Get caught up in the magic of Disney with the launch of Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular on Orlando break
No two days are the same at Disney with the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot to visit
I AM not usually one for selfies, but when Mickey and Minnie are photo-bombing it would be rude not to join them.
Within hours of arriving at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, my camera phone was filled with cheesy snaps of me with the likes of Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast — and my inner child couldn’t have been happier.
This may sound strange considering I am not an eight-year-old kid, but it’s almost impossible not to get caught up in the magic of Disney.
Even my more cynical boyfriend found himself waving frantically at the characters in the Festival of Fantasy Parade at the Magic Kingdom park, along with hordes of other adults doing the exact same thing.
Our street cred went out the window within minutes. Each of the four main Disney parks — Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot — has its own theme, which means no two days are ever the same.
Stepping into the movies at Hollywood studios is not a trip for the faint-hearted.
Before long, we were plummeting 13 floors on the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror then zooming from 0 to 58mph in less than three seconds on the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster.
Still think that Disneyworld is just for kids?
This summer sees the launch of Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular — a fireworks show of epic proportions that is sure to give you goosebumps.
And after an exhausting but exhilarating day in the parks, retreating to Disney’s Boardwalk Inn is a welcome respite.
One of the more “grown up” resorts within the Disney complex, it is a waterfront hotel in a 1900s-themed Atlantic City, full of buzzing restaurants, bars and arcade games.
The spacious rooms overlook a grassy courtyard — a nice contrast to the hustle and bustle of the parks.
Plus, the Belle Vue bar became our go-to place for a nightcap as each evening we frequented the area for a definitely adults-only tipple.
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But there’s no time for hangovers in Disney, especially when parks like Animal Kingdom need to be visited not once, but twice.
We hopped on the Kilimanjaro Safari for a drive around the savannahs of “Africa”, trying but failing to get selfies with real-life giraffes, elephants, lions and hippos as we passed.
But the adventure didn’t stop there as the park is now open at night, introducing a whole new range of nocturnal animals that slumber during the daytime.
And then there’s Expedition Everest — my favourite ride of the trip.
Slowly climb a mountain and get the most amazing views of the park before whizzing backwards along the twisting track.
Then gather around a large lake, with the stunning Tree of Life in the background, to watch the Rivers of Light show — an incredibly innovative water show with lasers and lights shimmering across the lake.
One thing I was not prepared for was the food. Spending my life on a diet meant that a trip to Florida was surely going to involve chips, burgers and my Weight Watchers plan going out of the window.
But I was pleasantly surprised to find that America — well, this part at least — has grown up a little.
From the Yachtsman steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club to fine dining in Citricos at the Grand Floridian resort, I was able to satisfy my tastebuds with more than fast food.
Although a cheeky pizza slice and chips with nuggets might have been scoffed at lunchtimes . . . I mean, when in Rome, right?
We even managed to travel further afield to whet our appetite. I bagged a croissant in France and a gelato in Italy — the Epcot versions, of course.
The world showcase allows visitors to stroll from Disney country to Disney country to experience the sights and sounds of places around the globe.
But we settled in good old England for a pint in the pub, albeit one with no pushing and shoving at the bar.
It is Disney, after all!
And it was here we stayed to watch the magnificent IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth show — the ultimate finale.
To a chorus of “Have a magical day”, we said farewell to the Disney crews and landed back in London after a faultless Virgin flight, but with a bump back to reality.
Monday morning was certainly more miserable than magical as I was surrounded by disgruntled commuters rather than helpful, smiling staff.
In the words of Frozen, I know I need to Let It Go, but I challenge anyone not to get bitten by the Disney bug.
I’m already planning my Return to Neverland . . .
GO: ORLANDO
FOURTEEN nights in Orlando with Virgin Holidays, including Virgin Atlantic flights from Gatwick to Orlando, accommodation at the 3V Disney’s Pop Century Resort, including car hire, is from £665.
Price is per person based on two adults and two children travelling and sharing a standard room leaving on November 9.
See or call 0330 037 8269.