FRONTLINE
TONI WALKER, FORMERLY AT LIMAVADY TRAVEL
Disney obsessive and Avatar fan Toni Walker relives her ‘best trip ever’ after visiting Walt Disney World Resort in Florida for the first time
Q. What was the highlight of the trip? Being with John and Mallory, our amazing VIP guides. They helped us get on the rides first and were so knowledgeable about Disney; John was like a Disney bible. You can book them for a certain number of hours, from $425 to $850 per hour, and it was 100% worth it. I could listen to John all day; he’s like a Disney movie character. He told us about Disney’s history and helped us find hidden Mickeys everywhere. He loves his job and lives and breathes Disney. I’d recommend it to customers; it’s definitely a beneficial add-on.
Q. What was your favourite attraction? By far, it was AVATAR Flight of Passage. I love the movie, so it was great seeing Pandora. It’s so well made; it’s like you’re there. I’d go back just to go on that ride. In the queue, the lead-up experience immerses you in Pandora. The 4D ride makes you feel like you’re flying on a banshee, with the wind in your hair. Even if you’re not a fan of the film, it’s great.
Q. What did you think of Disney’s Hollywood Studios? I wasn’t a Star Wars fan and it’s an eye-opener for people who aren’t fans. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, with stormtroopers and other characters, was good. You can fly the Millennium Falcon, which was fun. Oga’s Cantina served ridiculous-looking cocktails; it was a great experience.
Q. What about EPCOT? There is a fantastic 3D ride, as if you’re flying around the world, and a festival with food and wine from different countries. The night-time fireworks and light show were amazing – one of my favourite evening experiences.
Q. Tell us about Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It was my favourite park; I am obsessed with animals. You go on a safari truck to see lions and giraffes, as you would in Africa. It was very authentic.
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Q. What did you think of Magic Kingdom Park? I loved Cinderella Castle. I’ve been to Disneyland Paris many times and it’s on a bigger scale in Florida. You can smell the sweet ‘Disney smell’, which is piped all around the park. There were characters and parades, plus Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party ‘boo to you’ parade with everyone in fancy dress, which was an extra element of fun. I went as Cruella de Vil, with big dalmatian ears.
Q. Why did you enter the Cover Stars competition? One of the girls showed it to me in Travel Weekly and I said: “OMG, I have to enter!” I am obsessed with Disney. The guys called me Tink, as in Tinkerbell. I sat with my daughter as I compiled my entry and then shared it all the time to get votes. I cried when I heard I was the winner. I couldn’t believe it; I was over the moon.
Q. How was your Cover Stars shoot? I hate having my photograph taken but I felt amazing that day – I had my hair and make-up done. It was at the fantastic Tree of Life and people were looking at me, wondering what I was doing.
Q. Where did you stay? We were in the stunning Gran Destino Tower, with beautiful, spacious rooms. It is a gorgeous hotel with Moroccan decor, amazing views and hidden Mickeys everywhere. There was a stunning restaurant at the top. There were plenty of buses, so we never had to wait long for the 10-15-minute ride to the parks.
Q.What did you tell your colleagues about it? I never shut up about it – it was the best trip ever. I was bouncing for weeks afterwards. I was the Disney expert in the office, and I would have sold this had it not been for the pandemic. It is so much easier to sell when you have been there and can share the excitement. The other Cover Stars were the best bunch of people; they were so lovely. Our WhatsApp and Snapchat groups are still going.
Tell us about your career
I’ve been in travel since leaving school at 16 and was at Limavady Travel in Derry-Londonderry when the trip took place in 2019. I had more than 20
years of travel experience and had been to Disneyland Paris lots as well as Disneyland Resort in California.
I was at Limavady for about seven years and had previously worked with the girls at another local agency. In the pandemic, we
were furloughed and then I sorted cancellations and social media from home. I lost my dad to Covid in December 2020. He left in an ambulance, and we never saw him again. It was the worst experience. I wanted to look after people, so I’m now a nursing auxiliary. Caring for people, in his memory, helps with the grieving. I miss travel and the girls;
they were great. Will I go back to travel? Never say never, but I’m happy doing this. I’ve promised my kids we’ll go to Walt Disney World Resort in 2024 – and I will go to Limavady Travel to book it.
3 NOVEMBER 2022
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PICTURES: Steven Diaz © 2022 Disney. All rights reserved.
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