Here's the present itinerary for my 20th anniversary. It will probably change, since it is a year and a half away. I just have to talk my wife into it. I keep telling her she's not happy enough for "The Happiest Place on Earth" WDW just doesn't thrill her. I may have to find a new wife. The first three nights will be spent at the GF and we'll be on the platinum plan. The next two nights will be at one of the DVC resorts - probably OKW.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
To begin the most fantastical twentieth anniversary ever, well fly into MCO, and somehow find ourselves Magically Expressed to the Happiest Place on Earth, where well check in to the Grand Floridian Hotel, Disneys finest resort.
Well be having lunch at the Grand Floridian Café. This peaceful Victorian setting is just the place to sample their famous Grand Floridian Burger. Poached lobster and prosciutto atop Angus chuck. Okay, you can have the orange glazed salmon salad instead. Either way, its a great start to the vacation.
After lunch, its time to rejuvenate our minds and bodies in Senses, their world class spa. I think dueling massages are in order.
I know youve been dying to see Circ du Soleil for years, so were off to Downtown Disney for the early show.
Right after the show, were heading back to the Grand Floridian because dinner is at Narcoossees. Seafood may dominate the menu, but the real star here is the location. The restaurant looks out over the Seven Seas Lagoon, and presents a great place to view the Magic Kingdoms fireworks.
Wednesday, July 2
Wake up early. Were at Disney World and that means character breakfasts in the morning. Mickey is running the show over at the Contemporary in the place that bears his name, Chef Mickeys. How else could we spend our first morning?
Well be seeing Disney from a new perspective on the Backstage Magic tour. Its Disney behind the scenes. Just how do they turn a few amusement parks into the Happiest Place on Earth? After the tour, well probably know. The secret world behind the Magic is ours to discover.
Lunch is on the tour at the Wilderness Lodges Whispering Canyon Café. Dont forget to order the ketchup!
Its time to get dressed up because our big twentieth anniversary dinner is at Victoria & Alberts. V&As is the most formal dining option in all of Disney. Jackets required, kids not allowed. Its also the most expensive, but everyone whos eaten there agrees its worth the price of admission.
Thursday, July 3
Can you have too many character breakfasts? I dont think so. Were spending the day in Epcot, so breakfast will be at Norways Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. Its Norwegian food, with some American tastes tossed in for the less adventurous. Its served in a castle and all of Disneys princesses will be there. I know you cant wait.
Its time to get up close and personal with a playful dolphin as we experience Disneys Dolphins in Depth. First, well explore the backstage areas and learn about the research being conducted at Epcots Living Seas pavilion. Then well enter into waist deep water to interact with the dolphins. Be nice to them though because they alone determine the amount of interaction youll get.
Were having lunch at Canadas Le Cellier. Its fine dining in the belly of a luxurious Wine Cellar. Get there at the right time and we can help them sing Oh Canada!
Our afternoon will be spent touring Epcots World Showcase. We can visit the whole world in just a few hours. Amazing
For dinner were going to Frances Monsieur Paul. Like Ive told you, its just as good as dining in Paris itself, only our servers should be happier and friendlier. And while Paul Bocuse may be the man behind this restaurant, I dont think well be dining with the chef himself.
Friday, July 4
Its the Fourth of July and its going to be Supercalifragilistic! What better way to start the day off than to spend the morning with Mary Poppins at 1900 Park Fare. It should be practically perfect in every way!
Its time to experience the future of personal transportation, as we do the Keep Moving Forward Epcot Segway Tour. Im really looking forward to this. A Segway is one of those two-wheeled transporters that you stand up on while riding. This should be a fantastic experience. You better enjoy it.
Grab a quick bite to eat in the World Showcase, but dont eat too much because were going to be swimming in the afternoon.
Its time to put your bathing suit back on, as were going to do the Epcot Seas Aqua Tour. First well tour the aquarium and learn about their facilities and marine life. Then well dive right in and swim with the fish.
Its time to take a leisurely stroll over to the Yacht & Beach Club because dinner is at the Yachtsman Steakhouse. When we were on our honeymoon, I told myself I wanted to stay at the Yacht Club someday, not even bothering to go to the parks just eating and relaxing. A stay at the resort will have to wait, but we can certainly enjoy a fine meal here.
After dinner, lets board a boat to view the Fourth of July Illuminations fireworks show from the middle of the World Showcase Lagoon while enjoying a Dazzling Fireworks Cruise.
Saturday, July 5
Theres no rest for the weary, because breakfast is at the Tusker House in the Animal Kingdom. How about another character breakfast? After all, its just not a complete trip to Disney without sharing a couple of meals with Donald, Mickey, and Goofy. And since its the Animal Kingdom, theyre all dressed up in their safari gear. This also gets us into the park, where well be spending the morning.
After breakfast, were heading into some of the undeveloped areas of Disneys Harambe Reserve for the Wild Africa Trek. Havent you always wanted to make it to Deepest Africa? This will have to do. Disneys animal experts will show us hippos, crocs, giraffes, elephants, and other wild animals, all in their natural habitat. Finally, well conclude the tour with a "Taste of Africa" experience where we can continue to view the animals from a special private safari camp above the savanna.
After lunch, you can shop to your hearts content in Downtown Disney. Plus lets hop on Characters in Flight, a hot air balloon, and check out the World from 400 feet in the air. Of course, for safety reasons, Disneys balloon is filled with helium.
Dinner will be at Wolfgang Pucks Dining Room. Puck has four places to eat in Downtown Disney. This is his fine dining establishment. Apparently, it can be pretty loud for fine dining (but then again, it is Disney World), but the food is supposed to be very fresh and very good. Dont expect to see Wolfgang there.
Sunday, July 6
No character breakfast this morning. Instead, were heading to Downtown Disney for the Rollicking Raglan Sunday Brunch. Singing, dancing, and munching. I would expect at least one of us to be up on stage doing an Irish Jig. Maybe not.
OK, I think weve had enough fun. Its time to fly home.