Stunning resorts

One of the best (or worst?) kept secrets is that the resorts are all open to the public. Anyone can visit and admire the amazing landscapes, the beautiful architecture and perfectly themed atmosphere. The pools are for guest use only but feel free to take a stroll, have a meal or a drink or just admire the view.  My favorites include the Polynesian Village Resort and the Animal Kingdom Lodge where you can see many animals from the multiple viewing areas at the resort. Trying to stay fit? Why not follow one of the jogging trails and be inspired by the sheer beauty of Walt’s vision.

Golf for the whole family

When in Florida, do as the locals do and play a round of golf! Disney World has 3 championship courses and a 9-hole walking course operated by the Arnold Palmer Golf Management. Rental equipment and even rental shoes are available as well as golf carts equipped with complementary GPS units. If you feel your game isn’t up to par, they offer lessons as well.

If that sounds a little intimidating, Disney also has 2 mini putt locations providing fun for all ages. Winter Summerland, located near Blizzard Beach waterpark, and Fantasia Gardens and Fairways, located near Disney’s Boardwalk. Winter Summerland and Fantasia Gardens are in line with traditional mini putt courses with fun obstacles and characters along the course. Fairways resembles a traditional golf course, without needing a driver. This course is a little more challenging with bunkers, water hazards and “sand traps.”

Waterfront fun

After a few hours on the course, cool off at Sammy Duvall’s Watersport Centre located at the Contemporary Resort. Wakeboarding, parasailing, water skiing and tubing are all available for you to try out. If you aren’t keen on being pulled around Bay Lake, you can rent a personal watercraft, take a fishing tour or captain a pontoon boat. Disney offers multiple locations for boat rentals including the Boardwalk and many of the resorts. If you rent a boat at the Contemporary, make sure you take a ride around Discovery Island and view what’s left of the abandoned island that was once an animal sanctuary (long before Animal Kingdom) and the former River Country waterpark. You will have to look closely, but it is an eerie reminder to Disney’s days of yesteryear.

Awesome animals

For a more laid back water adventure, head to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground (yes, they have campgrounds!) where you can rent a kayak or canoe. Explore the waterways at your own pace and enjoy the peacefulness of the canals that contrast the excitement of the Magic Kingdom just around the corner.

While you’re at Fort Wilderness, check out the Tri-Circle D Ranch where you can hit the trails on horseback. The trail ride is a guided tour through the resort and campgrounds perfect for even beginner riders. Hopefully you will get a glance at some local wildlife while you’re out there. For the little adventurers, there are ponies and a chance to see Cinderella’s horses! Tri-Circle D also offers carriage and wagon rides. During the holidays, the carriage is transformed into a “sleigh” decorated to make Santa proud.

Classic nightlife

When day turns to night, head over to the Boardwalk. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Coney Island as you stroll around checking out street performers, games at the midway, carnival style eats and evening entertainment. While Disney Springs seems to get all the attention, don’t miss this little gem as a great place to eat and hang out. Enjoy dueling piano players at Jellyrolls, dance the night away at Atlantic Dance Hall or catch the big game at the ESPN Club. Get around in a surrey bike fit for the whole family and you can even catch a glimpse of the fireworks from Epcot! Bring your appetites to Beaches and Cream Soda Shop (at the Beach Club resort with access from the Boardwalk) and order “the Kitchen Sink.” This ice cream sundae is actually served in a mini kitchen sink and filled with 5 different types of ice cream and every topping they have!

A new perspective on an old classic

Of course, one of the most popular things to do at Disney World is to see Wishes, the spectacular fireworks show at Magic Kingdom. Yes, even this you can do without stepping foot near the crowds that gather by the castle. Remember when I said the resorts were open to the public? Well, this is the best time to head over to one of the Magic Kingdom resorts where you can see the fireworks for free! At the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian, take a seat on one of their beaches and view the fireworks over the water. At the Contemporary Resort, head to the 4^th floor observation deck for an “I can’t believe how close we are!” view. The lights are lowered and music is piped in through the speakers at each location. You can also see the fireworks from many of the resorts restaurants, where time seems to stop as the show takes place. If you want something a little private, you can even book a fireworks cruise or take the family on the super fun “Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage.”

As exciting as all of this is, there is still more! You could easily spend days (weeks?) doing all the things that do not require theme park admission. This is great for us locals looking for a way to spend a day off and for tourists who feel like they have seen and done it all or simply aren’t “park people” (gasp!). The prices of the activities listed range from free (yes!) to splurge worthy so be sure to check before you go. Also, reservations are recommended for some activities including the Tri-Circle D Ranch, the fireworks cruises and Beaches and Cream Soda Shop.

See, what did I say? No ticket, no problem!

Have you tried any of these activities? What was your favorite?

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Spread throughout the countries are enticing outdoor kitchens offering specialty food and drink from around the world and from right here in Florida. Many of the snack size plates are only available during the festival, and with so much to choose from, you may need to make multiple trips just to try everything that is offered! The F&G Festival food is known for offering a wide variety of vegetarian dishes (which I am personally extremely grateful for) but there is at least one offering at each stand for the meat lover in your group as well. There are also specialty drinks, both alcoholic and non alcoholic, to pair with your dishes.

Bring your appetite and a willingness to try new foods. With most dishes around the $5 mark, it’s the perfect opportunity to try something without the commitment of a large meal. Here are a few of my favorites…

Located in the United Kingdom section of the World Showcase is one of two new outdoor kitchens, the Cider House. With all of the sweet offerings I knew were available at the festival I thought I should try a few things that were semi-healthy. The Land Harvested Field Greens salad ($3.75) was extremely flavorful.  Filled with apples, dried blueberries, stilton cheese and tossed with an apple cider vinaigrette. The tanginess of the vinaigrette was a perfect complement to the sweet fruit and the rich flavor of the cheese. Even though these plates are pre-made and just waiting for someone to order them, the greens were crisp and fresh. A great start on the journey!

Keeping with the salad theme, I had always wanted to try watermelon salad and just never got around to it. After visiting Urban Farm Eats (located near walkway to Imagination), I don’t know why I waited so long! The dish featured crisp, juicy watermelon, pickled onions, B&W Gourmet Farms baby arugula, feta and topped with a balsamic reduction (also for $3.75). Not only was this wonderfully refreshing as far as food goes but it was beautifully plated on VerTerra dinnerware. Flower and Garden is all about keeping in touch with nature, VerTerra is a line of single use party plates, bowls and trays made from fallen palm leaves. (You can learn more here.)

For those of you craving a little more protein, a stop at the Smokehouse: Barbecue and Brews outdoor kitchen is sure to satisfy. Located in The American Adventure pavilion, it offers 3 hearty dishes and one mouth watering desert in the form of a warm chocolate cake with caramel sauce and pecans. Top on the list is the Beef Brisket ($5.75) with white cheddar fondue and pickled jalapenos. The flavor will take you from spring and transport you straight to a summer bbq, complete with lake view and live music. Add one of the available sauces to customize it to your tastes.

Are you getting hungry yet?

You’re going to need your full appetite when you get to Italy and stop at the Primavera Kitchen. For $17 you can order the entire food menu and enjoy a full meal in one of the most scenic places of Epcot. The Pollo alla Parmigiana (chicken parmesan for those of us that don’t speak Italian) and the Mezza Lune Primavera (egg pasta stuffed with ricotta and spinach in a cream sauce with spring vegetables and pecorino cheese) are both excellent serving sizes compared to the many small dishes offered at the festival. The desert option, Cremoso al Pistacchio, is a light and not-too-sweet treat made with pistachio cream, strawberries and mascarpone cream.

You cannot walk through the F&G Festival without hearing someone ask someone if they want more Frushi. It seems this was the dish everyone was talking about. It’s a returning favorite and there is always a line. Located at Hanami in Japan, Frushi ($5.25) or “fruit sushi” is a fun, fruit filled desert that will have you ordering seconds! Fresh pineapple, strawberry and melon is rolled with raspberry coconut rice, sprinkled with toasted coconut and served with whipped cream and raspberry sauce. Chopsticks are available, but don’t feel bad if you end up using your hands for this one!

My personal favorite stop is the Lotus House located in China. I highly recommend saving room (or stopping here first just to be sure) for the Vegetable Spring Rolls ($4.50) and the Candied Strawberries ($4.95). The spring rolls are served with an Orange sauce that has a mild kick to it. It’s so good not a drop will be wasted. They have a fresh taste and even though they are fried, do not taste greasy at all. The Candied Strawberries are served kabob style and are simply too good to share. I’ve had these a few times, sometimes there are 3 large berries, sometimes (as you can see) there are more to enjoy! Covered in a glassy, sugar coating that breaks apart when you bite into them, be sure to have plenty of napkins on hand!

Remember, you only have until May 15 to enjoy most of these delicious treats. So grab a friend, come hungry (and thirsty) and take a walk around the world culinary style. Just be prepared, because with so many good offerings, you may need to plan more than one trip!

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