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These are places to eat and things not to miss doing or seeing
while you’re in Disney World….if you can hit all of these, you will
have seen the very best things!
My suggestion is that you make dining reservations as early as the Disney reps will let you, for places to eat within Disney, even if you don’t end up using them! Make the reservations anyway! And if you arrive to the reservation early or late, that’s ok too…..the idea is just to have the reservations. There is no charge to make the reservations, or if you don’t go, but if you don’t make the reservations, they will probably turn you away because they are too busy!!! No need to dress up for any of the Disney restaurants! Everyone comes in comfortable clothes….the number you call to make dining reservation is: 407-WDW-DINE. If you plan to eat in ANY of the Disney restaurants, making reservations is a MUST! The restaurants are too busy not to make a reservation and you will be turned away if you don’t have one. You don’t have to cancel the reservation if you should decide not to go. You also can show up early or late to any reservation, it’s just best to have a reservation in place to ensure you get in.
Also, as far as hotels to stay in…….my family religiously ALWAYS
stays at the Wilderness Lodge!
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/wilderness-lodge-resort/rates-rooms
/ It’s a breath-taking, huge log-home type hotel that is
inspired after Yellowstone National Park….it’s so comfortable, yet
beautiful. If we could choose a second hotel to stay in aside from
the Wilderness Lodge, it would be the Animal Kingdom Lodge.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/animal-kingdom-lodge/rates-rooms/
Disney has 3 stages of hotels….value, moderate, and deluxe. The
Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge are in their deluxe
category. Although you can’t go wrong with any of the hotels on the
Disney property, I would recommend not staying in any of the value
resorts. Especially since this is your family’s first time visiting
Disney World in Florida. If you wanted something in the more
“moderate” price range, then I would have to recommend “Port
Orleans’s River Side”
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/port-orleans-resort-riverside/rates-rooms/
(If you stay at the Wilderness Lodge Hotel, there is a nice place
to eat breakfast in the mornings called Whispering Canyon….
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/wilderness-lodge-resort/whispering-canyon-café/
and if you stay at the Animal Kingdom Hotel, the best place in all
of Disney World to eat breakfast or dinner is at Boma (they have a
breakfast buffet that is out of this world!
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/animal-kingdom-lodge/boma-flavors-of-africa/
(Yes, you have to make dining reservations for any of the hotel
restaurants too!)
Regarding what type of year to visit Disney World……definitely in
the Fall! As close to Halloween as possible! It’s much cooler and
A LOT less people that time of year….the crowds are extremely low.
They have a fabulous party in the Magic Kingdom theme park (you have
to purchase separate tickets) called Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween
Party!!! Trick-or-treating, a not-to-miss “Boo To You” parade and
lots of not-too-spooky things to see and do! My family has done
this 3 years in a row and we love it! https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/magic-kingdom/mickeys-not-so-scary-halloween-party/
Another reason to visit Disney World close to Halloween is for the
International Food and Wine Festival in the EPCOT them park. It’s
amazing…..you can walk around the back part of EPCOT (World
Showcase), visit the 11 different country pavilions that are built
there (Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, America, Japan,
Morocco, France, United Kingdom, and Canada)…sample their wine and
food! It’s the perfect way to sample your way around EPCOT for a
minimal amount at each place. There is no separate fee to
participate in this….just them park admission into EPCOT.
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/florida-residents/epcot-international-food-and-wine-festival/
All the way around, close to Halloween time is the best…..
These are the must-sees and dining spots I recommend for all the
4 theme parks……but if you don’t have time to visit all of the parks,
then my suggestion would be for you to see Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.
(EPCOT is my favorite, especially in the evening time). FYI…..if
you choose to just have 1 “nice” sit-down type meal, I would save
your appetite for my dinner suggestions at each park. Breakfast and
dinner are most important…..but dinner is key to really enjoying
some of what Disney World is known for! So skip breakfast and lunch
if you must, but be sure to try the dinner suggestions!!
EPCOT: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/
The Garden Grill Restaurant – FUTURE WORLD – THE LAND
PAVILLION
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/garden-grill/
Family Style All You Can Eat – Dine with Mickey and friends while
you feast on all-you-can-eat American cuisine – The entire
restaurant rotates while you eat! (Located in the front part of
EPCOT in THE LAND PAVILLION
Food Court – FUTURE WORLD –
THE LAND PAVILLION
Has tons of snack places to eat!
Rose & Crown Pub &
Dining Room – WORLD SHOWCASE - UNITED KINGDOM
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/rose-and-crown-dining-room/
Alacarte – This place is known for their fish and chips! Great
battered fish and chips! (Located in back of EPCOT where the
countries are – World Showcase).
Lotus Blossom Café – WORLD SHOWCASE – CHINA
Quick-service restaurant that offers classic Chinese take-out
favorites like egg rolls, fried rice, orange chicken and beef noodle
soup—along with exotic drinks.
DINNER:
San Angel
Inn – WORLD SHOWCASE - MEXICO
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/san-angel-inn/
Alacarte – This is the best restaurant you could go to at
night.....my number 1 favorite! Also good for lunch as well, but
dinner is the best! Mexican cuisine with candles on the tables and
it’s dimly lit….relaxing and romantic. Must do. (Located at the
MEXICO PAVILLION at World Showcase – at the back of the park).
Also! While you’re in having dinner, you should also ride the
little boat ride inside the pavilion, it’s called:
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three
Caballeros
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/attractions/gran-fiesta-tour/
Nine Dragons – WORLD
SHOWCASE - CHINA
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/nine-dragons-restaurant/
Alacarte – Yummy, authentic Chinese food! A little noisy inside,
but great food! Chinese cuisine. (Located at the back of EPCOT
where the countries are in the CHINA PAVILLION - World Showcase).
Restaurant Marrakesh – WORLD SHOWCASE- MOROCCO
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/restaurant-marrakesh/
Alacarte – Great experience if you like middle-eastern
cuisine…..this restaurant has a belly dancer! Great fun….you should
try it. (Located at the back of EPCOT where the countries are in
the MOROCCO PAVILLION - World Showcase).
This is my second favorite place for dinner!
Via Napoli - WORLD SHOWCASE - ITALY
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/via-napoli/
Creates a feast of traditional Italian cuisine with the tempting
talents of a master chef. Treat the family to a memorable meal in
Old World ambience, amid fine murals of ancient Rome and sparkling
chandeliers. And they have great wine.
SNACKS:
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/dining/
This little “stop-in” place has THE BEST DESSERTS!!! True Norwegian dessert specialties! My recommendation is to try the Cloudberry Horn, Veiled Maiden, or the School Bread! 2 of them are large pastries with Bavarian Cream in the center! YUM! (Located at the back of EPCOT at the NORWAY PAVILLION – World Showcase).
La Hacienda de
San Angel
–
MEXICO
Lotus Blossom Café – CHINA
This counter-service restaurant
offers classic Chinese take-out favorites like egg rolls, stir-fry
and Shanghai grilled chicken with pickled vegetables! Great for
just a quick bite! (Located at the back of EPCOT, CHINA PAVILLION –
World Showcase).
Liberty Inn – AMERICA
This is a great place to just grab an all-American buger and
fries! Or other simple fares like chicken strips, sodas, hot dogs,
etc. (Located at the back of EPCOT where the countries are at the
AMERICA PAVILION – World Showcase).
MUST SEES:
**Aside from going on rides, the best thing to see at EPCOT is
World Showcase……at the very back of the park is a huge lagoon with
countries that each have a pavilion…..you should walk around World
Showcase at least once!**
Spaceship Earth – FUTURE WORLD - Ride
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/attractions/spaceship-earth/
This is a great ride….but it may be closed while you are down there.
May not be able to ride it. This is inside the huge “golf ball”
like figure at the front of the park….you can’t miss it! Test Track – FUTURE WORLD –
TEST TRACK PAVILLION - Ride
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/attractions/test-track/
Even if you don’t like roller coasters, this is a great ride…..it’s
not at all like a roller coaster….it’s just driving fast in a race
car. You only go fast at the very end, once around the
track…..great experience. My 62 year old mother who gets very
motion sick loves this ride! Must see. Located at the front of the
park at the TEST TRACK PAVILLION.
Soarin’ – FUTURE WORLD – THE LAND PAVILLION - Ride
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/attractions/soarin/
This is a great experience too! For all ages….not scary….you sit in
a movie theatre like row of seats that lifts into the air in front
of a huge IMAX screen that shows you the wonders of
nature….mountains, oceans, California’s Orange groves, people skiing
on the snow, etc. Must see!
Captain EO Starring Michael Jackson – JOURNEY INTO
IMAGINATION PAVILLION - Ride
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/attractions/captain-eo/
This is one of the best 3D short movies you’ll ever see……themed
after Honey, I Shrunk The Kids movie! Must see!
Ellen’s Energy Adventure - UNIVERSE OF ENERGY PAVILLION -
Ride
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/attractions/ellens-energy-adventure/
This is a must see! This calm, tame ride stars Ellen DeGeneres!
She guides you through time….showing you mainly the dinosaur age!
Very good and she is very funny as usual!
Hollywood Studios:
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/hollywood-studios/
BREAKFAST:
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/hollywood-and-vine/
This is a pretty nice place….the only restaurant at MGM that serves
breakfast. Cafeteria style American cuisine.
LUNCH:
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/sci-fi-dine-in-theater/
This is the best place to go at MGM! This is a great experience!
Very authentic old time drive-in theatre! You sit in cars while you
dine and watch old, black and white films! They serve great
drive-in cuisine……pizza, subs, spinach dip, french fries, burgers,
THE BEST MILKSHAKES, all pub style food! Must do! Great for dinner
as well!
DINNER:
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/mama-melroses-ristorante-italiano/
This is a great little, cozy Italian restaurant…..you’ll love the
food!
50’s
Prime Time Café
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/50s-prime-time-cafe/
This is an interesting place! Old diner type food…..like Maryland’s
Silver Diner, except the waitress make sure you eat your green
beans! Be sure to clean your plate, they don’t like you leaving
leftovers! Also great for lunch, but Sci-Fi Dine In Theatre is much
better!
SNACKS:
Toy Story Pizza Planet MUST SEES:
The
Great Movie Ride – I Think The Best Ride in MGM!
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/hollywood-studios/attractions/great-movie-ride/
MUST SEE! The best ride in MGM – Literally takes you through the
movies!
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!
This is a must-see! A show with live actors re-enacting how the
Indiana Jones movies were filmed! GREAT!
Voyage
of the Little Mermaid
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/hollywood-studios/attractions/voyage-of-the-little-mermaid/
This is a cute and well done little show inside an air-conditioned
building! Great to see! A re-enactment of the move “The Little
Mermaid”
Lights,
Motors, Action!
This is an extreme car and motorcycle stunt show! Must see!
Back
lot Tour, Featuring Catastrophe Canyon!
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/hollywood-studios/attractions/backlot-tour/
This is a tame, mild little trolley ride through the back lot of
MGM….shows you how things are done in the movies! You will see many
famous props used in all our favorite movies!
Muppet Vision 3D
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/hollywood-studios/attractions/muppet-vision-3d/
This is a very cute and well done 3D movie of the Muppets!
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/
Dining:
BREAKFAST:
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/the-crystal-palace/ The Crystal Palace Restaurant at
Magic Kingdom Theme Park serves a buffet of American cuisine at
breakfast, lunch and dinner. Enjoy Character Dining with Winnie the
Pooh and friends for a willy nilly delicious good time!
Cinderella’s Royal Table – Inside Cinderella’s Castle (at
the top)
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/cinderellas-royal-table/ Enjoy an enchanting meal in an
elaborate medieval setting and receive the royal treatment: a chance
for photos and autographs from Disney's Royal Family. .
Tony’s Town Square Restaurant – Themed After Lady & The
Tramp
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/tonys-town-square/ Pizzas, pastas and panini are
popular dishes at this restaurant decorated like the trattoria in
the Disney animated film, Lady and the Tramp.
The Diamond Horseshoe http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/diamond-horseshoe/ Open seasonally, this Western-themed restaurant serves sandwiches and salads for lunch and an all-you-care-to-eat dinner with pork loin and carved beef.
DINNER: Be Our Guest Restaurant (themed after Beauty and the Beast)
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/be-our-guest-restaurant/
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/liberty-tree-tavern/ This replica of an 18th-century
Colonial restaurant serves hearty New England-style lunches, such as
traditional roast turkey, salads and sandwiches.
SNACKS:
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/
Gaston’s Tavern (themed after Beauty and the
Beast) https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/gastons-tavern/
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe The Blast-off Burger, Cosmic Chicken and Starlight Soups and Salads are all "stellar."
Columbia Harbour House Dive into hearty sandwiches,
salads, clam chowder and chicken baskets at this river's edge eatery
in Liberty Square.
MUST SEES:
The Haunted Mansion – The best ride in Magic Kingdom!
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/attractions/haunted-mansion/ Climb aboard the Doom Buggy and
ride through this ominous haunted house where a supernatural Ghost
Host introduces you to his closest 999 dearly departed friends.
Watch out for harrowing hitchhikers!
Pirates of the Caribbean – The second best ride in Magic
Kingdom!
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/attractions/pirates-of-the-caribbean/ Adopt a pirate's life as you venture into legendary territory on one of the most classic Disney rides of all time. Board yer vessel and drop 14 feet over a waterfall into treasure-filled caves! Then float through a town where pirates pillage and Captain Jack Sparrow hides from pursuers. Yo ho, yo ho!
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/attractions/mickeys-philharmagic/ In this dazzling and innovative
3D movie, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck sweep you into the scenes
from classic Disney films as Donald chases the Sorcerer's hat that
starts all the trouble!
Space Mountain http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/attractions/space-mountain/ Launch past the flashing lights of your space station into the soaring darkness of space! This classic Dark Ride dips and swerves as it rockets through the blackest reaches of the galaxy. Check the monitors as you exit for a glimpse of yourself in flight!
Stitch’s Great Escape
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/attractions/stitchs-great-escape/ Enter the Galactic Federation
Prisoner Transportation Center for an outlandish adventure with
everyone's favorite agent of chaos! When Stitch escapes, he wreaks
havoc in the crowd using water, smells and other surprises during
this wacky experience. Splash Mountain
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/attractions/splash-mountain/ Wind through bayous, caves and
watery byways in a log boat, past scenes with characters singing
songs from the 1946 Disney film, Song of the South. And hold onto
yer hats for the finale with a 52 1/2-foot drop! SpectroMagic Parade
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/entertainment/spectro-magic-parade/ Every night at Magic Kingdom,
they have a parade called Spectromagic….it’s so great!!! "SpectroMagic" Parade at Magic
Kingdom theme park is a treat for all ages, featuring a host of
Disney Characters that light up the night. This shining procession
makes its way through the Theme Park on special nights. Wishes Fireworks Display
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/entertainment/wishes-nighttime-spectacular/ Wishes Nighttime Spectacular is
an incredible fireworks display and the biggest, brightest fireworks
extravaganza in Magic Kingdom theme park history. Must see!
Animal Kingdom: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/animal-kingdom/ http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/rainforest-cafe-animal-kingdom/ This jungle-themed restaurant,
with simulated weather patterns and animated animals, caters to
animal lovers looking for tasty pasta, poultry and vegetarian
selections.
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/animal-kingdom/attractions/dinosaur/ Settle into your CTX Time Rover for a race against time. The mission: Go back 65 million years to capture a mild-mannered dinosaur without getting caught in the jaws of the angry, carnivorous and hungry Carnotaurus. Then you have just 60 seconds to escape!
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/animal-kingdom/attractions/expedition-everest/ Board this high-altitude,
high-speed roller coaster train and hold on tight through daring
drops, hairpin turns and a close encounter with the inhospitable
inhabitant of the Forbidden Mountain: the infamous Yeti
Put on a pair of Bug-Eye glasses and immerse yourself in a spellbinding 8-minute, 3D movie and multimedia show hosted by the ant Flik from Disney·Pixar's A Bug's Life. Become an honorary bug in this theatrical adventure screened inside the Tree of Life.
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