DISCOVER THE SOPHISTICATED SIDE OF MICKEY MOUSEWritten by Cara Goldsbury
Is it possible for sophisticated travelers to really enjoy themselves in land of Mickey Mouse? Absolutely! Walt Disney World has undergone a transformation much like that of Las Vegas, with an abundance of fantastic themed resorts and sumptuous dining choices. Maybe your image of Disney is of lackluster, motel-style accommodations. Not so! All deluxe property choices are unique and offer that special Disney touch. You’ll find them to be adorned with impressive lobbies, painstakingly landscaped grounds, first-rate restaurants, elaborately themed pools, and gracious accommodations. All offer top-notch recreational facilities and services. In fact, each resort is so marvelous it can be difficult to choose which fantasy you wish to indulge. Let me tell you about my favorites: • Disney’s flagship resort, The Grand Floridian, with its red-gabled roofs and Victorian elegance, draws inspiration from grand Florida seaside “palace hotels” of 19th-century America’s Gilded Age. Just a short monorail ride to Magic Kingdom, it spreads along shore of Seven Seas Lagoon with spectacular views of Cinderella’s Castle and Wishes fireworks display. Aquatic enticements include a crescent white sand beach dotted with brightly striped, canopied lounge chairs, a large sophisticated pool in central courtyard, a new beachside Florida springs-style pool, and a classy marina sporting a wide assortment of watercraft. A full service health club and spa, tennis courts, five restaurants, two lounges, and sophisticated shopping round out list of exceptional offerings. • A navy blue blazer should be in order for a stay at Disney’s Yacht Club where guests find sophisticated ambience of a posh Eastern seaboard hotel of 1880s. Fronting Crescent Lake and a sliver of beach that stretches over to adjoining Beach Club Resort, it’s just a short stroll to Epcot’s International Gateway entrance and only a boat ride away to Disney-MGM Studios. Best of all is Yacht Club’s 3-acre mini-water park complex, Stormalong Bay, offering sandy bottom pools, a giant “shipwreck” waterslide, a tidal whirlpool, bubbling hot tubs, a kiddie pool with its own slide next to beach, and enough length to float lazily in inner tubes to your heart’s content. • The Animal Kingdom Lodge is a stunning celebration of African wildlife, culture, cuisine, and art. Its authentic architecture and 33 acres of grasslands filled with hundreds of roaming, exotic animals is simply a stroke of genius. The six-story, horseshoe-shaped structure is surrounded by a landscape of golden boulders, tall bamboo, yellow flame trees, pampas grass, copperpod trees, and date palms. In it’s imposing, 5-story, thatched roof lobby are massive chandeliers formed by resplendent Masai shields, a large mud fireplace, and handsome safari-chic seating. From common lookouts as well as from 90% of guestrooms are wonderful views of playful zebra, lanky giraffe, sprite gazelle, huge ankole cattle, herds of wildebeest, flocks of exotic birds, and more, with over 200 animals in all. • Last but not least is The Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s dramatic depiction of an early 1900s national park resort. I challenge you to keep your jaw from dropping open on your first encounter with its awesome eight-story lobby of ponderosa pine logs, a massive 82-foot tall fireplace, and authentic 55-foot Pacific Northwest totem poles. Outside is a breathtaking scene of sparkling waterfalls, rushing creeks, and towering pines. The sound of crickets is heard beneath bridges and along meandering pathways lined with natural grasses, junipers, and wildflowers. And on shores of Bay Lake is Wilderness Lodge’s very own erupting geyser surrounded by a steaming expanse of geothermal activity. What about Disney’s dining choices? Once just a hot dog and hamburger haven, Disney’s reputation for dreadful theme park food is now a thing of past. Think Pan Roasted Striped Bass with Aromatic Rock Shrimp Lemongrass Risotto, 6-Hour Braised Veal Shank with Orzo Pasta and Soy Glaze, or Cornbread Stuffed Quail with Foie Gras and Sauce Maltaise. Just a mere sampling of incredible meals to be found at many of over 270 dining spots on Disney property. In a radical culinary transformation Disney hired top-notch chefs to create exciting menus for some of highest rated restaurants in country and first-rate sommeliers to fashion outstanding wine lists.
| | PARENT’S TIME-OUT AT WALT DISNEY WORLDWritten by Cara Goldsbury
So you think a trip to Walt Disney World is one only kids can enjoy. Well, think again! Here are a few tips for making your vacation to Mickey Mouse Land a memorable one for whole family. •Hire a babysitter for an evening alone. - If you’re a registered guest of a Disney resort, drop off kids at one of their child care centers for around $10 per hour, per child. They’ll be given dinner along with classic Disney movies, arts and crafts, and video games. If your child is under 4 or not potty trained, call Kid’s Nite Out at 407-827-5444 for in-room childcare. • Plan a date at one of Disney’s world-class restaurants. - For height of romance, head to Victoria and Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. In its intimate, dimly lit dining room you’re served a sumptuous 7-course meal on white linen set with Royal Doulton china and sparking crystal. Or try California Grill on 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Here you’ll find 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. • Consider springing for two rooms. - Disney guarantees connecting rooms for families with children, thereby guaranteeing Mom and Dad some alone time. After kids are in bed, order in a romantic meal in privacy of your room. • Enjoy a bottle of wine in your room or on your balcony. - It’s a perfect way to enjoy Disney’s wonderful ambience. The bottled wine selections at Disney resort shops are a bit sparse, but room service usually offers a nice selection.
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