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Orlando, Florida: Welcome to Disney World kids


ORLANDO, FLORIDA: Buzz Lightyear
ORLANDO, FLORIDA: Toy Story's Woody
ORLANDO, FLORIDA: Main Street USA
ORLANDO, FLORIDA: Interact with the Disney characters
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ORLANDO, FLORIDA: Toy Story's Woody
ORLANDO, FLORIDA: Toy Story's Woody
IT feels like nothing bad could happen in Orlando, Florida says CLAIR BUSSEY

With  its immaculate palm-lined streets and pristine houses with picket fences, an army of Stepford Wives must be keeping everything in order. And, of course, it is the home of the biggest and most colourful theme parks in the world.

With the much-anticipated The Wizarding World of Harry Potter arriving at Universal Orlando Resort in June, Florida will be an even hotter destination for families.

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But for the Bussey clan there was one BIG reason to cross the pond to the sunny Florida city - Disney World.

I knew my big kid of a husband would love it there as much as our two toddlers.

But it was their open mouthed sense of wonder at the magical world around them that really made the holiday special.

We stayed at the All-Star Music Resort. From the Mickey Mouse waffles for breakfast to poolside viewings of Toy Story before bed, this place is pure child heaven.

Disney World itself consists of four main theme parks - the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom.

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There are also two amazing water parks - Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.

Downtown Disney offers shopping, eateries and Pleasure Island. And just in case you fancy taking in an all-American baseball game, there's Disney's Wide World of Sports complex.

We started at The Magic Kingdom. Out of all the parks, this is the best. The vision of Cinderella's Castle as you walk up Main Street USA is enough to bring out anyone's inner five-year-old.

Surrounded by characters like Mary Poppins and Pinocchio, it's like being transported back to a more innocent time.

For the grown-ups and older children, Frontier Land offers thrills on the Big Thunder railroad and Splash Mountain. Liberty Square is perfect for lunch - try clam chowder at Columbia Harbour House or roast turkey at Liberty Tree Tavern.

Fantasyland does what it says on the tin. Fly to Neverland with Peter Pan.

Roll, bounce and float with Pooh Bear before heading round the corner to Mickey's Toontown fair.
The Walt Disney World Railroad departs here to take you to your final destination - the futuristic Tomorrowland, where you can take on the aliens in Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger. For thrillseekers, Space Mountain is a must.

At all the parks a theme park rider switch system is in place so you don't miss out. It lets one parent ride while the other waits with the children, then swap - so you don't queue twice.

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The Magic Kingdom might leave you seeking a bit of relaxation time but there is plenty more fun at the other parks.

Although it wasn't the first theme park to be built, Epcot was Walt Disney's first inspiration. It takes you on a steep learning curve as you visit the world in a day and explore what technology holds for the future through its attractions and rides.

At Animal Kingdom, storytelling and fun-filled expeditions help children and adults discover the natural wonders of our planet.

At Disney's Hollywood Studios you'll find lights, cameras and plenty of action - you can tackle the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and meet Indiana Jones.

After a few hectic days in the parks, the two water parks were a godsend. I can't think of anything more inviting than lounging aboard a huge inflatible ring and drifting around the lazy rivers.

A visit to Disney World leaves you smiling from head to toe - and feeling that you've barely scratched the surface of what's on offer.

So the only option is to plan your next visit - and discover the rest.

FACT FILE

CLAIR stayed at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort. A Standard View room for two adults and two children (aged between three and nine) costs from about £70 per night.

Disney’s 14-day Ultimate Ticket is currently the same price as the Premium five or seven-day ticket and provides admission to all the magic of Disney.

This includes the four theme parks, the two Disney water parks and other attractions, including Downtown Disney, Pleasure Island and DisneyQuest, the indoor interactive theme park.

The 14-day Ultimate Ticket costs £225 per adult and £198 per child.

Or you can purchase Disney’s Ultimate Ticket for 21 days for £264 per adult and £237 per child.

For information, bookings and latest offers, call the Walt Disney Travel Company on 0870 24 24 900 or visit disneyworld.co.uk

   

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