Disney Parks Vacation Guide
Not only is Disney associated with films, television series, songs and merchandise, the Disney Parks branch is gaining momentum and has become the biggest Disney outlet; no wonder Disneyland is often known as being the happiest place in the world. Since its opening in California in 1955. The Disney parks empire has thrived so much that it expanded globally and can be found in 6 locations worldwide: Florida, California, Paris, Tokyo, Shanghai and Hong Kong. Within each park are different zones, which help you to navigate your way by categorising them into different themes. Some of the categories are Adventureland, Frontierland, Tomorrowland and Main Street. For those of you who are interested in a Disney holiday but are not familiar with their destinations and parks, then this is the starter guide for you. So, prepare yourself to be swept away on a magical ride across a whole new world…
Walt Disney World Resort - Flordia
Disney World is located in Bay Lake and Buena Vista, near Orlando in Florida. It was founded in 1965 and is the biggest Disney resort to date. There are 6 Disney parks in Florida and each one has Disney oozing out from it’s very centre, but every park does have a unique twist. For those of you who love the Disney classics, Magic Kingdom is the park for you. Those who love animals and the wild, then Animal Kingdom is a perfect fit. Those of you who are interested in the Hollywood aspect of Disney and the film sets, then Hollywood Studios (previously called MGM Studios) is right up your street. Further down the street, there’s Epcot, which showcases different cultures but Disney style. And finally, for the water lovers, there are 2 water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. If you’re an all-round Disney fan, then visiting all 6 will be like a dream for you!
For more information: https://www.disneyworld.co.uk/?CMP=OKC-80007798_GM_WDW_destination_waltdisneyworldresort_NA
Disneyland - California
Disney in California contains 2 parks: Disneyland (opened in 1955) and Disney’s California Adventure (opened in 2001). Disneyland is similar to Magic Kingdom, the main Disney park in Florida, but contains Sleep Beauty’s castle rather than Cinderella’s castle. Disney’s California Adventure is more tailored to the adrenaline-seeking junkies who just love a good rollercoaster ride.
Disneyland - Paris
Disneyland Paris opened its gates to Disney fans in 1992 and similar to California, it also contains 2 parks. Like Disneyland California, Paris has a Disneyland which is also home to Sleeping Beauty’s castle. The second park, named Walt Disney Studios, is similar to Florida’s Hollywood Studios as it is geared more towards movie lovers.
Disneyland - Tokyo
Disneyland Tokyo opened in 1983 and contains 2 parks – Disneyland and Disney Sea. As the name suggests, Disneyland is very similar to the other Disneylands across the globe, but no Disney park is identical. Disney Sea is not a water park, but water and the sea is a central theme to the parks, which also contains many water-based activities.
Disneyland - Shanghai
Disneyland Shanghai was the second Disney park in China and opened in 2016. It only contains 1 Disney park, but it has a diverse selection of rides, attractions and experiences that are perfect for a Disney lover.
Disneyland - Hong Kong
Disneyland Hong Kong opened in 2005 and like Shanghai, it has 1 park. Nevertheless, it is home to a plethora of different Disney film inspired rides and attractions, so you’ll be bursting with Disney magic soon before you know it.
Attractions
All Disney parks contain a range of attractions, rides and interactive experiences for children, teens and adults – Disney really does cater for all ages. Each Disney park also has rides inspired by specific Disney films and characters ranging from the classic Mickey Mouse characters, to the Disney Princesses, to Star War and even the Pixar characters like Toy Story. Whether you’re just a fan of one aspect of Disney or all of it, you will simply love it.
Parades, Shows, Fireworks
Most parks also include daily shows, parades and firework displays for guests to enjoy. These may occur repeatedly throughout the day or as a one-off special per day. At any of these 3 Disney parks, you can expect to see a multitude of different Disney characters singing, dancing and interacting with each other and the crowd. So, whether you love the Disney stories, just want to jam to the songs or even want to bust a few dance moves, then the Disney displays are your perfect chance!
Characters
A Disney holiday would not feel right without meeting your beloved characters, right? Well, fear not as you can meet and greet so many different characters in the Disney parks through the day. From the Mickey Mouse crew, to the Disney Princesses, to the Winnie the Pooh gang, there are plenty of characters ready to meet you. No only do you get to meet your favourite characters, you can also take a photo or selfie (or both) with them, give them a hug and even get their autograph (yes, a nice keepsake of your magical trip). Photographs will also be taken by professional photographers which you can purchase too.
Shops
I hear a sigh of relief from the shopaholics reading this! Those of you who absolutely love shopping will be glad to know that there are SO MANY Disney shops scattered throughout each park. Yes, not 1 or 2, but often 10+. From gifts, to souvenirs, to costumes, to clothes, to accessories, to homeware to candy…I don’t think there’s any type of item that you cannot find at Disney! Good luck choosing your items thought because there are a lot to choose from, but whatever you chose it will be a treasured memory of your time at Disney.
Dining
For all the foodies out there, you will be glad to know that there are a range of different Disney restaurants, diners and cafes for you to quench your appetite at. You will definitely need a refuel midway through your day if you want to continue enjoying the Disney magic that you’re immersed in. The types of food are too varied to go into detail, but you will most definitely find something that you like and will probably end up ordering most of the menu in keenness to try as much as you can.
Hotels
Just as you don’t think it can get any better, it does! Yes, I’m talking about Disney hotels. You don’t have to leave the Disney fun overnight, you can stay fully immersed in it for the entire duration of your stay. If you choose to stay in a Disney hotel, you will find Disney statues, decorations and even furniture all around. There are also swimming pools and play areas too, each hotel is like a mini-park in itself!
Seasons
Those of you who love traveling during special seasons, then Disney can help you celebrate. The most popular occasions that Disney celebrates are Christmas and Halloween. Disney parks just looks so different during these times as they fully embrace the occasion. What a great excuse to visit Disney during the holidays?!
Cruises
Disney also have their very own cruise line and island in the Bahamas…yes their very own island! Those of you who aren’t into the hustle and bustle of Disney parks and just want a chilled out holiday, then the Disney Cruise is an option for you. With Disney themed décor, evening Disney shows and Disney characters appearances, you can still enjoy the Disney magic in a more relaxed way whilst soaking up the sunshine.
Weddings
And to top it all off, you can get married and engaged at the Disney parks as well. Is there anything that Disney can’t do?!
