Can sophisticated travelers really enjoy themselves in the land of Mickey Mouse? Absolutely! Walt Disney World has undergone a transformation much like Las Vegas, with a host of fantastic themed resorts and sumptuous dining options.
Perhaps your image of Disney is one of mediocre, motel-style accommodations. Not so! All luxury property options are unique and offer that special Disney touch. You’ll find they’re adorned with impressive lobbies, thoughtfully landscaped grounds, world-class restaurants, elaborately themed pools, and elegant accommodations. All offer first class recreational facilities and services. In fact, each resort is so wonderful that it can be difficult to choose which fantasy you want to enjoy.
Let me tell you about my favorites:
o Disney’s flagship resort, The Grand Floridian, with its red peaked roofs and Victorian elegance, is inspired by Florida’s grand seaside “palace hotels” of America’s Gilded Age in the 19th century. Just a short monorail ride to the Magic Kingdom, it stretches along the shore of Seven Seas Lagoon with spectacular views of Cinderella’s Castle and the Wishes fireworks display. Aquatic enticements include a crescent-shaped white-sand beach dotted with brightly striped canopied lounge chairs, a large, sophisticated center courtyard pool, a new beachside Florida Springs-style pool, and an elegant marina with a wide variety of boats. A full-service health club and spa, tennis courts, five restaurants, two lounges and sophisticated shops round out the list of exceptional offerings.
o A navy blue blazer should be in order for a stay at Disney’s Yacht Club, where guests find the sophisticated atmosphere of an elegant 1880s East Coast hotel. Fronting Crescent Lake and a stretch of beach stretching extends to the adjoining Beach Club Resort, is just a short walk from Epcot’s International Gateway, and just a boat ride to Disney-MGM Studios. Best of all is the Yacht Club’s 3-acre mini-water park complex, Stormalong Bay, which offers sand-bottom pools, a giant “shipwreck” water slide, a tidal whirlpool, bubbling hot tubs, a children’s pool with its own beachside slide, and long enough to float lazily on inner tubes to your heart’s content.
o The Animal Kingdom Lodge is a stunning celebration of African wildlife, culture, cuisine and art. Its authentic architecture and 33 acres of grassland 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 rocks, tall bamboo, yellow fire trees, pampas grass, copper trees, and date palms. In its imposing 5-story thatched-roof lobby there are huge chandeliers made up of resplendent Maasai shields, a large clay fireplace and beautiful safari-style seating. From the common gazebos, as well as from 90% of the rooms, there are wonderful views of playful zebras, lanky giraffes, goblin gazelles, huge ankole cattle, herds of wildebeest, flocks of exotic birds and more, with over 200 animals in all. .
o Last but not least is The Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s dramatic rendering of a national park complex from the turn of the 20th century. I dare you not to gasp on your first encounter with its incredible eight-story lobby of ponderosa pine logs, massive 82-foot-tall fireplace, and authentic 55-foot Pacific Northwest totem poles. Outside is a breathtaking scene of glittering waterfalls, rushing streams and towering pines. The sound of crickets can be heard under bridges and along winding paths lined with natural grasses, junipers, and wildflowers. And on the shores of Bay Lake is Wilderness Lodge’s own erupting geyser, surrounded by a steaming expanse of geothermal activity.
What About Disney Dining Options? Once a haven for hotdogs and hamburgers, Disney’s reputation for lousy theme park food is now a thing of the past. Think roasted striped bass with lemongrass risotto and aromatic rock shrimp, 6-hour braised beef leg with orzo pasta and soy glaze, or cornbread stuffed quail with foie gras and maltaise sauce. Just a sampling of the incredible food found at many of the more than 270 dining locations on Disney property. In a sweeping culinary transformation, Disney has hired world-class chefs to create exciting menus for some of the nation’s highest-rated restaurants and world-class sommeliers to craft standout wine lists.
Here are some of the best restaurants in Disney:
o The California Grill on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers unrivaled views of the Magic Kingdom and Seven Seas Lagoon along with picture-perfect views of the Wishes fireworks. From impeccably fresh sushi to exceptional New American cuisine, sensational desserts, and an excellent California wine list, this place has it all. Don’t be discouraged if all the covered window seats are taken; an adjoining observation deck offers a panoramic view of the great fireworks display.
o For innovative, upscale seafood specialties, head to Flying Fish at Disney’s Boardwalk, where entrees like Florida red snapper wrapped in potatoes with a creamy leek fondue are the norm. Contemporary and modern, yet whimsical, this restaurant will absolutely delight the senses with its festive room of flying fish mobiles, sparkling navy mosaic floors, and gold scale pillars. Named winner of the Wine Spectator Restaurant Award, it has an excellent international list. Don’t forget to save room for the unforgettable desserts, in particular the banana napoleon with hot caramel sauce.
o Fine dining in sophisticated surroundings combined with virtually impeccable service sets Victoria and Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort apart. Here at this AAA Five-Diamond restaurant, a sumptuous seven-course meal is served on white tablecloths with Royal Doulton china and gleaming crystal. Those looking for a special evening should reserve the newly remodeled 6-person Chef’s Table which is located in a candlelit nook in the kitchen, a perfect spot to get an up-close, behind-the-scenes look at Disney’s greatest chef in action.
o Epcot’s Bistro de Paris is a charming Belle Époque-style dining room with an air of exclusivity. Filled with gilt mirrors and crimson banquettes, its billowing white curtains frame the windows that overlook the World Showcase lagoon. Waiters with delicious French accents prepare sensational dishes made with only the freshest ingredients. After dinner, enjoy a dessert of prepared and flambéed crepes tableside while enjoying cordials and coffee before the Illuminations show.
o Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge’s main dining room is the alluring Jiko, where floor-to-ceiling windows overlook a rock-strewn creek. Twin clay ovens draw the eye to the open kitchen where an eclectic mix of African-style creations are presented in exotic presentations. Accompany your meal with a selection from the South African wine list, the largest in North America. And don’t leave without ordering the incredible dark chocolate filled beggar bags served with honey sauce, one of the best Disney desserts.
So for those who think Walt Disney World is just for kids, think again! It’s a world of fantastic resorts and innovative dining waiting to be explored. You may never make it to the parks.