Why You Must Visit Walt Disney World

Some people are raised with a reverence for Walt Disney World. They visit every year, or close to it. They've seen all the movies and shows. They plan their trips two years in advance.

Then, there are those who could not be less interested in visiting the Mouse. That is understandable. Not all parents raise their children to love Disney. People can actually go through a fair portion of life without ever having seen Cinderella Castle.

That must be remedied.

Everyone needs to visit Walt Disney World at least once. It is not only a rite of passage; it is an indelible part of the American Tradition. I have heard all of the excuses:

"It's too expensive."
"I'm too old," or "I don't have any kids."
"It's too hot."

And so on and so forth.

These excuses (and whatever else you can come up with) will no longer hold muster. Let's attack the first excuse. My parent spent over $2,000 for my first trip to Walt Disney World in 1986. That took care of a family of five. Today, a family of five can stay on Disney property for seven days and six nights, including airfare and transportation to and from the airport (no need for a rental car), plus meals, for around the same price. That's 20 years later, folks. Oh, and there were only two parks then. There are four now, plus two water parks and the Downtown Disney entertainment district.

There is something for everyone in Walt Disney World. That includes all ages. Kids from 1 to 101 will have fun in Walt Disney World. Thrill rides? Check. Kiddie rides? Check. High-end shopping? Check. Late night entertainment? Check. You get the idea.

Let's talk about people without kids. A couple in their 60s who really wants a nice, relaxing vacation but thinks Walt Disney World is only for families with kids. Or perhaps a young couple happens to be looking for a nice getaway. Here is a basic outline of what a typical day could be like for you:

10:00 a.m. Receive Mickey wake up call (Yes, sleep in late. You're on vacation).

11:00 a.m. Enjoy wonderful Kona coffee and Tonga Toast for late breakfast at Polynesian Resort (of course that's your hotel!).

12:00 p.m. Walk on to monorail for quick ride to Magic Kingdom park.

12:15 p.m. Enter Magic Kingdom park and take leisurely ride around park in genuine steam engine train.

12:45 p.m. Enjoy classic rides such as Peter Pan, It's A Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean, and whatever else you have always wanted to ride.

3:00 p.m. Hop on monorail to Epcot.

3:20 p.m. Enjoy late lunch in Mexico (part of World Showcase in Epcot).

4:00 p.m. Stroll across World Showcase enjoying the live entertainment and shopping, as well as conversation with real Cast Members from each country.

7:00 p.m. Exit Epcot at the International Gateway and take a 5-minute walk to the Boardwalk, where you enjoy more great shopping and live entertainment.

7:45 p.m. Head back to International Gateway and into Epcot for a dinner of Fish and Chips at the Rose and Crown (Great Britain in World Showcase).

8:30 p.m. Grab a bench on the lagoon for a great spot to enjoy Illuminations: Reflections of Earth.

9:00 p.m. View Illuminations: Reflections of Earth and stroll to the park exit. Hop on the monorail and head back to the Polynesian.

Now, you could go to Downtown Disney for more shopping, or see Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba, or enjoy a movie…(you get the idea).

Sounds pretty low-key and adult-friendly to me. Oh wait, that's because it is! Tomorrow you could enjoy a round of golf at one of Walt Disney World's championship golf courses or go jet skiing. All of this is right on Disney property. The possibilities are endless for a couple looking to have a great time in Walt Disney World.

Last one is the easiest to tackle. "It's too hot." Sure, Florida is hot. That is not a secret. An insider tip is to plan your vacation when the weather is comfortably cool, perhaps even a little chilly (my favorite time to go). Many people think that holiday time is the busiest time at the World. Not quite. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, you can get great value rates on your hotel
and enjoy all the decorations of the season - without the crowds (just make sure you leave before December 21 or you will indeed hit the holiday crowd).

Oh, and the weather. How does high 50s to early 60s sound? It sounds great if you are from the Northeast, I can tell you that. Jeans and a sweatshirt in cool weather is so much better than a tank top and shorts during the middle of July. It makes the parks easier to tackle and is just more pleasant overall.

Beginning October 1, Disney Parks worldwide are celebrating the "Year of a Million Dreams." Guests will randomly be selected to have a wish (big or small) granted on their vacation. Sounds pretty magical, doesn't it? I've already refuted your excuses, so what are you waiting for? Get yourself down to Walt Disney World!