Discover
the Sophisticated Side of Mickey Mouse
by: Cara Goldsbury
Is
it possible for sophisticated travelers to really enjoy
themselves in the land of Mickey Mouse? Absolutely! Walt
Disney World has undergone a transformation much like
that of Las Vegas, with an abundance of fantastic themed
resorts and sumptuous dining choices.
Maybe
your image of Disney is of lackluster, motel-style accommodations.
Not so! All deluxe property choices are unique and offer
that special Disney touch. You’ll find them to be
adorned with impressive lobbies, painstakingly landscaped
grounds, first-rate restaurants, elaborately themed pools,
and gracious accommodations. All offer top-notch recreational
facilities and services. In fact, each resort is so marvelous
it can be difficult to choose which fantasy you wish to
indulge.
Let
me tell you about my favorites:
•
Disney’s flagship resort, The Grand Floridian, with
its red-gabled roofs and Victorian elegance, draws inspiration
from the grand Florida seaside “palace hotels”
of 19th-century America’s Gilded Age. Just a short
monorail ride to the Magic Kingdom, it spreads along the
shore of the Seven Seas Lagoon with spectacular views
of Cinderella’s Castle and the Wishes fireworks
display. Aquatic enticements include a crescent white
sand beach dotted with brightly striped, canopied lounge
chairs, a large sophisticated pool in the central courtyard,
a new beachside Florida springs-style pool, and a classy
marina sporting a wide assortment of watercraft. A full
service health club and spa, tennis courts, five restaurants,
two lounges, and sophisticated shopping round out the
list of exceptional offerings.
•
A navy blue blazer should be in order for a stay at Disney’s
Yacht Club where guests find the sophisticated ambience
of a posh Eastern seaboard hotel of the 1880s. Fronting
Crescent Lake and a sliver of beach that stretches over
to the adjoining Beach Club Resort, it’s just a
short stroll to Epcot’s International Gateway entrance
and only a boat ride away to Disney-MGM Studios. Best
of all is the Yacht Club’s 3-acre mini-water park
complex, Stormalong Bay, offering sandy bottom pools,
a giant “shipwreck” waterslide, a tidal whirlpool,
bubbling hot tubs, a kiddie pool with its own slide next
to the beach, and enough length to float lazily in inner
tubes to your heart’s content.
•
The Animal Kingdom Lodge is a stunning celebration of
African wildlife, culture, cuisine, and art. Its authentic
architecture and 33 acres of grasslands filled with hundreds
of roaming, exotic animals is simply a stroke of genius.
The six-story, horseshoe-shaped structure is surrounded
by a landscape of golden boulders, tall bamboo, yellow
flame trees, pampas grass, copperpod trees, and date palms.
In it’s imposing, 5-story, thatched roof lobby are
massive chandeliers formed by resplendent Masai shields,
a large mud fireplace, and handsome safari-chic seating.
From common lookouts as well as from 90% of the guestrooms
are wonderful views of playful zebra, lanky giraffe, sprite
gazelle, huge ankole cattle, herds of wildebeest, flocks
of exotic birds, and more, with over 200 animals in all.
•
Last but not least is The Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s
dramatic depiction of an early 1900s national park resort.
I challenge you to keep your jaw from dropping open on
your first encounter with its awesome eight-story lobby
of ponderosa pine logs, a massive 82-foot tall fireplace,
and authentic 55-foot Pacific Northwest totem poles. Outside
is a breathtaking scene of sparkling waterfalls, rushing
creeks, and towering pines. The sound of crickets is heard
beneath the bridges and along the meandering pathways
lined with natural grasses, junipers, and wildflowers.
And on the shores of Bay Lake is Wilderness Lodge’s
very own erupting geyser surrounded by a steaming expanse
of geothermal activity.
What
about Disney’s dining choices? Once just a hot dog
and hamburger haven, Disney’s reputation for dreadful
theme park food is now a thing of the past. Think Pan
Roasted Striped Bass with Aromatic Rock Shrimp Lemongrass
Risotto, 6-Hour Braised Veal Shank with Orzo Pasta and
Soy Glaze, or Cornbread Stuffed Quail with Foie Gras and
Sauce Maltaise. Just a mere sampling of the incredible
meals to be found at many of the over 270 dining spots
on Disney property. In a radical culinary transformation
Disney hired top-notch chefs to create exciting menus
for some of the highest rated restaurants in the country
and first-rate sommeliers to fashion outstanding wine
lists.
Here
are some of Disney’s best restaurants:
•
The California Grill on the 15th floor of Disney’s
Contemporary Resort offers an unbeatable panorama of the
Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas Lagoon along with picture-perfect
views of the Wishes fireworks. From pristinely fresh sushi
to exceptional New American Cuisine to sensational desserts
and an outstanding California wine list, this place has
it all. Don’t be discouraged if all the coveted
window seats are taken; an adjoining observation platform
offers a bird’s-eye view of the fireworks extravaganza.
•
For top-notch and innovative seafood specialties, head
to the Flying Fish at Disney’s Boardwalk where entrees
such as Potato Wrapped Florida Red Snapper with a Creamy
Leek Fondue are the norm. Contemporary and trendy, yet
whimsical, this restaurant will absolutely delight the
senses with its festive room of flying fish mobiles, sea
blue sparkling mosaic floors, and golden fish scale pillars.
Named a 2003 Wine Spectator Restaurant Award winner, it
boasts an excellent international list. Don’t forget
to save room for the unforgettable desserts, in particular
the banana napoleon with warm caramel sauce.
•
Fine dining in a sophisticated setting combined with virtually
flawless service sets Victoria and Albert’s in Disney’s
Grand Floridian Resort apart. Here in this AAA Five-Diamond
awarded restaurant you’re served a sumptuous seven-course
meal on white linen set with Royal Doulton china and sparkling
crystal. Those seeking a special evening should book the
newly-remodeled, 6-person chef’s table found in
a candle-lit alcove in the kitchen, a spot perfect for
an up-close, behind-the-scenes look at Disney’s
top chef in action.
•
Epcot’s Bistro de Paris is a charming Belle Époque
dining room with an air of exclusivity. Filled with gilded
mirrors and crimson banquettes, its billowy white drapes
frame windows that overlook the World Showcase Lagoon.
Servers with delicious French accents roll out sensational
dishes prepared with only the freshest ingredients. After
dinner enjoy a dessert of crepes prepared and flamed tableside
while lingering over cordials and coffee in anticipation
of the Illuminations spectacle.
•
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge’s premier dining
room is the seductive Jiko where floor to ceiling windows
look out on a boulder-strewn creek. Twin clay ovens draw
the eye to the open kitchen where an eclectic blend of
creations prepared with African flair are turned out in
exotic presentations. Accompany your meal with a selection
from the all South African wine list, the largest in North
America. And don’t leave without ordering the incredible
dark chocolate filled beggar's purses served with a honey
dipping sauce, one of Disney’s best desserts.
So,
for those who think that Walt Disney World is just for
kids, think again! It’s a world of fantastic resorts
and innovative dining just waiting to be explored. You
may never even make it to the parks.
