Disney World Resort, Orlando
Theme Parks. Offering fun, entertainment, rides, shows and thills to all the family
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Magic Kingdom
The original and most famous of the Disney World theme parks, this is where the 'magic' lives with rides and attractions based on the famous Disney characters. A visit to the Magic Kingdom always starts with a stroll up main street, reminiscent of Walt Disney's home town at the turn of the century and leading to the 'hub' with the breathtaking Cinderella Castle towering above. Four lands lead out from the hub: Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Adventureland and Frontierland and these are home to a seemingly endless choice of attractions, shows, shopping and character greeting experiences plus thrilling rides, including the three 'Mountains': Big Thunder Mountain, Spash Mountain and Space Mountain.
Be sure to make time to watch the daily parade which winds it's way through the Park at 3pm. A lively carnival of floats, music and favourite Disney characters.
During the evening the Magic Kingdom comes alive with 'Spectromagic', a stunning parade of floats covered in millions of tiny bulbs and followed by 'Wishes' an amazing firework celebration played out to music in the skies above Cincerella Castle. -
Epcot
The second and largest of the Disney World theme parks, this park is dominated by the huge epcot 'Ball'. Epcot, comprises two 'Worlds': Future World where you can learn about the modern world we all inhabit and take a spin on thrill rides including 'Mission:Space', 'Test Track' and 'Soarin', plus visit with marine life in 'The Seas with Nemo and Friends'
Taking a stroll through 'World Showcase' gives guests an insight into the cultures, cuisines and entertainment offered by 12 countries around the world, including Canada, the UK, France, Japan, China and Mexico with attractions, shopping and rides themed to each country.
Every evening visitors are invited to take their place around World Showcase Lagoon to experience 'Illuminations, Reflections of Earth' a nighttime spectacular of fireworks, music, images and lasers.
Not to be missed! -
Disney's Hollywood Studios
The original idea behind the shows and attractions at Disney's Hollywood Studios was to entertain and educate visitors about 'behind the scenes' workings of a Film and Television studio, although these days the park has expanded to include thrilling attractions such as 'Rock 'n' Roller Coaster', 'Hollywood Tower or Terror' and the new 'Lights, Motors, Action Stunt Show'. Younger visitors will love 'Playhouse Disney: Live on Stage', 'The Little Mermaid' and 'Toy Story Mania', while older visitors can enjoy the classics; 'Indiana Jones', the 'Great Movie Ride' and 'Muppets 3D'
Night time entertainment here is courtesy of 'Fantasmic', an amazing show featuring Mickeys battle against the Disney Villians, with some help from his friends and amazing special effects. -
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom is the newest of the four Disney Theme Parks and, true to its name, focuses on Nature and Conservation. At the centre of the park is the huge 'Tree of Life' with carvings of over 325 animals on it's trunk and branches, and the fun 3D show 'It's Tough To Be A Bug' buried in it's roots. Visitors are invited to take a safari with 'Kilimanjaro Safaris' which takes you out on the serengeti for amazing views of it's native inhabitants. Two walking trails will bring you into contact with Tigers, Gorillas, Birds, Meercats and a host of other animal friends.
Animal viewing is not the only entertainment on offer here though and Animal Kingdom's motto of 'Natazu' (Not-A-Zoo!) proves true with world class shows like 'Festival of the Lion King' and thrill rides including 'Dinosaur', 'Kali River Rapids' and the recent addition 'Expidition Everest'.
A great way to end your day is to watch 'Mickeys Jammin Jungle Parade' as it winds its way past the 'Tree of Life'. A lively parade of dancers, characters and infectious music. -
Disney's Water Parks -
Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach
'Typhoon Lagoon' is spread around it's centrepiece 'Mount Mayday' on which the good ship 'Miss Tilly' has become precariously balanced after being transported inland by a freak Hurricane.
One of the largest wave pools in the world produces a huge 15' bodysurfing wave. Typhoon Lagoon also has a 'Shark Reef', 'Ketchakiddie Creek' for the younger members of the family, 'Castaway Creek' lazy river and speed slides including 'Humunga Kowabunga' and 'Mayday Falls'.
'Blizzard Beach' is the only ski resort in Florida! Yes, really! Although the ski runs are now awash with water and make for some slippery fun water and raft rides.
'Tikes Peak' is the place to head with little ones, while 'Ski Patrol Training Camp' is where preteens can get some watery fun. Speed slides come in the form of 'Taboggan Racers', 'Snow Stormers', 'Teamboat Springs', 'Downhill Double Dipper' and the fearsome 'Summit Plummit'. -
Dining and Entertainment -
Downtown Disney and Disney's Boardwalk
Downtown Disney is the main entertainment and Dining Area which is divided into two areas.
'Westside' houses a 20 screen cinema complex, exciting shopping opportunities, 'Cirque Du Soleil' and restaurants including 'Planet Hollywood' and the 'House of Blues'
'Marketplace' is the home of the world's largest Disney Store, plus a host of shops and restaurants including the 'Rainforest Cafe' and the newly opened 'T Rex Cafe'
'Disney's Boardwalk' is a smaller entertainment area with a laid back, traditional feel. Restaurants here include the 'Flying Fish' and 'ESPN Cafe' and for adult entertainment there is the 'Atlantic Dance Club' and 'Jellyrolls' a duelling pianos bar.
Street entertainers come out onto the boardwalk to entertain guests with juggling, magic and music, and Surrey Bikes are available for hire for an easy ride around the lake. Boardwalk is also a great place to view the Epcot Illuminations Fireworks.
