8 Reasons to Visit Walt Disney World in 2011

Do you ever need a reason to visit Walt Disney World?! Walt Disney World is home to four amazing theme parks; Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom that attract millions of visitors from around the world every year to the Orlando, Florida resort. But if you're looking for some reasons to visit Walt Disney World this year, here are eight great reasons... From a very special birthday to the return of some classic Disney attractions, here are just some of the reasons to visit Walt Disney World in 2011.

Celebrate Walt Disney World's 40th Birthday in 2011
On October 1, 1971, Walt Disney World opened. From a resort with one theme park, the Magic Kingdom, and a hand full of hotels, Walt Disney World has grown in to mega-resort with four theme parks, two water parks, over 30 hotels, and many other entertainment, dining, and shopping options. And if you haven't been to Walt Disney World in a while, 2011 is a great time to visit to see how much it's grown since 1971!

Make This the Year You Discover Walt Disney World's "Backstage Magic"
Walt Disney World offers tours of its theme parks that range from a few hours to all day. The premier tour, Backstage Magic, is unique in that it's the longest (7 hours) and that tour guests must be at least 16 years of age. The tour reveals some of the "magic" that makes Walt Disney World such a magical place, including access to areas most guests never see, including the tunnels beneath the Magic Kingdom and backstage access at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Explore Expedition Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom
At Disney's Animal Kingdom enjoy a scenic train trek to the top of Mount Everest, that is at least until the infamous Yeti changes the plan. As your train emerges from a cave, riders catch a glimpse of the Yeti's shadow and notice the train track ahead is ripped into two. Unable to proceed, the train starts going backwards, downhill into a dark cave and speeds over and around Mount Everest to escape the Yeti.

Relive the Magic of Captain EO at Epcot
The 3-D film Captain EO made its debut at EPCOT Center (now just called Epcot) in September, 1986... and it was fantastic! At 17 minutes long and a cost of 30 million dollars, Captain EO was, at the time, the most expensive movie per minute ever made. Captain EO tells the story of Captain EO, played by Michael Jackson, and his crew on a mission to save a destitute world and features two songs performed by Michael Jackson. The attraction closed in 1994 and returned to Epcot in 2010 for a limited engagement.

Soar Above California on Sorin' at Epcot
This new attraction at Epcot is based on the popular attraction at Disney's California Adventure, "Sorin' over California". This flight simulator takes thrill seekers on a hang glider ride over California flying high over the major cities, the Napa valley, the coast, orange groves (complete with orange grove smell), and eventually Disneyland, riders have the sensation of flying as the movie screen surrounds the hang glider that is suspended in mid air.

Eat Dinner in a Castle at the Magic Kingdom
Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom is an icon of Walt Disney World. But few people realize that hidden inside its golden spires is Cinderella's Royal Table restaurant. Dine like a king (or queen) on traditional American favorites. And in addition to a personal meet-and-greet with Cinderella herself upon arrival and sweeping views of Fantasyland, Cinderella's Royal Table features personal table-side visits from your favorite Disney Princesses while you dine!

See the Classic Main Street Electrical Parade Once Again... or for the First Time
The Main Street Electrical Parade is again lighting up the night at the Magic Kingdom. The parade debuted at Walt Disney World in 1977 (and at Disneyland in 1972) and ran through 1991. It returned for two years in 1999 and is now back for another run. If you've never seen the parade, you're in for a treat as the night comes alive with a million twinkling lights.