The Best Moments Of My Recent Walt Disney World Vacation

I'm one of those people that travels to Walt Disney World a lot, in case you hadn't guessed. But even though I've been more then my share of times, each vacation holds something different, wonderful, and unexpected. Today I wanted to share with you the best of my most recent Disney trip.


Art Smith Welcomes You HomeArt Smith Welcomes You Home


Art Smith's Homecoming Florida Kitchen - This new restaurant at Disney Springs took me back home to my Southern roots. The menu is like every wonderful thing my grandmother ever cooked me and elevated to the sublime. From the friendly and on point wait staff, to the Sous Chef in charge of the kitchen who made a surprise and welcome stop at our table. Homecoming served me one of my best meals ever.


The Hamilton at Art Smith's Homecoming Florida KitchenThe Hamilton at Art Smith's Homecoming Florida Kitchen


Animal Kingdom After Dark - Magical doesn't even begin to describe this. I know that many people found it boring, I am not with them. The projections on the Tree of Life are amazing, and Expedition Everest in the dark is one of the most thrilling rides I've ever been on. My whole group truly enjoyed the nighttime Kilimanjaro Safari, and how active the lions were. The entertainment was fun and creative, and I will go back again and again, because it's only going to get better with Rivers of light and Pandora.


The Tree Of Light At NightThe Tree Of Light At Night


Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar - So hooked. The theming here is nostalgic and fun, the drinks were bright, fresh, and creative. Either sitting indoors or out, if I lived in Orlando, this would be my go-to spot for cocktails. The best thing may just be that they put as much thought into their non-alcoholic drinks as they do the full cocktails. It's full of fun, family win.


Jock Lindsey's Hangaer BarJock Lindsey's Hangaer Bar


Soarin' Around The World - Loved it! Any time Disney says that they are planning on re-doing one of my favorite rides I get a little antsy. Do you? I thought that they knocked this one out of the Park. The new movie not only hits sites around the world, but for Disney history geeks, there are subtle connections that make it a very Disney trip around the world to boot. The third theater - well - everyone loves shorter lines.


Soarin' Around The WorldSoarin' Around The World


Food & Wine Festival Gardens - I've been to F&W many times, but this was the first year I went where extra care was taken to the look and feeling of the eating areas as well as the food. I was charmed by the Wine and Dine Studio with it's herb gardens and wine bottle art. I loved the Next Eats courtyard with the wall of tomato vines and sail shade. The extra care that has gone into the tasting courtyards where you eat and drink makes the whole experience a just little bit nicer.


Wine and Dine Studio Tasting GardenWine and Dine Studio Tasting Garden


MagicBands - I'm starting to get into this new Disney groove that's RFID fueled and MyDisneyExperience App organized. I still think that it makes unbridled spending just a touch too easy, but having access to everything you need in the palm of your hand the moment sure is convenient.

What have been the best points of your most recent Disney trip? Leave me a note before and I'll try to work your faves into my next vacation.

Lisa B. wrote on Tue, 11/08/2016 - 15:47:

Lisa B.'s picture

Hi Kristen, we were just there October 15th-22nd. This was my 26th trip to WDW. Every year is different. Normally we stay in POP. This time we stayed at POR in a preferred room in Alligator Bayou. Liked the room and proximity to parking lot. Foodcourt is so so and the pool is way too small!

We visited Blazed Pizza for the first time. LOVED IT! It's a great value! Pizza was delicious. We also can't say enough about the Galactic Star Wars show at the end of the night in DHS. It was fantastic! We sat in on the 10 minute trailer for Dr. Strange and the Frozen Sing Along. Those were firsts for us as well. My husband loved the DHS Star Wars show so much we are coming down for three days in December to check out Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam. Gotta love a little Prep and Landing! We also tried T-Rex for the first time. Didn't have a dining reservation. We just walked up and waited maybe 15 minutes. Food was really good but it is a little loud in there. The manager came over and told us that because we have a Landry's Select Club card we could have given that at the desk and that moves you to the top of the line. Never knew that!

JMed wrote on Thu, 11/10/2016 - 19:54:

JMed's picture

Kristen, you know I have tons of new favorites!!!

August Trip
-Naps in the middle of the day! I am normally go go go but we really like this option!
-Keys to the Kingdom Tour - favorite thing to date that I have done at the World
-Frontera Cocina - those mashed potatoes. I dream about them. (not really but they were that good!)

October Trip
-SW Galactic Spectacular. I'm not a crazy obsessive SW fan but wow, those were some awesome fireworks!!!
-Frozen I laughed until I cried. I heard so many negative things about this show but we loved it
-Trader Sams we finally got in and what a hoot

November Trip
-Closing down MK I wish everyday was the way it was that evening. Walk on rides and no bobbing and weaving between other guests

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