Wow... I really slipped up on this one! I had so much fun at Walt Disney World earlier this month, I totally forget to write my 'report' and share it with you!
My stay started at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, in the "Aruba Village"! This is one of Walt Disney World's "moderate" resorts. While the rooms are very similar to others I have stayed at, I did have my issues with this one I'm afraid. It's just too big! I was also very surprised and disappointed to find that unlike the other moderate resorts this one was not very well planned. The front desk and concierge is located in a completely different area from the stores and restaurants. This was really inconvenient and not very practical. Though extremely well priced- not worth it by comparison.
For me this trip had a theme and purpose! The purpose; to experience Walt Disney World's new "Magic +" program! The theme... much different from others I have done, and that was "Dining the Disney Way"!
My first day was of course spent in the "Magic Kingdom"- Walt Disney World's version of Disneyland. Now I had already experienced the amazement of my "Magic Band" going in and out of my room at the Caribbean Beach Resort. But this was only the beginning! Just tap- and I was in the parks! Tap again- and I had paid for my breakfast! Once more- and I raced to the 'head of the line' at Space Mountain for the "Fast Pass" reservation I had made earlier in my room! This newest advancement by Disney is truly "magical"- and just darn fun! LOVE it!
My dining experiences for today were at the "Liberty Tree Tavern" for lunch and the Kona Café at Disney's Polynesian Resort for dinner! I must say the Liberty Tree was very good, the service was excellent, and the clam chowder- not to be missed! After spending a busy first day in the Magic Kingdom, I boarded the Monorail for my ride around the 'Seven Seas Lagoon' for my dinner at the Kona Café. I was super impressed with the service, and the food was exceptional. I had fresh sea scallops, and they were perfect! But I must stop and make sure you know about the "bread and butter" served here before dining. Watch out~ it's too good and easy to fill up on! They serve "Hawaiian Sweet Bread", and macadamia nut butter. OMG, my mouth is watering even now thinking about it... so ono!
On to EPCOT; "Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow", did you know that was Walt's idea? He sadly did not live to see the result of his initial planning. But I think he would be proud today!
I started this very raining day with an early lunch at "Via Napoli". Though my plan was to go to places not yet tried- I could not resist! I did however experience what may have been the best Eggplant Parmesan I have ever tasted! As you may know; Disney brings all the Chefs, and wait staff from the Naples area on two year contracts. Everyone there is from this region and the authenticity is wonderful! You will experience Naples at this wonderful restaurant!
Now dinner was also a repeat visit- but I had not been there in years... Nine Dragons! This Chinese dining was as wonderful, and maybe even better than I remembered! By then too the weather had vastly improved making for a really great night at Epcot!
Over the next few days I had several exceptional dining experiences! But two stand out in particular, and I must share!
While at Disney's Hollywood Studios, I had the chance to do something I had not done in years- but in fact have had all of my Disney guests experience! The "Dine and Show" package for "Fantasmic". This offer gives you a complete dinner (appetizers, entrée, and dessert), plus preferred seats at the presentation of "Fantasmic". I chose to dine at the Hollywood Brown Derby! I will say only this; if you love and appreciate 'fine dining', you must go to this restaurant! The atmosphere- with the fine china and silver and white table clothes, was exceptional! The service was truly as good or better than you could ever imagine... what?... at Walt Disney World?! I have eaten at many great restaurants, and this experience is in the top five!
There are two more actually I really want to share. First the very special magic of the "Be Our Guest" restaurant in the Magic Kingdom. This new (a part of the Fantasyland expansion) dining experience is... worth the wait! Yes; during the day it is a 'wait in line', sort of quick service (not exactly) situation. But the amazing way Disney has created this all is a must see! The food is good- not fine dining during the day. But it's like living inside the Beast's Castle, and you will be sorry if you do not try it!
My final very special experience took me back to my childhood- for sure! I had breakfast at "1900 Park Faire", located at Disney's Grand Floridian. This exceptional and special morning is shared with Mary Poppins, Alice and the Mad Hatter, Pooh and Tigger! I was carried back to when I was a little girl and Mary Poppins was all I could talk about! The food was very good of course- it's the Grand Floridian! But the time there with these special characters was the perfect way to end my "dining extravaganza" at Walt Disney World!
The "magic" of Disney is never ending! No matter your age, your time spent at Walt Disney World will always be special. Walt Disney World (like Disneyland) is so much more than just the rides! So the next time you are thinking about a visit... please let a Disney Travel Professional, plan the "magic" for you!
Just some thoughts and experiences to share~ from this Professional Travel Consultant.
