The Best of Walt Disney World & Orlando

1 The Best of Walt Disney World & Orlando

In the beginning, Orlando may have been a sleepy little Southern town filled with farmland as far as the eye could see, orange groves galore, and only two attractions to its name (a water-ski show and some great big gators). Then came the Mouse. More specifically, a mouse named Mickey and his creator, a man of fantastic imagination and vision named Walt Disney. Life in Orlando would never be the same. Since the opening of Walt Disney World back in 1971, Orlando has grown to become one of the world’s top vacation destinations. Almost 48 million people from all parts of the world make their way to this city each year to sample its unending array of exciting, unique, and diverse activities. Those of us who continue to return year after year can count on each visit to provide a host of new experiences and memories. When Disney World first opened its gates to the public, I doubt if anyone but Walt Disney, the original Imagineer, could have predicted what lay ahead. Disney, searching for an East Coast location for his second theme park, decided Orlando was just the place he was looking for. In 1964, in a covert operation that would have made James Bond proud, Walt Disney began quietly purchasing large quantities of land in and around the Orlando area, and within months he had acquired property nearly twice the size of Man- hattan. In 1965, Walt announced to the public his plans to bring to Orlando the world’s most spectacular theme park. Fashioned after Disneyland in California, construction soon began on Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Unfortunately, Walt Disney was never able to see his dream come to life, as he passed away in 1966, just 5 years shy of the opening of what, to this day, is still the world’s most spectacular theme park—Walt Disney World. Disney’s legacy, while commercialized over the years, has practically become a rite of passage, not to mention a national shrine to which visitors flock by the millions. And if you have kids, a visit here is almost a requirement. The opening of Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom started a tourist boom in Central Florida the likes of which has never been seen elsewhere. Today, The Kingdom That Walt Built entices visitors with four theme parks; a dozen smaller attractions; a shopping, dining, and entertainment district; tens of thousands of hotel rooms; a vacation club (otherwise known as timeshares); scores of restaurants; and even two cruise ships (soon to be four). Universal Orlando adds to the dizzying array with two theme parks, three luxury resorts, and an entertainment complex that’s homeCOPYRIGHTED to several unique restaurants, clubs, shops, MATERIAL and entertainment venues. Sea- World tosses in three theme parks and an entertainment, dining, and shopping district of its own. And those are just the major players. All in all, there are just shy of 100 attractions, both large and small, that will keep you coming back for more. There are also plenty of restaurants, ranging from fine dining to on-the-fly fast food; many of the more casual restaurants are as themed as the parks themselves. And the city doesn’t lack for hotels and resorts either, with roughly 117,000 rooms, villas, and suites to go around by the end of 2010. If you can believe it, the landscape is still changing, evolving, growing, and expanding to ensure your experiences will do the same each and every time you stay and play in Orlando.

004_470749-ch01.indd4_470749-ch01.indd 1 99/15/09/15/09 111:44:221:44:22 PMPM 2 Fun Facts By the Numbers

Orlando’s theme parks, though seeing increasing attendance levels, are still ANDO affected by the recent downturn in the economy. Though predictions state that levels will continue to rise over the next few years, they will likely do so at a much slower pace. Parks, however, continue to entice visitors to return and to stay longer by offering special deals and adding wild and wonderfully new attractions. Here are the 2008 attendance estimates (and their national rankings) for all of the major Orlando parks according to TEA Inc., and Eco- nomic Research Associates: • No. 1: Magic Kingdom, 17 million • No. 3: Epcot, 10.9 million • No. 4: Disney’s Hollywood Studios, 9.6 million • No. 5: Disney’s Animal Kingdom, 9.5 million • No. 6: Universal Studios Florida, 6.2 million • No. 7: Sea World Orlando, 5.9 million • No. 8: Islands of Adventure, 5.3 million THE BEST OF WALT DISNEY WORLD & ORL& WORLD DISNEY WALT OF BEST THE

1 Beyond the fast-paced excitement, glitz, and glitter of Orlando’s theme parks, you’ll find Central Florida’s more natural side, with hidden treasures just waiting to be discov- ered. More than 300 lakes, springs, and rivers are waiting to be explored and enjoyed. There are numerous parks and gardens, many with trails for walking and hiking, and the area’s wildlife sanctuaries and zoos showcase Florida’s animal inhabitants. The number of recreational opportunities—picnics in parks, boating along waterways, fishing, biking, and hiking, to name a few—is almost limitless. And Orlando’s rich history and culture come to life through its many museums, galleries, and theaters. Where to go, what to do, when to do it . . . with so many decisions to make, you may very well find your head spinning. Because of the vast quantity of offerings, a vacation to Orlando necessitates a reasonable amount of planning, not to mention budgeting. The sheer number of attractions and available activities requires that you narrow down your choices to fit both your schedule and your budget properly. Entrance fees can be daunt- ing (a 1-day ticket to one of the major parks averages around $75 for adults and $63 for kids 3–9), and when you add in the costs of dining, accommodations, and souvenirs, sticker shock at the high price tag is not out of the question. A typical family of four could easily end up spending several hundred dollars a day! Some parks have begun offering deals to bring down the average daily price of your ticket if you buy multiday passes, but don’t give them too much credit—the parks are wagering they’ll generate additional revenue with all of the money you’ll spend on extra hotel nights and meals. But even if you do have deep pockets, Orlando offers so much to experience that to take it all in properly would require far more time than the average vacation would allow. I doubt if even two or three vacations could do the trick. That’s exactly why this book was written: to make available to you the most up-to-date and detailed information on what Orlando has to offer. A mix of options that takes into account every budget and taste is included in each chapter so you can make the most informed decisions possible. With this book, you’ll have the tools to plan ahead and

004_470749-ch01.indd4_470749-ch01.indd 2 99/15/09/15/09 111:44:221:44:22 PMPM ensure that your family has the best vacation possible. I have traveled to Central Florida 3 more times than I can count in the past 20 years. Single, married, with kids, and without,

I’ve stood in all the lines, ridden the rides, and dined in the restaurants—even during the THE BEST OF WALT DISNEY WORLD & ORL height of summer and spring break. In other words, I’ve done all of the hard work so you don’t have to, and I give realistic and practical travel tips throughout this book in order to help you enjoy a more magical vacation. At the same time, I also give you options to help make your vacation more affordable and to keep expenses to a minimum while still having the maximum amount of fun. The Orlando tourism gurus will ensure your family has a steady stream of new things to see and do.

1 THE BEST ORLANDO EXPERIENCES

• Explore Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Zone Tower of Terror, Rock ’n’ Roller Explore Disney’s most spectacular and Coaster, and Fantasmic!—an innova- wildest Imagineering to date. Trek tive, after-dark mix of live action, through the jungles of Africa along the waterworks, fireworks, and laser lights ANDO Pangani Forest Exploration Trail or set that rivals IllumiNations. See p. 236. out on safari across the savanna with • Escape to the Magic Kingdom. It may Kilimanjaro Safaris. Journey through seem an obvious choice, but Disney’s the exotic lands of Asia and embark on oldest is still the most magical of Orlan- 1 an expedition to the peaks of Expedi- do’s theme parks. Speed through the

tion Everest; then explore the mysteries universe on Space Mountain, watch THE BEST ORLANDO EXPERIENCES of Anandapur wandering the Mahara- Donald’s antics at Mickey’s Philhar- jah Jungle Trek. Be sure not to miss Magic, laugh out loud at the Monsters, Finding Nemo—The Musical or The Inc. Laugh Floor, or wave hello to the Festival of the Lion King, absolutely the ghouls of the Haunted Mansion. Cap best shows in all of WDW. See p. 247. your day with the impressive Wishes • Go Globe-Trotting at Epcot. You can fireworks display. There’s plenty here to travel around the world in only an entertain all ages. See p. 195. afternoon at the World Showcase pavil- • Experience Universal Orlando. Uni- ions, rocket through space on a thrilling versal Studios Florida and its sister, mission to Mars at Mission: Space, Islands of Adventure, are both chock- travel back in time to the age of the full of thrilling rides and spectacular dinosaurs at the Universe of Energy, shows that combine cutting-edge tech- and dive deep below the sea to explore nology, high-tech special effects, and the ocean’s inhabitants at The Seas with incredible imagination and creativity. Nemo & Friends. And there’s no better The attention to detail throughout the way to cap your day off than watching parks is amazing—check out the street Epcot’s IllumiNations, a spectacular sets at USF and the wildly unique land- fireworks, laser lights, and fountain scapes of IOA and you’ll see what I show. See p. 218. mean. For thrill seekers, not-to-be- • Take Center Stage at Disney’s Holly- missed attractions include Hollywood wood Studios. Though it is more Rip Ride Rockit, Revenge of the grown-up than the Magic Kingdom, it Mummy, Men in Black Alien Attack, has plenty of great shows to entertain Dueling Dragons, the Incredible Hulk the kids and attractions to thrill movie Coaster, the Amazing Adventures of buffs. Don’t miss Toy Story Mania, the Spider-Man, and Dudley Do-Right’s American Idol Experience, Twilight Ripsaw Falls. See chapter 7.

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s W e i o n D G s i D

004_470749-ch01.indd4_470749-ch01.indd 5 99/15/09/15/09 111:44:231:44:23 PMPM 6 • Dive into the Eco-Edutainment of throwback park is a great way to spend SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, and a half-day (an especially good choice for Aquatica. Your kids may never realize that extra time on your day of arrival) just how much they’re learning as they and costs less than a third of the price of

ANDO explore, watch, and touch their way some of the major theme parks. In through these theme parks’ eco-exhibits addition to the animal exhibits, Gator and experiences. With the addition of Jumparoo, a signature show since the Manta, Journey to Atlantis, and Kraken, park opened in 1949, and Gator Wrest- SeaWorld (p. 294) added a bit of zip lin’ are worth a look. Other options and zing to the lineup, ensuring that include a train ride, a children’s water those in need of an adrenaline rush playground, and an aviary. If you have aren’t left out in the cold (or over at the some extra spending money for a other parks). But it’s still the hands-on once-in-a-lifetime experience, consider encounters, such as touching silky rays becoming a Trainer for a Day. See as they glide by you in droves, and up- p. 308. close views of animals ranging from • Pamper Yourself with a Spa Treat- polar bears and penguins to killer ment. Rest, relax, and rejuvenate—you whales, that draw the crowds. Discov- may very well need to if you intend on ery Cove (p. 304) is more of an island surviving all of the fast-paced activities THE BEST OF WALT DISNEY WORLD & ORL& WORLD DISNEY WALT OF BEST THE retreat than a theme park. Rest and you’ve planned. After a few days at the 1 relax on the beach or swim right along parks, it should almost be a require- with the fishes. The big draw here is the ment. Disney’s Grand Floridian chance to take a dip with the dolphins. Resort & Spa (& 407/934-7639 or Aquatica (p. 306), the latest addition to 407/824-3000), Disney’s Saratoga SeaWorld’s lineup, combines high- Springs Resort & Spa (& 407/934- speed thrills (with raft rides and racing 7639 or 407/827-4455), the Mandara tunnels), up-close animal encounters Spa at Universal’s Portofino Bay Hotel (with Commerson’s dolphins, colorful (& 888/322-5541 or 407/503-1000) fish, brilliant macaws, and more), and a and at the WDW Dolphin (& 407/ whimsical South Pacific atmosphere to 934-4000), and the Canyon Ranch create an eco-themed water park unlike SpaClub at the Gaylord Palms (& 877/ THE BEST THRILL RIDES THRILL BEST THE any other. 677-9352 or 407/586-2051) all offer • Go Wild at Gatorland. Located an array of fabulous treatments, some between Orlando and Kissimmee, this with salon services to boot.

2 THE BEST THRILL RIDES

Orlando lays claim to some of the biggest city’s top stomach churners and G-force and baddest thrill rides and roller coasters generators. anywhere—certainly one of the largest • Manta (SeaWorld): Gliding, swooping, collections of them in any one locale. So if and diving (this one’s a very smooth your idea of fun is to twist and turn at ride) at speeds of up to 56 mph, you’ll speeds only a jet should reach, dive uncon- fly face-down and headfirst (yikes!) trollably from dizzying heights to below along some 3,359 feet of twisted steel ground level and back, or see just how far track. You’ll spin through four inver- up into your throat your stomach can sions (including inline spins, flat spins, go—this is the place for you. Here are the and a pretzel loop) and drop a heart-

004_470749-ch01.indd4_470749-ch01.indd 6 99/15/09/15/09 111:44:231:44:23 PMPM pounding 113 feet to within feet of the • Dueling Dragons (Islands of Adven- 7 water below before it’s over (which is in ture): Whether you choose the dragon

just under 3 min.)—in the end throw- of fire or of ice, your legs will dangle THE BEST OF WALT DISNEY WORLD & ORL ing out a spray of water some 14 below as you sharply twist and turn feet high and some 60 feet long. See through five inversions at speeds of 55 p. 301. to 60 mph. The two intertwined coast- • Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit (Univer- ers come within only inches of each sal Studios): You’re the star as this high- other (12 to be exact), only just missing speed musically themed multisensory a collision, not two, but three times. See thriller has riders rocking out (while p. 291. being recorded by a sophisticated on- • Summit Plummet (Disney’s Blizzard and off-board video system) at speeds of Beach): This one starts slow, with a lift up to 65 mph, twisting and turning, ride (even in Florida’s 100°F/38°C dog dipping and diving along the intertwin- days) to the 120-foot summit. But it ing track set some 17 stories above the finishes with the (self-proclaimed) walkways of Universal Studios and the world’s fastest body slide—a test of CityWalk lagoon—oh, did I mention your courage and swimsuit—as it virtu- the record-breaking non-inverted ally goes straight down and has you ANDO loop?—it’s the world’s largest. So crank moving sans vehicle at 60 mph by the up the tunes (you get to pick ’em ahead end. See p. 260. of time) and enjoy the ride—after it’s • Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (Dis- 1 over you can pick up a copy (for a fee) ney’s Hollywood Studios): The name

of your ride—think music video with a says it all. The ride transports guests THE BEST THRILL RIDES high-tech twist. See p. 279. into the Twilight Zone as a haunted • Incredible Hulk Coaster (Islands of hotel’s service elevator slowly rises— Adventure): It’s the smoothest ride in only to plummet 13 stories, terrifying town, but you’ll still blast from 0 to 40 those inside. But the freefall fun doesn’t mph in 2 seconds flat (on your way up end there. The tower’s computer pro- to 60 mph), spin upside down more gram randomly alternates drop than 100 feet above the ground, dive sequences to make sure you never expe- straight back down only to spin your rience the same ride twice. When you way through seven rollovers, and then get off and your legs finally stop shak- drop deep below ground on this big, ing, some of you will want to ride again. green, mean machine. (You might glow See p. 245. as green as the coaster when you’re • The Amazing Adventures of Spider- done.) See p. 288. Man (Islands of Adventure): Combin- • Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster (Disney’s Hol- ing the best of all worlds—3-D movie lywood Studios): You’ll launch from 0 effects, a moving simulator car, and live to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds, heading action—this is by far the best ride in straight into the first of several inver- Orlando. Your vehicle spins, twists, sions as 120 speakers in your “stretch pitches, and dives through elaborate limo” blast Aerosmith at (yeeeow!) sets as Spider-Man tries to save the 32,000 watts right into your ears. To world (and you) from total annihila- add to the thrill of this indoor coaster, tion. The chase ends in a dramatic, the entire experience takes place in the simulated 400-foot drop that feels an dark. See p. 243. awful lot like the real thing. It doesn’t

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Tips Orlando’s Best Online Sites

ANDO Considering that Orlando welcomes nearly 48 million visitors each year, it should come as no surprise that literally hundreds of websites are devoted to vacationing here. These include information on just about everything, from the history of Walt Disney World to getting around town. There are several sites written by Disney fans, employees, and self-proclaimed experts. A favorite (www.hiddenmickeys.org) is all about Hidden Mickeys, a park tradition (see chapter 6, “Exploring Walt Disney World”). These subtle Disney images can be found scattered throughout the realm, though they sometimes are in the eye, or imagination, of the beholder. Deb’s Unoffi- cial Walt Disney World Information Guide (www.allearsnet.com) is the best around, loaded with great tips and information on everything Disney, from the parks and resorts to the restaurants, nightlife, and much more. It now includes information on Universal Orlando as well. Definitely take a look at Disney’s official site, www.disneyworld.com, if you’re planning a pilgrimage to the House of Mouse. The website recently got THE BEST OF WALT DISNEY WORLD & ORL& WORLD DISNEY WALT OF BEST THE a top-to-bottom overhaul, making it easier to navigate and much more infor- 1 mative. It’s loaded with some excellent photos and 360-degree views of Dis- ney’s resorts, rooms, parks, and more. Magical Gatherings, available on the Disney site as well, is a free downloadable online tool allowing you to plan your group’s Disney vacation, via computer, with other family members (or friends), no matter where they live. You can plan itineraries, take group polls, list every- one’s favorites, and even chat to come up with the perfect plan. My Disney Vacation, also available on the Disney site, allows you to plan your entire Disney vacation from start to finish—you can even create your very own

THE BEST WATER RIDES WATER BEST THE offer the same type of thrills as a coaster, to 65 mph as it combines steep climbs, but it’s sure to get your Spidey senses deep drops, and seven tremendous tingling. See p. 287. loops reaching high above water before • Kraken (SeaWorld): Named for a plunging below the ground, to make it mythological creature, this stomach- one of the most aggressive and intense churning ride is a beast! This floorless, coasters anywhere. See p. 301. open-sided coaster reaches speeds of up

3 THE BEST WATER RIDES

• Splash Mountain (Magic Kingdom): • Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls You’ll follow the adventure of Brer Rab- (Islands of Adventure): Dudley Do- bit and his friends, based on the 1946 Right and Snidely Whiplash are once movie The Song of the South, before tak- again at odds, and you’re caught right in ing a 52-foot vertical plunge straight the middle. This flume sends you plum- down to the water below. See p. 205. meting not once, but twice, and that

004_470749-ch01.indd4_470749-ch01.indd 8 99/15/09/15/09 111:44:231:44:23 PMPM 9 THE BEST OF WALT DISNEY WORLD & ORL

customized theme-park maps to mirror the itinerary you’ve planned out online. If you’re looking to save a few dollars, try Mousesavers (www.mousesavers. com), which features information, insider Disney tips, and (the biggest perk) exclusive discounted deals for area hotels, resorts, and packages. If a trip to one of Universal Orlando’s theme parks or CityWalk is on your dance card, then stop at www.universalorlando.com. You can order tickets (including exclusive Internet-only deals), make resort reservations, and find out about special events, among other things on the site. Fish fans can get in the know about SeaWorld at www.seaworld.com and Discovery Cove at www. discoverycove.com. Though a relative newcomer, Travel Insights Online (www.travel-insights. com) is filled with travel tips, in-depth reviews, and information on Disney,

Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld. Also included are reviews of the area’s kid- ANDO friendliest restaurants and resorts, a boon for parents. If you’re seeking general information about the city, accommodations, dining, nightlife, or special events, head over to the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau site at www.orlandoinfo.com. Orlando Weekly 1 (www.orlandoweekly.com) offers cutting-edge reviews and recommendations THE BEST WATER RIDES for arts, movies, music, restaurants, and much more. The Orlando Sentinel (www.orlandosentinel.com), along with all the local news and goings-on, features Go2Orlando, a section loaded with information on the area’s dining, attractions, shopping, and more.

second drop sends you 15 feet below (some pretty intense ones, too) in order the surface of the water before you to help Popeye once again save his make your escape. See p. 289. sweetie, Olive Oyl, from the dastardly • Jurassic Park River Adventure (Islands clutches of Bluto. No one will walk of Adventure): A seemingly calm tour away from this one without getting through the age of the dinosaurs sud- completely soaked—it’s the wettest and denly takes a turn for the worse. Before wildest raft ride in town. See p. 289. you know it, your only escape route • Journey to Atlantis (SeaWorld): This involves a dramatic 85-foot drop almost flume ride sends you careening around straight down, and it’s touted as the the sharpest of curves as the forces of “longest, steepest, fastest water descent good and evil battle to claim Atlantis ever built.” See p. 290. for their own. Before you know it, • Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges you’re being thrown into total darkness, (Islands of Adventure): Up to 12 riders emerging only to find yourself plum- splash and churn through a wacky series meting down several steep, watery of twists and turns and dips and drops drops. See p. 300.

004_470749-ch01.indd4_470749-ch01.indd 9 99/15/09/15/09 111:44:231:44:23 PMPM 10 4 THE BEST ROMANTIC HIDEAWAYS

• Courtyard at Lake Lucerne (Down- with its thatched roof, ornate shield & ANDO town; 800/444-5289 or 407/648- chandeliers, and large stone fireplace— 5188): This charming little B&B is an is just a sampling of the spectacular eclectic mix of some of Orlando’s oldest architecture and decor that runs homes—each impeccably restored and throughout this remotely located resort. meticulously furnished to period. Ask Have a romantic meal at one of the for the honeymoon suite for a really resort’s great restaurants; then catch the romantic getaway; just off the main sunset over the savanna. See p. 90. room is a quaint little glass-enclosed • Portofino Bay Hotel (Universal porch—the perfect spot to watch Orlando; & 888/322-5541 or 407/ the sunset or sip a glass of wine. See 503-1000): This enchanting resort re- p. 124. creates the romantic atmosphere and • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge (Lake architecture of its namesake town in Buena Vista; & 407/934-7639): This Italy. Lounge in the ultracomfy rooms, grand resort is reminiscent of the lodge the state-of-the-art spa, or at one of the found at Yellowstone National Park. three heated pools. And it’s only a stroll THE BEST OF WALT DISNEY WORLD & ORL& WORLD DISNEY WALT OF BEST THE The spewing geyser out back, the mam- away from both of Universal Orlando’s moth stone hearth in the lobby, the theme parks. See p. 116. 1 Artist’s Point 360-degree view of Bay • Villas of Grand Cypress (Orlando; Lake, and the towering forest sheltering & 800/835-7377 or 407/239-4700): the resort from the rest of the world are This luxury villa-style resort offers lush just a few of the reasons to stay here. grounds dotted with bougainvillea and Some guest rooms have patios or balco- hibiscus, lakes fat with largemouth bass nies overlooking the lake, woodlands, and bream, and grounds speckled with or meadow. See p. 90. trumpeter swans, wood ducks, and the • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge occasional fox or bobcat. It shares a golf (Lake Buena Vista; & 407/934-7639): academy, racquet club, and equestrian This uniquely themed resort, home to center with the Hyatt Regency Grand Jambo House (the original lodge) and Cypress. Best of all, the woodsy grounds

THE BEST LUXURY RESORTS LUXURY BEST THE the Kidani Village (Disney’s newest make you feel as if you’re far, far from vacation club villas), is set against a Disney, which is right next door. See Disneyesque version of the African p. 101. savanna. The resort’s grand lobby—

5 THE BEST LUXURY RESORTS

• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & • Gaylord Palms (Lake Buena Vista; Spa (Orlando; & 407/934-7639): This & 877/677-9352 or 407/586-2000): magnificent Victorian inn—Disney’s This destination resort features impec- best hotel—has an opulent five-story cable service; themed guest rooms (the lobby complete with a Chinese Chip- Emerald Bay rooms are the best) with 1 pendale aviary. An orchestra plays big- luxe amenities; a lush, 4 /2-acre glass- band music every evening near Victoria topped atrium; and (best of all) a & Albert’s, the resort’s five-star restau- branch of the renowned Canyon Ranch rant. See p. 85. Spa. See p. 100.

004_470749-ch01.indd4_470749-ch01.indd 1010 99/15/09/15/09 111:44:231:44:23 PMPM • Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort facilities, and a lazy river pool. See 11 (Orlando; & 800/233-1234 or 407/ p. 117.

239-1234): This standout has some • Ginn Reunion Resort (Orlando; THE BEST OF WALT DISNEY WORLD & ORL impressive treats, including a half-acre & 888/418-9611 or 407/662-1000): pool with a dozen waterfalls and three Lavish villas, stunning private homes, spas, 12 tennis courts, 4 Jack Nicklaus– and the posh Reunion Grand Hotel are designed golf courses, and a 45-acre just the tip of the iceberg at this luxury nature walk. All that adds up to luxury. resort. The personalized service will See p. 101. simply spoil you while the extensive • Ritz-Carlton Orlando (Grande Lakes; recreational facilities (including top- & 800/682-3665 or 407/206-2400): notch golf courses, a full-service colo- Perks at this posh getaway, set in the nial-style spa, a water park, a kids’ Grande Lakes Resort, include luxurious club, and more) will make you think rooms with first-class amenities, a twice about ever wanting to leave. See 40,000-square-foot spa, a champion- p. 108. ship golf course, top-notch child-care ANDO 6 THE BEST MODERATELY PRICED ACCOMMODATIONS 1 • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort (Lake of Downtown Disney and the theme

Buena Vista; & 407/934-7639 or parks, this resort’s one- and two-bed- THE BEST THEME RESTAURANTS 407/934-5000): Here’s a good value by room suites have full kitchens and are Disney standards. It has dual Southern larger and more comfortable than most charm in its French Quarter and River- of the competition. And breakfast is on side areas, and the pool has a water slide the resort—a complimentary buffet of curving from the mouth of a colorful hot and cold items is set out daily so dragon. See p. 92. you don’t have to deal with the hassle of • Hilton in the Walt Disney World dining elsewhere. See p. 106. Resort (Lake Buena Vista; & 407/827- • Lake Buena Vista Village Resort & 4000): It’s the only official resort on Spa (Lake Buena Vista; & 800/866- Hotel Plaza Boulevard to offer Disney’s 4549 or 407/238-0777): Off the beaten Extra Magic Hour option. Other pluses path, yet close to Disney, this upscale include a huge variety of services, two resort’s oversized two-, three-, and four- pools, and spacious junior suites. And it bedroom suites have full kitchens, has a great location next to Downtown washers and dryers, and plasma TVs. A Disney. See p. 98. 7,300-square-foot pirate-themed pool • Staybridge Suites Lake Buena Vista will keep the kids entertained, while the (Lake Buena Vista; & 800/866-4549 full-service spa ensures the adults will or 407/238-0777): Close to the action remain relaxed. See p. 120.

7 THE BEST THEME RESTAURANTS

Orlando has elevated themed dining to an won’t be terrible either), but you can’t beat art form. The food at these restaurants the atmosphere. may not be the best in town (though it

004_470749-ch01.indd4_470749-ch01.indd 1111 99/15/09/15/09 111:44:231:44:23 PMPM 12 • World Showcase restaurants (Epcot; Ozzie and Harriet would feel right at & 407/939-3463): Epcot’s World home inside this replica of Mom’s Showcase is home to Orlando’s best col- kitchen (ca. 1950), where classic TV lection of theme restaurants in one set- shows play on black-and-white screens.

ANDO ting. Dine in Italy, chow down in Servers may threaten to withhold des- China, or watch a belly dancer do her sert (choices include s’mores!) if you thing as you eat couscous in Morocco. don’t finish your meatloaf, so clean that You’ll have a blast no matter which din- plate! See p. 147. ing spot you choose. See p. 134. • T-Rex Cafe (Downtown Disney Mar- • Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant ketplace; & 407/828-8739): Set some (Disney’s Hollywood Studios; & 407/ million or so years in the past, this pale- 939-3463): Your table is set inside a ontologist’s playground is waiting to be 1950s-era convertible, your carhop explored—especially if you’re dining (umm . . . waitress) serves you popcorn with the kids. Bubbling geysers, a fossil as an appetizer, and you can zone out dig site, life-sized animatronic dino- on sci-fi flicks on a giant movie screen saurs, an hourly meteorite shower, eerily while you eat. It’s an out-of-this-world glowing rooms, and themes of fire and experience. See p. 148. ice—it’s all here. It’s definitely one of • 50’s Prime Time Café (Disney’s Hol- the most creative dining spots at Dis- THE BEST OF WALT DISNEY WORLD & ORL& WORLD DISNEY WALT OF BEST THE lywood Studios; & 407/939-3463): ney. See p. 159. 1 8 THE BEST PLACES FOR ADULTS

Let’s face it: Orlando and the theme-park attractions of Future World. Just be sure zones usually crawl with kids. That’s fine if to break in your walking shoes before you have your own in tow, but if you’re you arrive! See p. 218. looking for some quality adult time (or at • Swim with Dolphins at Discovery least a place not necessarily swarming with Cove. It’s popular with families, but children), you do have some options. thanks to the park’s limit on guest entry Some people are incredulous when (a mere 1,000 people per day), adults informed that Orlando is the honeymoon won’t get overwhelmed by kids at Sea- capital of the United States, but it happens World’s sister park. There are plenty of to be true; so be assured that there are places to catch rays in relative serenity, THE BEST PLACES FOR ADULTS FOR PLACES BEST THE activities, hotels, and so on that are geared and the dolphin swim’s a thrill at any to adults here (though, admittedly, avoid- age. See p. 304. ing kids altogether is tough). Aside from • Have a Meal in an Upscale Restau- the romantic hideaways discussed above, rant. Though it’s not a firm rule (espe- here are some good bets for adults: cially inside the theme parks), generally • Visit Epcot. Of all the major theme speaking, the more you pay for dinner, parks in Orlando, this one, thanks to its the more likely it is that you won’t scientific and cultural themes, is the encounter children at your meal. So if most adult-oriented of the bunch. you’re looking for a romantic meal, save Shop, stroll, and dine your way through up and splurge (and I mean splurge). the nations of the World Showcase; take Great options in town for a special a behind-the-scenes tour of the park’s dinner include Victoria & Albert’s horticulture or architecture; or explore (p. 151), Emeril’s (p. 163), Tchoup the technological- and scientific-themed Chop (p. 163), California Grill (p. 153),

004_470749-ch01.indd4_470749-ch01.indd 1212 99/15/09/15/09 111:44:231:44:23 PMPM The Chef’s Table (p. 160), Ocean the night away for a 30-something 13 Prime (p. 166), and The Flying Fish crowd and visiting celebs and VIPs.

(p. 154). For a great brunch, head to La • Head for the Circus. Cirque du Soleil, THE BEST OF WALT DISNEY WORLD & ORL Coquina (p. 160). For other options, that is. Forget about finding any ani- check out chapter 5, “Where to Dine.” mals, though. Cirque’s stylish La Nouba • Explore Winter Park. This upscale combines theatrics, acrobatics, and the town north of Orlando oozes old money incredible style that the Montreal-based and Southern charm. And the pace here troupe is known for. It’s an incredible is decidedly slower than the mad rush (albeit pricey) way to spend an evening of the theme parks (adults usually love in Orlando. See p. 338. it; kids get bored). Stroll Park Avenue’s • Rev Your Engines at the Richard Petty shops and restaurants, or take a boat Driving Experience and the Indy tour along the lake. See p. 65. Racing Experience. If you’ve ever • Party the Night Away at Universal watched the Daytona 500 or the Indy CityWalk or the Disney Resorts. With 500 race and imagined yourself at the the closing of Pleasure Island’s clubs for wheel, this attraction is for you. Ride “re-imagining,” Universal’s nighttime shotgun in a real NASCAR race car, or entertainment district is now the place drive yourself (after a crash classroom ANDO to hang for the 21-and-older set. Top course—no pun intended). It’s an clubs include The Groove, Rising Star, adrenaline-pumper you won’t find in a Pat O’Brien’s, and the Red Coconut theme park, and nobody younger than 1 Club. See p. 340. Over at the resorts, in 18 is allowed (height and weight restric-

this case Disney’s Coronado Springs, tions apply). See p. 263. THE BEST PLACES FOR ADULTS Rix (p. 342) is the hottest place to party

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