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by Cara Goldsbury, Author of
The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World
An Epcot Illuminations Cruise — Each evening
boatloads of visitors depart from the docks of Disney’s Boardwalk
Inn and Disney’s Yacht Club headed for Epcot. Their destination
is a prime position under the bridge between the United Kingdom
and France for a view of the 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 the first day. Call
407-WDW-PLAY.
Dinner at the California Grill — The California
Grill on the 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 the Magic Kingdom
and the Seven Seas Lagoon and on many nights picture-perfect views
of the Wishes fireworks. From pristinely fresh sushi to the exceptional
New American Cuisine to sensational desserts and the outstanding
California wine list, this place has it all.
Breakfast With Cinderella — High atop Cinderella’s
Castle in the Magic Kingdom is your chance to feast in a fairytale
setting with Cinderella, Jasmine, Aladdin, and Belle. Kids love
the grand dining room where through glittering leaded-glass windows
is a birds-eye view of Fantasyland. The characters make their way
around the dining room and give each child quality time signing
autographs and posing for pictures.
Beachside Vista of the Magic Kingdom’s Fireworks
— On evenings when fireworks are on the Magic Kingdom’s
agenda, head to one of the Polynesian Resort’s idyllic white-sand
beaches, grab a hammock, kick back, and view the festivities.
Your First Glimpse of Cinderella’s Castle
— As you walk under the train station at the Magic Kingdom
and into a world of make believe, the splendor of Main Street is
spread out before you with that celebrated fairy tale castle sitting
at the 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 the preserves are lit with
a moon glow effect, perfect for a nighttime stroll or after dinner
entertainment from your room balcony.
A Picturesque Ride on the Monorail — Hop
on board Disney’s favorite form of transportation for a delightful
journey around the Seven Seas Lagoon, through the interior of the
Contemporary Resort, past the Magic Kingdom, and off through the
pine trees on your way to Epcot.
Cocktails in the Grand Lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian
Resort — This resort’s favorite gathering spot
is an exquisitely soaring, 5-story lobby of stained-glass cupolas
and filigreed chandeliers. Find a seat on a cushy sofa and take
pleasure in the lively big band orchestra while sipping a strawberry-topped
glass of champagne.
Reliving the Drive-In of Your Youth At Disney's Hollywood Studios
— At the Sci-fi Dine-In Theatre, guests are served
in sleek 1950s-era convertibles while watching B-grade sci-fi and
horror trailers on the big screen. Waiters on roller skates carhop
the darkened, starlit theater, speaker boxes hang on the side of
your car and, of course, popcorn and hot dogs dance on the screen
during intermission. Though the food is just so-so, who cares when
Godzilla is your entertainment.
A Float Through Splash Mountain — Who can
resist the charms of Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox, Brer Bear, and the rest
of the gang, even if it culminates in one heck of a plunge? Drift
round the briar patch in a hollowed-out log while toe-tapping music
plays among the cabbages and carrots, jugs of moonshine, chirpin’
birds, and croakin’ frogs as you relax and bob your head to
the beat. As you float through bayous, marshes, and caverns, all
a delight to the eyes with loads of colorful detail and too-cute
cavorting characters, the heartwarming theme song "Time To
Be Moving Along" plays. It’s guaranteed to put a smile
on your face.
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, Amazon.co.uk
or your local bookstore. For more information visit her online at
www.luxurydisneyguide.com.
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