We reveal why it really is the most magical place
Why go?
With four spectacular parks, an array of 50th anniversary celebrations and so much more, there has never been a better time to visit Walt Disney World. Based in Orlando, Florida, it is made up of four theme parks, two water parks and a selection of restaurants and shopping experiences. Every theme park is completely different. Magic Kingdom (the most popular park) is where you will find the Cinderella castle, plus lots of different lands – from adventure to fantasy – with rides such as the iconic It’s A Small World. You can also experience daily live shows, parades and fireworks. Epcot is known for its fantastic future world and World Showcase. Hollywood Studios is home to thrilling rides like Tower of Terror and Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, and Animal Kingdom is where you can fly with an Avatar and go on safari.
The anniversary
The 50th celebrations will continue through to April 2023, and Mickey, Minnie and pals have all been given a special makeover and are dressed to impress in their new outfits. All four parks have been scattered with 50 golden sculptures of all your favourite characters and it’s great fun searching for them. Cinderella’s castle, the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom, Spaceship Earth at Epcot and Hollywood Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios have all been given a spruce-up, transforming into Beacons of Light that illuminate the parks after dark. Round off the evening with music, a projector display and fireworks watching Disney Enchantment at Magic Kingdom and Harmonious at Epcot.
Ride of your life
Marvel fans will revel in the new out-of-this-world ride, Guardians Of The Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in Epcot. During the ride, look out for special appearances from all your favourite characters, including Groot, Rocket, Star Lord and Gamora. Hits from the ’70s and ’80s, such as Disco Inferno, Everybody Wants To Rule The World and September are blasting out while you whizz and spin to save the world! The queue and pre-show are nearly as much fun as the ride before you set off into a high-action battle to help save the guardians! The cars can rotate 360 degrees, immersing you into all the fun as the story plays out around you.
Star Wars enthusiasts will love the new Galaxy’s Edge land at Hollywood Studios. You will find Stormtroopers roaming around and ordering you where to go and, if you’re lucky, you may even bump into Rey and Chewbacca. You’ll also get the chance to build your own droid and find out how to be a Jedi for the day. While there, don’t miss Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, where you get the chance to ride Han Solo’s iconic ship, and Rise of the Resistance, which takes you on an incredible immersive experience. If you’re looking for slightly calmer rides, we can recommend Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at Epcot, and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Hollywood Studios. Both are hugely enjoyable and you’ll want to go again and again!
Food, glorious food
Disney World Resort offers every kind of cuisine you can imagine –all with that extra bit of magic. You can join Mickey for breakfast at Chef Mickeys or experience fine dining at Citricos in the Grand Floridian resort. Disney have a great app, My Disney Experience, which you can use to plan your whole day, and one of our favourite parts is the mobile food order section. All you have to do is pick your food, pay using your Apple pay or credit card – then collect it and enjoy.
The special food and drinks offerings for the anniversary are worth checking out, too. Many are inspired by Walt’s personal recipes and Disney’s attractions past and present, such as Vintage Mickey’s Brown Betty Profiterole available at Grand Floridian Café and The Toad Burger available at Magic Kingdom’s Friar Nook.
Where to stay
Fully immerse yourself in the experience by staying on site at one of Walt Disney World’s hotels – and enjoy heaps of exclusive perks. Resort guests have access to Extra Magic Hours, where you can explore the more popular rides before the park gets busier. Another bonus is the free buses and boats that transport you from your hotel to the parks, or between parks. There is also the new Skyliner gondolas, which connect you from Disney Hollywood Studios and Epcot to some of the resort’s hotels.
We stayed at the Boardwalk Inn, which is surrounded by fantastic themed restaurants. The hotel is in walking distance from both Epcot and Hollywood Studios – so you’re never too far from the magic!
Need to know
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Travel to Walt Disney World Resort with Virgin Atlantic Holidays.
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Seven nights in Orlando with a 14-for-the-price-of-seven day Disney Ticket included costs from £1,609 per person.
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Seven nights in Orlando, with Virgin Atlantic Holidays, including scheduled Virgin Atlantic flights from London Heathrow direct to Orlando, accommodation at All Stars, with an All Stars Music Preferred room on Room Only. Price is per person based on two adults travelling and sharing a room, and includes 14-for-the-price-of-seven day Disney Ticket, and all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges, which are subject to change. Price is based on a departure on 7 September 2022. To book, visit Virgin Atlantic Holidays (Virginholidays.co.uk) or call 0344 557 3859. Virgin Atlantic Holidays is a member of ABTA and is ATOL protected.
Words: Carly Honeyfield Photos: Walt Disney World