“Truly, the happiest place on Earth”
A Quick Guide to the Happiest Place on Earth
My Favorite Months to Visit: September- December – But anytime will do just as well.
In continuation of my favorite places to visit in my home state of Florida, I bring you the most magical of all.
If you are ever thinking of visiting Florida, you’ll probably include Disney World to your plans. I don’t blame you. I live here and I try to add it to my plans bi-monthly!
What’s amazing about the Walt Disney Company, is that they truly meet every expectation. They will make sure their services are top-notch in every sense of its magical promise.
Being a Florida resident, I am an annual pass holder. I get little perks by paying a monthly fee (there are several choices that can be customized to fit your needs as far as pricing). I get access to each of the 4 theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Epcot) with no blackout dates, free parking, and my own little entrance. Being a pass holder also gets you discounts at theme park stores for merchandise and hotels.
I can go on and on about what I love about each theme park, but for this blog post I decided to name my top 3 Disney World hotels and restaurants. I will also write a brief intro to Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival and why it’s a must do for me annually. I will write a blog post when I go in September about this years festival. A more informative blog posts about the Parks will come later as well–think whats rides do I recommend and why).
TOP RESORTS (DISNEY WORLD, FLORIDA):
- The Grand Floridian: Probably the most majestic of all– The Grand Floridian stands as a staple in the grounds of the Walt Disney World Resort. Equipped with even a Wedding Pavillion, it truly is something out of a fairy tale. Its white structure and the contrast of its brick roof, stands reminiscent of San Diego’s Hotel del Coronado. I must note, each hotel has restaurants you may visit without being a guest. However reservations are a must and ideal. [Download the Disney World app to manage reservations for restaurants, hotel, and ride fast passes plus much more– It links all to your registered Magic Band from the app!). It is Disney’s go-to Luxury Hotel.
- The Polynesian Hotel and Resort: If you ever want to feel like straight out of a scene from Lilo & Stitch and Moana, This is the hotel of your tiki dreams. A movie is screened in each of the Disney Properties at night for you and the kids, on your relaxing night ins. Make use of this, your feet will thank you after walking those parks! The shore of the Lake that leads into the Magic Kingdom reaches the shore of the Polynesian making it feel like you’re in a island gateway instead of the Middle of Florida! The decor has been studied and structure to close represent Polynesian culture, making it truly exquisite.
- Animal Kingdom Lodge: Ever dreamt of going an African Safari? Waking up to the hot sunrise of the Sahara, surrounded by exotic animals? This hotel has got you covered. Submerged in a deeply green forest-y area of the Resort, this hotel has animals you can view from your balcony and they can walk right up to you (near, don’t get scared!). It was truly breathtaking and probably my picky dad’s favorite!
(More economical choices within the resort that are highly recommended are: Disney’s Coronado Spring Resort (travel to your ideal Mexican getaway), The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort (the first Disney Hotel I ever stayed in, and a family favorite due to the fact that it can fit the whole family. If you’re a camping pro, you can even rent a camp ground for your RV in here for much less!), Disney’s Port Orleans Resort, a small taste of New Orleans awaits, if you can handle it :)).
RESTAURANTS:
- Boma, Flavors of Africa: A buffet style restaurant showcasing the rich flavors of Africa! I tried everything and I am a picky eater. EVERYTHING was amazing! You cannot as much s you want for the price! (avg: $29.99/person). Location: Animal Kingdom Lodge, Animal Kingdom Area.
- 1900 Park Fare: You’re invited to the Grounds of the Grand Floridian to dine as Cinderella’s Guest. I took my little niece here for her third birthday and she still doesn’t forget it! Cinderella, her evil stepmother and sisters, and her Prince Charming come Table to Table for a one-on-one with you, your family, and kiddos! If it’s one of the children’s birthday notify the restaurant ahead so that they’re invited to dance with the characters and a cupcake will be at their table after their dance. Disney also offers a hotline for parents to order a cake in your kids’ favorite character theme, for around $80.
- Ohana: MY FAVORITE!!!!!! Ohana is located inside the Polynesian Resort– the moment you walk in your breath if taken away from the view of the Castle in the background. It’s a several meal course including (chicken, shrimp and meat) salad, their famous bread pudding for dessert. Each server brings you the meat on a stick and puts it in your plate fresh from the grill.
In Park Eats:
Magic Kingdom: The Crystal Palace (Lunch and Dine with Winnie the Pooh and Friends (buffet style)), Cinderella’s Royal Table inside the Castle (extra fancy, phone reservations required).
Animal Kingdom: The Tusker House – Buffet Style, character dining. Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald and Daisy make the rounds to each table in their safari attire best! (Note: Animal Kingdom is the smallest of the Parks but expanding! They just opened Pandora a World of Avatar a few months back and I will update you guys on it once I visit next month).
Hollywood Studios: I haven’t really sat down and dined at Hollywood Studios for it’s also a smaller park compared to Epcot and Magic Kingdom. I usually just grab food as I walk in little cafes. They do have the Hollywood Derby Restaurant the runs bit pricy but people love it!
Epcot: What is unique about Epcot is their embrace of cultures around the world… literally, The World Showcase brings to America a unique ‘showcase’ of countries around the world, their cultures, traditions and food (and beverages, looking at you Germany). I have eaten in Norway, Mexico, Morocco (my favorite)m\, Germany and France all thanks to Walt Disney’s bright idea to highlight the best of our neighboring cultures. What’s is unique about Epcot is that every year, from around August 31- Late November Epcot brings us the Annual “Food and Wine Festival”. The festival brings in little kiosks around the World Showcase lagoon adding more countries to its roster. Its also one of the parks that allows you to drink alcohol (Magic Kingdom prohibits it). So when countries bring their traditional food they pair it with a wine that you must try— Try it around the world—–Floored around the World. In their defense, Soaring at the end of the World Showcase is that much more fun to ride! LOL! My friends and I even make shirts with Disney puns for this festival as tradition… Last year my shirt has a wine glass wrapped in Cinderella’s dressed and it said “Bibbidi Bobbidi Boozed”.
I will write a blog post about this year’s festival later after I attend in September with pictures of the food and wine and what countries I recommend visiting– this blog post is probably putting you to sleep! LOL.
I decided talking about the theme parks and ride is also another blog post within itself… So that’ll come after I visit the new Pandora land!
As Always any questions send me an IG message!
Love, Baseball and Disney Magic,
Claudia
Claudia Emanuels 