Orlando: Disneyworld: Grand Floridian: Boat Dock

One of the things that people sometimes don’t realize about the Disney experience is that it’s not just about the theme parks [as cool as they are]. The Disney World complex is huge, encompassing many square miles, and provides such varied activities as horseback riding in the woods, fishing on the lake, hikes, water parks, weddings, pirate cruises for kids, and even cooking classes. The thing to remember is that this is Disney, and the folks here are trained to make things happen for guests, and they do. Which is how I ended up in a pontoon boat on the lake one recent March evening. It all started when I began wondering about a unique way to entertain clients while in Orlando and thought of fireworks. As much as I love going to dinner, sometimes change is good and what better place to try an adventure than in the world of Disney.

So I picked up the phone and had a chat with my new friends at resort guest services, and here’s the result: a truly magical evening on the lake in a pontoon boat to view the fireworks above the Magic Kingdom. The event started when we went to the marina at the Grand Floridian Hotel to meet our boat and captain [yes, captain . . . you didn’t think they’d let me drive a boat in the dark with ten unsuspecting passengers]. We headed out for a tour of the lake in the gathering darkness, in time to see the floating parade of lighted barges that tours in front of the lakeside resorts each evening. We then sailed over to a perfect spot off shore from the Magic Kingdom, the train station and Cinderella’s Castle in clear view, and waited for the show to begin. Lights in the park dimmed, the music started [heard over a sound system in our boat] and then the blast of the first fireworks. The view was amazing, distant enough from the fireworks to see everything in the frame of the castle with reflections off of the water and the lights of the resorts all around. We were even positioned well enough to see Tinker Bell make her flight from the top of the castle, which was truly amazing. And what a great way to enjoy the fireworks, no crowds!

And if all of that weren’t enough there was the food! The Grand Floridian private dining staff happily provided just the right touches to make the event even more memorable: chocolate dipped strawberries, miniature pastries and, of course, champagne. Then there was coffee for the trip back to the dock.

This event was a great success: the fireworks were fantastic, the desserts wonderful and everyone reclaimed a little of their inner child with smiles all around. While I planned this evening with clients in mind, this would be a great adventure for a group of friends or family visiting Disney World.

DoThisOrNot: DO THIS

Orlando: Disneyworld: Grand Floridian: Victoria and Albert's

OK, all I can say is amazing. This is the jewel of dining at Disney for many reasons, not the least of which is the serene setting and the dress code. An adult oasis of calm and charm, in the spectacular Grand Floridian Hotel, which is a Disney knock-off of the Hotel Del Mar in the San Diego area. The hotel is typical Disney over-the-top, but tucked away on the second floor is this reservations only, jacket required treat. Come prepared to spend the evening, the seven course meal is extravagant in all the right ways and just what the surroundings demand. Sit back and let it wash over you as a tonic from the frenetic activity just outside the doors, and be sure to indulge in the wine pairing, which makes a good thing that much better. So, here's a look at some of the choices you may have during the evening:

After contemplating the beautiful menu an amuse arrived with some sparkling wine and the festivities began. Seared tuna and tartar . . . beautiful and tasting of the sea, with pickled papaya and jicama. Braised Kobe short ribs with roasted mushrooms. Seared Foie Gras on brioche toast with a sauce of cherries that was absolutely perfect. A gamebird consomme as an interlude and on to guinea fowl with asparagus, morels and porcinis that was perfect . . . but what is a guinea fowl anyway . . . are they those cute grey birds one sees at the zoo sometimes? Best not to think about it I suppose. Herb crusted lamb with gnocchi [I love gnocchi] and roasted garlic. And then a cheese course! A dress code and a cheese course, its almost too much to bear, but I held up to the challenge. Dessert offered a kona chocolate souffle, tropical fruit mousse [guests from hawaii, perhaps?], tanzani chocolate mousse. As with the entire menu, so many choices and all wonderful. My favorites were the foie gras and the guinea fowl, but everything at our table was beautifully presented and well prepared.

For a celebratory dinner while visiting the Mouse [happily there are no character appearances here . . . although for special occasions those Disney folks can do anything], a quiet time away from the children [I understand Disney has a sitter service] or just some good old fashioned indulgence this is the place. Make a reservation, leave the flip flops behind and enjoy an evening that you'll not soon forget. Oh, and remember, no matter how well your team is doing a baseball cap is not a sign of anything but bad taste in a fine dining establishment. And the folks here will tell you so!

EatHereOrNot: EAT HERE