By Renuka Christoph
No passport is required for this global experience. Travel the world in class and comfort at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL.
Walt Disney World has four parks to choose from: Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and Epcot. Each park offers unique shows, attractions, dining and more that will entertain all visitors. For an enriching cultural experience, check out Epcot’s World Showcase and Animal Kingdom while staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.
EPCOT WORLD SHOWCASE THEME PARK
Embark on a world tour at Epcot’s impressive World Showcase and bring a hearty appetite as each stop offers casual and formal dining options.
Shop in Mexico at the scenic marketplace while being entertained by lively Mariachi bands. The marketplace located inside of a pyramid leads to a Mexican restaurant with a stunning night scene of the Mayan pyramid and a smoking volcano. An indoor boat ride called the Gran Fiesta Tour features “The Three Caballeros” with Donald Duck.
Next stop is the town square of Norway, where Viking artifacts and the “Maelstrom” ride, a voyage through time beginning in a 10th century Viking village can be enjoyed. Meet and greet area Anna and Elsa, the royal sisters from the hit animated film, Frozen and see visuals that inspired the film. Enjoy pastries as Kringles and Lefses while in the region.
Next visit is to the Far East. Guests are welcomed into China through the China pavilion. Discover beautiful bamboo groves, the replica of the Terracotta Army along with sites from the past and present. Browse at The Yong Feng Shangdian shop where everything from Chinese lanterns to jade can be found. It is one of the largest shopping destinations at Epcot.
Leave China and enter into Germany which features village houses in a cobblestoned plaza, a clock tower and a statue of St. George slaying a dragon. Enjoy some beer and bratwurst while shopping along the streets of Germany. Oktoberfest can be experienced at Biergarten, an all you-can-eat-buffet featuring rotisserie chicken, red cabbage, sausage, pork loin, wine kraut, potatoes and spatzle.
Italy is adorned with romance and beauty with Venetian bridges and a replica of Doge’s Palace. Sample some wine at Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar. An authentic cuisine can be enjoyed at Tutto Italia Restaurant.
America showcases a colonial-style mansion and the American Adventure Theater, which provides a fascinating historical tour utilizing audio-animatronics. Enjoy a turkey leg at Fife & Drum.
Next stop is Japan featuring a replica of a 7th century Horyuji Temple and stunning Japanese gardens. Listen to the sounds of Matsuriza, Japanese drums, while eating and shopping. Teppan Edo is an entertaining and dining pleasure. Guests are seated around a large grill where chefs skillfully prepare each meal of choice.
Morocco showcases warm terra cotta tiles and carved plaster buildings amid a bustling marketplace with artisan-crafted jewelry, ceramic pottery and colorful silks. Find a reproduction of the Koutoubia Minaret of Marrakesh and enjoy some Mediterranean delicacies. Restaurant Marrakesh takes guests into an Arabian haven of dining where authentic shisk kabobs can be savored.
In France, sample French wines in the European marketplace and save room for pastries. Take time to view “Impressions de France”, an enchanting film tour through its cities and countryside. Les Chefs de France is a delightful restaurant offering European authenticity in surrounding and flavor.
United Kingdom displays the Hampton Court Palace, breathtaking flower gardens and fish and chips at the corner pub. Visitors feel as if they are in a London while walking along the cobble stoned streets.
The tour ends in Canada, which features the Canadian Rockies, lively entertainment by a rock band and a Circle-Vision 360 film. Le Cellier is a popular choice for fine dining so reservations should be made. The Steakhouse offers the finest choices of meats. The Canadian Cheddar Cheese soup is a favorite with visitors.
ANIMAL KINGDOM THEME PARK
Disney’s Animal Kingdom takes adventurers through the enchanted lands and jungles of Asia and Africa. Sip some masala chai while strolling through Tibetan and Nepalese villages with ancient storefronts. Groove to some Bhangra music as an Indian dancer demonstrates how to move to beat. Thrill seekers will enjoy Expedition Everest, legend of the forbidden mountain ride in the Himalayas.
In Africa, ride on the Kilimanjaro Safari and view crocodiles, hippos, lions, elephants and the rare white rhino in their natural habitats.
The Pangani Forest Exploration leads guests down a leafy trail through lush jungle glades into the adventurous heart of Africa for an intimate view of wildlife research with some of the world’s most fascinating animals.
Watch a live performance of The Lion King where singers, dancers and high-wire aerialists bring favorite characters to life.
Young guests will especially like the 3D film “It’s Tough to be a Bug,” located at the base of the Tree of Life. The humor offers guaranteed laughs for all ages.
Paleontologists will enjoy a journey to the past on the thrill ride Dinosaur. Bill Nye the Science Guy narrates the theory of how the dinosaurs became extinct by fiery meteor showers.
ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE
The recommended place of stay is at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, themed after the world’s second largest continent.
Upon entering the lodge, all ages are awestruck by the marvels of Africa. The lobby is filled with vivid colors and unique African themed art. Enjoy shopping at the Zawadi Marketplace filled with exotic finds as tribal masks, hand-loomed fabrics and textiles. Disney sent a team of researchers to Africa to locate one-of-a-kind treasures to showcase at the marketplace
When making reservations, select a room with a Savannah view to observe all the wildlife. White-bearded wildebeests, zebras and giraffes are just some of the animal grazing on the grassland ecosystem. One of the most memorable moments is being able to hear the animals walk and graze in the stillness of the night. Designated areas throughout the lodge offer 24 hour viewing.
Two great dining options located within the lodge are Jiko and Boma.
Boma offers an exhibit kitchen and bakery that allows guests to walk up to a half-dozen side-by-side cooking stations and have their entrées freshly prepared. Entrees are flavored with exotic curries, chutneys and other Indian and Asian influences
Jiko pays homage to the African theme: Swahili curry shrimp with artichokes and coconut rice; roasted lamb loin with herbed couscous, figs and more. The restaurant boasts of the largest South African wine selection anywhere in the United States.
When driving from Nashville to Orlando, a great midway stay is in Macon, GA. Wingate by Wyndham is highly recommended, located off of the interstate with comfortable accommodations and free breakfast.
T-REX RESTAURANT DOWNTOWN DISNEY
Step back into time inside Downtown Disney’s T-Rex Restaurant. Fun awaits all ages within the Jurassic cave with robotic pterosaurs, t-rex and more. There is enough variety on the menu to satisfy any hearty appetite. And save room for the Volcano dessert.
MIDWAY STAY FROM NASHVILLE TO ORLANDO
When driving from Nashville to Orlando, consider staying midway in Macon, GA. Wingate by Wyndham is conveniently located off of the interstate, offering affordable and comfortable accommodations with free breakfast.
For the next vacation, consider an international tour at Walt Disney World where discovery awaits for all ages. Visit disneyworld.disney.go.com for more information.