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.
|
