A Trip to the Disney World Resort by Mark Davidson
Featured Hotel in Orlando
Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes
See all hotels in Orlando >
I remember as a small child watching 'The Wonderful World of Disney’ on television. There was always a magical feel to the programme and many years later I still had that sense of excitement when I recently visited Disney World Resort, often described as the most magical place on earth.
I stayed at the Pop Century Resort, one of the newest additions to the complex - a hotel bedecked in everything associated with music from the 50's to the 90's. There was the added advantage that as a guest within the resort I had access to the bus transportation allowing travel to the amenities with ease.
Visiting Epcot
The first theme park I visited was Epcot (Experimental Prototype Centre of Tomorrow). It is divided into two main areas, Future World and World Showcase. On entering I followed everyone else up to the giant geosphere (Spaceship Earth) where we were met by cast members and treated to an opening ceremony including introductions to Mickey Mouse and friends.
Being somewhat of a thrill seeker I headed straight to Mission:SPACE, one of the latest attractions. It is a motion simulator ride with attitude and was built with input from astronauts and scientists. Safely back on earth I tackled Test Track, a high speed thrill ride in a car travelling at 65 miles per hour - without a driver! I then tried the newest attraction, a sedate experience with ‘Soarin’, gliding over California and leaving me with a calm feeling.
The World Showcase
Once I’d had my fill of stomach churning rides, I strolled around The World Showcase; made up of eleven nations standing side-by-side. From Canada to China and Mexico to Morocco it encircled a Lagoon, allowing visitors to sample experiences from around the world.
Starting in Canada I marvelled at the workmanship of the Totem poles. As I found this thirsty work I stopped for an ice cold pint at the Rose and Crown Pub in the United Kingdom. Whatever happened to warm beer? I had the opportunity to say “Vive La France” where I saw an intriguing recreation of the Eiffel Tower. I wandered from country to country, passing through an exotic version of Marrakesh, onto the more serene pagodas of Japan. I even had time to stop and listen to The American Adventure, related by Mark Twain.
The day was a warm one and as I meandered towards Italy I stopped for ‘just one cornetto’ in a mock up of San Marco Square in Venice. I resisted the temptation of a further beer in Germany, before moving onto China where I had the opportunity to see a film of the new DisneyLand in Hong Kong. I braved storms when I travelled back in time to the era of the Vikings on the Maelstrom ride in the land of Norway. As a grand finale to the World Showcase I sailed the ‘El Rio del Tiempo’ (River of Time) in the mysterious land of Mexico.
The Disney Empire
A magnet for every tourist is the centrepiece of the Disney Empire, the Magic Kingdom. Entering Main Street U.S.A., I could see the imposing sight of Cinderella’s Castle. Yet as I wandered around it was easy to get distracted by a multitude of attractions from a barbershop quartet to Pluto signing autographs. It is divided into a number of Lands. Tomorrow land, home to Space Mountain, is an indoor roller coaster. Unfortunately it is a little tame compared to others.
Next stop Fantasy land, where the sight of flying Dumbos brought a smile to my face. Liberty Square is home to the Haunted Mansion and it was such a delight to be accompanied by an apparition during the ride.
In Frontier land I joined in the spirit of things and whooped and hollered as a band of miscreant bears wandered by, playing a somewhat decrepit set of instruments. I had to try the famous Big Thunder Mountain, a runaway railroad train, and Splash Mountain, a log flume with an enormous drop at the end. Who says getting wet isn’t fun?
That evening, I watched, with jaw dropping amazement, the SpectroMagic fireworks display. It is something Disney does well, time and time again.
Movie Magic
Another day saw me visiting a bit of Disney Movie Magic at the MGM studios. I saw Marilyn Monroe and Minnie Mouse walking side by side along a recreation of Hollywood's Sunset Boulevard. In the distance I could see the imposing Tower of Terror, a recreation of a deserted 1930's hotel. Bellhops ushered everyone into a darkened room where we listened to the story of a plummeting elevator. We were invited to ride in a service lift, similar to the one that crashed. When the lift finally dropped at high speed I let out a loud scream, more out of enjoyment than fear.
I calmed my nerves by going on the Great Movie Ride, taking me back through the ages, from the history of the Tiller girls to the story of the Wizard of Oz. The need for excitement grew once more, and I enjoyed the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular being treated to a behind the scenes look at how stunts from 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' were performed. I do like a bit of crash bang wallop in the movies and what better way to round off the day than a backstage look at high-octane magic as cars and motor bikes were the centerpiece in the ‘Lights Motors Action’ Extreme Stunt Show.
Disney Razzmatazz
The latest theme park in the Disney empire is the Animal Kingdom. It is similar to zoos and safari parks in Britain, with the added touch of Disney razzmatazz. From Africa to Asia there is plenty of excitement with shows such as Tarzan Rocks and ‘It’s tough to be a bug’. Like other parks, there is plenty of wheelchair access to all areas.
Rafiki’s Planet Watch is an area designated to the conservation of the animals and I was even able to see the medical centre where treatment takes place.
A truck took me through a savanna on the ‘Kilimanjaro Safari’ in the Land of Africa, seeing a range of animals from giraffes to gazelles and lions to leopards. In the village of Harambe, I enjoyed the rhythm of beating drums.
What a wonderful return to childhood!!
Want to return to childhood? Check out our listings of luxury hotels in Orlando and book your own childhood getaway.