Disneyworld...Truly for the Young at Heart!

You need more than a week to do it right . . . but prepare in advance and do as much as you can!! MUST SEES...

MGM Studio's "Indiana Jones Stunt Show," "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire," "Backlot Tour," and, for the brave, "Tower of Terror."

Magic Kingdom: "Space Mountain," "Splash Mountain," "Snow Globe Parade" (afternoon).

Epcot: all of the Country showcases, Body Wars, the Living Seas.

Animal Kingdom: Safari Tour, Asia and African jungle walks.

Downtown Disney is a blast, as well as Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. You just can't do it all in a week!

Quick Tips:

Go to parks as early as possible. Travel off-season (when crowds are smaller). Find the most comfortable walking shoes you can and bring two pairs -- alternate day to day and your feet will thank you. Of course, bring sunscreen, hat, or visor, wet wipes, money (in a secure location), and bottled water. Since bags are searched on the way in, you can save time by carrying everything on your person. If it rains, ponchos are available in any shop for a nominal fee(). Plan your day to allow for some downtime. Consider eating a big lunch at your favorite restaurant -- it's cheaper, less crowded, and you can walk it off!

Best Way To Get Around:

A car is a must (unless you are staying at a Disney resort). Keep your parking pass -- if you're park-hopping, you won't have to pay at other lots. ParkHopper Pass is best way to go -- you can see the most and it doesn't expire. ParkHopper Plus gives you the four kingdoms plus water parks and Pleasure Island. Shuttles and monorail are available from resorts, but car is best bet.

Best Things Nearby:
Just a short ride to Disney World attractions (less than 10 minutes by car) also close to other attractions in Central Florida.

Best Things About the Resort:
Large, spacious, and well-appointed rooms. Very clean, fabulous pool (actually four pools converging in the middle for a variety of activities). Great security.

Resort Experience:
We arrived Sunday afternoon and immediately felt comfortable in our spacious accomodations with screened-in porch, two-person whirlpool tub in master bedroom, and large kitchen with all the amenities of home. My only criticism? There were too many MIRRORS! I am not that comfortable looking at a full-length vision of myself in the living room, the dining room, the bedroom, AND the bathroom. There was even a mirrored headboard above my bed so the first thing I glimpsed in the am was a rather unflattering image right in front of my face. Talk about a mug shot!

All in all, we loved the place . . . one other caution: the rooms on the third floor have very high ceilings, which, while they add to the spacious effect, provide an echo which could be annoying at times. We caught Thursday night karaoke at the pool and a real effort was made to provide fun for all. Checkout was as fast as any I've ever experienced.

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Excellent
• Amenities: Very Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Very Good
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Excellent

This unique dining experience is one of my favorites in all of Disney World. The drive-in theater is dark, and waiters must carry flashlights to seat your party. You can choose between a "classic" car with two or three seats, all facing the screen, or you can sit in the more traditional"face-to face" seating.

The whole restaurant is made up of these classic cars, complete with audiophones in their familiar window-side location. The theater plays a non-stop show of very early drive-in movie ads and sci-fi previews. It is a hoot! The food is very typical 50's: burgers, fries, great milkshakes, fried onion rings (slightly on the greasy side). The experience really takes you back in time and is quite entertaining.

As fans of cajun food and music, we felt right at home in this establishment. Outside, live music is featured, but it was much cooler indoors, and our waitress was cute, friendly, and so accomodating.

We tried catfish fingers with spicy mayo, jambalaya with shrimp, sausage, scallops--everything but the kitchen sink! It was mildly spicy and very good. The tomato basil soup and chicken caesar salad were better than average, and the whole dining experience was worthwhile. It reminded me very much of New Orleans, from its decor and music to the cajun food. The mixed drinks left a little to be desired, but what can I expect in Disney World?

The premise of a ski-resort plopped in the middle of a semi-tropical environment is carried off to the ultimate degree in this wonderfully designed waterpark .Walking in (parking is free), we were greeted to the strains of "Jingle Bells" being played by a Caribbean reggae band. HMMM. Visit "LottaWatta Lodge" for snacks, sundries, and beach stuff. Instead of warming huts there are"cooling huts" to cool off. The snow theme is cleverly maintained throughout the park and you can cool off just BEING there.

There are tiny private alcoves where, if you come early enough, you can stake out a picnic table and lounge chairs for your gang and use it as a "check-in" station while you're there. The attention to detail is amazing.

A great day of fun where you get a behind the scenes look at what goes into the making of a movie, especially the stunts and special effects.In the center of the park is a huge lighted Mickey's Wizard hat that makes a good meeting place for those who go in separate directions. A train ride of the Backlot Tour is immensely entertaining. Don't miss the Sci-Fi-Drive-In Restaurant (see my reveiw). This was probably my favorite place for lunch in all of Disney! Another place worth seeing: New York Street (where Wall Street skyscrapers are created through optical illusions). This place has something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

As you walk into the huge golf ball that marks Epcot, you are thrilled with the limitless prospects of the future. Everything in this FutureLand of EPCOT is educational, entertaining, and very well-presented. Be sure to pick up a map on your way in (they can be hard to locate later) and make use of FastPass (a way to reserve a time at a favorite ride without wasting precious time waiting in line). What impresses me the most about Epcot is the myriad of hands-on activites and exhibits presented in all of the attractions. Also look for the commemorative pins available for sale and trade throughout Disney. If you are savvy enough, you can trade them with other visitors, even cast members, as part of your experience.

Make sure you stay until 9pm to see the award-winning laser and fireworks display presented in the World Showcase Lagoon entitled "Illuminations: Reflections of Earth". We even waited in pouring rain for this and we weren't sorry! If it rains, you can pick up an inexpensive Disney rain poncho (for $6) in any shop in the park. You have to ask. Like everything else we experienced in Disney, FutureWorld provided first-class, top-notch entertainment beyond our greatest expectations!

I'll just give the highlights of each country-but I loved them all and could not pick a favorite.

Canada- quite unique and while not my favorite (I've been there before) truly a well done exhibit and restaurant worth sampling.

UK- I loved the British Invasion- they were sweet and really looked and sounded like the Beatles. Also had a great fish and chips stand.
France- Possibly my favorite..I LOVED the food and ambience of The Chefs of France Restaurant, was drafted to play the role of Roxanne in street theater"Cyrano"(which was too funny for words), and I bought Armani and Escada in the Perfumeria. Shops here are great!
Morocco- Have eaten here before and the food is unique...a real adventure in dining with lots of couscous and bellydancers. My favorite part?Purchasing a pair of finger cymbals to wear on my next belly-dancing attempt(right).
Japan- Restaurant here serves wonderful food for those who have never tried authentic Japanese food before. I bought my husband a kimono in the enormous Japanese shop, while mom bought sushi-making kit for my nephew(reasonably priced). Loved the shopping.
The American Adventure- Sorry to say after the very touching fife and drum presentation we skipped over rest of America because we were short on time. I regret.
Italy- Ciao Bella...Boun Giorno...It is SO easy to get caught up in the spirit of Italy and feel for a few minutes that you really are wandering streets in Tuscany. Bought pasta, Armani cologne (for hubby), cookbook, aprons...we loved Italy too.
Germany-Had a great time...went here for German Buffet and it was well worth the $19.99 per person. I always thought German food was just sauerkraut...wrong. The selection was unbelievable and the quality way above what I usually see in buffet food. Wine-tasting was available in the "flight" a selection of reisling,liebfraumilch and gerwustraminner, 3 oz. of each for $11. Beer was served in gallon (litre?) size mugs that I have never seen before. A oompah band played all types of German music and engaged the crowd in sing-alongs, polkas, etc. Great food-Lots of fun,friendly atmosphere. A good time was had by all!
China- We probably spent the most time and money here ..but still didnt get to see everything! While waiting for the main exhibit in the IMAX theater, we were treated to a mesmerizing zither concert by a renowned artist. The lovely etchings on the wall, the music and the cool breezes in the hall transported me to China for a few relaxing moments. I bought a flamingo marionette,hand-painted parasol and a pair of painted balls to use to exercise my hands (in hopes of eliminating the Carpal-Tunnel/arthritis that seems to be haunting me)in the outdoor marketplace while my niece entertained the crowd inside with her display of dexterity using Chinese balancing sticks.My mom just loved everything about China and shopped for a LONG time. We didnt even get a CHANCE to sample the food here...darn.

Downtown Disney is a nighttime playground that is more adult-centered (although you can certainly take children). It's divided into three sections; Westside, Pleasure Island and Marketplace. There's a huge parking area and parking is free. You can shop in Westside shops and Marketplace from 9:30am.

For great food and music with a distinctly Cajun feel, try House of Blues (open for lunch and dinner). Check to see who's playing Thursday-Saturday in their Music Hall next door (additional price). See dining entry

Meander around and you'll stumble on Lego Land with the most incredible Lego structures ever assembled. This display MUST be seen at night! An unbelievable theater experience is available for an additional fee (about $82 per adult ticket) Cirque de Soleil. DisneyQuest (admission included with Park Hopper pass) features five floors of interactive rides and adventures. Great for the video-game addicts.

A unique dining experience can be found at Wolfgang Puck's with four dining options available in one. You can choose from Express (tray service), B's Lounge and Sushi Bar, The Cafe (full service dining) and the Dining Room, an upstairs up-scale fusion-style cuisine. Also not to be missed," Bongos Cuban Cafe" popular establishment created by Emilio and Gloria Estefan. The food is good if you're a little adventurous and the music is GREAT!!!

Another popular stop in Westside is Virgin Megastore -- a huge shopping complex to meet multi-media shopping needs. We stopped in Magic Masters for spellbinding magic demonstrations, but really weren’t looking for any gifts for witches, wizards, or magicians. Other shops include Mickey's Groove (character merchandise) and Starabilia (celebrity memorabilia); Sosa Family Cigars (I guess they're legal); Hoypoloi (art shop); Celebrity Eyeworks Studio (it’s worth walking in just to see sunglasses in the $1,000 range).

Pleasure Island is wild . . . and FUN! Start out with the BET Soundstage Club (hip-hop and R&B club-open Thurs.-Sat.) move to the Comedy Warehouse(hysterical improv comedy every night!).

If you're a Baby Boomer, you can get your kicks at the "8 TRAX Disco" that plays only tunes from the groovy 70's to the disco 80's.

Mannequins' is the newest, state-of-the-art dance club complete with revolving dance floor and some pretty spectacular light and sound displays. If you like jazz check out the Pleasure Island Jazz Company, an intimate club with cool jazz and a great selection of wines and spirits. And for something just truly zany...check out the Adventurer's Club where you can travel from room to exotic room and listen to outrageous adventurers regale you with far-fetched tales. Non-smoking but a laugh-a -minute... To top it off try MOTION, an energetic youth-oriented dance club that's a party every night. And don’t forget the Rock 'n Roll Beach Club for live music and DJ's that play all-time rock music favorites.

Hope you don’t get too hungry while you're there because the only stops for bites (without leaving Pleasure Island itself) are the Missing Link Sausage Co. (not my choice for late night fare),D-Zertz (which is perfect for topping off an earlier Westside meal which you've danced off by now) and Portobello Yacht Club, a pleasantly nouvelle-Italian sit-down place with an outstanding wine list. (You don’t need a Pleasure Island admission to get in here!)

As for shopping, you really don’t come here to shop, but if you need a dance break, check out Superstar Studios where you can star in your own music cassette, CD or video, the Zen Zone for some massage and other relaxation products and Changing Attitudes for trendy fashions for girls and guys.

For the true night owls, if you can make it until 11:45pm, you can celebrate New Year's Eve every night as clubs open out onto the street for a Times Square like presentation!

Wow ...if you're a real Disney-holic and just can’t get enough of anything Disney, this is paradise. All kids will be fascinated with the Lego Imagination Center and its incredible Lego structures. Team Mickey, World of Disney, Disney At Home, Wonderful World of Memories (scrapbook collectors), The Art of Disney, Goofy's Candy Shop . . .the list goes on . . .

Best place to eat? Rainforest Cafe with great food in a jungle-themed atmosphere. Cap'n Jack's Restaurant and Fulton's Crab House feature fresh seafood and fish, flown in daily as well as chowders, clams, crab cakes, etc.

A chocaholic? You don’t want to miss Ghirardelli's Soda Fountain, a shop that is door-to-door chocolate of exceptional quality.

We covered Magic Kingdom as part of a whirlwind tour of all the Disney parks. Even at a fast pace, it took the better part of a day! Starting off with Broadway-style entertainment on Main Street transforms your mood for a day of Mickey. From there, you can move on to ,Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, Mickey's Toontown Fair and Tomorrowland. Each "land" has its own rides, attractions, food emporiums, and shops with items unique to that particular area of the kingdom. Be sure to bring a camera and lots of film as there are photo opportunities at every turn. Its easy to find your way around as all of the lands radiate out of the central hub: Cinderella's Castle. Be sure to read attraction posters as there are some height and health restrictions on many rides.

This land is set up in a natural setting where visitors can get up close and (almost) personal with their favorite jungle animals. Authentic rainforest and jungle environments have been created in the areas named (appropriately) Africa and Asia. Living peacefully and seemingly happily is an assortment of endangered and popular jungle animals that can be viewed in their natural setting. I do not like zoos because they present the animals in such an unwholesome and unnatural environment. But I loved this place . . . it is not a zoo in any sense of the word. Other aspects that I like include hands-on exhibits that feature research, ecology, and environmental information so important to today's society. Like everything Disney, great attention has been paid to every detail to ensure that your experience will be as authentic, educational and enjoyable as possible. Be aware that this park closes earlier (5pm) than other Disney parks when planning your day.