Five fantastic reasons to visit Walt Disney World, Florida this year!

I’m off to Florida in just two weeks’ time and I’m RIDICULOUSLY EXCITED.  I’ve been promising my gorgeous niece, Amy, that we’d take a trip together, and when this one came up I knew it would be perfect for some quality auntie time.  We’re heading off with a couple of really lovely friends including my homie Liz to possibly my favourite place in the world, Walt Disney World, for a couple of days of theme park fun (and to visit the new Disney Springs area, which has been on my list – more of this in a minute), and then we’re off to the Bahamas on Disney Cruise Line’s beautiful ship, the Disney Dream for some relaxing, a bit of pampering, and a bit of beach time on Disney’s heavenly private island, Castaway Cay.  If you haven’t planned your holiday yet, here are five fantastic reasons to visit Walt Disney World Resort, Florida this year:

1 Soarin’ Around The World and Star Wars Launch Bay

There’s so much going on at the moment with Walt Disney World, it’s really hard to pick just one or two to feature, but one of my favourite, favourite rides, Soarin’, is being completely updated (I kind of loved it when it was a bit glitchy, but I guess it was time for an update).   Soarin’ Around The World will feature amazing new 4-D technology and swoosh you over some of the world’s most amazing landscapes and man-made wonders too.  Another new area will be Star Wars Launch Bay, basically celebrating all things Star Wars, with amazing memorabilia and concept art, the chance to interact with Star Wars characters, special merch and all sorts of  Star Wars interactive video games.  An absolute must-visit for Star Wars fans.

Soarin’ at Epcot

2 Kilimanjaro Safaris

I know I’m a complete sap, but Kilimanjaro Safaris always make me want to cry.  I love bumping along in the open-air jeep through the savanna and getting so close to all the wildlife – the guides are excellent as well.  I’m so excited that they’re expanding their opening hours – I can’t even imagine how gorgeous it’s going to be being able to visit the savanna at sunset.

Kilimanjaro Safari

3 Frozen Ever After

You know I love a bit of Frozen, and there’s a new Frozen Ever After attraction coming to the Norway Pavilion at Epcot’s World Showcase this spring, where you get to visit Elsa’s Winter in Summer Celebration and watch Queen Elsa magically create a winter-in-summer day for the kingdom, travel to Elsa’s Ice Palace, the icy world of the North Mountain and of course Arendelle.

Frozen Ever After – image courtesy of Walt Disney World News

4 Rivers Of Light

Open by the spring, Rivers of Light at Disney’s Animal Kingdom sounds absolutely incredible, with live performances, beautiful floating lanterns, the same incredible water screen technology that we loved at Sleeping Beauty Castle in Paris… I just cannot wait.

Rivers of Light – – image courtesy of Walt Disney World News

5 Disney Springs – formerly Downtown Disney, Disney Springs has been an absolutely massive project and is due to be completed this year.  There will be more shops, more incredible restaurants and all sorts of other great things to see and do.  I’m really looking forward to seeing what it looks like.  I’m especially looking forward to visiting the Ganachery and eating my body weight in chocolate.  Ill report back in great detail, no doubt!

The Ganachery at Disney Springs – image courtesy of Walt Disney World News

One thing I always hear is that it’s expensive to visit Disney, but you can still visit for under a grand a person, which I think is really good value considering all the extras you get with Disney holidays like all your transport to the parks and your transfers. Here’s a typical example:

7 nights in Orlando with Walt Disney Travel Company, including return economy flights with Virgin Atlantic departing London Gatwick direct to Orlando, accommodation at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort and Disney’s 7-Day Ultimate Ticket costs from £930 per person. Price based on two adults and two children (age 3-12) travelling and sharing a standard room and includes transfer to and from Orlando International Airport as well as all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. Price is based on a departure of 10 March 2016 from London Gatwick. Walt Disney Travel Company is a member of ABTA and is ATOL protected. Prices are correct at the time of print. Prices shown are guide prices and may change at any time, price will be confirmed at time of booking. Please visit our website for current pricing, full terms and conditions and to book: www.disneyholidays.co.uk or call 0800 16 90 730.