Waiting  for them is a magical resort – spread over 40 square miles in Orlando, Florida – that’s home to four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom), two water parks, 34 hotels, five golf courses, two spas and countless restaurants, bars and shops. Add to this the beautiful Sunshine State weather and a couple of world-famous mice and we think you’ll agree, there really is no place quite like it on earth.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is home to two new attractions – Toy Story Mania and the American Idol Experience. Joe and Kevin Jonas were among the first to ride the 4D Toy Story ride, where you’re whizzed around on a Buzz-themed adventure wearing 3D glasses while shooting virtual darts at balloons, rings at aliens and eggs at chickens. The aim is to try and beat the day’s highest score – OK! got nowhere near!

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Meanwhile, all seven winners of American Idol – including Kelly Clarkson and Jordin Sparks – gathered to launch the reality show attraction last year. Park guests audition, sing live on a replica stage and the winner of the evening finale gets the chance to jump the queue at the real American Idol auditions.

At Magic Kingdom, the much-loved Main Street Electrical Parade makes a return this summer and the park’s Fantasyland gets set for renovation. In a couple of years, younger guests will be able to step into their favourite Disney fairy tales and meet the likes of Cinderella in her country chateau.

Prepare for lift off on Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom – an indoor coaster that blasts you into space. For outdoor thrills, try the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Paris Hilton is a fan and we rode it twice. OK! loved the Pirates Of The Caribbean attraction. After a pirate makeover by Captain Jack Sparrow’s team, we hopped on the ride to discover if a pirate’s life really was for us. At Animal Kingdom, the big ride is Expedition Everest – hold tight as the ride switches direction and continues backwards! Hollywood Studios is one for thrill-seekers. 

We enjoyed Mariah Carey’s favourite, the Twilight Zone Tower Of Terror, where you ride in a haunted lift that drops 13 floors, and the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, which spins you upside down to an Aerosmith soundtrack. At Epcot, riders become crash test dummies on Test Track and astronauts on Mission: Space. The simulator thrill ride, where you embark on a mission to Mars, is not for the faint-hearted!

OK! stayed in a one-bedroom holiday home at the new Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. We loved our views of Bay Lake, the abstract Mickey artwork hanging on the walls and the bath that turned into a hot tub at the touch of a button. We also got used to a little bit of Disney magic being left in the room upon our return from the parks – one night we enjoyed milk and Mickey-shaped cookies.

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Staying at a Disney hotel comes with perks – guests enjoy free transport to the parks and extra magic hours, where one park opens early or stays open later exclusively for hotel residents. It’s also the place to stay if you’re visiting for a special occasion as Disney can arrange all manner of surprises. Our favourite was the delivery of one of Cinderella’s glass slippers to your room – the idea is you slip an engagement ring inside before getting down on one knee. We were reliably informed: ‘Even if he looks like Quasimodo, you’ll be in tears!’

There’s plenty to do if you fancy a day away from the parks. OK! spent the morning at the Grand Floridian Spa and enjoyed a blissful massage. If you have a daughter (aged 4–12) they too can have their own manicure, facial or massage so they really will feel like a Disney princess. 

Or enjoy a round of mini-golf at Disney’s Fantasia Gardens, kids will love a 45-minute horseback trail ride through Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort or go shopping at Downtown Disney. It’s home to World Of Disney, a gigantic store dedicated to all things mouse! We left with a Mickey hoodie and a cute pair of sequined Minnie ears. 

If you’re missing the thrills of the theme parks, take in the sights of the Magic Kingdom with an exhilarating ride across the Seven Seas Lagoon on your own Sea Raycer motorboat. 

Mickey and Minnie are celeb magnets. Katy Perry and Hayden Panettiere donned their mouse ears at Hollywood Studios. Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon stayed at Disney’s Grand Floridian and enjoyed all four theme parks and the firework shows. 

Britney Spears headed for Mickey’s Toontown Fair at the Magic Kingdom with sons Sean Preston and Jayden James, while Camp Rock couple Joe Jonas and Demi Lovato performed at Epcot during our visit.

America does buffet breakfasts well, but add Disney to the equation and you know you’re in for a treat. At Chef Mickey’s enjoy Mickey-shaped waffles as Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Pluto visit your table for an early morning meet and greet. 

For lunch, step back in time at the ’50s Prime Time Café at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Burgers, fries and a delicious peanut butter and jelly milkshake were on the menu when we dined in Mom’s ’50s-style kitchenette while watching classic TV clips. 

If you’re at Downtown Disney, enjoy the Southern hospitality at the House Of Blues. Save room for dessert – the white chocolate banana bread pudding is the best thing we’ve ever eaten. Or try the Cuban cuisine at Bongos in Downtown Disney West Side, created by singer Gloria Estefan.

If celebrity chefs are more your thing, visit Cat Cora’s Kouzzina at Disney’s BoardWalk, where we enjoyed oak-grilled lamb burgers with olives and feta and baklava for dessert.

One of the coolest ways to watch the Magic Kingdom’s Wishes fireworks display is aboard The Grand, a 45ft yacht which sails the Seven Seas Lagoon. You certainly won’t have to jostle for the best viewing spot! There’s also a spectacular nightly fireworks, laser and water show called IllumiNations in the World Showcase area at Epcot. 

After the last firework explodes in the parks, it’s time to party.

Head to Disney’s BoardWalk and Jellyrolls Piano Bar – after a few cocktails you’ll be requesting songs and singing along to the duelling pianists. If you’re in the mood for dancing, head to the Atlantic Dance Hall, which is open till 2am, but learn from OK!’s mistake – don’t stay out too late if you want to hit the theme parks early the next morning!

Virgin Holidays (www.virginholidays.co.uk; 0844 5573 875) offers a seven-night stay, including return flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick to Orlando and car hire, staying on a room-only basis at Disney’s five-star Contemporary Resort from £1,219pp.

Price is based on two adults sharing, valid on departures between May 2-20 and includes tax and fuel surcharges. A seven-day premium ticket allows unlimited access to all the Disney parks. Prices start from £219 per adult and £189 per child.

Guests who book their 2010 holiday before August 2 and add park tickets at the time of booking can enjoy free Disney dining at selected resort hotels. Valid for stays from July 5 to November 18.