WHAT A THRILL

THRILL

Travel experts reveal the most exciting must-dos at Walt Disney World Resort

WALT Disney World Resort in Florida attracts millions of holidaymakers thanks to exhilarating rides, immersive theme parks and Character encounters. And for good reason… Here two travel experts explain the special Disney moments that make so many families return year after year. Project manager Lauren Humphries, from Northamptonshire, has huge knowledge of the resort as she has been visiting it since the age of eight. And mum-of-two Helen Wright, from Theydon Bois in Essex is also a regular. Both offer their tips on why Disney makes for a magical holiday, and how to get the best out of your Walt Disney World Resort getaway…

Going on holiday is my ultimate getaway, and nothing compares with walking down Main Street, U.S.A. at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park in Walt Disney World Resort. Seeing the classic Characters in the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade is also special. The resort has been dubbed the most magical place on Earth and for me it really is. My Disney love affair started when I visited Walt Disney World Resort at the age of just eight. Three generations were on the holiday – me, my dad and my grandparents. It’s the perfect place for multigenerational trips as there really is something there for everyone. And by the time we left I was hooked. I’ve always been a thrill-seeker, and my favourite attractions are The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ and Space Mountain rocket ride. But the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover will always be special because my grandparents loved the gentle journey through Tomorrowland with its great views of Cinderella Castle.

Full throttle … TRON Lightcycle/Run presented by Enterprise is no ordinary rollercoaster

‘Disney is about creating magic. It’s joyous being part of something that makes people happy’

What A

‘I've always been a thrillseeker and my disney love affair began when i was eight’

When I finished college I immediately applied for Disney’s Cultural Representative Program for young people who want to work at the park. I even missed my graduation so I could go, but it was amazing. I was a waitress at the British pub – Rose & Crown – in EPCOT and I had an incredible year. Disney is about creating magic, and it’s joyous being part of something that makes people so happy. I’m still just as excited by going to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida as I ever was. I can’t wait for my next trip. The new rollercoaster, TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise, looks great – going at over 60mph on motorbike seats! It’s a must-do for any fans of the thrill ride. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will be a treat because nobody brings films to life like Disney. I always prefer staying in a Disney Resort hotel because you feel like you’re in a happy “Disney bubble”. It’s not just the rides – even the restaurants are incredible. At Space 220 it’s like you’re actually dining above the Earth, as there’s a huge space panorama outside the windows, as if you’re in a space station looking down on the planet. These days I tend to book with British Airways Holidays – it’s good knowing everything is taken care of. Plus, I can pay in instalments**. I’ll never get bored of going. There’s always a new ride or a special attraction – it’s the happiest and most reliable form of escapism there is!

Lauren says:

Fun is all around … one of EPCOT’s latest rides is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, right

Ace your trip with British Airways Holidays

Planning a dream holiday to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida has never been easier. Book with British Airways Holidays and get the fantastic Early Booker Package* for summer 2024 arrivals. Stay in the centre of the action at a Disney Resort hotel, just minutes from the theme parks, and you’ll receive up to $2,100 Disney Dining & Merchandise Credit per room plus the Disney 14-Day Magic Ticket for the price of seven days. British Airways Holidays operates two flights a day (one in winter) from London to Orlando, Florida. All holidays with British Airways Holidays are ATOL protected, can be secured with a low deposit, come with 23kg per person baggage allowance as standard and a 24-hour holiday helpline. For the ultimate trip, upgrade to Club World for premium levels of comfort and service.

‘Book a Disney Resort hotel for extra perks’

River ride ... hop aboard and get ready for adventure with Jungle Cruise

Booking ahead is my biggest tip for a Disney holiday. Going for the Early Booker Offer* with British Airways Holidays makes such a difference if you’re on a budget. Plus, if you book for a Disney Resort hotel, there are extra perks like Early Theme Park Entry. You can get Disney restaurant reservations for your entire trip, 60 days in advance. That’s a real help for getting slots at some of the most popular restaurants like Be Our Guest and Space 220. There are lots of different hotels to suit, and while they are not all premium, they are great value.

‘I always cry tears of happiness when I see the fireworks show above Cinderella Castle’

Magic and wonder … Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, left; the Happily Ever After spectacular, right

We love the moderately priced Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. It has the largest hotel pool and underwater speakers playing Nemo and Dory from Finding Nemo talking to each other. How cool is that? We’re a family of four – me and my husband Simon and our children Isobel and Finn – so a great holiday is really important to us. I love the security of knowing a good time is guaranteed, and you can rely on Disney and British Airways Holidays to deliver on that. We have lots of favourites, like the Happily Ever After spectacular, with the fireworks show above Cinderella Castle. I always cry tears of happiness when we see it. The classic attractions, like Pirates of the Caribbean and “it’s a small world” – where the whole family can ride together – are extra special for us.

Design your own Walt Disney world adventure

Walt Disney World Resort in Florida has four incredible theme parks – Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You’ll also love the water parks, themed restaurants and incredible hotels – there’s loads to see and do. Don’t miss the newest attraction, TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise, a motorbike-style coaster that zooms guests into the “grid” of a computer at speeds of over 60mph. Meanwhile at EPCOT, there’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Disney’s first “omnicoaster” where the cars spin a full 360 degrees. Later this year Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, also opens at EPCOT – an immersive attraction where you can explore a Polynesian paradise with tropical plants and dancing water. As well as the new attractions, there are plenty of favourites that won’t disappoint. Escape to the fascinating planet of Batuu at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. For young fans, there is also a land based on Toy Story to explore, with a new themed restaurant, Woody’s Roundup Rodeo BBQ. Or why not make for the dazzling Pandora – World of Avatar adventure, based on the hit movie. The magic begins the moment you board your British Airways Holidays flight, and you can secure your holiday right now – so what are you waiting for?

All holidays with British Airways Holidays are ATOL protected, come with 23kg baggage allowance per person and a 24-hour holiday helpline. Secure your Disney holiday now with a low deposit** at ba.com/disney. Visit ba.com/disney to discover more

HELEN says:

Light fantastic ... the magical setting is a thrill for every generation of the family

*T&Cs apply, see ba.com/disney **Based on two sharing. Deposit balance due 7 weeks in advance. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply.

Book with British Airways Holidays to stay in a Disney Resort hotel and receive up to $2,100 merchandise and dining credit for August to September 2024, or $1,200 for other selected dates in 2024. Plus you’ll receive a Disney 14-Day Magic Ticket for the price of 7 days. Valid during most school holidays.

Discover the Early Booker Package*

Book now for even better value

Magic and wonder … Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, left; the Happily Ever After spectacular, right