A Picturesque Ride on Monorail — Hop on board Disney’s favorite form of transportation for a delightful journey around Seven Seas Lagoon, through interior of Contemporary Resort, past Magic Kingdom, and off through pine trees on your way to Epcot.

Cocktails in Grand Lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort — This resort’s favorite gathering spot is an exquisitely soaring, 5-story lobby of stained-glass cupolas and filigreed chandeliers. Find a seat on a cushy sofa and take pleasure in lively big band orchestra while sipping a strawberry-topped glass of champagne.

Reliving Drive-In of Your Youth At Disney-MGM Studios — At Sci-fi Dine-In Theatre, guests are served in sleek 1950s-era convertibles while watching B-grade sci-fi and horror trailers on big screen. Waiters on roller skates carhop darkened, starlit theater, speaker boxes hang on side of your car and, of course, popcorn and hot dogs dance on screen during intermission. Though food is just so-so, who cares when Godzilla is your entertainment.

A Float Through Splash Mountain — Who can resist charms of Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox, Brer Bear, and rest of gang, even if it culminates in one heck of a plunge? Drift round briar patch in a hollowed-out log while toe-tapping music plays among cabbages and carrots, jugs of moonshine, chirpin’ birds, and croakin’ frogs as you relax and bob your head to beat. As you float through bayous, marshes, and caverns, all a delight to eyes with loads of colorful detail and too-cute cavorting characters, heartwarming theme song “Time To Be Moving Along” plays. It’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

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

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 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Its broad windows present an unbeatable panorama of Magic Kingdom and Seven Seas Lagoon and on many nights picture-perfect views of Wishes fireworks show. From pristinely fresh sushi to exceptional New American Cuisine to sensational desserts and outstanding California wine list, this place has it all. The open show kitchen is a treat, and cocktail lounge has some of best views in house. And don’t be discouraged if coveted window seats are all taken. Head out to adjoining observation platform during fireworks presentation where you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of 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 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 strains of enchanting sound of harp music. Those seeking a special evening should book 6-person Chef’s Table set in a candlelit alcove in 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 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 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 Illuminations spectacle.

Most Exotic Restaurant The Animal Kingdom Lodge’s premier dining room is Jiko (Swahili for “cooking place”), one of 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 guise of bird wings, hangs from a rich, blue ceiling creating feeling of open space. Giant, twin clay ovens draw eye to 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 all South African wine list, 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 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