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DISCOVER THE SOPHISTICATED SIDE OF MICKEY MOUSE
by Cara Goldsbury
Is
it possible for sophisticated travelers to really enjoy themselves in
the 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 the grand Florida seaside
“palace hotels” of 19th-century America’s Gilded Age. Just a short
monorail ride to the Magic Kingdom, it spreads along the shore of the
Seven Seas Lagoon with spectacular views of Cinderella’s Castle and the
Wishes fireworks display. Aquatic enticements include a crescent white
sand beach dotted with brightly striped, canopied lounge chairs, a
large sophisticated pool in the 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 the list of exceptional offerings.
- A
navy blue blazer should be in order for a stay at Disney’s Yacht Club
where guests find the sophisticated ambience of a posh Eastern seaboard
hotel of the 1880s. Fronting Crescent Lake and a sliver of beach that
stretches over to the 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 the 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 the 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 the
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 the bridges and
along the meandering pathways lined with natural grasses, junipers, and
wildflowers. And on the 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 the 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 the incredible meals to be found at many of the
over 270 dining spots on Disney property. In a radical culinary
transformation Disney hired top-notch chefs to create exciting menus
for some of the highest rated restaurants in the country and first-rate
sommeliers to fashion outstanding wine lists.
Here are some of Disney’s best restaurants:
- The
California Grill on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort
offers an unbeatable panorama of the Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas
Lagoon along with picture-perfect views of the 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. Don’t be discouraged if all the coveted window seats
are taken; an adjoining observation platform offers a bird’s-eye view
of the fireworks extravaganza.
- For
top-notch and innovative seafood specialties, head to the Flying Fish
at Disney’s Boardwalk where entrees such as Potato Wrapped Florida Red
Snapper with a Creamy Leek Fondue are the norm. Contemporary and
trendy, yet whimsical, this restaurant will absolutely delight the
senses with its festive room of flying fish mobiles, sea blue sparkling
mosaic floors, and golden fish scale pillars. Named a 2003 Wine
Spectator Restaurant Award winner, it boasts an excellent international
list. Don’t forget to save room for the unforgettable desserts, in
particular the banana napoleon with warm caramel sauce.
- Fine
dining in a sophisticated setting combined with virtually flawless
service sets Victoria and Albert’s in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
apart. Here in this AAA Five-Diamond awarded restaurant you’re served a
sumptuous seven-course meal on white linen set with Royal Doulton china
and sparkling crystal. Those seeking a special evening should book the
newly-remodeled, 6-person chef’s table found in a candle-lit alcove in
the kitchen, a spot perfect for an up-close, behind-the-scenes look at
Disney’s top chef in action.
- Epcot’s
Bistro de Paris is 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 the World Showcase
Lagoon. Servers with delicious French accents roll out sensational
dishes prepared with only the freshest ingredients. After dinner enjoy
a dessert of crepes prepared and flamed tableside while lingering over
cordials and coffee in anticipation of the Illuminations spectacle.
- Disney’s
Animal Kingdom Lodge’s premier dining room is the seductive Jiko where
floor to ceiling windows look out on a boulder-strewn creek. Twin clay
ovens draw the eye to the open kitchen where an eclectic blend of
creations prepared with African flair are turned out in exotic
presentations. Accompany your meal with a selection from the all South
African wine list, the largest in North America. And don’t leave
without ordering the incredible dark chocolate filled beggar's purses
served with a honey dipping sauce, one of Disney’s best desserts.
So, for those who think that Walt Disney World is just for kids, think
again! It’s a world of fantastic resorts and innovative dining just
waiting to be explored. You may never even make it to the parks.
--------------------------------------------
Cara Goldsbury is the author of The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World:
How to Get the Most Out of the 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.
mail: info@luxurydisneyguide.com
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