When it comes to children's holidays, entertainment parks often provide the best locations. Busy entertainment parks allow children to run amok amidst the crowds, while enjoying the structured fun allowed by park rides and attractions. And if you're looking for an all-American theme park destination to which you can take your kids, what better holiday location is there than Disney World, Florida? Even if you live closer to Disneyland, California, you'll find that the wealth of attractions available in Disney World will make the trip to Florida all the more worthwhile.
The Disney World resort is divided into four separate theme parks: The Magic Kingdom (which includes the iconic Cinderella Castle), Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom. The Magic Kingdom is by far the most popular of the four, receiving 16.2 million visitors in 2005 - making it the most visited theme park in the world.
Some of the Magic Kingdom's most popular rides are based on classic Disney films, such as Peter Pan's Flight, The Magic Carpets of Aladdin and Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin - based on the famous character from Toy Story. However, the influence of the rides at Disney World is further reinforced by the fact that films have been made about them: most famously,
the Pirates of the Caribbean, a Disney World ride that has its origins in the theme park since the 1950s, but has been made into two successful films in the last few years.
When you feel like a change from the magical attraction of the Magic Kingdom, visit Epcot - the resort's second most popular theme park. Epcot provides a fun centre dedicated to the celebration of international culture and technical innovation; famous attractions include Spaceship Earth (one of the most recognisable attractions in the resort), The Seas with Nemo and Friends, Honey I Shrunk the Audience and a variety of pavilions in the World Showcase.
If you and your family love movies, then you'll also love The Great Movie Ride in Disney MGM Studios, which takes visitors through scenes from famous films. Other popular rides in the MGM Studios include Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and The Twighlight Zone Tower of Terror. And if you love the great outdoors then Disney's Animal Kingdom, which opened in 1998, is sure to appeal to you. The largest Disney theme park in the world; it covers more than 500 acres and includes attractions such as Kilimanjaro Safaris, Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo - The Musical.
If you have a large family, don't let cost put you off taking your kids to Disney World, Florida. Many hotel chains offer hotel reward schemes which allow you to redeem points or collect rewards at the Walt Disney Resorts. This is a great way to maximise fun on your family vacation, so you can make the most of your time with your children in Disney World.
