Spotlight On: Walt Disney World (Part One)

So…secret confession time.

I love Disney.   And not a little.  I’m one of those people who is constantly checking every Disney Facebook page available.  I get all the newsletters.  I stalk the blogs.  I even read AllEars.net like it is my bible.  A little perspective:

I even make it a point to stay on property as much as possible -and I live in Orlando.  Sorry I’m not sorry.  Cause truthfully I could have worse vices.  So when I was given the opportunity to attend the New Fantasyland press event as a travel industry participant, of course I said yes!  So I packed my bag for my long journey 30 miles down I-4.

The opening event was held at Splitsville. If you haven’t been to Downtown Disney in a while, Splitsville is located where Virgin Megastore once was.  For those who don’t remember there was a Virgin Megastore at Downtown Disney may remember it as the Princess Diana Experience or its short-lived run as RIDEMAKERZ – yes all-caps, one word, with a z (no lie).

With a retro feel, the Spiltsville atmosphere is definitely a little more upscale than a traditional bowling alley.  The details are amazing, down to the bowling trophies and the colorful lockers (and the bowling bags which I wanted to steal).  

Bowling is not my thing personally but there was a DJ and an open bar so I was covered.  PS the Billards Bar makes a great Cherry Coke- don’t skip it.  The highlight of the place is a tie:

The Food and The View

Oh the food.  The pizza, the sushi, the sliders.  Everything was amazing.  I can’t tell you how much food I ate (too much).  I totally missed the nacho and carving stations.  Everything they served you can get on a regular day (that includes the Cherry Coke) so go eat it all.  Now.  Seriously.

The view was spectacular too.  I know it probably seems like such a silly thing to mention as the highlight of a bowling alley. Consider this:

If you’re not a bowler or a pool player and are just looking for a great place to eat good food and have a drink, the patio at Spiltsville is a great choice.  It overlooks Downtown Disney West Side, and you can hear the music from inside which means you can shake it without paying a cover.  Plus the food is inexpensive by Disney standards.  So if you’re cheap like me, you’ll be happy.

So after the event at Splitsville, we went to the Yacht and Beach Club.  Side note:  If you haven’t stayed there, it is the best of the Walt Disney World deluxe resorts.  Promise.

The pool alone makes the stay worthwhile.  Plus you get to hang out with this guy!

After changing into something more party appropriate and freshening up, we were corralled into the convention center to wait for the buses to the Magic Kingdom.  I only mention this because I met a lovely lady by the name of Kendra, who is the owner of Zip-a-dee-doo-dah Travel.  She is a fellow former Disney Intern (Spring Advantage `05 right here).  We ended up hanging out for the rest of the night, but more on that later.

Wow – this is a long one!  Look for Part Two of the Spotlight on Disney Next Week

-Amber ☺