Pop Century Resort, also $79 per night, is a wonderful trip back through the years, each building designed for a specific decade. For example, in the ’80s building you might see a giant Rubik’s Cube, or a huge jukebox at the head of the pool outside the ’50s building. There are several themed pools, a food court with plenty of choices for everyone, and even an outside tiki-type bar for after the kids go to sleep.
One of the great benefits of staying at a Disney resort is the transportation. You don’t ever have to worry about how you’re going to get somewhere. At most of the Disney resorts, you can catch a bus to any one of several other Disney resorts, any of the parks, Downtown Disney and more. If you’re staying at the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, or Contemporary Resorts, you can take the monorail system to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Take full advantage of all transportation options!
Magic Kingdom
On to the parks! Personally, my fiance and I always like to start our vacation at the Magic Kingdom. It is THE quintessential Disney experience, after all. From the moment you enter the park and see Cinderella’s Castle at the end of Main Street USA, the kid in you begs to come out. The Magic Kingdom is all about fantasy and adventure, as reflected in every single ride and attraction throughout the park. Walking through Frontierland, you can almost imagine that you’ve been taken back to the time of early America. Take a ride on the Liberty Square Riverboat, a genuine replica of an early American steam ship. Visit Tom Sawyer Island for some mischievous fun. Looking for some thrills? Hop on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, or Splash Mountain for something wet and wild. Need a break? Take in the Country Bear Jamboree (also great for little ones)!
Moving on through Adventureland, take a ride on the famous Jungle Cruise, or, if you’re looking for more indoor-type attractions, visit The Enchanted Tiki Room for some laughs. And of course you can’t possibly leave Adventureland without at least one ride on Pirates of the Caribbean (which, as I understand it, is undergoing some renovations as we speak to include Captain Jack Sparrow).
The kid in you truly come out during your journey through Fantasyland. Take a stroll through Cinderella Castle, and then take a spin on Cinderella’s Golden Carousel. For those who refuse to grow up, there’s Peter Pan’s Flight, a fun flying journey through Never Land. For an awesome 3D experience, take in Mickey’s Philharmagic and get swept away in the fantasy. And no visit to Fantasyland is complete without at least one turn on the Mad Tea Party! Although, word of advice – if you’re sitting in a teacup with someone who likes to spin, you might want to skip eating until afterwards. Trust me on this one.
So you say you’re looking for something a bit more “futuristic?” The Magic Kingdom has that, too, in Tomorrowland. Space Mountain! It would be a sin to visit Disney World and not ride Space Mountain. The newest Tomorrowland attraction, Stitch’s Great Escape, takes the place of the former Alien Encounter, and may be slightly too scary for smaller children. But big kids and adults alike should get a kick out this alien adventure. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is also fun for kids and adults alike, as you try to outscore each other in your Star Cruisers. My fiance and I tend to get a bit competitive on this one.
There are, as with all Disney parks, plenty of places to eat and relax in the Magic Kingdom. Couple? Try Cinderella’s Royal Table, located in Cinderella’s Castle, for a magical experience. Eating with the kids? Take ’em all to the Liberty Tree Tavern for home-style American fare. Lady and The Tramp fan? Enjoy your meal at Tony’s Town Square, an Italian restaurant inspired by the Walt Disney classic.
Throughout your journey in the Magic Kingdom, there are several places along the way where you can meet and greet your favorite Disney characters. And let’s be honest, no matter how old you are, you KNOW you love taking pictures with the characters!
Don’t forget the parades, and the fireworks! Disney parades and fireworks shows are known for being spectacular, so you won’t be disappointed. In the Magic Kingdom, the Share A Dream Come True Parade will delight all ages, and the SpectroMagic Parade (nighttime only) is an absolute can’t-miss! Top off your day at the Magic Kingdom watching the Wishes Nighttime Spectacular, an awesome fireworks display that can only be seen to be believed. Also, certain fireworks displays can be seen in some capacity from certain Disney resorts. You might not be able to see the entire show, but depending on where you’re staying, you could get quite an eyeful.
Epcot
I have to be honest, I find Epcot much more interesting now than I did as a child. Sure, there are “Kidcot Fun Stops” for your smaller kids, but I believe that Epcot is a much more interesting place as you get older. Innoventions brings to life all of the ideas and inventions of tomorrow. Spaceship Earth takes you on a journey through the stages and ages of communication. You’ll be enchanted by the abundance of sea life on display as you visit The Living Seas. FYI, The Living Seas also offers a scuba-diving program, I believe. Check with Disney on that. If you have small children, don’t miss Turtle Talk with Crush, a completely interactive attraction sure to delight.
Once you’ve been sufficiently educated, you’ll be looking for some thrills. So head on over to Test Track, where YOU become the crash test dummy through a battery of high-octane tests. Incredibly fun, but not for little ones. Mission: SPACE, while an amazing ride, is also not recommended for smaller children or those with heart problems, etc. Please make sure to read all warnings before boarding ANY ride. You want to enjoy yourself, after all! Before heading over to the World Showcase, make sure to check out Journey Into Imagination With Figment (who happens to be one of my very favorite Disney characters).
Take your time strolling through World Showcase. Sample different foods from each country. Take the underground boat ride in Mexico, sail on a longship in Norway, watch the street performer in France. Go shopping in Germany, visit Aladdin in Morocco, take in the koi ponds in Japan. World Showcase is an absolutely wonderful way to get a taste of each of these countries, without ever leaving Florida!
As you journey through the countries, watch for the “Disney Characters on Holiday” red double-decker bus! At scheduled times, the bus comes rolling through and makes stops to take pictures and interact with guests. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Pluto, Chip & Dale and others are along for the ride.
Absolutely DO NOT miss Illuminations: Reflections of Earth! This original fireworks and laser show is one-of-a-kind, and includes an “Earth Globe” made up of curved LED screens which floats across the lagoon during the show. I’ve seen it several times, and each time is amazing.
Disney-MGM Studios
I’d say that Disney-MGM Studios is definitely geared toward us “older” kids (wink, wink). If it’s thrills you’re looking for, here’s where you’ll find some of the best. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – which, incidentally, my fiance will absolutely NOT go on, the big baby – is a 13 story drop of sheer, well, terror. Just when you think it’s over, you rocket back up only to plummet once more. And it’s never the same ride twice, which makes it all the more fun in my opinion. The Rock n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith is probably one of the best roller coasters I’ve ever had the pleasure of riding, going from 0-60 in no time flat and sending you flying through twists and turns set to a special Aerosmith soundtrack. Star Wars fan? Make sure you check out Star Tours, an awesome simulator ride through space at warp-speed!
If it’s entertainment you’re looking for, Disney-MGM Studios is the perfect place for that, too! The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular will have you cheering for Indy as he narrowly avoids all pitfalls and obstacles in his path, and you’ll have lots of fun playing Who Wants To Be A Millionaire for all kinds of Disney prizes at Who Wants To Be A Millionaire – Play It! The brand new Lights, Motor, Action! Extreme Stunt Show will have you gasping at the exciting stunts taking place before your very eyes.
Other can’t-miss attractions at Disney-MGM Studios include Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream, a narrated walk-through of Walt Disney’s life, dreams and plans, followed by a short film. A must-see for any Disney fan. Also don’t miss The Great Movie Ride, a journey through Hollywood and unforgettable film scenes through the ages. Looking for a kid-friendly show? Head over to Muppet Vision 3D, where you and your little ones will be rolling with delighted laughter.
For a broadway quality musical, take in Beauty and the Beast – Live On Stage on Sunset Boulevard, where you’ll experience all the action, romance and music of Beauty and the Beast in an enchanting stage show. My personal favorite show at Disney-MGM Studios is Fantasmic!, an animation, water, lasers and fireworks spectacular in which Mickey Mouse faces off against the Disney villains. This is a VERY popular show, so make sure to show up early to ensure a good seat!
For a unique and fun dining experience, try the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater, where you’ll park in your own “car” at this indoor drive-in movie theater and enjoy tasty, classic sandwiches and milkshakes. The 50s Prime Time Cafe takes you back to Mom’s kitchen in the 50s, where you become one of the family – to the point where you might even be scolded for not cleaning your plate! Or take the kids over to the Toy Story Pizza Planet, an arcade and pizzeria inspired by the movie Toy Story. Before you leave, get a good seat for the Disney Stars & Motorcars Parade, and take lots of pictures!
Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a terrific and unique way to get up close and personal with some wild and exotic animals. Take an expedition into the Serengeti on the Kilimanjaro Safari, or stroll down the Discovery Island Trails or the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail for some close encounters of the wild kind. If you’re looking for a little less wild, bring your little ones over to the Affection Section, where they can pet and feed goats and other domestic animals. Disney even provides hand sanitizer when you’ve finished.
One of the best place for kids in this Disney park, Dinoland USA features The Boneyard, where kids can “dig” for their own “fossils.” Adults and bigger kids can brave Dinosaur!, a wild ride in a “Time Rover” to rescue a stray dinosaur, or Expedition Everest!, Animal Kingdom’s new roller coaster. Or cool off on the Kali River Rapids. Circle the Tree of Life and see how many animals you can count carved into its trunk, then head underneath for It’s Tough To Be A Bug!, a dazzling 3D show which includes some terrific in-theater efects.
One of the best shows in all of Disney World, Festival of the Lion King is an amazing broadway quality stage production, inlcuding awe-inspiring dances and other special performances. Don’t forget Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade! Kids will have a great time dancing and waving to their favorite characters as this parade winds its way through the park. And once it’s over, visit Camp Minnie-Mickey, where you can meet and greet and take pictures with your favorite characters in their Animal Kingdom attire.
Disney Water Parks (Blizzard Beach & Typhoon Lagoon)
One can easily spend an entire day at either one of Disney’s amazing water parks. Typhoon Lagoon brings to mind a sunny Caribbean island with its atmosphere, huge wave pool and sandy white beach. Spend your day trying out the many thrilling waterslides – twice – or float on the meandering Castaway Creek and soak up some sun. Typhoon Lagoon even offers surfing lessons in one of the world’s largest wave pools.
Blizzard Beach is reminiscent of a snowy Alpine ski resort, but without the cold! Hang out in the one-acre large Melt Away Bay, or “chill” on the Cross Country Creek. Take the chairlift or enjoy the many waterslides and more at this unique water park.
Hidden Mickeys
No matter what your age, hunting for Hidden Mickeys can be great fun! My fiance and I do it every time we visit, and we try to find things we haven’t found before. The book Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide to Walt Disney World’s Best Kept Secrets is a wonderful take-along companion, and you’ll have a great time discovering new Hidden Mickeys on every visit! Here’s an idea you can borrow from me: we take a picture of each Hidden Mickey we discover, write down where we discovered it, and make a collage of sorts of our various photos. It’s a fun and unique way to display your vacation photos!
Downtown Disney & Pleasure Island
For you shoppers out there, the Downtown Disney Marketplace is the place to be! With so many great shops – like World of Disney, Virgin Megastore, LEGO Imagination Center, Disney’s Candy Cauldron, Disney’s Pin Traders, Orland Harley Davidson, and so much more – there’s sure to be lots of things you’d like to take home! There are so many dining choices you may just have to try them all – Fulton’s Crab House, Planet Hollywood, Rainforest Cafe, Wolfgang Puck Cafe and others. Trust me, Downtown Disney is a day’s excursion all by itself.
And don’t forget about DisneyQuest, a huge interactive indoor theme park where my fiance and I spent quite a bit of time being little kids again. Kids will be entranced by the amount of choices they have once inside, and you’ll be amazed at how many things there are for you to do as well.
Taking up permanent residence at Downtown Disney is Cirque du Soleil: La Nouba, a totally unique experience which is definitely worth the price of admission.
And when the day’s over and the kids are asleep, Pleasure Island beckons! Literally an island of entertainment – from comedy to dancing to even more shops – one ticket will allow you access to all the late-night clubs including 8 Trax, Adventurers Club, Mannequins Dance Palace, Rock ‘n’ Roll Beach Club, The Comedy Warehouse and more!
Whether you’re a first-timer or a veteran, there’s always something at Disney World for you. Couples can have a romantic getaway, parents can enjoy their children AND each other at the same time, and kids can have a complete blast. One of my favorite quotes of all time comes from Walt Disney: “Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever.” Walt Disney World really is where magic happens, and where dreams come true.
