Disney holidays

Your magical adventure starts here

Going to Florida and not visiting Walt Disney World Resort is like going to Paris and not checking out the Eiffel Tower. It’s un-heard of.

From the magic of Cinderellas Castle to the thrills of Space Mountain, the worlds favorite theme park has the lot. In fact, there's so much to do that you might not know where to start.

So we’ve made it easy for you. Travel through the tabs above and well give you all the info you need to plan your magical adventure to Florida.

And remember to check out our special offers

Here you’ll find all the newest and best Walt Disney World promotions available to you. Like the exclusive offer of $100 spending money, per person, absolutely free to spend in Walt Disney World. Plus great offer on park tickets too.

So make sure you check out the special offers tab and then chat to your First Choice Travel Advisor when you call or pop into your local First Choice travel shop.

HOW TO BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY

With so much to think about, we know things can get a bit confusing. That’s why we’ve come up with our top tips on booking your magical holiday to Florida...

1) To book your holiday including one of our fantastic special offers, or to book your theme park tickets as part of your booking, you'll need to pop into your local First Choice travel shop or call us on 0871 231 4794 (Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras). One of our expert travel advisors will talk you through everything and answer any questions you may have.

2) Or if you’re just looking to book your holiday with no extras like Disney free dining or park tickets, simply book online. You can then call up at a later date to add things like park tickets onto your booking. And remember - It’s cheaper to buy them in the UK so don’t forget..

Magic Kingdom

For decades, a shooting star has sailed over the top of Cinderella Castle marking the start of another Disney adventure. And whether it’s Snow White, The Lion King or Toy Story, their tales never fail to hit the mark.

Now granted, we can’t promise you any shooting stars, but Cinderella Castle on Main Street, USA does make a great starting point for your day at Magic Kingdom Park. It’s also where you’ll be able to see Mickey and co on their fantastic parade.

But there’s more to Magic Kingdom than this fairytale castle. There are 6 other areas to explore including:

• Frontierland with the white-knuckle thrilling rollercoasters like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
• Fantasyland home to Mickey’s 3D Adventure.
• Liberty Square with the Haunted Mansion and Riverboat Cruise.
  
• Adventureland where you can join the Pirates of the Carribbean crew.
• Mickey’s Toontown Fair where you can look around the homes of all your favourite characters.
• Tomorrowland for scientific and futuristic adventures galore like the pitch black Space Mountain.
  

Animal Kingdom

Take a walk on the wild side and release your fun-loving inner beast at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. You’ll have a whale of a time checking out the five different lands:

• Asia - Get wet white-water rafting on the Kali River Rapids then meet some colourful feathered friends at the Flights of Wonder display.
• Africa - Jump on board a Kilimanjaro Safari for a close-up view of the real lion king. You’ll also see giraffes, rhinos and tigers as you rumble through the savannah.
• Discovery Island – This is where you’ll find the Tree of Life which has got 325 animals carved into its trunk!
• Camp Minnie-Mickey – Head to the Charater Greeting trails and say hi to Mickey and friends.
  
• DinoLand USA – Dig around in The Boneyard, a fantasy playground where you can crawl, swing and slide your way through tunnels.
  

Hollywood Studios

Ready for your close up? At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the red carpet glamour, star-powered action and excitement of Tinseltown awaits. And with some stomach-churning rollercoasters and exhilarating stunts, you’re set for some serious movie-making thrills.

If you’re really brave you can visit The American Idol Experience. Not only will you see the TV series set, you’ll also have the chance to strut your stuff on the idol stage. Or if you’d prefer some backstage action then the Studio Backlot Tour will give you a sneak peak at sets, costumes and props.

But to really get your pulse pumping, there’s some adrenalin-charged rides like the seriously scary The Twlight Zone Tower of Terror, which drops 13 storeys!

Epcot

A trip to Epcot is best summed up in the words of Disney’s very own Buzz Lightyear. Yep, you guessed it, Epcot is all about going to infinity… and beyond!

You’ll start your journey at Future World where you’ll be met by the whopping 180-foot high Spaceship Earth. Inside it, you’ll get a taste of the ever-changing world of communications – from historic cave paintings to the electronic space age. And a definite one not to miss is Soarin, a simulated hand glider ride across California. You’ll fly all over the place and is, simply put, seriously good fun.

With 11 countries waiting to be explored in the World Showcase, you definitely won’t go hungry. Each country has its very own dining option as well as entertainment galore.

And to finish off your trip, younger kids will love the fireworks and lasers of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.

Blizzard Beach

According to Disney legend, this one-time ski resort was created after a freak winter storm blanketed the area with snow. As the temperatures soared and the white stuff turned to slush, the slalom courses, bobsled and toboggan runs were turned into downhill waterslides. And the serious waterborne fun began.

So, if you’re into fast paced, slippery, slushy fun, head to the Downhill Double Dipper where you can fly down the slope on an inner tube at 40km/hour. Or give the Summit Plummet a whirl. It’s a 37-metre vertical plunge from the top of the USA’s tallest and fastest free-fall body slide.

For something a bit more sedate… jump on board the Teamboat Springs. It’s one of the world’s longest family raft rides and takes you through white water and rushing waterfalls whilst throwing plenty of spins into the mix.

And little ones aren’t forgotten either. There’s Tike Peak especially for tots with small-scale slides, pop jets and a fountain play area.

Typhoon Lagoon

Unpack your swimmers, grab your towel and head for some wet and wild fun at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. Disney legend has it that this water wonderland was created after a nasty storm swept across the sea and left in its wake a series of twisting tides, roaring rapids and new rivers. However it happened, there’s certainly plenty of water action to be found in this tropical paradise.

If you’re one for taking things fast then slip up and down the Crush ‘n’ Gusher. Its got hairpin turns, sudden drops and uphill stretches. Or for a more relaxing day take a relaxing meander down the 610-metre Castaway Creek on an inner tube or catch a wave in the Surf Pool.

Plus, for something really different, you can always snorkel Shark Reef. Keep your eyes open for a rainbow of tropical fish and – of course – shark.

All our top offers for Walt Disney World Resort in Florida…

Free spending money - $100 per person

Here’s the deal. From September through to April of next year, First Choice and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida would like to automagically give you $100 spending money, per person, absolutely free. It’s an exclusive offer, that would make even Grumpy smile.

So how does it work? Well, it’s really simple actually. You see at First Choice we understand a holiday to Walt Disney World is a big deal. And we know it’s important to save where you can. So stay at a Walt Disney World hotel between 1st September 2010 and 30th April 2011 and hey presto, you’ll be taking an extra $100, per person, away with you to spend in the resort on pretty much anything.* Just book your Disney hols between 23rd July and 26th September 2010. Easy. No catch. Plus, where dates match, you could even get a free Disney dining plan or 14 days for the price of 7 on your park tickets. Brilliant savings all round!

Your free Disney dollars will be added to your room ready for when you check in at your Walt Disney World hotel, and then it’s just a case of start spending – it’s that straightforward.

You can spend the dollars on whatever you like in Walt Disney World Resort, including food, drinks, experiences and shopping. How about Disney golf lessons for Dad? A fun-filled character breakfast for the kids? Even a night out at the spectacular Cirque du Soleil for the whole tribe? Then again, perhaps you’d rather splash out on some shopping for you and your friends back home? For a full rundown of participating locations throughout the Disney World Resort, visit www.disneygiftcard.com.

Get in quick though. Book by the 26th September 2010 and get your fun-packed holiday to Walt Disney World off to a flying start.

*Read our full Terms and Conditions here

14 day Ultimate Park Ticket for the price of 7

A trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida wouldn’t be the same without exploring its six parks. And with the 14 day Ultimate Park Ticket you’ll be able to visit them all, no problem. You’ll get to meet your favourite characters from Mickey Mouse to Buzz Lightyear. Giggle at dad screaming on some of the most amazing rollercoasters. Or if you fancy cooling down on a lazy river or whizzing through some colourful flumes – take a dip in the two Disney water parks. Walt Disney World really does have it all - Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.

And if you book your ticket with First Choice you’ll get all this for the price of a 7 day ticket.

Simply book by 31st December for stays throughout 2011.

How to book this offer:
To take advantage of this fabulous offer, visit your nearest First Choice travel shop or call 0871 231 4794 (Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras). But hurry, this offer ends on 2nd August 2010.

Check out our full terms and conditions here.

And you can also eat for free...

Eat for free

Free Disney Dining at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.  Save up to £1000.  

We know that family holidays are really important. And that the anticipation is half the fun. So if you’re starting to think about next year’s fun-filled holiday to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, we’ll let you in on a little secret… book your 2011 holiday with us before the 31st December 2010 and you and your family will get to enjoy one of Disney’s dining plans absolutely free. .

Book soon and you could save up to a whopping £1000 per family of 4 on your 2 week holiday*.  It’s a simple concept; free family dining at selected Disney hotels means that in some properties you’ll get sit down meals, while in others it’s more of a fast-track deal with quick counter service.

But that’s not all. We are also giving you 14 days unlimited access to the Disney theme parks for the price of 7 days as part of this offer!

Disney’s theme parks are world famous. And we don’t want you to miss out on a great chance to visit four theme parks, two water parks, a golf course, a sports complex and an indoor interactive theme park. So we’ve decided to treat you even more and allow both these offers to be snapped up within the same booking.

How to book this offer:

To book or for more details call us on 0871 231 4794 (Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras).

Check out our full terms and conditions here.

Disney FAQ's

What's the difference between a Premium and Ultimate ticket?

A Premium ticket is valid for 5 or 7 days whereas an Ultimate ticket is valid for 14 or 21 days. Both will give you unlimited access to Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

The main difference is that the Ultimate ticket also gives you unlimited access to the Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon waterparks, Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course, Disney’s World of Sports Complex and DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme Park. The Premium ticket gives you either 5 or 7 free admissions to your choice of these attractions.

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What is the 14 for 7 offer?

If you buy a 14 day Ultimate Park ticket during selected dates then you’ll only pay for a 7 day ticket. It’s as simple as that.

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My child is 2 years old, do they need a ticket for Disney?

No, children aged between 0-2 years do not require a ticket. They will get free entry into the parks.

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Should I book my Park ticket now?

It’s definitely cheaper to buy your tickets in the UK. You’ll pay more for them at the Park gates. Plus the 14 and 21 day Ultimate tickets are exclusive to the UK so you won’t be able to get these out there. For more information on the different ticket options and prices check out the Theme Park Ticket tab.

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What is the best thing to wear to the Parks?

The parks are a casual, family-orientated environment. We’d suggest you dress comfortably and make sure you check the weather report before you leave your hotel.

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Is there transport to and from the Parks?

All of the hotels within the Walt Disney World resort have transportation to all four parks, both waterparks and Downtown Disney. In most case this is coach transportation, however, some resorts also have boats and monorail transportation. In some cases you can walk from your hotel to the nearest park.

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What is there for adults to do at Walt Disney World?

First up there’s Downtown Disney. You’ll find entertainment, fine dining and shopping all in one place.. And you must check out Cirque de Soliel. It’s an amazing acrobatic and eclectic live theatre show that will have you amazed.

Or there’s Disney Board Walk. Another night time hot spot. There’s a night club right on the pier and a duelling piano bar. Or for sports fans there’s the ESPN Club where you can watch the latest game and have a drink or two.

Then there’s the world-renown spas and huge range of fine dining options especially for adults.

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Why should I stay in a Disney Hotel?

Staying in a Disney Hotel will mean you are right in the middle of all the Disney action. You’ll also get free buses to the theme parks, free parking and access to extended theme park hours.

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What is a Value hotel?

A Disney Value Hotel will sleep up to four people. You’ll get all the perks of staying at Disney but without the big price tag. You’ll also have a food court but not a full-service restaurant. You may be giving up some of the luxury’s but you’ll be surrounded by colourful Disney theming. Oh and then there’s the free bus service, free parking and access to extended theme park hours, as well as some fantastic pools to splash around in.

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What is a Moderate hotel?

A Disney Moderate Hotel will sleep up to five people. And unlike the Value Hotels you’ll have swimming pools, water slides, playgrounds, a lounge and a table-service restaurant. You’ll also have more space in your rooms.

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What is a Deluxe hotel?

A Disney Deluxe Hotel also sleeps up to five people, although you’ll have much more space than in a Moderate Hotel. There’s even suites available. And on top of everything you’ll find at a Moderate Hotel you’ll also have whirlpools, valet parking, character dining experiences, signature dining experience, mini-fridges in your rooms and 24 hour room service. Some Deluxe Hotels even have spas. But the best bit about a Deluxe Hotel is that most are all found within a short monorail ride, boat ride or walk from one or more of the Parks. So there’ll be less time travelling and more time screaming on the rides.

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What is a preferred room?

A preferred room is located in a block or building nearer to the hotel’s facilities and amenities, restaurants and pools when compared to standard rooms.

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How big is Walt Disney World?

Disney is 47 square miles, however the Walt Disney World Resort Monorail and Disney transportation including boats and buses makes it very easy to get around from park to park, and even to and from your hotel if you’re staying in Walt Disney World resort.

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How long is the flight?

The flight is between 9 and 10 hours and you’ll fly into Sanford Airport which is located just north of the main resort areas of Florida.

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Should I hire a car?

Hiring a car makes it very easy to get around Florida, and if you are staying in Walt Disney World Resort you’ll also get to park for free anywhere on property. This said, you can upgrade to a coach transfer from the airport then use Disney’s free transportation to get around Walt Disney World.

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How far are the shopping malls from Walt Disney World?

The biggest and main mall in Florida, the Florida Mall is around 30 minutes drive from Walt Disney World, and is very easy to get to from Walt Disney World. The Orlando Premium Outlets are around 20 minutes drive, and the Mall at Millenia is about 45 minutes drive away.

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What exactly is free dining?

If you book your Disney holiday during selected dates, and include park tickets in your booking, then everyone in the party gets to eat for free. Book your stay in a Disney Moderate Resort and you’ll get the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan. Or for the Disney Dining Plan, simply book into a Disney Deluxe or Villa Resort.

The real benefit of the plan though is that you can choose when, where and how you want to use your snacks and meals. So if you have an action-packed day planned you can choose snacks and quick counter-service meals for speed. Or if you want to have a more relaxed day then you can sit down and enjoy a table-service meal. And with over 100 participating restaurants you’ll have plenty of options. And remember, you can hop about all over the Walt Disney Resort to enjoy a real mix of restaurants and snack bars.

You can also use your Disney Dining Plan for Character Dining Experiences, Disney Signature Restaurants and Dinner Show Experiences.

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What’s the difference between the Quick Service and Disney Dining Plans?

The Quick Service Dining Plan includes two counter-service meals and two snacks per person, for each day of your stay. However the Disney Dining Plan includes one counter-service meal, one snack and one table-service meal per person. Both options provide a good mix of meal options.

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How do I get free dining?

The free Disney Dining Plan is available when you stay at a Moderate or Deluxe Disney Hotel and include a Park ticket in your booking. Simply select the Dining Plan for everyone travelling in the party. To book, pop into your local travel shop or call us on 0871 231 4794 (Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras).

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What are the least busy times of the year?

In general the Parks are less busy in January although late April through to early June is also a good time to visit if you want to beat the queues..

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What is the weather like at Walt Disney World?

The hottest time of year to go is between July and September when temperatures can reach up to 34oC. If you prefer cooler temperatures then visit between January and March when you’ll be at a more comfortable 23oC.

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