Disney World: Making magic for big kids

The following was printed in the MetroWest Daily News on July 11, 2013.

Visit the website to read the piece there:  http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/archive/x853687364/Disney-World-Making-magic-for-big-kids#ixzz2Zi8CTYMs 

Every 5-year-old dreams of visiting Mickey’s house. But what happens when Mom and Dad get a yearning to escape reality? The destination doesn’t have to differ.

Walt Disney World may just be the happiest place on earth for kids of all ages; even those who don’t really expect to act childish. The collection of famous theme parks and resorts that put Orlando, Fla., on the map (and every child’s wish list) specializes in removing its visitors, young and old, from the trappings of everyday life. This means deftly balancing equal parts kiddie rides and a full-on indulgence for adults.

If you step back from the princesses and space rangers, a different Disney comes into focus. This is the Disney that harkens to the 20- and 30-year-olds who grew up hooked on classic Disney flicks, each one holding a special place in their nostalgia for Simba, Belle and Aladdin. All they had to do was weave in some adults-only attractions, sprinkle on some magic pixie dust and — poof! — big kids come pouring in.

It may not be apparent at first, but Walt Disney World truly is a destination for anyone without children. Foodies can take advantage of some top-notch restaurants. Relaxation-seekers can indulge in some serious pampering at various spas. And for those looking for thrills, Disney has created some surprisingly exciting rides.

There are ways to avoid frustration and lines. Visit in May or September, before school ends or after it begins, and not during the school vacation or summer swamp-sweat season. Use your time wisely by taking advantage of early park openings and late park closings, which typically are offered as "Extra Magic Hours" to guests staying on-property. And of course, snatch up Fast Pass line-cutting stubs.

The real treats for adults are no secret. They’re right there in plain sight, next to the teacup ride and turkey leg vendors. However, you won’t see every family of five skipping off to partake. Golf, for example, is one way to escape the castles and pirate ships, unless of course you’re mini-golfing.

But there are many experiences at Walt Disney World that make a big-kid trip a magical experience.　

Food

Dining can be hit or miss in Disney World, with generally more hits than misses. Follow one general rule: eat at hotel restaurants over parks, unless absolutely necessary. EPCOT countries have their moments, but even there you must choose wisely. Germany and Mexico offer tasty, authentic fare, but China isn’t so lucky.

The best dining experience in Disney World is more geared toward Mom and Dad than Junior. Most would rate Victoria and Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa the top spot for fine dining. A AAA Five-Diamond Award recipient, the classic ambiance and expertly prepared modern American dishes make it a destination in itself.

For something more reasonably priced, head to the Boardwalk for the Flying Fish, a charming and energetic seafood restaurant that pairs the ambiance of the Boardwalk outside with delicious, colorful ocean-based dishes.

The high-quality fare provided at both of these restaurants is a nice departure from the theme park vendors and mouse-shaped snacks.

After a long day at the Magic Kingdom, take a short walk next door to Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Perched atop is the California Grill, a contemporary (obviously) restaurant serving modern takes on West Coast dishes, inspired by wine country and everything else that region has to offer. From sushi to steaks, California Grill is a high-quality meal in a fantasy setting, with panoramic views all around of the Magic Kingdom and the sprawling Disney property. It’s like eating your way through EPCOT’s California-themed ride Soarin’.

The real treat, though, comes with just a little planning. Time your reservation (and definitely make a reservation) with the Magic Kingdom fireworks. Whether from your table or from California Grill’s outside roof walk, the nightly extravaganza of colors will seem to be exploding just for you.

Currently in the final stages of renovation, California Grill will reveal a new look later this summer when it is slated to reopen for business.

Across the lagoon from the Contemporary is The Polynesian Resort, world-class by day and hip-shaking by night. Partake in the authentic luau or dine at the Ohana, serving tasty courses family style, on skewers roasted just steps away on massive open-flame grills. Wash it all down with a Mai Thai, served in cups the size of bowling balls that require a solid two-hand grip. A lot of alcohol gets packed into these behemoth beverages, but the tangy-sweet taste transports you from mimicked Hawaii to real Polynesia. Even if you aren’t wearing a Hawaiian shirt, you’ll feel like you are; even if you don’t know how to hula, you’ll try to.

Fun

How can you grab a margarita in Mexico, sake in Japan, wine in Italy and a frozen cocktail in France all in one night? Walk briskly. EPCOT was built as the community of tomorrow, but while we’re all waiting for the future, why not have a drink?

The trick to the EPCOT around-the-world is to start early. Pick a country, say France, because it is easily accessible and right over the bridge from the back entrance. Locate its alcohol dispensary, typically a cart, kiosk, bar or pub, and begin the journey.

Stroll your way around to other countries like Italy, which has a wine bar that specializes in the exceptional Banfi wine collection. Japan recently opened a new sake bar and almost every adult in Mexico is carrying an oversized frozen margarita. The German beer garden is a rollicking, raucous good time, complete with an oompa brass band, long tables and hefty steins of lip-smacking German brew.

End the day in the United Kingdom’s pub, sipping an ale next to tired dads who just "ran to the bathroom."

For a unique take on Disney World’s theme park rides, make sure you aren’t lined up on Main Street or around the EPCOT lake just before dark. Why? Because Disney parades are the best thing to happen to adults at Disney World since they started selling alcohol in souvenir cups. Not because of the twinkling lights and dancing movie characters, but because of the vacuum-like effect the parades have on ride lines.

Of course, this is not a fool-proof tip, but it proves true in many instances and is worth a shot regardless of what time of year you’re visiting. When the parades rev up in a Disney park, head for the big-kid rides.

If it is a nighttime parade, all the better. You haven’t seen Disney until you’ve seen it at twilight from the top of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror; or teetering at the pinnacle of Splash Mountain about to plunge into darkness; or screaming around corners of Thunder Mountain while shadows creep over the track. When the masses get distracted and the sun goes down, Disney takes on an even more surreal atmosphere than normal.

Relaxation

When you need a break, tuck into one of the premier spas dotted around the Disney World property. As with most anything here, Disney caters to the client and offers packages to fit most anyone’s desires. There are many high-end choices for pampering, with perhaps the most well known being the spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian. But the zen-like Mandara at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel and the traditionally exquisite Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs sure do the trick. In a place that specializes in removing its visitors from reality, these corners of heaven take it one step further.

To cap off a day of relaxation, stroll along the boardwalk at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort, designed to resemble the beach towns of the old Northeast. At night, carnival games with prize hawkers stir up some nostalgia. Food vendors pump tantalizing aromas along the boards and the lighthouse across the lagoon at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club boat dock tips a cap to New England.

Lined with restaurants and shops, it is the perfect place to end an evening in a way that is very rare in Disney World – free. It doesn’t cost anything to peruse the boardwalk.

All good Disney World experiences remove you from reality, especially the big kid ones. Work doesn’t reach you here; neither does the headline news. The real world can wait because in the happiest place on earth, you’re always just a kid at heart.

If you go

Where to stay:
Disney has so many possibilities, but check out the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin. It is on the Disney property in a spectacular location near EPCOT, offers most of the same perks as other Disney resorts, but is run by Starwood resorts and thus can sometimes offer discounts not available through Disney.www.swandolphin.com

Where to eat:
Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Flying Fish at Disney’s Boardwalk
Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Resort
California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Reservations are recommended for sit-down dining at any restaurant in Walt Disney World, at any time of year. For reservations at any Disney World restaurant, call 407-WDW-DINE. Be sure to book early, months in advance if possible. But if you must book at the last minute, the operators are typically very helpful with finding you a table somewhere.

For more information about Walt Disney Word, visit disneyworld.disney.go.com