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

Best Way to Spend an Evening Away From Parks The addition of West Side and Pleasure Island to Disney Marketplace created what is now known as wildly successful Downtown Disney, a combination of over 70 scene-setting restaurants, shops, and nightclubs. During day it’s a perfect getaway from parks, but at night after parks close, Downtown Disney comes alive. At Disney Marketplace you’ll find A-plus shopping, largest Disney Store in world, and volcano-smoking Rainforest Cafe. Pleasure Island is a nighttime mecca with 8 clubs and a nightly New Year’s Eve celebration. And then there’s West Side, loaded with dining and entertainment venues including Wolfgang Puck Cafe, House of Blues, Gloria Estefan’s Bongos, Cirque du Soleil, and Disney Quest.

Best Restaurant For Kids Dine among crashing waterfalls, lush tropical foliage, and dripping vines while being bombarded with thunderstorms and noisy Audio-Animatronic wildlife at Rainforest Cafe. Or head to Whispering Canyon Cafe at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge for an all-you-care-to-eat blow-out of rib-stickin’ barbecue served piping hot in iron skillets accompanied by plenty of hootin’ and hollerin’. Kids love crazy show put on by hobby horse-racing waiters outfitted in western attire who can’t resist making a huge production out of serving food, birthday celebrations, and those unfortunate enough to leave for restroom.

Best Disney Resort Restaurant The California Grill on 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a definite highlight for any connoisseur of cutting-edge cuisine. The immense 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.

Best Theme Park Restaurant In Epcot’s France Pavilion is Bistro de Paris, 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. Afterward order a dessert of crepes prepared and flamed at your table while lingering over cordials and coffee in anticipation of nightly Illuminations spectacle. Best Way to View Epcot Fireworks Presentation Each evening boatloads of visitors depart from docks of Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and Disney’s Yacht Club headed for Epcot where, from a prime position under bridge between United Kingdom and France, is a view of Illuminations fireworks spectacular that can’t be beat. Cruises are offered nightly with your choice of either a pontoon boat seating 10 or a beautiful reproduction of a 1930s Chris Craft accommodating 6-7 people. Although reservations can be made up to 90 days in advance, they sometimes sell out on first day. Call 407-WDW-PLAY.

Best Way to Spend a Lazy Afternoon When your muscles are aching and your body is screaming for rest after days at parks, sooth your jangled nerves at Disney’s Grand Floridian Spa. Immerse yourself in luxury with one or two feel-good treatments guaranteed to rejuvenate and swiftly get you back on your feet and ready for another long day of walking. For ultimate in romance consider Grand Romantic Evening where, in a candle-lit couple’s room, each person receives an aromatherapy massage.

Most importantly slow down and enjoy magic. Resist urge to see everything at breakneck speed. You can’t possibly cover it all, so think of this as your first trip to Disney, not your last. There will be time to pick up all things you missed on next go-round. Be spontaneous. If something catches your eye, even if it’s not on your daily list of things to do, stop and explore or else you may miss something wonderful.

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.