Disney’s 10 Most Magical ExperiencesWritten by Cara Goldsbury
An Epcot Illuminations Cruise — Each evening boatloads of visitors depart from docks of Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and Disney’s Yacht Club headed for Epcot. Their destination is a prime position under bridge between United Kingdom and France for a view of Illuminations fireworks spectacular. 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. Dinner at California Grill — The California Grill on 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a definite highlight for any connoisseur of cutting-edge cuisine. Through immense windows is an unbeatable panorama of Magic Kingdom and Seven Seas Lagoon and on many nights picture-perfect views of Wishes fireworks. From pristinely fresh sushi to exceptional New American Cuisine to sensational desserts and outstanding California wine list, this place has it all. Breakfast With Cinderella — High atop Cinderella’s Castle in Magic Kingdom is your chance to feast in a fairytale setting with Cinderella, Jasmine, Aladdin, and Belle. Kids love grand dining room where through glittering leaded-glass windows is a birds-eye view of Fantasyland. The characters make their way around dining room and give each child quality time signing autographs and posing for pictures. Beachside Vista of Magic Kingdom’s Fireworks — On evenings when fireworks are on Magic Kingdom’s agenda, head to one of Polynesian Resort’s idyllic white-sand beaches, grab a hammock, kick back, and view festivities. Your First Glimpse of Cinderella’s Castle — As you walk under train station at Magic Kingdom and into a world of make believe, splendor of Main Street is spread out before you with that celebrated fairy tale castle sitting at end. The Sight of Exotic Animals Grazing Below Your Guestroom Balcony — A stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge comes with a view of its marvelous savanna filled with hundreds of roaming exotic animals. After dark preserves are lit with a moon glow effect, perfect for a nighttime stroll or after dinner entertainment from your room balcony.
| | Visit Walt Disney World in StyleWritten by Cara Goldsbury
Is your image of Walt Disney World one of sleeping in motel-style accommodations and dining on hamburgers as you roam 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 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 sophisticated traveler. Here are some of 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 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, offering spectacular views of Cinderella’s Castle and 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 atmosphere literally pulsates with 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 wildlife. The resort boasts an 11,000 square foot pool overlooking 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 dense vegetation and thick, grassy lawns. Meandering pathways lined with volcanic rock are tiki torch-lit at dusk, and soft Hawaiian melodies set mood for memorable nights. Come nightfall, pick a hammock on one of three beaches for a spectacular vista of Magic Kingdom fireworks. Best Resort For Nature Lovers I challenge you to keep your jaw from dropping on your first encounter with 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 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 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 beach, and enough waterway to float lazily in inner tubes to your heart’s content.
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