Walt Disney World for Walt Disney Fans
When we've previously written articles like this, they were to convince groups of people perhaps less likely to go to Disney World, or those who might have difficulties with Disney World, to give it a try. But if you are a fan of Walt Disney himself, then you may need no convincing unless you are a West Coaster Disneyland native, who needs a little push to try Walt Disney World. Our aim in this article is not to push you to go to Walt Disney World, but rather to point you to the most Walt-infused, most historical, experiences at Walt Disney World that you will appreciate if you are a Walt fan.
It should be said that, sadly, Walt did not live to see Walt Disney World open. So unlike Disneyland in California, Walt never walked in the park as it is today. Disney's Animal Kingdom was not a notion that had even occurred to anyone yet, as well as most of the resorts on property. And while there were plans for the Magic Kingdom, and EPCOT, all but three of the resort hotels and two of the parks were not even conceived yet.
Where to Stay
The three resort hotels that were part of Walt's original plan for Walt Disney World, and that opened the first year the complex opened in 1971 are the Disney Polynesian Village Resort, the Contemporary Resort, and Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, and they could not be more different than one another.
Mural at the Contemporary Resort
The Contemporary Resort - This deluxe resort conveniently connects to the Magic Kingdom and Ticket and Transportation Center via monorail, but is also a short 5-10 minute walk from the Magic Kingdom. It is truly a midcentury modern dream, and the one resort where the monorail passes through the atrium inside the resort. For history buffs, you might be amused to know that this is the resort where, in 1973, Richard Nixon held a press conference amid the Watergate scandal and declared the famous line "I am not a crook". A year later, he resigned.
The Polynesian Village Resort - This deluxe resort is also connected to the Magic Kingdom via monorail, and is about a 15 minute walk around the lagoon from the Magic Kingdom and a 5 minute walk from the Transportation and Ticket Center. This resort celebrates all things Polynesian with lush tropical landscaping, the best tropical drinks on property, and a luau dinner show you can go to if you are inclined. This resort also has some amazing history associated with it. On December 29, 1974, while John Lennon was staying there with his family for Christmas, he signed the paperwork that dissolved the Beatles.
Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground - Walt loved camping, and this resort is themed as a rustic campground with campsites for tents and RVs, and cabins. The campsites make staying at this resort an affordable option compared to any other Disney resort, but especially compared to the two others listed in this article. The cabins can be more pricey, but are a good purchase for a family that needs a little space. Around Christmas-time, people go all out with their decorations and it's fun to walk around the resort to see how people decorated their campsites and cabins. This resort connects to the Magic Kingdom via boat, and is also the home of the the Disney horses at the Tri-Circle D ranch. These horses are those that you see in parades on Main Street, and at the ranch you can ride a horse, a pony, take a carriage ride, or a wagon ride.
Where to Dine
Hoop Dee Do Musical Review - Not so much a restaurant and a dinner show experience, this musical theater show at the Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground consistently gets high reviews. We know Walt loved all things cowboys and a clean version of the Wild West, and that is exactly what you will get here.
Spirit of Aloha dinner show - Once again, not a restaurant but a show, this luau at the Polynesian Village resort is yet another experience Walt was fascinated with.
California Grill - Each of the above experiences is the best of what the original resorts have to offer, and this is our third pick at the Contemporary. The glory of the California Grill is really timing it during the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom, if you can, because the view from this rooftop restaurant is quite nice (though not as good as being in the park). But even if you can't time your dining to the fireworks, if you dine there, you are welcome to come back the same day to use their patio to view the fireworks.
The Hollywood Brown Derby - Breaking from the above three a little bit, we're taking you to Disney Hollywood Studios to a replica of a Hollywood restaurant that would have been a dining spot for Walt and Roy back in California. The chef at the original restaurant, Chef Cobb, is said to have invented the cobb salad, and you can get that cobb salad here in Florida too. If you make a special booking, you can even add the "Dine with an Imagineer" experience to this meal. As it is named, you will have a chance to dine with a real life Disney Imagineer over a four course meal.
Tiffins - Why does Tiffins always make my lists? Because it is simply one of the most elevated dining experiences at Disney World. But more than that, for this particular list, even if it is not directly related to Walt, we felt Tiffins paid homage to Disney Imagineering in a way few places at the resort still do. In particular, this restaurant provides us a glimpse into Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde's travels, research, and sketches that helped shape Disney's Animal Kingdom. If you are fascinated with this process like I am, this is a place you will be happy to dine at.
What to Do
Main Street, U.S.A - If you are a Walt fan and want to really take in the spirit of Walt, we're going to recommend you use the main entry corridor of the Magic Kingdom, Main Street, as more than just a route to rope drop. Take your time here, because there is so much in this small chunk of park that speaks of Walt. Start at the head of the street, right under the flagpole where you will find a statue of Roy Disney. Walt's brother was entrusted after Walt's death with seeing Walt Disney World to opening and beyond. Then, walk up Main Street, looking up at the windows. Many of the shop windows have names printed on them. Names you see here are actually those of people who played a huge role in Disney history in one way or another from imagineers to architects. The shop windows of Main Street are basically a roll of credits. Finally, at the hub, you will find the Partners Statue of Walt and Mickey holding hands. Take careful note of where Walt is looking and waving. Some say the "Partner" does not refer to Mickey, but to the entity in the statue at the head of the street that Walt is looking and waving at - his brother Roy.
Main Street, U.S.A. on a rainy evening
Ride the Walt Disney World Railroad - Walt loved trains, and the Walt Disney World railroad, which encircles the Magic Kingdom park on a 1.5 mile track, is operated by real steam engines. On a busy day, three engines will be running, but there are actually 4 engines in total: Walter E Disney, Lilly Belle (named after Walt's wife), Roger E Broggie (named after the builder of the locomotives), and the Roy O. Disney.
Experience the Enchanted Tiki Room - While Florida's version is not the original, it is nearly identical, though slightly modified. Consider while you experience this somewhat primitive attraction, that the original was the first use of audio-animatronics, something that the majority of rides at Disney parks now heavily rely on. Four macaws lead the show, their plumage representing the colors of their country's flag.
Ride the Carousel of Progress - One of few Walt originals that exist solely at Walt Disney World, the Carousel of Progress was originally intended to be part of Disneyland, but the plans were scrapped. Walt first ended up taking this ride, then known as "Progressland" to the 1964-1965 World's Fair. It has since been recreated in Walt Disney World. It's a little bit hokey, but truly is a Disney World original designed by Walt.
Ride Prince Charming's Regal Carousel - Speaking of carousels, it is hard to miss this attraction, especially at night. This carousel has an amazing history. It was actually built in 1917 for Detroit's Belle Isle park. It featured at that time 72 distinct horses. Walt liked it so much, he purchased it for Walt Disney World, where it was placed even before the castle was completed. When the castle was completed after Walt's death, Roy Disney realized the carousel did not line up perfectly with the arch of the castle, so ordered the carousel moved 8 inches (8 INCHES!!!!). So next time you admire how that carousel lines up so beautifully with the castle as you enter Fantasyland through the arch, you have Roy to thank. Since the original purchase, horses have been added to total 90 unique horses now. No two are the same, and while not part of the story, Cast Members and guests alike widely accept one particular horse, with a golden ribbon tied around its tail, to be Cinderella's own horse.
Take the Keys to the Kingdom Tour or the Steam Trains Tour - Both of these tours are experiences at extra cost that will take you behind the scenes and give you a little more Walt Disney lore. While there are dozens of wonderful tours at all four Walt Disney World parks, we recommend these two at the Magic Kingdom for those who want insight into Walt himself. We know Walt loved trains, so take the Steam Trains tour if you want to learn a little more about the trains. If you want to see the "legendary" utilidor under the Magic Kingdom, then take the Keys to the Kingdom Tour. You will also learn about Walt, discover some hidden Mickeys and some hidden magic on this tour. I took a modified version of this when I was in training as a Cast Member and can truly attest that it is eye opening, though my most valued part of this tour was learning how to frame a particular magical photo shot for guests. Be advised, though, photography is NOT allowed backstage.
Ride the monorail to EPCOT - Believe it or not, we are finally leaving the Magic Kingdom! While so much history lives there, we do recommend riding the monorail. First, because the monorail itself is an iconic attraction and unlike Disneyland California, actually serves as legitimate transportation from point A to point B. The monorail ride to EPCOT is lovely as it truly shows how the monorail can serve as an efficient method of transportation. Not only that, but as it is currently designed (and I only say this with some hesitation because EPCOT is under refurbishment and the monorail is currently closed), upon entering EPCOT, it does a lovely loop of Futureworld, around Spaceship Earth, before stopping at the station. It is on this loop that you can almost imagine a different EPCOT, the one Walt imagined as an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. In his mind, EPCOT would be a true showcase of what a future community might look like, and the monorail would loop through it as transportation. The only remainder of this vision now is the monorail loop itself.
Shop at Art of Disney - There are two locations where you can get original Disney art, from sketches inspired by the parks to animation stills. One is at the American Adventure pavilion in EPCOT, and the other is at Disney Springs. Many pieces feature Walt's likeness as well. While the art here can be a bit pricey, it is nice to imagine having a still of your favorite movie, or a piece that represents your favorite park or character.
Experience the Animation Academy - Speaking of Disney art, if you ever wanted to learn the basics yourself in a (very) short class, head to the Animation Academy. At Walt Disney World, this experience is currently located in the Conservation Station at Disney's Animal Kingdom (an unlikely place!). It is almost never busy. Soon, the experience will also open in the Disney Play! Pavilion at EPCOT. You will learn how to draw one Disney character and this is the kind of attraction you can experience multiple times and possibly have a different subject to draw.
Experience Walt Disney Presents - At Disney's Hollywood Studios, an often overlooked attraction is the gallery and film in the Walt Disney Presents attraction. The gallery holds exhibits that span 100 years of Disney history, and a short 15 minute film will highlight Walt himself. The last time we visited, we found this attraction to be one of the most moving tributes to Walt on Disney property. We just wish it wasn't so underappreciated.
If you can't tell by our long list, we are the demographic this post was written for. We hope for others like us that we gave you some ideas that you might have overlooked. If you are a Walt fan, let us know if we forgot something by commenting on this post on our Facebook page, where you can follow us to see when new articles are available each week. Until next time...
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