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7. Highway in the Sky Dine Around
Here’s your meal ticket to one of the most premium, refined reservation-only dinner experiences you can ever have at Walt Disney World, and one which utilizes the famed Walt Disney World Monorail System, no less. What’s more, this isn’t a single-restaurant endeavor but really one that entails dining at three renowned signature restaurants at three Magic Kingdom Resort Deluxe hotels, in an indulgent five-course feast. It’s Highway in the Sky Dine Around, and it’s the ultimate dream come true for any foodie or lover of taste and sophistication. Your culinary quest begins at Disney’s Contemporary Resort where you will be treated to high-end appetizers.
Next, you will board the monorail for a short ride over to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort for light fare and libations of an exotic island-themed undertaking. Then set off for Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa for the ultimate fine dining epicurean experience, including champagne, artisanal cheese charcuterie, and the chef’s main course selection at CĂtricos. A sweet sendoff awaits you back at the Contemporary, with more flavorful compliments in fresh American cuisine at the Wave…of American Flavors followed by dessert, cordials, and coffee served on a private patio where you and your riding companions will also take in the Happily Ever After Fireworks display at neighboring Magic Kingdom Park.
6. Rooftop dining with a view
Among the most elevating dining experiences you can take to at Disney World are those that put you over the top, quite literally, in the form of rooftop dining. Experience for yourself food with a view from the zenith vantage point of three fine, distinguishable dining establishments—California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s new Riviera Resort, and Toledo—Tapas, Steak & Seafood, which is part of the new Gran Destino Tower extension at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. The first has been a popular must-do experience for countless Disney fans throughout the years, as it allots the opportunity to savor fresh West Coast cuisine at its finest paired (if you so choose to arrange for dining at that time) with the chance to view the Nighttime Spectacular next door at the Magic Kingdom, live as it illuminates the evening sky. Also note, those who do not synchronize their designated mealtime slot with the actual Nighttime Spectacular may still enjoy exclusive private balcony viewing of the event with proof of reservation or receipt voucher. Also note, California Grill hosts special Sunday morning brunch happenings that give you unparalleled views of the Castle, Magic Kingdom, and surrounding scenery.
Topolino’s Terrace is a much newer rooftop dining experience, having only just made its debut this past December in conjunction with the opening of the new Riviera Resort. A signature dining experience offering refined takes on Italian and French traditional cuisine classics, guests dining here may also take in sweeping panoramic surrounding views as well as the chance to view nearby nighttime firework spectaculars as they unfold at Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Take note also of the previously mentioned character breakfast offerings every morning with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy.
Toledo—Tapas, Steak & Seafood is a 1930s Spanish-influenced fine dining experience like no other. Located at Gran Destino Tower’s highest point, guests here are treated to spectacular sweeping aerial views paired perfectly with lavish fare and the finest cuisine fixings.
5. Private VIP dining
Special exclusively reserved VIP dining experiences for you and your travelling party can be among the most elite epicurean endeavors you will ever know. While admittedly such experiences can cost a pretty penny, most are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that are entirely worth it—especially with the priceless memories such experiences create. One such experience is none other than Victoria & Albert’s Chef’s Table at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. For this indulgent immersion, you may arrange private dining for your party of eight or less right in the heart of the kitchen, at a special table known as the “chef’s table.”
Enjoy seasonal selections, one-on-one interactions with the chef and kitchen staff, and even personalized menu options (and a souvenir personalized menu on what you had). Please note that dining at the Chef’s Table is an all-inclusive, multicourse experience that runs for a three-hour duration. There’s also the smaller romantic option of arranging to dine within Queen Victoria’s Room. A private designation for just eight at a time, seated amongst four tables for two, this also offers up an exclusive multicourse, multi-hour taste bud tantalization for you and your other half to enjoy. Other private VIP dining experiences to consider include the Chef’s Domain at CĂtricos for eight people and the more intimate option of in-room private VIP dining services.
4. Reserved dining with experts
In considering reserved private dining opportunities, another popular pick that’s been trending at Walt Disney World Resort for a while now is sitting down to a meal with one of Disney’s behind-the-scenes experts. Dine with an Imagineer engagements are great for guests ages 14 and older, who are interested in learning about all the inner workings behind the magic of Disney. These events are available to a limited number of guests per reservation time and come as a four-course lunch held in a private room with one of Disney’s own magic-making Imagineers in attendance to join you. Dine with an Imagineer takes place regularly at The Brown Derby Restaurant at Disney’s Hollywood Studios but also has offerings at select times CĂtricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian.
Similarly, for animal lovers who have ever wanted to have a little one-on-one talk with some of Walt Disney World’s renowned animal caretakers, there are special Dine with an Animal Specialist reservation lunch engagements offered regularly at Sanaa Restaurant, on location at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. The perfect setting for such an event, Guests ages eight and older may reserve this just-for-12-at-a-time four-course luncheon to dine personally with one of Disney’s very own resident animal specialists and learn all about the exotic and diverse species as well as what daily care of all of them entails.
