"It's not just about the rides!" Orlando by Benson35

I have been able to have fun at these parks twice! Once in 2007 and again in 2009.
Don't be put off by the 'theme park' label, they are all so, so much more!

Firstly, it's great for children. They get to meet all of their faviourite Disney characters around the parks, or share meals with them, or sing and dance with them! It is a truly magical place for children, and people of all ages can get lost in the wonder that Disney creates!

I loved walking around and seeing the children who are 'a princess (or prince) for the day'. I got a lot of enjoyment out of seeing how excited and happy and relaxed people were just taking in everything the parks have to offer! There are themed places to eat & drink, shops for souvenirs & snacks, great photo opportunities and the place is so clean & tidy!

There were seven of us when I 'did Disney'. Our age group was 12 - 60 and believe me, the 12 year old was not the only one who wanted to go again, and again, and again!

These parks are HUGE, and you can possibly see and do everything you want to in one day if you stay from open to close.
There is A LOT of walking involved. You have the option to hire buggies (strollers) for the children or a motorised wheelchairs at the park entrances if you need them.
Be sure to drink plenty of fluids (there are offers on fizzy drinks - pay a price and get free re-fills in the souvenir cup all day).

The parks take you into a different world where anything can happen. I have not know one person to visit Disney and not enjoy it! And oh! Of course, there are plenty of rides for all ages, for the thrill seekers and the not so brave! (I'm in the 'not so brave' category!)

Test track - recommended ride!

The Magic Kingdom
I believe that this is THE park for the magic and fairytail of Disney. It houses Cinderella's castle and you can get to the park by either ferry or monorail.
You walk in onto Main Street, USA. Where souvenir shops line the street and the castle is right at the end. The buildings are amazing as are the window displays.
You then decide, where you want to go within the park (always pick up a free map and keep it with you) and off you go to ride the rides and enjoy the different themes.

MGM Studios (now know as Disneys hollywood studios)
See behind the sences of the movies! Watch the stunts from Indiana Jones, how Disney has progressed in their animation, and the props used. You can walk onto a New York Street and see the Muppets 3D!
It's really interesting and well as fun, fun, fun!

Epcot
The future! Epcot is full of computer games, futuristic games that involve your paticipation, and rides that will blow your mind!
Test Track is my faviourite ride in this park. There are six people to a car and basically the car goes throgh safety checks. You experience the car in different temperatures, emergency stops, hairpin turns and speeds of over 100 mph - certainly gets the adrenaline going!

Disneys Animal Kingdom
There are great opportunities to see amazing animals up-close. Go on the Safari and see elephants, giraffes, hogs, flamingos, crocodiles and many more animals grazing in the open air.
Seek out 'The Tree of Life' aswell. This is a huge tree where all of the trunk has been carved into animals.

Disneys Blizzard Beach
It's full of steep and winding waterslides, some of which are not for the faint-hearted. It may give the feeling of being in Alaska! But please remember to take the suncream!

Disneys Typhoon Lagoon
This water park is fantastic! My favourite part is the 'slow river' that runs the perimeter of the park. You get into a free massive rubber ring - lay on it, sit in it, just hold onto it and be drifted around the 'river' feeling the sun on your face - bliss!
The wave pool is fun and there is always a spare sunbed to chill on!

Parades

All parks (apart from the water parks) have shows and parades throughout the day and into the evening.
Some of the major must-sees are:
-Fantasmic in Disneys Hollywood Studios (MGM). There is ALWAYS a huge que for this, but the capacity of people what can sit in the stands are 100s. You can sit down with a beer and watch as Mickey takes on evil. There's music, drama, suspense, lighting, water, boats and all your faviourite characters! It is truly amazing and no photos or videos will ever do it justice.
-Spectromagic in the Magic Kingdom. This parade is shown at night (look on the free map for the parade route) and uses the medium of light to dazzle and amaze! People line the parade routes and sing and dance along to the music as their favourite characters ride by as part of the parade.
-The Dreams come True firework display is above Cinderella's castle in the Magic Kingdom. All I can say is 'absolutely breathtaking'.
-There are always colourful and vibrant mini parades to enjoy and join in with, you just need to be in the right place at the right time!

Always check on the free map for the show days and times. These vary as to whether you go in peak season or low season.

• Pros:Suprising, magical, entertaining, fun & worth the money
• Cons:Very long days, tiring
• In a nutshell:The mouse is only the beginning!