So I hope your 2016 has started off well! January was a busy month, always has been. But it was also the start for my first travel experience of the year, and this time it was to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida!
Walt Disney World; very special indeed, and known as the "Most Magical Place on Earth"! Which is unlike it's counter-part in California (the original) and the "Happiest Place on Earth"! Do you know some of the other differences? They are extremely different these two destinations, size being the most obvious. Disneyland; which now includes Disney's California Adventure Park, is 152 acres, not including the Downtown District. While Walt Disney World is 41 square miles, or roughly the size of the greater San Francisco area!
But why do I bring this up you ask~ when Walt Disney World was where I visited? Because one of the most important things I want to share in this post... because of the size, and all that is there for you to enjoy, please do not plan Walt Disney World on your own!
My stay this time was at the beautiful Disney's Polynesian Village Resort! This resort has always been one of my favorites, located right on the Seven Seas Lagoon! This makes it just a Monorail ride away from the "Magic Kingdom" and "Epcot", and has a station just off the lobby on the second floor! They have recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation, and added some gorgeous "over-water bungalows" (two and three bedrooms) for families to enjoy! I was very excited to spend my time in one of the new "studios". Nicely appointed, very comfortable, and perfect for a couple or small family!
This visit for me was focused on the dining! Walt Disney World has become a spectacular dining destination! Long gone are the days of hot dogs and popcorn as your main food source! (Don't panic popcorn lovers~ they still have both!) But in fact; when done right, this magical place is home to some pretty amazing restaurants!
Now here's how it works best for you! All packages should include a "meal plan", and there is one just right for you, no matter your appetite! They are a proven value, and an absolute savings over not having one at all! I most often recommend the "Deluxe Dining~ or Plus Dining Plan", with one quick-service meal, one snack, and one sit-down dining per person, per day! With the greatest value to you, planning your "sit-down" dining experience in the evening for dinner. Now here is one of the most important tips regarding dining at Walt Disney World... you have to reserve dinners and specialty meals (like Character breakfasts) 180 days in advance! Yes, I am saying six months! If you do not, many of the most popular will be long since sold out! (Another reason you should be planning with an expert!)
The above, unassuming exterior is that of the "Be Our Guest" restaurant, in the new "Fantasyland" area of the "Magic Kingdom". They now serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner due to over-whelming demand! The really fun part; the breakfast and lunch, although served to you, is considered a "quick-service" meal on your dining plan! This is a real plus when planning, and makes it easy to dine there for two meals in one day... and worth it! The breakfast is seriously so good, and in fact more than you can eat! But I also must mention the dinner. I have eaten at some pretty amazing, five star restaurants during my travels! The service here was excellent, and the food was far better than I was expecting! Plus; it is one of only two places in this "Magic Kingdom", where you are able to enjoy an adult beverage with your meal! I highly recommend it for the perfect place after a very long day in this park!
My next favorite I wanted to share (above photo) is "Jiko", at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge- Jambo House. This unique dining experience features dishes from Africa. They are gorgeous and served with great attention to details. But the flavors are outstanding and what you will remember most!
Another favorite is one you will find at Disney's Hollywood Studios~ "The Hollywood Brown Derby". It's interior design and even the menu are fashioned after the world famous original from Hollywood back in the day! The food is exceptional, and certainly deserves it's five star rating! They have even kept their signature "Grapefruit Cake". Which was invented by the chef to ease the minds of all the ladies on "diets". It was after all... grapefruit! This is one you really should try, and don't even attempt it without that reservation!
There are so many more; from character dining to five star, from luau to chef's tables! But I also wanted to mention (for those less adventurous) there are many "name brands" available to you too! Most recently is Starbucks! They are in the parks, provide a great choice for breakfast (with your favorite coffee drink) and they are on the meal plans too!
So whether you prefer to run all day and eat that way too! Or like to sit down and enjoy a nice dinner served to you... Walt Disney World provides it all!
Walt Disney World... opened in 1971, despite the fact that it's name sake died five years before it opened. Roy Disney (Walt's brother and business partner) had been planning on retiring. But he postponed that in order to see Walt's dream through to opening. It is a special place, and it is very large. So whether you just want to play in the parks (four of those), or experience the dining or both! The secret to a great Walt Disney World vacation is ... planning!
Just the educated (by Disney), and personal experience... of this Travel Professional!
