Experiencing the Magic: Deluxe Resorts at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World is renowned for its magical experiences, captivating attractions, and immersive themed lands. Beyond the enchanting parks lies a collection of deluxe resorts that elevate the Disney vacation to unprecedented heights of luxury, comfort, and elegance. These opulent accommodations not only offer proximity to the parks but also provide an experience that seamlessly blends Disney’s signature charm with world-class amenities. In this article, we delve into the captivating world of deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World, where every moment becomes a cherished memory.

  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
  • Disney’s Beach Club Resort
  • Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
  • Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Disney’s Polynesian Resort
  • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Stepping into a deluxe resort at Walt Disney World is akin to entering a fairy tale. The architecture, design, and attention to detail transport guests to different eras, cultures, and fantasies. The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, for instance, mirrors the elegance of the Victorian era, with its ornate chandeliers, lavish lobbies, and sweeping views of Cinderella Castle. The Polynesian Village Resort captures the spirit of the South Pacific, offering overwater bungalows and a relaxing atmosphere by the white sandy shores of Seven Seas Lagoon. Meanwhile, Disney’s Contemporary Resort stands as a modern marvel with its iconic A-frame design and the monorail gliding through its center.

The deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World don’t just provide accommodations; they offer immersive experiences. Whether it’s the rustic charm of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge or the African savanna-inspired Animal Kingdom Lodge, each resort envelops guests in its distinctive theme. The Animal Kingdom Lodge, for example, allows guests to observe exotic animals from their balconies, creating a sense of safari adventure right outside their windows.

Service at these deluxe resorts is nothing short of exceptional. Disney’s legendary commitment to guest satisfaction is elevated even further with personalized services, concierge assistance, and attention to every detail. From arranging special celebrations to offering insider tips for navigating the parks, the dedicated staff ensures that every guest feels like royalty.

Deluxe resorts cater to the most discerning palates with an array of exquisite dining options. Victoria & Albert’s at the Grand Floridian Resort is a AAA Five Diamond Award-winning restaurant that offers a culinary journey like no other. From fine steaks to fresh seafood, guests can savor delectable flavors while surrounded by an atmosphere of sophistication.

Recreation takes on new dimensions at these resorts, where swimming pools become water wonderlands and golf courses offer scenic views. The Yacht and Beach Club Resorts boast a three-acre water wonderland, complete with a lazy river and a sand-bottom pool. Boating, fishing, and watersports are just a few of the activities that guests can indulge in at these deluxe getaways.

One of the most alluring aspects of staying at a deluxe resort is the unparalleled convenience they offer. Many of these resorts are just a stone’s throw away from the theme parks, with some even within walking distance. This proximity allows guests to take midday breaks, return for a leisurely swim, or catch the nightly fireworks without the hassle of long commutes.

Deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World offer a fusion of fantasy and luxury, creating an experience that goes beyond the ordinary. These accommodations provide an immersive journey into different worlds, eras, and cultures while ensuring the highest standards of comfort and service. From breathtaking architecture to top-notch dining, every aspect of these resorts is designed to cater to the desires of the most discerning travelers. Whether you’re gazing at the African savanna from your balcony or strolling along the white sandy shores of a lagoon, these resorts ensure that your Disney vacation is nothing short of magical.

Menu Updates Bring New Dishes to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will soon be getting some new menu items at Territory Lounge and Roaring Fork.

From a Disney Cast Member;

I hope you’re ready to learn about what’s cooking over at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge because this resort has some exciting, and delicious, updates at two of its locations – Territory Lounge and Roaring Fork. Both of these spots are getting some new additions to their menus, and trust me, they won’t disappoint.

Let’s kick things off at Territory Lounge where, starting today, the menu is entering a whole new territory filled with delicious eats and sips that will leave you coming back again and again. This hidden gem found within Disney’s Wilderness Lodge showcases shareable dishes highlighting tasty flavors, but with an elevated and fun twist.

If you love popcorn, the Territory Popcorn Sampler features the chef’s take on popcorn with spicy, caramel, sea salt, truffle, and BBQ flavors. The Artisanal Cheese and Charcuterie isn’t your average charcuterie board – you have to see it to believe it! Chef Brian Knox carefully selected Oregon and Utah cheeses with a focus on smokey notes and even a cheese wrapped in honey and sea salt – accompanied by fresh honeycomb, pickled vegetables, and handcrafted bread.

There are also some flavorful flatbreads new to the menu. The Loaded Baked Potato Flatbread is topped with bacon, potato, chive cream cheese, and crème fresh while the Salmon Run is topped with an in-house dill-cured gravlax salmon with truffle cream cheese, fried capers, onions, black sea salt, and dill. Now those are some bites to fuel you up for any expedition!

Rounding out the new menu items are the Bacon on the Wire and the Bone and Brie. The Bacon on the Wire takes a new meaning to an elevated dish with black pepper candied bacon cured in smoked paprika and bourbon, cold smoked, and roasted perfectly with a bourbon glaze. And, it doesn’t just have bacon; it features deviled eggs topped with fried shrimp, chipotle beef jerky, and salmon candy with a bourbon drizzle.

The Bone and Brie will leave you wanting to devour every last bite on this foodie adventure. With roasted bone marrow, honey-baked brie baked in a cast iron skillet with marionberry onion jam, this shareable dish is a must-try.

In addition to these mouthwatering eats, there are new hand-crafted beverages joining the menu for those over 21 looking to indulge. The National 95, a coast-to-coast twist on the classic French 95 cocktail, combines Whistle Pig Rye from the East coast with simple syrup, and sparkling Argyle Brut from the West coast while the Lewis and Clark-inspired L&C G&T features Fords Gin, St. Germaine, and elderflower tonic, garnished with a cucumber ribbon and fresh flower.

If you’re interested in fruity flavors, there’s a few options for you too! The Orchards Bounty is made up of Ketel One Peach & Orange Blossom Botanicals vodka, house-made pinot gris syrup, Dolin Blanc vermouth, and Aperol. Sangria fans will love the Orange Spiced Sangria, a drink with Chateau Ste Michelle cabernet, Cointreau orange liqueur, apple cider, and house-made orange spice syrup. The Northwoods masterfully brings together Bulleit Rye, house-made rosemary syrup, citrus juices, and maple into one delicious cocktail.

For a campfire feel on a classic cocktail, the Smores Old Fashioned has Elijah Craig bourbon, toasted marshmallow syrup, and chocolate bitters garnished with perfectly toasted marshmallows – yum! And finally, the Timeless Elias is a smoking libation featuring Macallan 12 yr. scotch, house-made vanilla bean syrup, and Courvoisier VSOP.

As you can see, the Territory Lounge is bringing its best to the foodie game and taking you on a culinary journey out west through your taste buds with all these new and exciting items!

Beginning on October 11, Roaring Fork is also getting some tasty new treats that you are definitely going to want to try. Kickstart your day with one of the new breakfast options. The Meat and Potatoes Quiche with broccoli, potatoes, bacon, ham, and gouda and the Vegetable Lover’s Quiche with peppers, onions, leeks, green peas, potatoes, broccoli, fresh herb, and cheddar are delicious options to fuel up on before your adventure. For some sweet starts, indulge in the Warm Freshly Baked Cinnamon Roll with fresh blueberries and blueberry cream cheese frosting or the extra-large Warm Grizzly Bear Claw with mixed nuts and raisin filling.

As the day moves onto lunch and dinner, there are some more items recently added that you need to taste. The Asian-Style Noodle Salad is quite refreshing with tofu, mixed vegetables, crispy rice noodles, and fried wontons. You can even add chicken or shrimp for some added protein! The Heirloom Tomato Salad with pickled wild mushrooms, burrata cheese, red pepper pesto, and basil is also a tasty, lighter option.

If you’re looking for a heartier dish, I’ve got two more for you. The Country-style Baked Meatloaf features buttery green peas, chunky mashed potatoes, and gravy for a classic meal. The Barbecued Brisket and Burnt Ends with potato hash, fiery coleslaw, and cornbread features some comfort BBQ fare packed with flavor.

Now, if you’re like me and have a love of sweets, there are quite a few desserts available all day long that are joining Roaring Fork’s repertoire. The Almond Walnut Bundt Cake is a must with a coffee glaze and cream cheese icing. If you’ve got a taste for blueberry, the house-made Blueberry Thyme Crumb Pie is a seasonal item that will change flavors throughout the year, so you can keep coming back. The adorable Bear Mousse Cake brings together raspberry mousse, almond cake, and dark chocolate ganache into a treat that is almost too cute to eat – almost.

Lastly, Humphrey the Bear has a passion for honey and the new Humphrey Bee Hive Cake is the perfect sweet eat for him. This delightful dish is made with chocolate cake, passionfruit mousse, sugar bees, and a white chocolate Humphrey on top.

I, for one, can’t wait to take a journey over to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge to indulge in all the goodies coming to both Territory Lounge and Roaring Fork. I sure hope you’re as excited as me!

(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.) 

Disney World Cast Member Seen Throwing Straws at Guests

Via InsideTheMagic

Whispering Canyon Café, located inside Disney’s Wilderness Lodge at Walt Disney World, is a popular restaurant that offers a unique dining experience.

In case you aren’t familiar, Whispering Canyon Café is known for the shenanigans that occur between servers and Guests (don’t ask for extra ketchup!). On a recent visit to Whispering Canyon Café, one waiter was having some fun with a family as he threw straws at them from the next table over.

On Thanksgiving this year, one family dined at Whispering Canyon Café and had the best Cast Member experience ever. They were sitting down at their table when their waiter decided to have a bit of fun with another one of his tables. He was seen throwing paper straws at the family (as a joke).

Within the video you can hear the Cast Member say things like “I don’t know anything about this” and “Hey look, Mickey Mouse” to try and distract the Guests before aiming the straws at their table. The joke not only made the table he was sitting with laugh hysterically, but the “victims of the straws” were also seen clearly having a great time. In fact, the TikToker claims this waiter was the “best” Cast Member and he made their Thanksgiving a memorable one.

Of course, this is all in good fun as, again, Whispering Canyon Café is known for the shenanigans.

Story Book Dining at Artist Point and Boatwrights Reopening

We are excited to announce that two Walt Disney World Resort hotel restaurants are reopening and share other tasty tidbits. This Best Bites has everything from Snow White and Grumpy to “Dynamite” Cinnamon Roll Sticks and an Orange Bird Holiday Citrus Swirl. Check out all the yummy details below. Enjoy!

Heigh-Ho, Heigh-Ho – it’s off to dinner we go! Yes, Story Book Dining at Artist Point, inspired by the Disney film “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” will reopen Dec. 16 at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Reservations can be made beginning Dec. 2.

As part of our new Character Dining experience, all Guests will see Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy, and The Queen stroll through the Enchanted Forest while enjoying a bountiful prix fixe dinner with the choice of individually plated entrées and shared starters and desserts. Guests can start their storybook adventure with a wickedly refreshing cocktail like the Enchanted Apple with a hint of sour apple. The Royal Prime Rib Roast and the vegetarian A Stroll Through Nature are both returning as well as the decadent “Poison” Apple dessert with dark chocolate-apple mousse. Delish!

Boatwright’s Dining Hall, a hidden gem at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, will be serving up their Southern specialties for dinner starting Dec. 14. Reservations can be made beginning Dec. 2.

Enjoy the flavors of the Louisiana bayou with the all-you-care-to-enjoy Chef’s Platter featuring ribs, Nashville hot chicken, smoked sausage, and barbecued beef brisket with mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, street corn, and green beans. For Guests that have been craving General Fulton’s Prime Rib or the Deep-South Shrimp and Grits, they are back as well as the signature Boatwright’s Jambalaya and the plant-based Boatwright’s Harvest Jambalaya. And for a touch of Southern sweetness, be sure to order up the Mississippi Mud Crème Brûlée, a decadent chocolate brûlée with a chocolate shortbread cookie.

BOATWRIGHT'S DINING HALL, Orlando - Lake Buena Vista - Menu, Prices &  Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor

The over-the-top 50th Celebration Shake at Beaches and Cream Soda Shop at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts is a birthday cake-flavored shake drizzled in gold glitter glaze topped with a slice of commemorative 50th celebration birthday cake. Now that is celebrating in style!

Want to start your breakfast off with a bang of sweetness? Try the “Dynamite“ Cinnamon Roll Sticks at Whispering Canyon Café at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge! Each order has five fiery red sticks filled with cinnamon schmear sprinkled with crushed red-hot candies and a drizzle of cinnamon oil. And for the dynamite wick – bacon! These sharable sticks of cinnamon goodness are served with a warm candied nut glaze.

The White Chocolate Peppermint Cream Cheese Mousse with peppermint sauce and chocolate cookie crumbles will be offered at Satu’li Canteen at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park from Dec. 20-27. White chocolate, peppermint, and cream cheese mousse? Can it get any better for the holidays?

La Crêperie de Paris is now taking reservations for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Tucked away in the France pavilion at EPCOT, this table restaurant serves savory galettes and sweet dessert crêpes, along with some of Brittany’s famous hard ciders.

Guests can order from the prix fixe menu with the choice of soup of the day or salade maison; choice of one galette with a glass of hard cider, soda, or juice; choice of one dessert crêpe.

Magic Kingdom Park chefs have rolled out two new offerings for The World’s Most Magical Celebration. Over at Main Street Bakery, the Opening Day Celebration Cake has arrived with milk chocolate mousse, raspberry center, and gluten-friendly chocolate cake topped with balloon sprinkles and a chocolate piece.

It’s Grumpy’s turn to get his own Seven Dwarfs Specialty Cone at Storybook Treats – a cranberry vanilla soft-serve in a cone with a chocolate belt buckle and an adorable “Grumpy” chocolate face! This treat is only available through Jan. 9.

Another delicious treat at Magic Kingdom Park offered only through Jan. 9 is the Black Forest Cheesecake at Pinocchio Village Haus. Guests just have a few more weeks to try this tasty chocolate cheesecake topped with cherry compote, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and a white chocolate coin inspired by the “it’s a small world” attraction.

REVIEW: Pinocchio Village Haus in Disney World Kinda Makes Us Sad For  Pizzas Everywhere. | the disney food blog

Three refreshing holiday offerings are making a splash at Disney’s Water Parks from Dec. 12-Jan. 7. That Orange Bird Santa is all sorts of cute!

  • Orange Bird Holiday Citrus Swirl –DOLE Whip Orange and Lime swirl in a holiday waffle cone, and a white chocolate Orange Bird Santa (available at Warming Hut) 
  • Merry Merry Melon –Melon- and apple-flavored frozen rum cocktail with a red sugared rim topped with a cherry (available at Frostbite Freddie’s) 
  • Peppermint Milkshake –Peppermint-flavored milkshake with white chocolate whipped cream and holiday sprinkles (available at Lottawatta Lodge)

(Note: All offerings subject to change.)

Easter and Mother’s Day Weekend Brunch Coming to Whispering Canyon Cafe at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Whispering Canyon Cafe will be offering a scrumptious brunch during Easter and Mother’s Day weekends.

The delicious “Holiday Brunch-B-Q Menu” will include the All-You-Care-To-Enjoy Brunch Skillet, featuring mini pastries, house-made buttermilk-cheddar biscuits with sausage gravy, scrambled eggs, country potatoes, hickory-smoked bacon, sausage, smoked salmon and pulled pork, Mickey Mouse waffles, and green asparagus with Hollandaise sauce.

Plant-based options are available upon request.

A selection of brunch cocktails, juices, and press pot coffee will be available as well.

Dates:

  • Easter Weekend dates: Saturday, April 3rd and Sunday, April 4th
  • Mother’s Day Weekend dates: Saturday, May 8th and Sunday, May 9th

The price for this brunch is $25 for adults and $14 for children ages 3-9.

Advance Dining Reservations are highly recommended and can be made on the Disney website.