Disney World - a world for everyone

My 2011 new year’s eve was spent in Walt Disney World, Florida. The park was packed with families, children and adults. About 1 hour before the clock struck midnight, people were making a beeline towards the Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom. Everyone wanted to secure a best spot for the countdown and the fireworks display. So did I.

Despite the huge crowd and the numerous Disney parades, there was very little chaos. I am very impressed with Disney World’s crowd control measures. Most importantly, the staff was polite and cheerful!

My personal favourite Disney theme parks will be Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. I love Disney World for its size and convenience. Walt Disney World is also one of the world’s largest recreational resorts. It comprises of 4 parks – Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot and Animal Kingdom.

Penny Press Collection

When you are in the vicinity of Disney World, you will find yourself teleported into a magical world. The outside world no longer exists. All you will see are street signs that point to the Disney World’s attractions and Disney World’s buses. The free Disney buses take visitors to the attractions scattered around this massive resort. There is no need to look out for directions and to find a parking space. You can put your mind at ease and enjoy Disney World.

Disney World’s tagline is 4 worlds 1 park. Each of the 4 worlds are carefully planned to bring out the best in your Disney’s experience. Magic Kingdom is the most popular park for first timers, young children and people who love the iconic Disney’s castle. In this park, you will find the Cinderella Castle and Mickey’s Toontown. These classic Disney’s characters will certainly delight the children. Grown-ups are not left out either. There are exciting rides waiting for them – Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Splash Mountain.

Hollywood Studios offers visitors glimpses of Disney’s Hollywood history and live action shows that bring to life the scenes you have seen in Hollywood action movies. A must see live action show is the Lights, Actions Extreme Stunt show. Younger visitors will enjoy a session of The Magic of Disney Animation.

Stunt show at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Epcot stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. There are 2 major themes in Epcot – The World and Future World. The World showcases architecture and cuisine of 11 representative countries on Earth. Future World allows your imagination to go wild and offers you a look into Earth’s future.

Finally, there is the Animal Kingdom. It is an animal themed park. Without a trip to Africa, you are offered a taste of the safari and adventures in Africa. Do not write off this park as a zoo trip. The thrill ride Expedition Everest makes Animal Kingdom one of the most exciting parks in Disney World.

After a good day of fun, you will probably be dazed when you exit the park. Ushers are prominently placed across the parks and at the exits. They will direct you to the bus terminals that will take you back to the Disney Resorts for a good night of rest.

Disney World is not just for families and children. In fact, it is a worthwhile visit for adults. To be able to immense in this fun and relaxing atmosphere allows me to re-live my childhood and feel young at heart.

Your Travel Beacon,
Joanne

Universal Orlando - Harry Potter for June Vacations

Singapore’s June school vacation break is just a couple of months away. It is time to plan a well deserved and rewarding vacation trip for the children and their parents!

For avid fantasy novel fans, J.K. Rowling’s series of fantasy novels revolving around the adventures of a young talented wizard Harry Potter and his best friends in the wizard world have captivated many worldwide. Adults and children are charmed by Harry Potter and the magical powers of the wizard world.

In Orlando’s Universal Studios, a recent crown jewel added to their endless theme park attractions was The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Harry Potter enthusiasts will be eager to visit this new attraction that was officially opened in June 2010 in Orlando, Florida.

Guests entering Hogsmeade will be greeted by the Hogswart Express. From here, you will be transported to the magical world of wizards and wands, dueling dragons and the famous Three Broomsticks where the young wizards hang out to sip Butterbeer.

Entering Hogsmeade

For those thrill seekers looking for adrenalin pumping rides, a visit to Hogwarts Castle’s Harry Potter & The Forbidden Journey is not to be missed! The ride begins with a walkthrough of the castle, navigating your way through the treasures and magic of the castle, and watching the scenes of the novels and movies unfold right before you. Finally, you arrive at the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey motion stimulator ride. Charmed by a spell, muggle born humans ride broomsticks and soar through the skies and castle grounds with Harry Potter. In this thrilling ride, you will encounter many familiar scenes in the movie. Without divulging the specific visual scenes you will encounter on this ride, all I can say is, “This is definitely a first in the world type of ride! It is exhilarating and a pilgrimage for Harry Potter fans.”

Inside Hogwarts Castle

For younger audience, you are not left out of the fun either. There is Flight of The Hippogriff – a roller coaster for family fun. The ride is filled with exciting drops and fast turns round corners. It was an invigorating ride that prompted me to ride it twice.

All these heart throbbing and adrenalin gushing rides should make you hungry and there is the Three Broomsticks where you can dig in on the delicious dishes served in the Harry Potter’s fantasy wizard world.

The Three Broomsticks

This trip is incomplete without a visit to Ollivanders to pick up a wand, or I should say the wand picks its master, and a visit to Dervish and Banges to stock up on the wizard robes and uniforms for the new academic semester.

Your Travel Beacon,
Joanne