Is it possible for sophisticated travelers to really enjoy themselves in the land of Mickey Mouse? Absolutely! Walt Disney World has undergone a transformation much like that of Las Vegas, with an abundance of fantastic themed resorts and sumptuous dining choices.

Maybe your image of Disney is of lackluster, motel-style accommodations. Not so! All deluxe property choices are unique and offer that special Disney touch. You?ll find them to be adorned with impressive lobbies, painstakingly landscaped grounds, first-rate restaurants, elaborately themed pools, and gracious accommodations. All offer top-notch recreational facilities and services. In fact, each resort is so marvelous it can be difficult to choose which fantasy you wish to indulge.

Let me tell you about my favorites:

? Disney?s flagship resort, The Grand Floridian, with its red-gabled roofs and Victorian elegance, draws inspiration from the grand Florida seaside ?palace hotels? of 19th-century America?s Gilded Age. Just a short monorail ride to the Magic Kingdom, it spreads along the shore of the Seven Seas Lagoon with spectacular views of Cinderella?s Castle and the Wishes fireworks display. Aquatic enticements include a crescent white sand beach dotted with brightly striped, canopied lounge chairs, a large sophisticated pool in the central courtyard, a new beachside Florida springs-style pool, and a classy marina sporting a wide assortment of watercraft. A full service health club and spa, tennis courts, five restaurants, two lounges, and sophisticated shopping round out the list of exceptional offerings.

? A navy blue blazer should be in order for a stay at Disney?s Yacht Club where guests find the sophisticated ambience of a posh Eastern seaboard hotel of the 1880s. Fronting Crescent Lake and a sliver of beach that stretches over to the adjoining Beach Club Resort, it?s just a short stroll to Epcot?s International Gateway entrance and only a boat ride away to Disney-MGM Studios. Best of all is the Yacht Club?s 3-acre mini-water park complex, Stormalong Bay, offering sandy bottom pools, a giant ?shipwreck? waterslide, a tidal whirlpool, bubbling hot tubs, a kiddie pool with its own slide next to the beach, and enough length to float lazily in inner tubes to your heart?s content.

? The Animal Kingdom Lodge is a stunning celebration of African wildlife, culture, cuisine, and art. Its authentic architecture and 33 acres of grasslands filled with hundreds of roaming, exotic animals is simply a stroke of genius. The six-story, horseshoe-shaped structure is surrounded by a landscape of golden boulders, tall bamboo, yellow flame trees, pampas grass, copperpod trees, and date palms. In it?s imposing, 5-story, thatched roof lobby are massive chandeliers formed by resplendent Masai shields, a large mud fireplace, and handsome safari-chic seating. From common lookouts as well as from 90% of the guestrooms are wonderful views of playful zebra, lanky giraffe, sprite gazelle, huge ankole cattle, herds of wildebeest, flocks of exotic birds, and more, with over 200 animals in all.

? Last but not least is The Wilderness Lodge, Disney?s dramatic depiction of an early 1900s national park resort. I challenge you to keep your jaw from dropping open on your first encounter with its awesome eight-story lobby of ponderosa pine logs, a massive 82-foot tall fireplace, and authentic 55-foot Pacific Northwest totem poles. Outside is a breathtaking scene of sparkling waterfalls, rushing creeks, and towering pines. The sound of crickets is heard beneath the bridges and along the meandering pathways lined with natural grasses, junipers, and wildflowers. And on the shores of Bay Lake is Wilderness Lodge?s very own erupting geyser surrounded by a steaming expanse of geothermal activity.

What about Disney?s dining choices? Once just a hot dog and hamburger haven, Disney?s reputation for dreadful theme park food is now a thing of the past. Think Pan Roasted Striped Bass with Aromatic Rock Shrimp Lemongrass Risotto, 6-Hour Braised Veal Shank with Orzo Pasta and Soy Glaze, or Cornbread Stuffed Quail with Foie Gras and Sauce Maltaise. Just a mere sampling of the incredible meals to be found at many of the over 270 dining spots on Disney property. In a radical culinary transformation Disney hired top-notch chefs to create exciting menus for some of the highest rated restaurants in the country and first-rate sommeliers to fashion outstanding wine lists.

Here are some of Disney?s best restaurants:

? The California Grill on the 15th floor of Disney?s Contemporary Resort offers an unbeatable panorama of the Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas Lagoon along with picture-perfect views of the Wishes fireworks. From pristinely fresh sushi to exceptional New American Cuisine to sensational desserts and an outstanding California wine list, this place has it all. Don?t be discouraged if all the coveted window seats are taken; an adjoining observation platform offers a bird?s-eye view of the fireworks extravaganza.

? For top-notch and innovative seafood specialties, head to the Flying Fish at Disney?s Boardwalk where entrees such as Potato Wrapped Florida Red Snapper with a Creamy Leek Fondue are the norm. Contemporary and trendy, yet whimsical, this restaurant will absolutely delight the senses with its festive room of flying fish mobiles, sea blue sparkling mosaic floors, and golden fish scale pillars. Named a 2003 Wine Spectator Restaurant Award winner, it boasts an excellent international list. Don?t forget to save room for the unforgettable desserts, in particular the banana napoleon with warm caramel sauce.

? Fine dining in a sophisticated setting combined with virtually flawless service sets Victoria and Albert?s in Disney?s Grand Floridian Resort apart. Here in this AAA Five-Diamond awarded restaurant you?re served a sumptuous seven-course meal on white linen set with Royal Doulton china and sparkling crystal. Those seeking a special evening should book the newly-remodeled, 6-person chef?s table found in a candle-lit alcove in the kitchen, a spot perfect for an up-close, behind-the-scenes look at Disney?s top chef in action.

? Epcot?s Bistro de Paris is a charming Belle ?poque dining room with an air of exclusivity. Filled with gilded mirrors and crimson banquettes, its billowy white drapes frame windows that overlook the World Showcase Lagoon. Servers with delicious French accents roll out sensational dishes prepared with only the freshest ingredients. After dinner enjoy a dessert of crepes prepared and flamed tableside while lingering over cordials and coffee in anticipation of the Illuminations spectacle.

? Disney?s Animal Kingdom Lodge?s premier dining room is the seductive Jiko where floor to ceiling windows look out on a boulder-strewn creek. Twin clay ovens draw the eye to the open kitchen where an eclectic blend of creations prepared with African flair are turned out in exotic presentations. Accompany your meal with a selection from the all South African wine list, the largest in North America. And don?t leave without ordering the incredible dark chocolate filled beggar’s purses served with a honey dipping sauce, one of Disney?s best desserts.

So, for those who think that Walt Disney World is just for kids, think again! It?s a world of fantastic resorts and innovative dining just waiting to be explored. You may never even make it to the parks.

Cara Goldsbury is the author of The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World: How to Get the Most Out of the Best Disney Has to Offer available at 800-247-6553, www.luxurydisneyguide.com, Amazon.com, or your local bookstore. Visit her at www.luxurydisneyguide.com.

I?m sure you all know about Disney World?s amazing theme parks, but are you familiar with the myriad of fascinating activities for children offered throughout Walt Disney World that are either complimentary or offered for a reasonable fee to Disney resort guests? Here are some of the best:

? Snag a Bass On a Kid?s Fishing Excursion. 1-hour angling trips just for children are available from the resort marinas of Disney?s Contemporary, Polynesian, Yacht and Beach Club, and Boardwalk Inn and Villas. For miles of shore fishing head over to Disney?s Ft. Wilderness where cane poles and rods and reels may be rented at the Bike Barn in the Meadow Recreation Area. Fishing excursions are approximately $25 per child. Call 407-WDW-PLAY for reservations.

? Enjoy the Old West. Hayrides depart each evening from Pioneer Hall at Fort Wilderness for a 45-minute trip. Very tame, cowboy-guided trail rides are also offered, or younger children can opt for a $2 pony ride at the Fort Wilderness Petting Farm. Hayrides are $8 per adult and $4 per child; no reservations taken. Trail rides are $30 per person; reservations are required and may be made up to two weeks in advance by calling 407-WDW-PLAY.

? Sing-Along in Front of the Campfire. Families gather round the campfire each evening at Ft. Wilderness for a sing-along, marshmallow roast, and a Disney animated movie. Complimentary to all Walt Disney World resort guests.

? Watch the Electrical Water Pageant Parade. Nightly on the Seven Seas Lagoon is a delightful 1000-foot string of illuminated barges featuring King Neptune and his court of whales, sea serpents, and other deep-sea creatures. The free show can be seen from the beaches of Disney?s Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Contemporary, and Wilderness Lodge Resorts.

? Ride Up Front with the Monorail Driver. Simply ask the Cast Member on duty. They will be happy to oblige as long as the front car is empty.

? Take a Spin on a Watermouse Boat. Rent one of these two-seater mini-power boats and zip around one of Disney?s lakes at 22 miles per hour. Kids love them, but they’ll need to bring someone along in the boat with a valid driver’s license. Available at the Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian, the Yacht and Beach Club, Downtown Disney, and the Wilderness Lodge. Approximately $22 per half-hour.

? Dive into One of Disney?s Fabulous Themed Pools. You can?t do much better than a dip in one of Disney?s wonderful swimming pools. Children?s favorites: the Volcano Pool at Disney?s Polynesian Resort featuring a smoking volcano slide, underwater music, and sparkling waterfall, all with a superb view of the Seven Seas Lagoon; the Wilderness Lodge?s boulder-lined pool featuring waterfalls, rocky overlooks, water slide, and a nearby geyser; the eye-popping Stormalong Bay, a mini-water park complex that meanders between the Yacht and Beach Club, offering three acres of winding, watery delight including sandy bottom pools, a giant ?shipwreck? waterslide, a tidal whirlpool, bubbling hot tubs, a kiddie pool with its own slide next to the beach, and enough length to float lazily in inner tubes to your heart?s delight.

? Search for Buried Treasure on a Pirate?s Cruise. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, children ages 3-10 sail from the dock of Disney?s Grand Floridian Resort on a 2-hour supervised trip to a deserted island. $28 fee includes snacks, bandanas, and treasure. Call 407-WDW-DINE for reservations.

? Attend a Children?s Tea Party. A ?Wonderland Tea Party? happens Mon-Fri at 1:30 P.M. in 1900 Park Fare at Disney?s Grand Floridian Resort. Hosted by characters from Alice in Wonderland, the little ones play games, listen to stories, and drink apple ?tea?. $28. Strictly for children ages 3-10. Call 407-WDW-DINE for reservations.

? Take in a Character Meal. These extremely popular dining opportunities, offered at both the Disney theme parks and resort hotels, are a perfect way for your children to spend extra time with favorite Disney characters. Meals are offered in three ways depending on the restaurant: buffet-style, family-style, or pre-plated meals; regardless, it?s essentially all-you-can-eat. Characters work the room, stopping at each table to interact with guests, pose for photos, and sign autographs. Book priority seating early, particularly for Cinderella?s Royal Table, Epcot?s Princess Breakfast in Norway, and Chef Mickey?s by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

Cara Goldsbury is the author of The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World: How to Get the Most Out of the Best Disney Has to Offer available at 800-247-6553, or www.luxurydisneyguide.com

So you?ve finally decided to head to Walt Disney World. With so much to see and do, it?s important to come prepared. Here are some excellent tips to make your trip one that will be remembered for a lifetime.

? Plan ahead. Decide ahead of time what your priorities are and make a plan of action.

? Get to the parks early! It?s amazing, particularly in busy season, how many of the popular rides you can knock off before half the ?World? gets out of bed.

? Take the time to rest in the middle of the day. Stay at one of the Magic Kingdom or Epcot resorts, allowing a return in the middle of the day for a nap or dip in the pool.

? Call exactly 90 days prior at 7 AM Orlando time for priority seating if breakfast at Cinderella?s Royal Table in the Magic Kingdom is tops on your child?s list. The only way you might get away with sleeping in and booking a bit later for this highly coveted character breakfast is if you are traveling in extremely slow season.

? Come prepared for an afternoon shower during the rainy summer months even if the sky looks perfectly clear in the morning. Rent a locker to store your raingear and circle back if skies start to look threatening. However, if you?re caught unprepared, just about every store in the parks sells inexpensive rain ponchos.

? Use Fastpass, Disney?s free, nifty timesaving device. It?s offered at all four theme parks and is a great way to save hours of waiting in line. Just insert your park pass in one of the machines located at each individual Fastpass attraction and receive a ticket printed with a designated one-hour window in which you may return and enter a special line with little or no waiting.

?Pre-arrange priority seating, Disney?s answer to dining reservations, by calling 407-WDW-DINE. On arrival you?ll receive the next table available for your party size, thus saving hours of frustration and waiting.

? Allow plenty of time to reach the theme parks each morning. It?s easy to miss your breakfast priority seating is you don?t allocate enough time.

? Be spontaneous. If something catches your eye, even if it?s not on your daily list of things to do, stop and explore. If not, you could miss something wonderful.

? Realize the limitations of your children. If they?re tired, take a break. If their feet hurt, get them a stroller (forget that they outgrew one years ago). If a ride scares them don?t force the issue. Such precautions will make your day and the day of other park visitors a lot less stressful.

? Bring pagers, 2-way radios, or cell phones. If your party plans on splitting up, they are a perfect way to keep in touch.

? Wear broken-in, comfortable footwear. Better yet, bring two pairs and rotate them. Nothing is worse than blisters on your first day and then nursing them for the remainder of your vacation.

? Most importantly, slow down and enjoy the magic. Resist the urge to see everything at breakneck speed. You can?t possibly cover it all, so think of this as your first trip to Disney, not your last. There will be time to pick up all the things you missed on the next go-round.

Cara Goldsbury is the author of The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World: How to Get the Most Out of the Best Disney Has to Offer available at 800-247-6553, or www.luxurydisneyguide.com

So you?re headed to Orlando… but where to start? You?ll find such a wealth of fantastic resorts and restaurants it can be difficult to choose exactly what you wish to indulge in. How best can you plan a visit in which each day comes with the finest this marvelous vacation spot has to offer? In order to help you in making the overwhelming decisions of where to stay and what places to dine, here are what I believe to be Orlando?s best offerings:

Best Deluxe Resort

On Disney property it?s the Grand Floridian with its upscale Victorian atmosphere and lagoonside setting facing the Magic Kingdom. Off-property, hands-down, it?s the Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes where you may never even feel the need to leave the property. At Universal, go for the Portofino Bay Hotel with its unsurpassed ambience of an Italian seaside resort.

Best Resort Pool

* Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club?s Stormalong Bay, a 3-acre mini water park

* The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin?s lush grotto-style lagoon pool

* The Volcano Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Resort with its luxuriant waterfall, smoking peak, and perfect view of Cinderella?s Castle

* The boulder-strewn wonderland at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge with its very own erupting geyser

* The lush fantasyland pool at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress cooled by twelve waterfalls

Best Home-Away-From-Home Property

The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge with its Bay Lake frontage and national park character or Disney’s Beach Club Villas conveniently located next door to Epcot.

Best Resort Atmosphere

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge where hundreds of animals roam the savanna and the air is pulsating to the beat of African drums. Running a close second is Universal?s Portofino Bay Hotel where guests are transported to a romantic, seaside Italian village.

Best Resort Lobby

How to choose? Three of Disney’s resorts make the cut: the Wilderness Lodge, the Grand Floridian, and the Animal Kingdom Lodge, all eye-popping in their grandeur.

Best Access To The Parks

The Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian with monorail access to the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and the Ticket and Transportation Center. At Universal, the Hard Rock Hotel is just a 5-minute walk or boat ride away to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and CityWalk.

Best Resort For Romance

Disney’s Polynesian Resort whose lush tiki torch-lit grounds and white-sand beaches with views of Cinderella?s Castle are simply dreamy or Universal?s Portofino Bay Hotel where an evening stroll along the bay with Italian arias playing in the distance can?t be beat.

Best Resort For Nature-Lovers

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, a nature-lover?s dream of rushing waterfalls, spouting geysers, and bubbly creeks, all surrounded by stately pine trees and beautiful Bay Lake.

Best Resort Lounges

* California Grill Lounge found on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort with unrivaled views of the Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas Lagoon, great for cocktails, sushi, and a view of the Wishes fireworks display.

* Disney’s Grand Floridian’s lobby. Pick up a cocktail at Mizner?s, then head down to this magnificent oasis to relax in the cushy seating while listening to the sounds of a big band orchestra or live piano music.

* Tambu Lounge at Disney’s Polynesian Resort?s Great Ceremonial House. Sip on tropical drinks amid lush foliage and views of the Seven Seas Lagoon.

* Territory Lounge, a rustic retreat in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

* bluezoo?s bar at the Walt Disney World Dolphin, the coolest place around.

* Velvet, the ultra-hip cocktail lounge at Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel.

* Bar America, Portofino Bay Hotel?s sophisticated lounge overlooking the romantic piazza.

* Top of the Palace Lounge, a sophisticated bar with the best views around high atop the Wyndham Palace Resort near Downtown Disney.

Best Italian

Palio at the Walt Disney World Swan where the Tortellini con Aragosta topped with enormous amounts of lobster is amazing, or Portobello Yacht Club at Downtown Disney for a fantastic, thin-crusted pizza followed by the Rigatoni with Italian Sausage, crimini mushrooms, plum tomatoes, black olives, and escarole.

Best Seafood

Flying Fish at Disney’s Boardwalk for Potato Wrapped Red Snapper with creamy leek fondue and red wine reduction, or the newcomer on the block, Todd English?s bluezoo at the Walt Disney World Dolphin, where seafood is taken to new heights. Off Disney property it?s got to be Roy?s on Sand Lake Road near Universal for Roy Yamaguchi?s remarkable Hawaiian Fusion cuisine.

Best Steaks

Shula’s at the Walt Disney World Dolphin, a standout for sensational Angus beef steaks cooked to perfection, or Vito?s Chop House on International Drive for the filet mignon stuffed with gorgonzola.

Best Restaurant For Romance

Victoria and Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian, the only AAA 5-Diamond restaurant in Central Florida. Here you?ll savor a sumptuous six-course meal served on elegant fine china to the accompaniment of enchanting harp music. And I can?t forget Norman?s at the Ritz Carlton for fine dining in plush surroundings all enveloped in the grandeur of an amazing resort.

Best Restaurant For Kids

Children love the Rainforest Caf? at the Animal Kingdom or Downtown Disney where they?re bombarded with thunderstorms and noisy audio-animatronic wildlife. A close runner up is Whispering Canyon Caf? at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge; come prepared for plenty of hoopin? and hollerin? and please, whatever you do, don?t ask for the ketchup unless, that is, you like a lot of attention.

Best Character Meal

Cinderella’s Royal Table at the Magic Kingdom, a chance to feast in a fairytale castle with Cinderella, Jasmine, Aladdin, Belle, and Snow White. Or try the Crystal Palace at the Magic Kingdom for a tasty, bountiful buffet hosted by Winnie the Pooh and his friends.

Best Hip Atmosphere

Todd English?s bluezoo at the Dolphin, the coolest spot this side of South Beach, or Tchoup Chop at Universal?s Royal Pacific Resort, a knock-em-dead, Asian-inspired beauty.

Best Disney View

Arthur?s 27 at the Wyndham Palace whose drop-dead setting is only topped by its creative cuisine, or California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort with its picture-perfect views of the Magic Kingdom, the Seven Seas Lagoon, and the Wishes fireworks presentation.

Best Disney Resort Restaurant

Tough call. My favorites are the California Grill at the Contemporary Resort (just about anything on their exceptional menu is fantastic), Victoria and Albert?s at the Grand Floridian (particularly the Chef?s Table where Chef Scott Hunnel oversees an 11-course meal designed especially for you), and Todd English?s bluezoo at the Dolphin (try the miso glazed Chilean sea bass with warm sesame spinach).

Best Universal Resort Restaurant

Tchoup Chop at the Royal Pacific Resort. Wonderful Asian and Polynesian-influenced cuisine in a stunning setting of bamboo, waterfalls, and a lotus-filled reflecting pool. Share the Crunchy Shrimp with butter lettuce leaves and hot & sour chili glaze, move on to the Firecracker Fresh Fish served with papaya-serrano salsa, Asian pesto drizzle, and coconut-lemongrass sauce, and finish with a slice of Banana Cream Pie topped with caramel sauce and chocolate shavings.

Best Downtown Disney Restaurant

Wolfgang Puck?s Upstairs Dining Room for dishes like Szechuan marinated Chinois lamb rack served with a spicy cilantro-mint sauce or the restaurant’s exceptionally great Wienerschnitzel.

Best Epcot Illuminations View

Rose and Crown in World Showcase?s United Kingdom. Set your priority seating for about one hour prior to show time and pray for a table with a good view.

Best Milkshake

Beaches and Cream at Disney’s Beach Club Resort serves oh-so-delicious thick shakes and malts in a frosty fountain glass with the extras on the side in the stainless steel shaker.

Best Pizza

You can’t beat the pizzas at Downtown Disney’s Wolfgang Puck Cafe (choose the BLTA with applewood-smoked bacon, mozzarella, roma and sun-dried tomatoes, avocado, and chopped romaine), Downtown Disney’s Portobello Yacht Club (thin-crusted and smokey flavored), or Mama Melrose?s at Disney-MGM Studios (don’t miss the grilled chicken pizza with sun-dried tomato pesto, pancetta, and asiago cheese).

Best Breakfast

Spoodles at Disney’s Boardwalk. I love the Egg Rotollo, scrambled eggs with chorizo, onions, peppers, and cheddar cheese rolled in Lavosh (flatbread) and served with breakfast potatoes and marinated tomatoes.

I could go on and on but I?ll restrain myself and stop here. There?s a world of resorts and restaurants just waiting to be explored. And you?ll never even have to leave Orlando to find it!

Cara Goldsbury is the author of The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World: How to Get the Most Out of the Best Disney Has to Offer available at 800-247-6553, or http://www.luxurydisneyguide.com

What better opportunity to spoil the grandchildren than a trip to ?The Most Magical Place on Earth?. And spoil them you can with so many things to see and do that children as well as adults will absolutely love. It?s a vacation guaranteed to create lasting memories. Here are some suggestions that will make this very special trip one to remember for a lifetime:

Book a Resort with a Great Pool Kids love swimming pools, and Disney resorts come with some of the best. Children?s favorites: the Volcano Pool at Disney?s Polynesian Resort featuring a smoking volcano slide, underwater music, and sparkling waterfall, all with a superb view of the Seven Seas Lagoon; the Wilderness Lodge?s boulder-lined pool featuring glistening waterfalls, rocky overlooks, a fun water slide, and nearby geyser; the eye-popping Stormalong Bay, a mini-water park complex that meanders between the Yacht and Beach Club, offering three acres of winding, watery delight including sandy bottom pools, a giant ?shipwreck? waterslide, tidal whirlpool, bubbling hot tubs, a kiddie pool with its own slide next to the beach, and enough length to float lazily in inner tubes to your heart?s delight.

Start Your Day Together at a Character Breakfast If you?re traveling with young children, at least one or two character meals are a must. These extremely popular dining spots, offered at both the theme parks and the Disney resort hotels, are a perfect way for the grandchildren to spend extra time with their favorite characters. Young ladies don their favorite Disney princess costumes at Restaurant Akershus in Epcot?s Norway pavilion to dine with Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and Belle, while both boys and girls alike adore the Fantasyland breakfast offered at the Magic Kingdom?s Cinderella?s Castle. Just be sure to call 407-WDW-DINE exactly 90 days prior at 7 a.m. Eastern time to assure yourselves a spot at these coveted venues.

Head Over to Ft. Wilderness for a Campfire Sing-along Gather ’round the campfire each evening at Disney?s Ft. Wilderness for a sing-along, marshmallow roast, and a Disney animated movie. It?s complimentary to all Walt Disney World resort guests.

Start Your Day Early at the Magic Kingdom Each morning one of Disney?s theme parks opens an hour early only for guests staying at a Disney resort. The Magic Kingdom?s early open days are Sunday and Thursday, a perfect opportunity to knock off the children?s attractions in Fantasyland where waits can sometimes be extremely lengthy during normal park hours.

Don?t Miss the Magic Kingdom?s Afternoon Parade and Evening Fireworks Presentation The wonderful Share a Dream Come True parade is Disney?s best where giant floats topped with rotating globes, twinkling lights, and live Disney characters are accompanied by over a hundred walking characters and a medley of classic Disney songs. And the Jiminy Cricket narrated nighttime fireworks display is probably the most magical experience in all of Disney.

Take a Spin on a SeaRaycer Rent one of these two-seater mini-power boats for zipping around one of Disney?s waterways. The grandkids will love you for it. They?re available at the Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian, the Yacht and Beach Club, Downtown Disney, and the Wilderness Lodge.

Head to a Water Park for a Splashing Good Time Disney has two of the most fantastic water parks imaginable, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, each offering their own brand of wonder. At Blizzard Beach you?ll find quite a few tame attractions along with wild, rushing water and death-defying slides. Typhoon Lagoon offers a whopper of a surf pool. But both have wonderful children?s areas with smaller versions of the adult attractions. There are even areas for the adolescent set.

Cara Goldsbury is the author of The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World. A former travel agent and agency owner, she has traveled extensively throughout the world. Visit her at http://www.luxurydisneyguide.com.

So you think a trip to Walt Disney World is one only the kids can enjoy. Well, think again! Here are a few tips for making your vacation to Mickey Mouse Land a memorable one for the whole family.

?Hire a babysitter for an evening alone. If you?re a registered guest of a Disney resort, drop off the kids at one of their child care centers for around $10 per hour, per child. They?ll be given dinner along with classic Disney movies, arts and crafts, and video games. If your child is under 4 or not potty trained, call Kid?s Nite Out at 407-827-5444 for in-room childcare.

? Plan a date at one of Disney?s world-class restaurants. For the height of romance, head to Victoria and Albert?s at Disney?s Grand Floridian Resort. In its intimate, dimly lit dining room you?re served a sumptuous 7-course meal on white linen set with Royal Doulton china and sparking crystal. Or try the California Grill on the 15th floor of Disney?s Contemporary Resort. Here you?ll find an unbeatable panorama of the Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas Lagoon along with picture-perfect views of the Wishes Fireworks. From pristinely fresh sushi to exceptional New American Cuisine to sensational desserts and an outstanding California wine list, this place has it all.

? Consider springing for two rooms. This will guarantee Mom and Dad some alone time. After the kids are in bed, order in a romantic meal in the privacy of your room.

? Enjoy a bottle of wine in your room or on your balcony. It?s a perfect way to enjoy Disney?s wonderful ambience. The bottled wine selections at the Disney resort shops are a bit sparse, but room service usually offers a nice selection.

? Arrange for a couples massage in a candle-lit room at the Grand Floridian Spa. Or choose the 3-hour Couples Instructional Massage with step-by-step instruction in massage therapy.

? Watch the evening fireworks spectacular from a Magic Kingdom resort. You?ll find the most romantic spot at Disney?s Polynesian Resort where the two of you can relax in a swing or hammock on a sandy white beach.

? Take a Fireworks Cruise from one of the Magic Kingdom or Epcot resorts. Bring along a bottle of champagne, 2 glasses, and enjoy!

? Party down at Disney?s Pleasure Island. It?s New Years every night of the week at this 6-acre playground for adults. Wall-to-wall clubs and a nightly street bash with live entertainment and midnight fireworks make this the party-lover?s choice for nighttime entertainment.

? Spend an evening at Disney?s Boardwalk. Rent a surrey for a spin around Crescent Lake followed by dancing at Atlantic Dance and the Illuminations show from the upstairs balcony.

Cara Goldsbury is the author of The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World: How to Get the Most Out of the Best Disney Has to Offer available at 800-247-6553, or www.luxurydisneyguide.com