1. Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Hawaii
Photo courtesy Aulani Disney Resort & Spa
You may bump into Mickey and Minnie on your vacation but don’t expect a theme park. Walt Disney Imagineers dreamed up the ideal vacation experience fusing natural wonders, Hawaiian tradition and the Disney attention to detail. Everyone will enjoy the cultural experiences (especially the Lu’au!) and Rainbow Reef. Adults can sip on a cocktail in The Olelo Room (Hawaiian for “word”) while taking in the Hawaiian language-inspired decor.
2. Disneyland Paris, France
Photo by Eriya Lim/Getty Images
Fly to Disneyland Paris, where a dragon resembling those from European folklore lives under the Sleeping Beauty Castle. While there is a Parisian flair with nods to the host land, many of the attractions are the favourites from both U.S. theme parks. This magical resort is only 36-kilometres—as Tinker Bell flies—from the Eiffel Tower, and offers two parks, numerous hotels and three nine-hole golf courses.
3. Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida
Photo by Matt Stroshane
With four distinct parks offering hundreds of attractions, you will love this Florida destination. There are two water parks, four golf courses and numerous places to sleep without leaving. If you want to escape the real world even more, visit Pandora—The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and fly on a banshee, or go and play in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
4. Disney Cruise Line
Photo by Matt Stroshane
Four ships sail both sides of North America, departing from Orlando, Miami, New York, San Diego and even Vancouver. The ships have a subtle Disney decor, without the theme park add-ons. Your kids will dump you on the gangplank and you won’t see them until their age-specific clubs close for the night. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of adult entertainment on board, including pools, fine dining and night clubs.
5. Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, California
Photo courtesy Disneyland Resort
When Walt Disney built Disneyland Park, it was surrounded by orange groves. Now, the classic park, with a mix of original attractions and thrill rides, is hemmed by suburbia, making it—and Disney’s California Adventure Park across the plaza—the perfect mid-week escape. Attractions are weaved together, making it easy to get around. Expect to be blown away when its Star Wars attraction opens in summer 2019.
[This story appears in the January 2019 issue of WestJet Magazine]
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