I was sure the magic in me had died long ago, as a burned out 35-year-old dad – so was the hype over the ‘most magical place on earth’ even real?
As a sceptical 35-year-old and rapidly approaching my grumpy dad era, I wasn’t convinced that the Disney magic would win me over on a recent trip to Walt Disney World.
Well, I was about to very quickly be proven wrong. As I touched down in Florida, I was sure that I’d be the quietly excited, loudly exhausted adult that looked forward only to the thrill rides and breakfast buffets.
I’m getting used to being wrong; Walt Disney World isn’t just for kids. It sneakily rewires grouchy grown-ups, too.
Somewhere between a zippy run on the first ride of the trip – a hello-goodbye to Dinosaur before it closes for good in February 2026 – and an unexpectedly emotional meet-cute with Eeyore at the Crystal Palace’s character dining experience, the magic found me once again. It’s not just the experiences either; I couldn’t help but be swept up by the infectious enthusiasm of other parkgoers.
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Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge was my base, with its huge beds and views of giraffes from the rooms. After keeping jet lag at bay and sinking into the first full night of sleep I’ve enjoyed since becoming a parent three years ago, I was ready for my first taste of Disney magic and headed to Animal Kingdom park. (Walt Disney World is actually made up of four theme parks; Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT and Animal Kingdom).
The new Zootopia experience, ‘Better Zoogether!’ set the tone for the rest of the week. Launching just as Zootopia 2 hit cinemas, the attraction was a sugar rush of fun, silliness and wholesome humour. I found myself unable to resist chuckling along and wasn’t ready for some of the clever effects that made for some fun surprises (I won’t spoil them here though!).
Next on the itinerary was a trip to the themed Pandora – The World of Avatar, where I was taken aback. The spectacular surroundings immersed me in a land unlike any other experience I’d had before.
That ended up being the theme of the week; every attraction had its own way of absorbing you in the world it represented and the story it told the guests. In World of Avatar, the visually stunning Na’vi River Journey and then the truly groundbreaking Avatar: Flight of Passage were great examples of how you can get swept into those worlds.
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A self-professed fan of all things from a galaxy far, far away, I was always going to enjoy the attractions in Galaxy’s Edge, the Star Wars themed land, but Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance was arguably the best of the narrative-driven attractions I’ve ever been on. Each time I thought the ride was either ending or taking a certain direction, it both physically and thematically shifted.
Wandering around these massive playgrounds built to resemble the stunning worlds of blockbuster movies was the one thing I was most excited for. They lived up to the hype and then some – seeing the Millennium Falcon in Galaxy’s Edge, not knowing it was coming, literally took my breath away.
But there was another heartwarming feeling I didn’t expect. I was transported back to my younger self. All of the characters wandering the resort – whether it was Kylo Ren, Buzz Lightyear or the various Disney Princesses – encapsulated all the charm and wonder I felt as a boy.
Is this what it feels like to be a ‘Disney adult’? If it wasn’t, then the shows – including the delightfully camp Villains: Unfairly Ever After – and stunning fireworks displays got me as close to becoming one as I’m ever likely to.
The thrill rides too were truly brilliant – the Tower of Terror was my personal favourite, offering a unique adrenaline rush that I couldn’t help but laugh the whole way through, and TRON Lightcycle/Run was as fast and exhilarating as you’d expect. As a huge Marvel fan, the Guardians of the Galaxy ride lived up to the hype – not even a touch of motion sickness could dampen the feel-good vibes.
Then there’s the food. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to come to a theme park and enjoy fine dining. But tastes and smells of culinary excellence from across the world were truly astounding here. From the uniquely moorish bread at The Boathouse in Disney Springs – if you know, you know – to the opulent Hollywood Brown Derby’s upscale dinners, you don’t have to simply eat fast food all week. But if you choose to, the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater restaurant in Hollywood Studios has a unique diner experience.
But the most magical experience of the week had to be the Happily Ever After fireworks display. Being sat in front of Cinderella Castle as the night sky engulfed everything around it became a spectacular memory I’ll never lose. The combination of a medley of Disney’s greatest uplifting musical numbers and a truly impressive fireworks show made for a surprisingly emotional evening.
It was at this point that I truly shed the stressful reality of modern life as a father of two – all the pressures melted away as I got lost in the wonder. Well played Mickey Mouse, well played.
Just another theme park? Not on your life. I’m completely converted and can see why some people will return for holiday after holiday; the magic within me was relit all over again.
Book the holiday
Stay two weeks at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort from £3,343 based on two adults and two children sharing a Standard Room, arriving on 17 August 2026. Includes Disney 14-Day Magic Ticket, Memory Maker worth $210 and complimentary transportation. Based on bookings made by 31 March 2026. Excludes flights but these can be added to your package to save £500 per booking when booked by 26th February 2026. Find out more and book at disneypackages.co.uk.
