Doing Disney with Grownups
I always enjoy
having fun with the younger generation – especially when it involves anything
Disney. When a trip came up to go to Disney World and explore their Epcot
Food & Wine Festival, I didn’t have to think twice.
I had never been to any of the Disney properties without kids, at least not since I was a kid. It turned out that I got to see a whole new world (pardon the pun).
I had never been to any of the Disney properties without kids, at least not since I was a kid. It turned out that I got to see a whole new world (pardon the pun).
The trip was put together by the Disney’s Golden Oak public
relations team and we were checking out the many benefits owners of that
property get, including VIP tours. I was flown to Orlando
We were given rooms at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. It was my first time staying on any Disney property.
It seemed like a place with too many kids for a
grownup Disney vacation, but once I saw the animals roaming outside my window,
I was hooked on the experience.
The property was just beautiful, with ponds and flowers
among the African motif. There was a large pool just outside the lobby area. I
thought it was a bit cool to go swimming, but there were some diehards who
insisted on enjoying sunny Florida.
I hadn’t eaten since an early breakfast so I went to The
Mara, a cafeteria-like restaurant with a large selection of items to eat in or
take out. I ordered a falafel sandwich and butternut squash soup and both were
certainly better than any cafeteria fare I had eaten.
I walked around for awhile and then went back to the room
before taking the shuttle bus over to the Kidani Village. It was another lodge in the
Animal Kingdom which I was told had even better viewing of the animals. It also had another spectacular lobby, though
slightly different in design.
I walked through to the back and asked around until I found
the best place to watch the animals. The animals were basking in the sun and
enjoyed their room to spread out and wander. I was also fascinated by the many
species of birds on display. I stayed for a bit, but had to get back to the
room and change for the evening plans.
We met in the lobby to take a bus to Epcot. It was quite an
experience (reserved for VIPs) to be able to park the bus right behind the
rides and just walk in through a back entrance. We were then told we had two
hours to “sample” our way around Epcot before meeting for our own private
lakeside viewing of the fireworks.
A lot of the international food outlets are available at
Epcot all year round, but there are even more during the International Food and
Wine Festival (the 2013 dates are September 27-November 10). Disney made it
easy for me to try what I’d like by giving me a card I could use to pay at each
booth.
Some good finds were the Griddled Greek Cheese with
Pistachios and Honey from Greece, a Beef Empanada from Argentina, Spinach and
Paneer Cheese Pocket from South Africa, and Swedish Meatballs with
Lingonberries from the Scandinavian kiosk, my favorite dish. Portions were
large enough to taste a few without feeling stuffed.
I couldn’t try everything and look forward to heading back
to sample Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, Morocco, and New Zealand. There
was also a Cheese booth which offered fondues and cheese samplings.
As soon as we saw the Champagne & Desserts booth we knew
we had to stop. I sampled the Moet & Chandon Ice for the first time. It was
wonderful “Ice cold,” as it’s meant to be served. I had also washed down some
of my food with a great German Riesling, a Sigalas Assytiko from Santorini and Fairview
Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa.

I returned to my room and was not surprised to find that
Disney does even chocolates on the pillow in their own special way. I couldn’t wait until another day of VIP
surprises in “the happiest place on earth.”
Hi Marcia! Sounds like a fantastic trip! TR
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