A Dream Week at Walt Disney World in Florida

When You Wish Upon A Star

I didn't have the chance to visit Walt Disney World when I was a kid, even though it’s a pretty common destination for those of us living in Quebec, since Florida isn't all that far away. I did, however, get to go when I was 23, and I was able to enjoy every single bit of it! Yes, I’m a big kid at heart, I love Disney movies and songs, and I’d been dreaming of going for ages!

First off, for those of you who use Disneyland Paris as your benchmark, forget everything you know! In Paris, there’s no atmosphere, no energy, and the staff seem totally jaded… okay, I’m generalizing, but that was the impression I was left with after seeing the one in Florida!

I went in January, which wasn't peak season, so I avoided the risk of melting while waiting in line! Because yes, Florida summers are hot and humid. For visiting a theme park like Disney, the winter climate is much more pleasant, except maybe for the water parks. I found a great package that included not just the transport from my small town, but also one of the park’s value resorts (the Pop Century Resort), a week-long park pass, and the Fastpass (super important!).

From the moment you arrive, you’re swept up in the magic. There’s a dedicated welcome area at the Orlando airport for park guests. You grab your bags, and they make sure they end up in your room later, so you don't have to worry about them and can start enjoying the resort right away. They shuttle you to your hotel (with a Disney movie playing on board, of course!). After a check-in process that felt like it took forever (I’m so impatient!), we got into our room. The hotel might be a value resort, but it’s great! Giant Rubik’s Cubes and Big Wheels matching the theme decorate the grounds. You get a cute plastic mug that you can refill at the restaurant’s juice and soda fountains as much as you want, really handy for breakfast and late-night drinks! From the hotel, shuttles take you to whichever park you choose. We didn't try the water parks because the weather wasn't quite warm enough, but mostly because we preferred to spend our time in the 4 original parks.

Magic Kingdom

You have to start here to get that classic entrance with the Castle and all the trimmings! We started with the big rides (the Fastpass is a real lifesaver for the popular ones!). We even did the kids' stuff because it’s a nice way to rest, and sometimes it’s actually really funny; I’m thinking of Belle telling her story with the help of kids from the audience, we had a good laugh. Special mention for the 3D film PhilharMagic, which is amazing with all the best-known songs and scents that make it a 4D experience in the end! Space Mountain is not bad at all, and it’s different from the one in France. There are lots of character meet-and-greets in this park, and they’re very well organized! Staff are on hand to help with photos and make sure things keep moving, while still giving everyone their moment. The parades are always beautiful, and the fireworks show I saw (Wishes!) actually brought a tear or two to my eye (again!) because it was just… perfect! We left the park afterwards and Mickey said goodbye from the rooftop… Just perfect!

Animal Kingdom

A fantastic park focused on nature and animals. You can go on a safari, which is always a treat when you can't afford a trip to Africa! The 3D film "A Bug’s Life" is also fun… but the real highlights are the entertainment and the African-themed parade. I didn't get the chance to try Expedition Everest because the line for that roller coaster was way too long when I walked by… To make up for it, there was Primeval Whirl, the coaster that makes you feel like you’re hanging over the edge at every turn! Shows based on The Lion King, Tarzan, and Pocahontas are also on the schedule.
 

Hollywood Studios

Also very cool, this park is home to the biggest thrill rides: the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster feat. Aerosmith, the fastest roller coaster launch that will literally take your breath away! It’s all preceded by a special animation of the band, and one of their songs plays while you’re going through the loops. Then there’s the Tower of Terror, which does a great job of building up the tension before letting it all go… in a free fall! You can also play Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, and when we were there, they were actually filming a real episode that day. The evening show is also very beautiful and original with its projections on water screens.

Epcot

Probably the least popular park, maybe because it’s a bit more cultural. It’s still enjoyable (even if I was a little annoyed by their poor interpretation of the Château Frontenac to represent Canada). The evening show is very beautiful, but you’d better get a good spot because from where I was, I missed parts of it. The best thing in this park is without a doubt the Soaring ride, which really makes you feel like you’re flying over various Californian landscapes, complete with the breeze and the scent of the sea! Stunning!

My Takeaway

In short, I think when you find yourself at Walt Disney World in Florida… no matter your age, or whether you’re a Disney fan or not, you’re bound to tap into your inner child and get swept away by the magic! I recommend it to everyone, for at least a week!