Disney w/o for Em - Disney for two
Oct 15 '01
The Bottom Line If you're looking for a magical honeymoon or a perfect way to celebrate love, WDW will do what it can to make your dreams come true
You are reading a contribution to the Disney ~*~ When You Wish Upon A Star Write-Off!
Emily Rose, the young daughter (15 months old) of fellow Epinion member: ImAmes (http://imames.epinions.com/user-imames) is battling Retniblastoma (a form of cancer, which is found in the eye).
Special thanks to hosts: Lisa_J (http://npreciouscare.epinions.com/user-lisa_j) and Opalman (http://www.epinions.com/user-opalman).
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Thank you!
All my E-Royalties for this Write-Off Will Be Donated to Epinion Member and Mom to Em – ImAmes --
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Walt Disney World for adults? Yes, this is my entry for Emily Rose, a fifteen month old CHILD. And I chose to write about Disney for grown ups? Well, yes. And I’ll tell you why…
Walt Disney World isn’t so much a place as it is a time. It is a time when every adult is a child, running around and going on rides and eating ice cream and tuckering out by 9:30. It’s a time when you can walk with your family and feel safe and secure. It’s a time when the rest of the world’s clocks tick away, but your life is frozen is pure joy. So I figured, one day Emily will be an adult. For her parents, that day will come too soon, for Emily herself, she wants a car and her own apartment already! Maybe not yet, but the future has a way of moving like lightning. And when she reaches the age of adulthood, there will still be one place left where it doesn’t matter how old you get. Walt Disney World is that place; and that time…
What you should always remember about WDW is that it is an expensive escape from reality. The food, the lodging, the entry fees, and the souvenirs can add up to a very expensive vacation. That said, the truth is that you get what you pay for. The food at the full service restaurants is always wonderful. The rooms on property are cheery and clean and offer outstanding amenities. The entrance fees are steep, but the four theme parks that make up WDW are marvels in themselves. And the souvenirs? Well, everyone needs a pair of ears and a stuffed Donald Duck.
Now for the adult part. No, the kiddies can stay in the room; this is Disney World for crying out loud. But there are secrets that can make your vacation a romantic getaway rivaling any island. I can only write what I know about Disney, and I chose this topic based on my experiences. I know that Emily will not need to read this for a good twenty-five years, but it’ll be here for her! I offer what I can and hope it is welcomed…
Romance In Walt Disney World!
First off, if you want a romantic trip, stay at a romantic resort. Disney has several that cannot be beat. My personal favorite is a one-bedroom suite at the Old Key West Resort. The bedroom has a king-sized bed and a balcony. Adjacent to that is a whirlpool tub in a small alcove. There is an oversized stall shower in the bathroom that is spacious enough for two fully-grown adults, with room to spare. This particular resort is off the beaten path as well. The grounds surrounding it include a championship golf course and various ponds. Egrets, ducks and other birds lounge away just outside the rooms. Days move slower at the Old Key West. The maid staff only visits your room (which they call your Vacation Home) once every four days, so privacy is the rule of the day. The resort is part of the Disney Vacation Club, so book early if you want to stay there, as priority rooms go to DVC members. And when you book, let them know you’d like a romantic setting. They will do what they can to put you as far away from the madding crowd as possible.
Another romantic destination at WDW is The Polynesian Resort. It is located within walking distance of the Magic Kingdom. A great view can be had of the nightly fireworks display from many of the rooms. The resort itself is modeled after the lodgings found in the South Pacific. The staff here is especially friendly and may call you “cousin” as is the custom. The rooms are large and quiet. That is surprising considering the Polynesian's proximity to the Magic Kingdom, but you’d swear, as you gaze out toward the burning torches that line the shore, you’re somewhere in the South Pacific, lulled into relaxation by its charm and beauty.
The Grand Floridian, the flagship of the Disney resorts, has a romance that begins with the costumed doormen, Victorian lads who are courteous and attentive. They lead you into a palace-like lobby, several stories high and adorned by large crystal chandeliers. If you decide to stay in one of the concierge rooms, you will be brought up to your room on the higher floors above the wondrous lobby. A pianist may be tickling the ivories, or a ragtime band may be jumping as you walk through to the private concierge elevators. Complimentary drinks and snacks are provided in a small area not far from your room, and the resort staff is at your service. Plush robes are provided and are the outfit of choice for most as the coffee and pastries are served each morning in the gathering area.
There are other resorts that inspire romance. The Wilderness Lodge, set back in the woods, is a great place to hide away. They have a giant stone fireplace in the lobby, and smaller, cozier fireplaces found in nooks scattered about the hallways on the upper floors. There are walking and biking paths that adults can discover, and a geyser that is more than faithful out by the pool. This throwback to the great lodges of the North West of old is loaded with character and charm, and full of romance.
The Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts are very laid back as well, and the Dixie Landings Resort, a modestly priced resort, has an area called Alligator Bayou that is rustic and detached. They are all very nice choices. But no matter what resort you chose, be sure to mention that you want a romantic vacation when you’re booking. Tell the cast member that you want a special stay for adults, ask them what they recommend. Often times they will offer to have a pre-paid basket sent to the room with bubble bath or champagne. I’ve even had them do that without my knowing… or paying. They can arrange fresh flowers, chocolates, or almost anything you request.
Romantic dinners are abundant on WDW property. As my dear new friend Ainsly Jo reminds me, I should advertise for the Disney Company. Well, when it comes the food, I’d love to.
The most romantic restaurant on property is Victoria & Albert’s, located on the second floor of the Grand Floridian’s main lobby. There are two seatings nightly and a dress code is in place. Women are required to have fine evening attire while jackets are required for men. The meals are served on Royal Dalton china while a staff of waiters, butlers and who-knows-who make sure you have everything you need. The menu is changed daily and the price is set for seven courses. If you book well enough in advance, you can try to book the “chef’s table.” You are actually in the kitchen! The chef will prepare all of the meals and you may sample the menu as he goes along, explaining what he does. If you want true romance, this may not be the way to go, but it is fun and a rare opportunity.
Citrico’s, a larger restaurant that is located just outside the doors of Victoria & Albert’s, is another outstanding option for a romantic evening. The wait staff is never rushed and always offers knowledgeable information on the menu and wine list. Wine samples are available and the friendly staff will make your night magic. They have a private room wherein you can experience the “chef’s domain.” It is like the chef’s table at V & A. The chef will make a special dinner for your party and offer hints and suggestions as the night goes on. A memorable evening and the food is outstanding.
The California Grill is a wonderful restaurant that sits atop the Contemporary Resort, overlooking the Magic Kingdom. An extensive wine list and first class sushi are the highlights, and the filet mignon is the best on the property. But the view of the nightly fireworks display is what draws many guests. Definitely worth a visit.
There are a few other things that are special for the romantic. A fireworks cruise is a great way to spend some time alone on the “high seas” under a sky of falling stars. Book early and meet at a designated area for a ride that is usually 30-45 minutes. Pending on your choices, you can watch the Magic kingdom Fireworks or the EPCOT Illuminations display. Both are amazing when seen from the water. You can ride in a pontoon boat or a replica of a 1920’s small yacht. You can have a bottle of champagne or a dozen roses waiting for you. The sky is the limit with Disney. If you call in advance, they can have whatever you want wherever you want it. You usually have to pay them, but they will deliver.
I didn’t mention that they have tennis and golf and fishing excursions and walking tours and a track where an adult can actually learn how to drive a real racecar. You can explore a natural animal sanctuary and swim with small sharks, dive with dolphins and party the night away at eight clubs. You can learn rock climbing and cooking, see animators working and learn how to draw like they do. And I hear the theme parks are nice too. But the romance is in knowing how to make time for the other things. A few phone calls in advance, a little attention to detail. These are all you need to have romance among thousands of people who have no idea you even exist. That’s the real magic.
For further information on anything mentioned here, call (407) W-DISNEY...
I hope this review of my favorite place on Earth gave you some ideas about how to have the ultimate Disney (Adult) experience. And I hope that you enjoyed it. Thanks to those who made a wish upon a wonderful star and those who invited me to do the same. Please check out the other reviews in this, the “When You Wish Upon a Star” write-off. Read them and enjoy…
Aawehr,
adjensen,
AEOakley,
Ahlstromomy,
AinsleyJo,
aiosa914,
AliventiAsylum,
Amyklees,
AmyLEnsor,
a_r_egerton,
ariel10575,
AshleyA,
bceaglesfan,
BearySweet,
beecharmer,
bops_mom,
Candice923,
CANS4US,
Charlenep,
char.mike,
cindymairi,
CjsMommy,
copernicus,
crazyglue,
cripper,
Cusnwalter
DearLadyB,
Debbietipton,
Donnamr,
drlolipop,
Dtolick,
Ed.Williamson,
Ellie41799,
Euphscott,
fallyn96,
flamepillar,
Fostrmom2mny,
Gaelkm,
Gerper,
Gollygumdrops,
Granniemose,
hjs33,
imames,
Jag2112,
jaydee1993,
Jbduckling,
Jcrismon,
jdhauer,
Jennifer_Gibbons,
Jeremy1456,
jo.com,
jro26,
Jubrismom
Julie42,
kalt,
kamel622,
karmiausnic,
kidhendrix,
kiljoi,
KimzStuffz,
Klueger,
KMINER,
krashlite2,
lauren_m,
LEDOMAINE,
lorace,
Lisa_J
lisaw1215,
lizf,
Maddi,
mariahan,
marsha32,
MaryTara,
Melissasrn,
mike.holmes,
Minamarie,
Missy32,
MizSass,
mkp51,
mom2daniel,
Mom2TyZick,
mrsditmer,
mzemel,
Nanct,
Neenkena,
NEGUSR,
Nifer,
Nwinston,
Opalman
opinionated3,
pedantic,
Phineaskc,
prairiegirl16,
rngpie,
remnjava,
ringorules,
roxymarie,
ryangamble,
sbennick,
sblaydes,
serc,
Shanny21,
Shelxland,
Shurie
SMITHSWOODSIDE,
sumo_rhino,
Sunkah,
Suzer,
SweetCeCe,
THOM413,
three_ster,
tiasmom,
tomgray,
vania,
VBFC,
viper1963,
wifemommyteach
wifeofvolsfan,
Writerip,
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77chelle
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Epinions.com ID:
eskimo101
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Member: Mike Lynsky
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Reviews written: 37
Trusted by: 66 members
About Me:
Welcome back, Peter... Things are looking up!
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