Welcome back to My Disney Top 5. I haven’t written a Top 5 article since mid-October and I’ve missed this column. It's good to be back. The other thing I’ve been missing is…what else…Walt Disney World.
I have no reason to complain, mind you. My wife and I were there this past May for 4 days and we went back in August for a trip with the kids. Like I said, I can’t complain. Two trips only three months apart is pretty good for one year. I know that some of you out there can easily beat that track record, but there are also plenty of you out there who don’t get to go so much. I know I’m lucky and I appreciate how fortunate I am. That doesn’t stop me from wanting to go back though.
It’s the thick of the Christmas season. The house is getting decorated. The Christmas specials are on TV. The kids… and the adults… are making lists. We love this time of year and we immerse ourselves pretty deeply into the season around here. There’s certainly excitement in the air.
That said, I have no reason to be wishing I were elsewhere. However, if you’re reading this article, chances are pretty solid that you’re like me. You don’t need too much prodding to get you wishing you were in a certain resort in Central Florida. The thought has crossed my mind, especially as the mercury has started dropping here in New York. It’s freezing cold outside. Florida’s nice and warm. I haven’t been there in a while. OK, so I can’t really use that one—but still, I begin to wonder “What would I rather be doing right now if I were down there?” So here are my Top 5 Things I’d Rather be Doing at Walt Disney World.
5 – Having Fun at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Main Street U.S.A. decked out for Christmas. Photo by Chris Barry.
The “I’d rather be at Disney” thought can hit you at any time of year, but it seems even more so during the holidays. Lots of images come to mind from this Magic Kingdom party. Walking down a garland draped Main Street USA, listening to the classic Christmas songs as the “snow” is falling. Watching the look in the kid’s eyes as the wooden soldiers march by in the parade. Let's not forget free hot cocoa and cookies! It could be the middle of July, and I’d still wish we were all at the Christmas Party.
4 – Sitting on the Beach at The Polynesian
The beach at the Polynesian. Photo By Chris Barry.
A comfy hammock on the Polynesian's beach. Photo By Chris Barry.
This past August was our first time staying at the Polynesian and we’re pretty much hooked. We've visited the resort before. We've walked through, eaten here and have even watched the fireworks from the beach, but there's nothing quite like making this place home for the week. I know it’s a manmade beach and a manmade lagoon, but sitting on a beach chair with the castle off in the distance can completely transform you. The kids are off in the volcano pool. My wife and I have umbrellas in our drinks. We’re totally relaxed and all is well in the World.
3 – Having Dinner at Artist Point
Disney's Wilderness Lodge. Photo By Chris Barry.
Sometimes it’s hard not to think of food when you think of Disney World. I’m not talking about churros and giant turkey legs, either. I’m talking about great atmosphere, fine food and wine, and great service. My wife and I have date night every Tuesday. For the past year we’ve tried a new place just about every week. We’ve had lots of great meals at lots of great places. But it’s hard to beat the artisanal Cheese Plate, the herb-roasted pork tenderloin, some Pacific Northwest wine, and those killer truffle fries at this signature restaurant in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Follow that up with a leisurely stroll out to Bay Lake on a beautiful night, and we’re two pretty happy campers, my wife and I.
2 – Walking Around World Showcase
Epcot's Canada Pavillion. Photo By Chris Barry.
I was going to narrow it down to shopping in Germany with my totally-in-her-element-100%-German wife, enjoying the amazing gardens and waterfalls in Canada, or maybe sipping a Grand Marnier slush in France or wandering the alleyways of Morocco with the kids, but it was too difficult to choose. Basically, I’d rather be strolling through Epcot’s World Showcase than be just about anywhere else, so the whole place comes in at number two on this list.
1 – Standing In the Magic Kingdom Rose Garden Waiting for Tinker Bell to Fly Overhead During Wishes
Our favorite spot in The Magic Kingdom. Photo By Chris Barry.
We have a sentimental attachment to this wonderful garden in the Magic Kingdom. It’s a great spot, off on it’s own yet right in the center of the whole place bathed in the glow of Cinderella’s Castle. Quite honestly, when those lights dim and Jiminy starts talking, as long as my wife is on my arm and the kids are at my feet looking up in awe as that pixie flies over us, I’m about as happy as any man can be and I pretty much always wish I were there.
Believe me, this was a tough list. You’ll notice that there’s not a single ride or attraction listed. While it was hard not to include some of my favorite ride moments, like flying over London on Peter Pan’s Flight, trying to catch a glimpse of the Yeti on Expedition Everest or dropping over the falls of Splash Mountain, it was also really easy to choose the ones that I did.
I’ve always believed that it’s the quieter times and the more subtle moments that make Walt Disney World such a magical place. I love the rides, attractions and shows just as much as the next Disney fan, but on a cruddy day at work or on a cold winter’s night, these are the types of moments that I wish I could be magically transported to. These are the places that bring that strange little smile to my face as I’m daydreaming while raking leaves. These are the things I’d rather be doing and that I can’t wait to do once we head back to Walt Disney World.
That's My Disney Top 5 for today. What's yours? Click on the “Discuss this article on MousePad” link below and share your list!
