• Take in a Character Meal. - These extremely popular dining opportunities, offered at both Disney theme parks and resort hotels, are a perfect way for your children to spend extra time with favorite Disney characters. Meals are offered in three ways depending on restaurant: buffet-style, family-style, or pre-plated meals; regardless, it’s essentially all-you-can-eat. Characters work room, stopping at each table to interact with guests, pose for photos, and sign autographs. Book priority seating early, particularly for Cinderella’s Royal Table, Epcot’s Princess Breakfast in Norway, and Chef Mickey’s by calling 407-WDW-DINE. Cara Goldsbury is author of The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World: How to Get Most Out of 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. Mailto:info@luxurydisneyguide.com

Here are some of Disney’s best restaurants: • The California Grill on 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers an unbeatable panorama of Magic Kingdom and Seven Seas Lagoon along with picture-perfect views of 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 coveted window seats are taken; an adjoining observation platform offers a bird’s-eye view of fireworks extravaganza.

• For top-notch and innovative seafood specialties, head to Flying Fish at Disney’s Boardwalk where entrees such as Potato Wrapped Florida Red Snapper with a Creamy Leek Fondue are norm. Contemporary and trendy, yet whimsical, this restaurant will absolutely delight 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 unforgettable desserts, in particular 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 newly-remodeled, 6-person chef’s table found in a candle-lit alcove in 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 World Showcase Lagoon. Servers with delicious French accents roll out sensational dishes prepared with only freshest ingredients. After dinner enjoy a dessert of crepes prepared and flamed tableside while lingering over cordials and coffee in anticipation of Illuminations spectacle. • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge’s premier dining room is seductive Jiko where floor to ceiling windows look out on a boulder-strewn creek. Twin clay ovens draw eye to 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 all South African wine list, largest in North America. And don’t leave without ordering 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 parks.

Cara Goldsbury is author of The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World: How to Get Most Out of 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. mailto:info@luxurydisneyguide.com