I travel to the theme parks monthly and have stayed in every single resort from coast to coast! I tour the parks the way you will be touring the parks – whether it is a “best day ever” on VIP Tour, strategizing on Lightning Lanes, or waltzing onto attractions with Express Pass, you won’t find a travel advisor with more passion or first hand experience.
THEME PARKS
There are four theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort – Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot and Animal Kingdom. Listed below are links to dining reviews, experiences, special events and other park favorites. As a general rule, I recommend two full days in Magic Kingdom and one full day in each of the other parks, regardless of age! If you don’t have this amount of time or are planning a last minute visit (within two months), consider a Private VIP Tour.
Magic Kingdom
see all of our visits
Dining
- Cinderella’s Royal Table – the quintessential Disney meal; a must do if you can get a reservation
- Skipper Canteen – our #1 table serve choice in Magic Kingdom
- Liberty Tree Tavern – a fan favorite
- Plaza Restaurant – we love the burgers and they bring in ice cream from next door
- Tony’s Town Square Restaurant – this one is SO under-rated!
- Be Our Guest – dinner is our favorite as the castle has wonderful ambiance and Beast greets his guests
- Crystal Palace – yummy and filling Southern style menu
- Quick Serve – Peco’s Bills, Pinocchio Village Haus, Sleepy Hollow, Gaston’s Tavern
- Treats – Dole Whip
Attractions
- Adventureland – Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise
- Frontierland – Splash Mountain, Thunder Mountain
- Liberty Square – Haunted Mansion
- Fantasyland – 7 Dwarfs Mine Train, Enchanted Tales with Belle, Small World
- Tomorrowland – Space Mountain, Monsters Inc Laugh Floor, Peoplemover, Carousel of Progress, Buzz Lightyear
Experiences
- Private VIP Tour
- Private Fireworks Cruise
- Capture Your Moment Private Photo Session
- Happily Ever After Fireworks Dessert Party With Plaza Garden Viewing
- Keys to the Kingdom Tour
- Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party
- Festival of Fantasy Parade
- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
- Harmony Barber Shop
- A Magical Magic Kingdom Morning
Events
- Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
- Disney After Hours 2023 & 2018
- Beauty and the Beast in Magic Kingdom – where to find all things Beauty and the Beast in Magic Kingdom including dining, attractions, characters, tips and tricks
Epcot
see all of our visits
Dining
- Spice Road Table Fireworks Dining Package
- Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya
- La Creperie de Paris
- Teppan Edo
- Space 220 – Restaurant & Lounge
- San Angel Inn Restaurante
- Rose & Crown Dining Room & Pub
- Coral Reef
- La Hacienda de San Angel
- Garden Grill
- Le Chefs de France
- Biergarten
- Le Cellier Steakhouse
- Monsieur Paul
- Via Napoli
- Nine Dragons
- Regal Eagle (quick serve)
- Treats – Ice Cream in France, Cronut at Refreshment Port
favorite treats chocolate macaroon ice cream sandwich in France
cronut at Refreshment Port
Attractions
- Future World – Test Track, Soarin, Spaceship Earth, The Seas with Nemo & Friends, The Land, Journey into Imagination with Figment
- World Showcase – Frozen Ever After, Canada, American Adventure, Mexico, France
Experiences
Events
- Candlelight Processional (Thanksgiving to Christmas)
- Food & Wine Festival
- Flower & Garden Festival
- Festival of the Arts
Animal Kingdom
see all of our visits | the beauty of Animal Kingdom in a photo tour
Dining
- Tusker House – characters in safari gear
- Tiffins Restaurant – signature dining with exceptional food and service
- Yak & Yeti Restaurant – great food
- Quick Serve – Harambe Market, Satu’li Canteen & Flame Tree Barbecue
- Treats – Dole Whip at Tamu Tamu Refreshments, Bloody Mary at Dawa Bar (get there early!), any cocktail and snack at Nomad Lounge
Attractions
- Pandora – Flight of Passage
- Africa – Kilimanjaro Safaris, Festival of the Lion King
- Asia – Kali River Rapids, Expedition Everest
- DinoLand USA – Dinosaur
- Discovery Island – Meet Minnie & Mickey
- Animation Experience at Conservation Station
Experiences
Hollywood Studios
see all of our visits
Attractions
- Sunset Boulevard – Tower of Terror, Rock n Rollercoaster, Beauty and the Beast, Fantasmic!
- Animation Courtyard – Star Wars Launch Bay, Little Mermaid
- Toy Story Land – Slinky Dog Dash, Toy Story Mania
- Echo Lake – Star Tours, Frozen Sing Along
- Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge – Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run & Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Dining
- Roundup Rodeo BBQ – family style, Toy Story themed
- Minnie’s Seasonal Dine: Halloween & Holiday – Located at Hollywood & Vine; good food, fantastic character experience
- Hollywood Brown Derby – love the cobb salad
- Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano – fantastic steak, charming atmosphere
- 50’s Prime Time Cafe – saddle up to Mom’s table for dinner
- Oga’s Cantina – drinks for all ages in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
- Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater – fun Disney-like experience great for families with older kids
- Quick Serve – Woody’s Lunchbox, Baseline Tap, Docking Bay 7, Ronto Roasters
- Treats – Carrot Cake Cookie at Starbucks
Experiences
- Private VIP Tour
- Jollywood Nights
- Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam! Holiday Party + Flurry of Fun Holiday happenings
- Star Wars Galactic Spectacular + Dessert Party
- Fantasmic! Dessert & VIP Viewing Experience
- All about Toy Story Land
- A Complete Guide to Everything Star Wars in Hollywood Studios
- Droid Depot Experience in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
OUTSIDE OF THE THEME PARKS
If your schedule permits, allow a day to visit one or both of Disney’s Water Parks and spend an evening at Disney Springs!
The Happiest Place on Turf
Typhoon Lagoon & Blizzard Beach
see all of our visits with tips & tricks: Typhoon Lagoon | Blizzard Beach
H2O Glow After Hours Event at Typhoon Lagoon
Winter Summerland & Fantasia Gardens Mini Golf
see all of our visits
Disney Springs
see all of our visits
Dining
- Wine Bar George
- Homecomin Kitchen
- Raglan Road Irish Restaurant & Pub
- Splitsville Dining Room
- T-Rex Cafe
- The BOATHOUSE
- Morimoto Asia
- The Edison
- Paddlefish – not recommended
- Quick Serve – Wolfgang Puck Express & Blaze Pizza
- Treats – Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company, Coca-Cola Rooftop Beverage Bar , Gideon’s Bakehouse
Experiences
PRIVATE PREMIUM VIP TOUR
With the help of your own VIP Tour Guide, you can maximize your fun with minimal fuss for the Disney vacation of a lifetime! Your guide and I will plan the most efficient, enjoyable way for groups up to 10 guests to see and do all that’s on your list. With door-to-door private transportation from your resort, expedited entry to attractions, and Rise of the Resistance boarding, and reserved viewing for fireworks, you’ll spend less time waiting and more time soaking up the magic of Walt Disney World. You will experience unparalleled hospitality at one or more theme parks, ride your favorite attractions, and learn so much about the magic and often unnoticed details in the Disney parks with your very own guide. Rates start at $450 per hour (7 hour minimum) and go up to $850 per hour during peak seasons. Ten guests are included and additional time can be added on the day of your tour.
Private VIP Tour
Luxury Disney World Vacation Itinerary
Contact me to learn more
WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORTS
There are so many beautiful and memorable places to stay on the Disney property. The service is always top notch and you will want to be sure to allow extra time in your trip to soak up all of the fun things there are to do at your resort. Keep in mind that when you stay on property you will get to use Extra Magic Hours, make your dining reservations and FastPasses early, and have transportation around the property included. I feel so passionately about Disney Resorts being part of the overall vacation experience that I only work with clients booked on site.
Resorts are divided into three categories:
- Luxury – Within the gates of Walt Disney World Resort, Four Seasons is Central Florida’s only resort to receive the AAA Five Diamond Award. The Resort has a perfect blend of luxury experiences and Disney offerings—for family time, for romance, for golf, spa and everything between.
- Deluxe – Deluxe resorts are the pinnacle of the Disney-owned options. They are in the best locations, most convenient to the parks. These resorts offer a variety of dining including everything from quick serve and pool side to character dining and signature experiences. All will have multiple pools, including waterslides and splash areas, as well as many other recreation opportunities and amenities. Resort rooms are the most spacious and all have a balcony or patio. Most rooms can sleep a family of 5, and villas offer accommodations for up to 13. Many offer concierge level accommodations. Deluxe Resort guests enjoy extended evening theme park hours on select nights, as well as access to additional virtual queue opportunities.
- Moderate – Moderate resorts are at a more favorable price point. They are located a bit further from the parks, generally speaking. These resorts are motel style, with rooms opening to exterior hallways. Resort rooms are medium in size, but none will offer a balcony or patio. Moderate resorts do have great pools with watersides, as well as both quick serve and sit down dining options. Some rooms can sleep a family of 5.
- Value – Value resorts are the most cost effective way to stay on property in the middle of the magic! Like moderates, they are also motel style and are located the furthest from the parks. Resort rooms are the smallest in size, and none will offer a balcony or patio. While they do have pools, there are no watersides. All moderates will have quick serve dining, but they do not offer sit down dining. Most rooms have a maximum capacity of 4.
Our Top Choices:
- Luxury: Four Seasons
- Deluxe: Grand Floridian, Riviera
- Moderate: Coronado Springs Gran Destino Tower
- Value: Pop Century
Resort Reviews
Resort reviews include room pictures, property information, dining, amenities and activities:
Resort Dining & Experiences
Some of our favorite places to eat in Disney aren’t even in the parks, but at the resorts! That means you don’t need a park ticket OR a room to enjoy them. One of the things I always encourage people to do is to try all the different dining options at your resort. Every one offers unique and fun experiences! Here are our reviews:
- Riviera Resort
- The Polynesian Resort
- Yacht Club Resort
- Beach Club Resort
- The Contemporary
- Chef Mickey’s (here, here and here)
- Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage
- California Grill (great date night)
- Steakhouse 71
- Wilderness Lodge
- Fort Wilderness
- Animal Kingdom Lodge
- The Grand Floridian
- Victoria & Albert’s
- Enchanted Rose Signature Lounge
- Narcoossee’s
- Garden View Tea Room
- Citricos
- Grand Floridian Cafe
- Supercalifragilistic Breakfast (here and here)
- Happily Ever After Dinner
- Senses Spa
- Boardwalk Inn
- Caribbean Beach Resort
- Old Key West Resort
- Coronado Springs Resort
- Saratoga Springs Resort
Many of the deluxe resorts offer Water Mice / Boat Rentals and many of the moderate and deluxe resorts offer Surrey Bike Rentals. A few deluxe resorts offer cabana rentals.
A VIP Disney Dream Vacation
In working with so many blog readers and fantastic clients over the last two years, I’ve had a number of consults that start with…
It’s time to take my kids to Disney. I’ll be honest, my husband and I are not thrilled with the idea. Oh, and he hates waiting in lines…
There is a way to do Disney like this, and give the kids the most magical, memorable trip while staying in luxury accommodations and not worrying about a single detail! I know how…
FAMILY PHOTO SESSION
Consider taking family photos in the most magical place on earth!! We have done this twice and they are all treasured photos of very memorable trips. We use our friend at Portrayable Photography but Disney also offers their own service!