Disney World And Universal Studios, Orlando, Florida
Orlando is a world-class, exciting and safe destination that collectively offer more than 150 attractions at its world-famous theme parks. It’s the perfect destination for travellers of all ages with golf, shopping, spas and world-class cuisine right on your doorstep. We take a look at the history of Orlando and run the microscope over some of the best attractions to visit on your trip.
Discover some of the carefully selected Disney’s resorts we have on our website – Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans, Disney’s Coronado Springs and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.
For more accommodation options in Florida, please click here.
The History Of Disney World, Florida
It’s easy to see why someone would choose Orlando when building a tourist attraction – it’s a mecca for holidaymakers the world over, and you’d be guaranteed to pick up some visitors by default. But back in 1971, when Walt Disney was looking to create his Disneyland dream, Orlando was predominantly a swampland.
So why would Mr Disney try and build his new theme park on a swamp? The reasons were, the year-round climate, the new road connections (Interstate 4), and the fact that it cost him $180 an acre to purchase much of the land – throw in an airport close by, and voilà, the location was found.
But even with a great location, how would Walt Disney get around his swamp dilemma? He basically dug up the area that is now the Seven Seas Lagoon, and used the dirt to lay some solid foundations. When you’re walking into the Magic Kingdom, you’re actually on the second floor. The first floor is under your feet – it’s full of tunnels and buildings that allow cast members to move around the lands without being seen.
Not long after, Universal Studios joined in, and between them have created a mix of attractions, entertainments, hotels and restaurants so vast, you need three holidays to do them justice.
The Magic Kingdom
Every year, more than 17 million people from all over the planet descend on the park to garner childhood memories and experiences. Here’s a quick overview of our favourites from each section.
Fantasyland: The ‘Enchanted Tales with Belle’ ride, is a fun, meet-and-greet style experience, with Belle from “Beauty and the Beast.” It’s a small capacity show, offers a more personal touch, so it’s worth visiting early in the day to avoid the crowds.
Tomorrowland: You can’t head to ‘Tomorrowland’ and not ride the iconic Space Mountain roller coaster. If you prefer something less white-knuckle, then Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin might be your thing. It’s a great indoor ride where you shoot laser pistols at targets to score points and save the galaxy.
Main Street USA: Here’s where you’ll meet Mickey and Minnie in the ‘Town Square Theatre’. It’s also the location for many of the parades.
Adventureland: Pirates of the Caribbean is the largest ride in the park, and bags of fun! It’s an excellent indoor ride for escaping the afternoon heat.
Frontierland: If you’re looking to relax in a dark, air-conditioned theatre, take in the ‘County Bear Jamboree show’. If your children prefer something more energetic, how about taking a raft over to Tom Sawyer Island, and letting them run around in the wooded play area.
Epcot
Epcot is great as an educational theme park, and your children will be too busy having fun to realise how much they are learning! The Epcot ball is still the main attraction, a ride that takes you through the ages and lets you feel like you’ve travelled the world in minutes. The ‘Maelstrom’ is one of the more interesting choices, where you’ll find yourself riding through the Nordic Fjords, surrounded by trolls one minute and sat in an English pub the next.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
For those interested in films, ‘The Studio Backdrop Tour’ is a must-see. The tour gives you an insight into how fire and rain are created in films – expect the unexpected on this ride!
For the thrill seekers head to the Twilight Tower of Terror. As you enter the lift, you’re given a brief history of the haunted hotel before plunging into total darkness. I won’t give any more away – it’s something you need to experience yourself. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is fun for all ages and is sure to appeal to adults and children alike.
Universal Studios
At a breathless pace, there’s a chance you could visit both Universal parks in a single day, but to do that you’ll have to invest in an Express Pass. Without it, you’ll spend a good portion of the day waiting in line at the premium attractions. So allow two days, perhaps three: a day for each park and a “pick-up” day to return to your favourites at a leisurely pace.
Universal Studios appeals primarily to those who like loud, fast, high-energy attractions – generally teens and adults. Covering over 444 acres, it’s a rambling montage of sets, shops, and soundstages housing themed attractions, reproductions of New York and San Francisco, and some genuine moviemaking paraphernalia.
When Islands of Adventure first opened in 1999, it took theme parks attractions to a whole new level. If you’re a fan of Marvel Super Heroes, you’re going to be in your element.
Granted, Disney is never going to be everyone’s cup of tea, but the reality is that there’s no place like it! It is somewhere where happiness prevails, the impossible becomes real, where technological advances have created truly awe-inspiring rides and, most importantly, where dreams really do come true!
For information on Orlando, Florida holidays or any other USA requirements, then please call 0800 707 6229 or email our team on info@travelclubelite.com. We can provide you with a free, no obligation quote, and in most instances offer huge savings off most of the major tour operators such as Virgin, Funway and Thomas Cook.
