Mar 21

Written by:
21/03/2010 16:20 

There are four Disney theme parks in Florida and it is difficult to say which one is my favourite.  Because we visit so regularly, we buy a season ticket, which covers all 4 of the Disney parks and means free parking, as well as some discounts in shops and restaurants. My in-laws, last year, purchased their 3 week ticket in the UK.  They bought a 3 week ticket, which was only approx £20 dearer than the 2 week ticket.  This was great value but did mean that we spent virtually every day in Disney, which can be exhausting!!!

You can wait and buy tickets in the US.  Walmart sell them at a small discount compared to buying them at the turnstiles.  It does mean you can decide how many days you want in Disney eg 5,6,7,8 day and then have time for 2 days at Universal and either squeeze in another theme park or just have some days off chilling around the pool.

Usually, the first theme park we visit is Magic Kingdom.  The car park is huge so you do have to make a note of where you left the car.  You then jump on to a road train which takes you to the ticketing area.  Once here, you are still over a mile away from the entrance, so you can choose to go by monorail or ferry boat but my son and husband ALWAYS choose the monorail , is it the airconditioning or the views ?

Once inside the magic begins and we find the map and choose our route.  It does pay to get there early and do the popular rides first.  Make use of the fast passes as some queues can go on and on and on and on.......ie over 2 hours.  Don't think it's all fast, white knuckle rides as there are plenty of family rides for everyone to enjoy.  Check for info on the map and also for places to eat.

Our favourite rides are:  1.Space Mountain - just had a refit, 6 people sitting in single file in a rocket, zoom round an indoor roller coaster in the dark - scarey.  My husband and I first did this ride18 years ago and I remember him screaming like a girl, I still married him though!

2.Splash Mountain - you get wet so it's refreshing on a hot, humid day but freezing otherwise.  Inside the moutain lives Brer Rabbit and his friends and we float along this log flume, listening to Zippideedoodah.  Along comes Brer Fox and Brer Bear to upset the day.. Great fun ,an exhilerating ride!

3. Big Thunder Mountain - a runaway mine train whizzes around at speed, lots of giggles and laughter as you hurtle past a donkey and a man in a bath!!

4. Pirates of the Caribbean - a swashbuckling family adventure where you try to spot Jack Sparrow(Johny Depp) amongst the cast. You sail past a village being attacked by pirates and it is very cleverly done.

5.Haunted Mansion - Another family ride, if you don't mind being scared!  Ghosts a plenty, with a few skeletons thrown in - how do Disney do it?

6.Peter Pan - Fly around London with the children to Never Never Land. You'll find Captain Hook and Smee as well as the other characters - good fun. 

7.Buzz Lightyear - Calling all space ranger cadets, defeat the evil Emperor Zurg in this family fun ride. You don't have to be a hot shot to enjoy this ride.

8. Tomorrowland Transport Authority - have a rest on this ride, where there is rarely a queue , and visit various rides in Tomorrowland. A pleaseant time to enjoy the view from up high.

9.Carousel of Progress - A revolving theatre that gives you a break from the crowds and is educational too.  Not sure how much longer it will be here as rumour has it,it may be off to The Smithsonian Museum so visit this whilst you have a chance!

10.Jungle Cruise - corny jokes abound but a fun family boat cruise through jungles and caves with various animatronics.

Have fun!!