Visit
Walt Disney World in Style
by: Cara Goldsbury
Is
your image of Walt Disney World one of sleeping in motel-style
accommodations and dining on hamburgers as you roam the
theme parks? Well, it’s time to change that picture.
Instead of a chain motel, how about an African-style lodge
or a resort with the sophisticated ambience of an exclusive
yacht club? Instead of chicken fingers, how about Potato
Wrapped Florida Red Snapper with a Creamy Leek Fondue,
Basil-Crusted Rack of Lamb with a Ragout of Spinach, Shitakes,
and White Beans, or Grilled Buffalo Top Sirloin with Sweet
Potato Hazelnut Gratin and Sweet Onion Jam? No question
about it, Walt Disney World offers an abundance of amazing
themed resorts and superb restaurants that are perfect
for the sophisticated traveler. Here are some of the best
experiences to indulge in while touring Mickey Mouse land:
Most
Luxurious Resort
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, offering spectacular views of Cinderella’s
Castle and the Wishes fireworks display. You’ll
also be treated to some of Disney’s very best restaurants
along with two sophisticated pools, a crescent white sand
beach, a full-service health club and spa, tennis courts,
and sophisticated shopping.
Most
Atmospheric Resort
Disney’s
Animal Kingdom Lodge is a stunningly faithful celebration
of African wildlife, culture, cuisine, and art. Here the
atmosphere literally pulsates with the beat of drums throughout
33 acres of glorious savanna filled with hundreds of roaming
exotic animals. The lodge’s 5-story, thatch roof
lobby is a wonder with its massive overhead chandeliers
formed by resplendent Masai shields overlooking safari
chic seating. Don’t even consider a room without
a savanna view, well worth every penny for its front row
view of the wildlife. The resort boasts an 11,000 square
foot pool overlooking the savanna, a full service spa
and fitness center, and one of Disney’s loveliest
restaurants, Jiko, serving international food with an
African flair.
Best
Resort For Romance
Disney’s
Polynesian Resort’s lush grounds and white sand
beaches with views of Cinderella’s castle are a
dream come true. Tangerine and mahogany tinted longhouses
are scattered throughout this luxuriant property where
ducks and ibis roam the dense vegetation and thick, grassy
lawns. Meandering pathways lined with volcanic rock are
tiki torch-lit at dusk, and soft Hawaiian melodies set
the mood for memorable nights. Come nightfall, pick a
hammock on one of three beaches for a spectacular vista
of the Magic Kingdom fireworks.
Best
Resort For Nature Lovers
I
challenge you to keep your jaw from dropping on your first
encounter with the awesome eight-story lobby at Disney’s
Wilderness Lodge. Sheer walls of ponderosa pine logs,
an 82-foot fireplace, and authentic Pacific Northwest
totem poles overlook rugged stone and hardwood floors
topped with Native American rugs, teepee chandeliers,
and a bevy of “park ranger” staff who roam
the lodge attending to guests. Outside is a breathtaking
scene of roaring waterfalls, rushing creeks, towering
pines, and a boulder-lined, hot springs-style swimming
pool, one of Disney’s best. On the shores of Bay
Lake, Wilderness Lodge’s very own geyser is surrounded
by a steaming expanse of geothermal activity and erupts
hourly from early morning until late night.
Best
Resort Pool
Stormalong
Bay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club offers three
acres of winding, watery delight. Here you’ll find
sandy bottom pools, a giant “shipwreck” waterslide,
a tidal whirlpool, bubbling hot tubs, a kiddie pool with
its own slide near the beach, and enough waterway to float
lazily in inner tubes to your heart’s content.
Best
Resort Restaurant
The
California Grill is a definite highlight for any connoisseur
of cutting-edge cuisine. The modern decor and constant
bustle of excited diners only adds to its drop-dead setting
on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
Its broad windows present an unbeatable panorama of the
Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas Lagoon and on many nights
picture-perfect views of the Wishes fireworks show. From
pristinely fresh sushi to the exceptional New American
Cuisine to sensational desserts and the outstanding California
wine list, this place has it all. The open show kitchen
is a treat, and the cocktail lounge has some of the best
views in the house. And don’t be discouraged if
the coveted window seats are all taken. Head out to the
adjoining observation platform during the fireworks presentation
where you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the
extravaganza.
Most
Romantic Restaurant
Victoria
and Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
offers fine dining in a elegant setting combined with
flawless service. Honored with a AAA Five-Diamond Award
for the 3rd year in a row (the only such restaurant in
Orlando), diners feast on six sumptuous, prix-fixe courses
served on Royal Doulton china with crystal glasses to
the strains of the enchanting sound of harp music. Those
seeking a special evening should book the 6-person Chef’s
Table set in a candlelit alcove in the kitchen, perfect
for an up-close, behind-the-scenes look at Disney’s
top chef in action.
Best
Theme Park Restaurant
Epcot’s
Bistro de Paris is a charming Belle Époque dining
room with an air of exclusivity. Here you’ll find
gilded mirrors, crimson banquettes, and billowy white
drapes that frame windows overlooking the World Showcase
Lagoon. Servers with delicious French accents roll out
sensational dishes and stylishly plate them tableside.
Fresh ingredients are prepared simply in tantalizing sauces,
and the all-French wine list is a pleasure. Afterwards,
order a dessert of crepes prepared and flamed at your
table while lingering over cordials and coffee in anticipation
of the Illuminations spectacle.
Most
Exotic Restaurant
The
Animal Kingdom Lodge’s premier dining room is Jiko
(Swahili for “cooking place”), one of the
most seductive spaces yet at a Disney hotel. Floor to
ceiling windows look out on a boulder-strewn creek. The
soft, contemporary lighting, fantastically shaped in the
guise of bird wings, hangs from a rich, blue ceiling creating
the feeling of open space. Giant, twin clay ovens draw
the eye to the open kitchen where an eclectic blend of
creations prepared with African spices and ingredients
are turned out in attractive presentations. Accompany
your meal with a selection from the all South African
wine list, the largest in North America.
In
short, Walt Disney World is not just for kids! It’s
a world of fantastic resorts and innovative dining just
waiting to be explored. You may never even make it to
the parks.
About
The Author
Cara
Goldsbury is the author of The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney
World: How to Get the Most Out of the Best Disney Has
to Offer available at 800-247-6553, www.luxurydisneyguide.com,
Amazon.com, or your local bookstore. Visit her at www.luxurydisneyguide.com.
info@luxurydisneyguide.com
