It's no secret Walt Disney World is the family place to be, and as such, the entire theme park and most of its attractions are geared toward the kids and the family. There are, however, many little-known hidden oases of luxury and comfort for adults who want to visit the Magic Kingdom for a fantasy trip of their own, or who just want to get away for a little rest and relaxation after a day of toting kids around to amusement park rides.
Disney Resorts
If wanting to spend some money ($300-600 per night), some of the Disney Resorts can provide the most luxurious accommodations, fine upscale dining, spa services, and more. The Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa offers a lagoon or garden view, each at different rates, with a full-service spa on site. In the evenings, there are the private beaches for each Disney resort, beautifully lit, and a nightly fireworks display.
Disney World's other deluxe resorts for luxury accommodations include: Disney's Polynesian Resort, Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa.
For an even more luxurious and adventurous stay, consider the Tree House accommodations at the resorts, which range from $800-1200 per night for a couple.
Fine Dining at Epcot Center
Not only is there fine dining at Epcot Center, there is food from eleven (11) different countries—and beers from around the world—at Epcot in the heart of Walt Disney World. First, Epcot features live entertainers, pavilions and strolling through gardens of flowers and shrubbery that has to be seen to be believed, and then patrons can settle in at one of the fine dining establishments.
Better yet, for culinary adventurers, try doing a restaurant tour, visiting a different establishment for each course and sampling small portions of different cuisine from each country represented. Dining can be anywhere from reasonable for the order-as-you-go restaurants or $100-200 per person at the more upscale establishments.
Don't forget the International Food & Wine Festival, an annual event at Epcot Center. The best time to enjoy a luxurious evening at Epcot in Walt Disney World is after dark, when all the countries are lit beautifully, and you can stroll together with your party a glass of international wine and enjoy the view.
Spa Service at Walt Disney World Resorts
Many of the Walt Disney World Resorts offer luxurious spa service, and these services can include massages, facials, manicures and pedicures and salon services ranging anywhere from inexpensive $20 for quick services to upwards of the very expensive (but completely luxurious) several hundred dollars for full-range spa. If traveling as a couple, consider the couple's massage at the Grand Floridian Resort in one of their aromatherapy candlelit massage rooms.
If traveling with children to the Walt Disney World theme park, after a day of walking in the sun and rushing to all the rides with the kids in tow, consider using the child care services offered in the park or call the Kids' Night Out child care service and plan your couple's massage to relax and unwind without the children as a special grown-up luxurious treat.
Fireworks Cruises from the Magic Kingdom
Because each of the Walt Disney World Resorts has its own private beach, and those beaches all display a nightly fireworks extravaganza, what better place is there to see all those fireworks than from the deck of a cruise boat out on the ocean? Taking one of these fireworks cruises can set you back about $266 for the basic package, but if you're wanting the luxurious and more expensive packages, the grand cruises can cost about $1000 for a couple of hours.
There are additional add-ons for the fireworks cruises as well, that can add to the luxury and extravagance of the evening, including: bottle of champagne, romantic luxury basket for couples, dinner cruises, flowers and more.
Flowers and Luxury Baskets at Walt Disney World
Speaking of flowers, for the extravagant and luxurious vacation at Walt Disney World, particularly if traveling with your spouse or lover, consider the special luxury gifts offered at all the hotels and resorts in the Epcot Center, Magic Kingdom and the Walt Disney World main theme parks and centers. These flowers and luxury gift baskets can be purchased over the phone or in person or through the front desk of the hotel or resort and will be delivered to the guests' rooms.
VIP Tour Services
Instead of exploring the Florida area and Walt Disney World by foot or cab, consider the more luxurious VIP tour service specials, which can tour you on a luxury cart inside the theme parks and in special luxury vehicles (of your choice) in the local area. These tour services start at about $125 per hour, and may cost more for special destinations and additional guests.
Downtown Disney Upscale Dining
Drop the kids off or leave them at home, and prepare your tastebuds for the culinary experience of upscale dining done Disney style at Downtown Disney's upscale restaurant choices. From haute cuisine appetizers to steaks and decadent desserts, every type of upscale cuisine is available at Downtown Disney, and you can take the luxury and expensive water taxi to the destination for an added touch of elegance.
Visiting Disney World doesn't have to be expensive, and there are many ways to plan the Walt Disney World adventure inexpensively for families or individuals. However, if luxury is the key, and money isn't the object, from luxury Disney cruises to Disney resorts and upscale fine dining and romantic candle lit evenings, Walt Disney World and its surrounding accommodations and attractions can be one of the most luxurious places to spend time away from the real world.
Michelle L Devon - ~~Michelle Devon has 15 years of writing and over a decade of editorial experience, working with hundreds of publications and ...
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