There are few places on earth where just about everyone aspires to visit at least once in their lifetime. No matter what age they are; married, single, kids or no kids, the one place on everyone's list has to be Disney World.
Disney World in Florida has become the mecca for families not only from all over America, but the world. This is a magical world all of it's own where you can truly forget your troubles and become a child again - along with your own kids!
And why not? with everything that your imagination can run to on offer - and all at your fingertips - no visit to Florida (or the USA in fact) - would be complete without a trip to Disney World at Orlando.
Orlando has become relatively easy to reach today by air and the airfares compare very favourably with other Disney World locations in other parts of the world. For instance; if you live in France it will cost you as much to spend a weekend at Disney World Paris than it would to take the whole family to Orlando for a week - possibly even less!
And let's face it - Disney World Florida is 'the real thing' - plus it offers many other exciting attractions which can be included in your vacation and the longer you stay the more economically it works out to be.
Things to do:
Disney World: you have to start here of course. The home of Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and all those magical characters from the stories we all grew up with. You cannot 'do' Disney World in a day, or even two - the best way to go is to obtain the multi-entry passes which would see you see everything over the course of five days. Much cheaper this way believe me.
Disney World is made up of a variety of Theme Parks:
Magic Kingdom: this is the centrepiece of the Disney experience with Cinderella's castle at the heart of things.
Disney's Hollywood Studio's: visit those movie sets you know and love; see how the Disney films are created.
Disney's Animal Kingdom: take a thrilling ride through the wilds of the Savannah; creatures both real and imaginary.
Epcot Centre: The family can spend hours seeing the wonders and possibilities of the world's future. If you are into science and fantasy then this is for you!
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon: great fun for everyone! wet and wild, swim with the dolphins...or even the sharks!! surf in the massive 'wave pool' - a must to visit if you are there in the summer.
If you are feeling sporty then Disney's Wide World of Sports will keep you active. From Jogging trails to water-skiiing, from minature golf to fishing; bike rentals to tennis and volleyball...have you got the energy??
Places to Stay:
The great thing about Disney World is that you have a huge choice of accommodation right there in the form of it's wonderful Resorts. Combine your accommodation with entry to the Theme Parks and you will save money for sure.
- Disney Animal Park Villas
- Disney Beach Club Villas
- Disney Boardwalk Villas
- Disney's Hilton head Island Resort
Of course you don't have to stay in the resorts if your vacation will be taking in a lot more than just Disney World; in and around Orlando are plenty of hotels/motels and vacation rentals which will suit all vacationers.
Shopping and Dining Out: Are you kidding...? all over Walt Disney World are countless opportunities for you to spend your vacation savings. It would be a rare thing indeed for you NOT to buy at least one Mickey Mouse souvenir!
You won't forget to eat here. The only problem you will have will be deciding where to eat each day:
- 50's Prime Time Café - Located in Disney's Hollywood Studios and serves American food. A real 'fifties' cafe experience.
- Akershus Royal Banquet Hall - located in Epcot; dine 'Royal Palace' style but with a family atmosphere.
- Artist Point - Located in Wilderness Lodge; rustic and yet elegant - a taste of 'the wilds'. Specialities served from all over America.
Getting here:
By Air:
At least 35 scheduled airlines and almost as many charter companies fly into Orlando International Airport. Delta runs nearly 25 percent of the flights from around 160 cities. Other carriers include Air Canada, America West, American, British Airways, Continental, Northwest and US Airways.
Scheduled airlines also fly to other Florida airports including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic; these offer regular direct flights to Orlando from London, with Virgin additionally offering flights from Manchester.
By Car:
Best thing to do is hire a car and you can do this very reasonably.
The shortest direct route is to take OIA's North Exit to Route 528 heading west toward Tampa. Take I-4 West to the Walt Disney World exit. The best route is to take OIA's South Exit to Central Florida Greenway (Route 417) to Route 536 which leads directly to Walt Disney World. Route 417 is a paid toll road.
By Train:
Orlando is serviced twice daily from New York City by Amtrak. Rental cars are available by shuttle, or you can take a shuttle to your hotel.Check that your hotel does a shuttle to the Disney Resorts - most do.
