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Orlando>Hotels>Walt Disney World Resort hotels>Visit Walt Disney World in Style

Visit Walt Disney World in Style

by Cara Goldsbury,
Author of The Luxury Guide
to Walt Disney World.

Is your image of Walt Disney World one of sleeping in motel-style accommodations and dining on hamburgers as you roam the theme parks? Well, it's time to change that picture. Instead of a chain motel, how about an African-style lodge or a resort with the sophisticated ambience of an exclusive yacht club? Instead of chicken fingers, how about Potato Wrapped Florida Red Snapper with a Creamy Leek Fondue, Basil-Crusted Rack of Lamb with a Ragout of Spinach, Shitakes, and White Beans, or Grilled Buffalo Top Sirloin with Sweet Potato Hazelnut Gratin and Sweet Onion Jam? No question about it, Walt Disney World offers an abundance of amazing themed resorts and superb restaurants that are perfect for the sophisticated traveler. Here are some of the best experiences to indulge in while touring Mickey Mouse land:

Most Luxurious Disney Resort

Disney's flagship resort, The Grand Floridian, with its red-gabled roofs and Victorian elegance, draws inspiration from the grand Florida seaside "palace hotels" of 19th-century America's Gilded Age. Just a short monorail ride to the Magic Kingdom, it spreads along the shore of the Seven Seas Lagoon, offering spectacular views of Cinderella's Castle and the Wishes fireworks display. You'll also be treated to some of Disney's very best restaurants along with two sophisticated pools, a crescent white sand beach, a full-service health club and spa, tennis courts, and sophisticated shopping.

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Most Atmospheric Disney Resort

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is a stunningly faithful celebration of African wildlife, culture, cuisine, and art. Here the atmosphere literally pulsates with the beat of drums throughout 33 acres of glorious savanna filled with hundreds of roaming exotic animals. The lodge's 5-story, thatch roof lobby is a wonder with its massive overhead chandeliers formed by resplendent Masai shields overlooking safari chic seating. Don't even consider a room without a savanna view, well worth every penny for its front row view of the wildlife. The resort boasts an 11,000 square foot pool overlooking the savanna, a full service spa and fitness center, and one of Disney's loveliest restaurants, Jiko, serving international food with an African flair.

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Best Resort For Romance

Disney's Polynesian Resort's lush grounds and white sand beaches with views of Cinderella's castle are a dream come true. Tangerine and mahogany tinted longhouses are scattered throughout this luxuriant property where ducks and ibis roam the dense vegetation and thick, grassy lawns. Meandering pathways lined with volcanic rock are tiki torch-lit at dusk, and soft Hawaiian melodies set the mood for memorable nights. Come nightfall, pick a hammock on one of three beaches for a spectacular vista of the Magic Kingdom fireworks.

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Best Resort For Nature Lovers

I challenge you to keep your jaw from dropping on your first encounter with the awesome eight-story lobby at Disney's Wilderness Lodge. Sheer walls of ponderosa pine logs, an 82-foot fireplace, and authentic Pacific Northwest totem poles overlook rugged stone and hardwood floors topped with Native American rugs, teepee chandeliers, and a bevy of "park ranger" staff who roam the lodge attending to guests. Outside is a breathtaking scene of roaring waterfalls, rushing creeks, towering pines, and a boulder-lined, hot springs-style swimming pool, one of Disney's best. On the shores of Bay Lake, Wilderness Lodge's very own geyser is surrounded by a steaming expanse of geothermal activity and erupts hourly from early morning until late night.

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Cara Goldsbury is the author of The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World: How to Get the Most Out of the Best Disney Has to Offer. Order by calling 1-800-247-6553, online at www.luxurydisneyguide.com, or at your local bookstore. You can contact Cara at info@luxurydisneyguide.com.

Read more about Walt Disney World:

Walt Disney World Theme Parks >>

Tips For Disney World First-Timers >>

Walt Disney World in just 3 days >>

10 Best Children's Activities at Walt Disney World >>