Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at Epcot. PN Photo/Mahala Treish
By Mahala Treish
The celebration of the 50th anniversary of Disney World began on October 1, 2023 still ongoing into March 31, 2023. As the 50th celebration comes to an end a new celebration is beginning The Story of Disney: 100 Years of Wonder.
There are four different parks at Disney World: Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom, home of Cinderella’s Castle. There is also a dining and shopping area that is related to Disney World called Disney Springs which has free entry.
Pop Century, a Disney value resort is in a central location for all of the parks with complimentary transportation using the buses or the new Skyliner. The Skyliner which opened four years ago transports visitors by gondola cabins above the parks and resorts to Hollywood Studios, Epcot and the Riviera and Caribbean Beach resort.
Getting to Orlando in the late evening on arrival day would not be worth spending money on a park ticket, it makes the most sense to go to Disney Springs. Looking for something to eat after a long day of traveling, a reservation for Splitsville, a bowling and dinning experience was first on the agenda. Spend the rest of the afternoon walking around the crowded paths browsing through stores like Zara, World of Disney and Lululemon.
Believing that you can go to Disney World every year and not have something new to do or new to experience would be a false belief. The new ride “Guardians of The Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind” in Epcot debuted May 2022 with a full size version of the Xandarian ship in front of the attraction.
Disney World hosts many different after hour events or parties during the normal park hours. “The Magic Kingdom 50th Fireworks Dessert Party” allows you to try a variety of desserts from all around the park, buffet style and open bar for the non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks. The cast members take you to a private location after enjoying the dessert party to view the fireworks and castle projections, there are no specific mark offs for where your party can sit so everyone was left to fend for themselves.
Finding the best places to dine can be tough with all of the choices of restaurants and fast food locations around the parks. Ohana is a family style restaurant located at the Polynesian Village Resort where guests can enjoy as much as they want of each course. The different courses consist of coconut bread, honey-coriander chicken wings, spicy shrimp and more. Connections Eatery is a new fast food restaurant that carries Italian, Asian and French cuisine located in Epcot. The Liege Waffle is a sweet treat that comes with strawberries, whip cream and chocolate sauce. Inside of the eatery you are able to see the cast members creating your food.
Disney World is continually evolving with new technologies and food every year. Doing your research is important before you go to Disney World to get the most out of your trip. Find the things you will enjoy and what fits best for your party.