Around the World
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Around the World
To give you some idea of WDW's size, off in the
distance is the Dolphin Hotel and in the upper right corner is Spaceship Earth
at Epcot.
Welcome to LaughingPlace.com's newest column Around the World. At 47 square miles there's clearly much more to Walt Disney World than Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and Animal Kingdom. This column will bring some of that 47 square miles to you.
Future columns will go in-depth on some of the many entertainment and recreation options at the World. But I've saved this first column for an overview of five of my personal favorites.
Sea Raycers on Seven Seas Lagoon with the Poly in
the background
Watercraft
The items below may come and go from my top 10, but this one's always at the top
of the list. Shown above is the Sea Raycer, but I prefer the
large-enough-for-the-family pontoon boats. Rent one and cruise around the Seven
Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake getting a unique views of all the sites. And silly me,
I didn't realize until recently I could rent pontoon boats else where around the
World as well. So I can't wait to broaden my horizons at Downtown Disney, the
Boardwalk and more.
Wishes from the Poly
Fireworks at the Poly
The Polynesian is a beautiful hotel. There you'll find the Kona Cafe and the
legendary O'Hana. You'll also find a beautiful, sand beach across from the Magic
Kingdom. Park yourself on a chair or in the sand and enjoy "Wishes" complete
with piped-in music. Or for a slightly closer view, walk to end of the boat
dock. Either way, it's a treat. Many nights you can follow-up the fireworks with
the Electrical Water Pageant. And to complete the evening, you can stop by Kona
Cafe for desert.
Ft. Wilderness Movie
Long ago when I was but a Disney neophyte living near Disneyland, I knew that
Walt Disney World was a completely different beast than Disneyland, but I didn't
really understand how different until I heard about this gem. A place where you
can go and watch a Disney movie on a big screen under the stars .... for free!
But it's true! Nightly at the Ft. Wilderness Campgrounds complete with a
sing-a-long and marshmallow roasting.
Beaches 'n' Cream
There's nothing I enjoy doing around the World more than dining. Recently I
discovered is the fabulous Beachs 'n' Cream at the Beach Club Resort. What's not
to like? I've been three times for dinner recently without a priority seating
and haven't waited longer than 30 minutes. But even if you do, the waiting area
has a view of the pool and the arcade is right next door. Once inside I get to
have one of my favorite treats - a double veggie burger (can't get that just
anywhere, ya know). And don't forget the onion rings. Another treat -
chocolate Cokes. But anyone who's been there knows the most memorable part is
the Kitchen Sink. Even if you don't get one yourself, you'll enjoy the
experience of watching others.
The Monorail Tour
Looking for a break midway through your Magic Kingdom day? Try the Monorail
Tour. Outside the park take the Resort Monorail ramp instead of the Express
Monorail and get off and explore one or more of the Magic Kingdom Resorts. My
favorite is the Grand Floridian with its beautiful lobby and "I can't believe
people pay this" shops. Don't forget to go outside and walk around the grounds.
If you're hungry there are plenty of restaurants on the loop open for lunch
including Concourse Steakhouse at the Contemporary, Kona Cafe at the Polynesian
and my choice, the Grand Floridian Cafe. Or if you're in a bit of a hurry, all
three hotels have food courts available. Once you make it over to the
Transportation and Ticket Center, you can transfer to the Epcot Monorail and
take a long ride to and through WDW's second park. Don't worry, you can stay on
and come back. With air conditioned Monorails, birds-eye views, beautiful hotels
(also air conditioned) and good food the Monorail Tour is a great way to break
up a day.
So those are some of my favorites. I'll have much more in future columns, but I'd also love to hear from you. If you've got a favorite - big or small - , let me know about it at [email protected] and I'll try to include it in a future column.
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-- Posted June 14, 2004
-- Story by Doobie Moseley
-- Pictures by LaughingPlace.com Staff