So, You Want To Go To Disney World: Here’s Everything You Need To Know

How Should I Get There?

Flying to Orlando is pretty easy with Aer Lingus, who operate four direct flights a week in the summer time. You can book a package with American Holidays or through Disney themselves, or you can do it all yourself so you’re as flexible as you like. Landing in Orlando International Airport, you’re about a 20 minute drive from Disney. Uber when you land, or get a cab from the rank outside arrivals.

Who Should I Bring?

Anyone you want. I brought my brand new husband (!) as part of our honeymoon, but we encountered everyone from families of every age to hen parties, mixed groups of pals and even college-age spring breakers. We also saw LOADS of womb-fresh babies, and when I wondered why on earth you’d want to bring a newborn to Disney when they’ll never remember it, himself said perhaps people think you need an excuse (aka a kid) to go there. Newsflash – you do not. Nobody cares if you’re 27 years old and wearing Minnie ears without a child in tow. In fact, it’s the norm.

When Should I Go?

If you’re not a fan of major humidity, spring or autumn is your best bet. September would be ideal. However, Orlando is the kind of place you can go any time of the year, and Disney even opens on Christmas day. The climate is pretty gorge 365 days.

Where Should I Stay?

On site. There’s absolutely no question about this one – I’ve been before and commuted to the parks, but staying in Disney is a no brainer. There are resorts to suit every single budget, free transport to get you around, bars and shops a go-go, and even nightclubs and waterparks. Disneyworld is like a city, it has its own motorway within the grounds. You could stay there for two weeks and not see every inch of it. Plus when you stay on site, you get more use out of their cool wearable tech Magic Bands that unlock your hotel room, house your park tickets and even your bank card so you can pay for stuff with the flick of a wrist.

We stayed at the Polynesian Resort, situated across the lagoon from the Magic Kingdom which is accessible by Monorail and Boat. Themed around the islands of Hawaii, Samo and more, it’s been there since 1971 and is everything you could want from a holiday destination – tropical, fun and with the nicest staff ever. Prices start at €400, packages vary.

The Low Down

Magic Kingdom

This is your quintessential Disney destination, home to Cinderella’s castle, Space Mountain, Tomorrowland et al. It has a Princess parade twice a day, fireworks over the castle every night, and shops that’ll make you want to just hand over your wallet.

Epcot

Half science and tech, half food and drink, you can sample bites and beverages from all over the world, see beautiful Disney topiaries and learn about earth and space. Surprisingly brilliant.

Animal Kingdom

Go on safari, go on a rollercoaster inside a mini Mount Everest, and visit Asia, Africa and er, Dinoland in this nature-themed fun park.

Hollywood Studios

A must for movie buffs, this park has an old-fashioned LA vibe, some incredible thrill rides and brilliant live shows. Their night-time spectacular Fantasmic is by far the best – this eejit was moved to tears.

And the rest…

Shop, eat and drink til you drop at Disney Springs (open til 2am, it has a cinema and bowling alley too!), splash around at the water parks Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, and of course, while you’re in Orlando, Universal Studios is only a 15 minute drive away with its two parks and Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

This article first appeared in STELLAR’s June issue. Our August issue is on shelves now!