Grown-up's guide to the World of fun

Tired and grumpy LIAM RYDER takes a trip to Walt Disney World in Florida to see what all the fuss is about, and it’s an emotional roller coaster for the dad of two

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Space racing at EPCOT

As a sceptical 35-year-old and rapidly approaching my grumpy-dad era, I wasn't convinced the Disney magic would win me over on a recent trip to Walt Disney World.

I was about to very quickly be proven wrong.

As I touched down in Florida, I was sure 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 grownups 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 more than the experiences though. I was swept up by the infectious enthusiasm of other parkgoers.

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 excitement and headed to Animal Kingdom park. (Walt Disney World is 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 wild 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.