Walt Disney World in sunny Florida has been my favourite place on the planet since I can remember, Magic Kingdom Park in particular, writes Nikki Jarvis.

It may sound slightly insane coming from an adult in her late twenties, but the mere thought of standing in front of that iconic castle, surrounded by childhood memories, brings a tear to my eye.

A long 13 years had passed since I last shook Mickey’s hand, and I was ludicrously excited to experience everything Disney World has to offer as a grownup.

Would it be less enchanting than I remembered?

Would I no longer want to talk to the strangers dressed as cartoon characters?

Don’t be ridiculous.

And, having been frightened of wedlock all my life it was going to take an incredibly special man, in a magical land far away, for me to accept a marriage proposal.

But what kind of stone-hearted woman could refuse the love of her life while bedazzled by fireworks at Cinderella’s castle on her birthday?

Not me, that’s for sure.

We had booked three glorious weeks away in Florida, with two weeks staying in Orlando to hit the theme parks and buy as many Little Mermaid souvenirs as possible.

With six Walt Disney parks to explore, along with Universal Studios, SeaWorld and Wet ‘n Wild - just to name a few - there was no time to spare.

Be sure to bring your comfiest walking shoes and a hat, because there is a hell of a lot of ground to cover under the hot sun (unless you get caught in a famous Floridian thunderstorm which is the perfect excuse to buy a Mickey Mouse poncho).

As a treat, we checked in at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge for a couple of nights.

I’ve always loved The Lion King, so this African-themed resort amidst its own 43-acre wildlife preserve seemed the ideal choice.

Stunning beams, thatched ceilings and golden-toned furnishings in the lobby give the illusion of stepping into a luxurious Kenyan paradise.

The view from our balcony was even more impressive, with free roaming zebras and giraffes grazing before our eyes.

Our only mistake was not booking a couple more nights in this gorgeous hotel.

With so many things to do outside, we barely scratched the surface of our residence.

But it was wonderful waking up on my birthday, surrounded by the savannah and its graceful creatures, knowing I was moments away from revisiting the Magic Kingdom.

After a short bus journey, we hopped on the ferry which whisks you across the lake to the park.

On entry, I was given a birthday badge adorned with my name and throughout the day the friendliest members of staff on earth greeted me as though they were only there to celebrate the event It took a while to get used to countless well-wishers exclaiming 'Happy Birthday Nikki!' (only in America), but I have to admit it made the day even more special.

Miraculously, as it gets booked up months in advance, we managed to secure a place at Cinderella's Royal Table within the castle for breakfast - dreams really do come true.

Walking in, I felt a little sheepish when instructed to pose with the real-life, stunning princess.

"I love your gown." She told me, never snapping out of character for a second, "Did your fairy godmother make it for you?"

Priceless.

Upstairs, we stuffed ourselves with sweet pastries and met the other princesses while my husband-to-be gave other guys sympathetic nods.

Not only does Disney World zap you back to your childhood, it takes you back to a simpler time when the streets were safe, nobody judged people’s appearance and everyone was just happy to be alive.

Attractions which were conceived and built in the 70s remain utterly spellbinding and mind-boggling today.

One of my favourites has to be the Enchanted Tiki Room where a rainbow of exotic birds and flowers spring to life and put music in your head for the rest of the day – just beautiful.

I loved walking around the museum, learning about Walt Disney’s vision, his past and how the parks came to be.

Nothing has touched this incredibly talented and clever man’s gift for inspiring belief in oneself and in true love.

Standing amidst all of his astounding achievements, I felt as if anything were possible.

Even if you take the kids, please don’t miss out on this fascinating piece of history.

As for the coasters, Space Mountain is still as nail-biting a ride as it was years ago and the character parades just as fun.

When we visited the park, new Beauty and the Beast and Little Mermaid attractions were under construction in Fantasyland.

As a child (and a grown woman), I wished for nothing more than to be Ariel, so our honeymoon destination was confirmed.

This year, visitors will be able to dine at Be Our Guest Restaurant, inspired by Belle’s stay in the furry Beast’s castle.

Try the grey stuff, it’s delicious – don’t believe me? Ask the dishes!

I will definitely be talking to the crockery this summer.

The only dilemma I have is choosing which wing of the castle to dine in.

Suffice to say, most of 2013 has been spent fantasizing about what the new rides and sights will have to offer.

There really is no better time to book your own magical adventure.

And after you’ve cuddled enough Winnie the Pooh friends, shopped till you’ve dropped and taken those vital Facebook snaps, it’s time to gather around the castle to watch the best fireworks display known to man.

Even if no-one asks you to marry them, I promise you this will feature in your top 10 most memorable moments, whether you are nine or 90.

Visit disneyworld.disney.go.com

Top Ten

Don’t Miss Disney Park Attractions

1. Finding Nemo – The Musical at Animal Kingdom

2. Wishes Nighttime Spectacular at Magic Kingdom

3. Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room at Magic Kingdom 4. Character breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table in Magic Kingdom

5. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

6. Mickey’s PhilharMagic at Magic Kingdom

7. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

8. Fantasmic! At Disney’s Hollywood Studios

9. Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

10. The Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom