In short, Hurricane Ian! We arrived in late September 2022, and two days into our Disney trip, we received a warning alert about the impending hurricane. Understandably, everything closed due to the potential danger. We stocked up at Walmart and waited out the storm in our villa. Thankfully, the only damage was a bit of screening lost on the lanai. Although Disney extended our park ticket validity by 12 months, we had yet to make plans to return... or so we thought!

Fast forward 8 months, and we landed at Melbourne Orlando International Airport for our second Disney trip, armed with our park tickets and the keys to our hired Dodge Challenger. This time, we stayed in a villa in the Celebration area of Orlando, conveniently 25 minutes away from all our Disney destinations.

So, here are my personal top 3 experiences from my SECOND trip to Walt Disney World!

If you love Disney fireworks but not the crowds, this is perfect. You meet at Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant 90 minutes before the Disney fireworks, where you're seated at a table with unlimited buffet-style desserts and a selection of drinks, including alcoholic options. Afterwards, a Disney Cast Member escorts you to a private viewing area in the Plaza Garden for the fireworks spectacular.

For Star Wars fans, nothing beats building your own custom Lightsaber. At Savi's Workshop, you choose your Kyber Crystal, which determines the colour of your Lightsaber, and then select from four hilt design themes with various parts. The immersive experience culminates in a ceremony where you ignite your Lightsaber for the first time. Check airline policies for transporting your Lightsaber back to the UK before booking this Disney experience.

This Disney launch coaster is among my top three roller coasters ever. Positioned like you're on a motorbike, you're launched from the station and enjoy a ride that is both indoors and outdoors. The immersive theming enhances the entire Disney experience. Currently, the ride uses a virtual queuing system via the My Disney Experience app, so be sure to reserve your spot early.