Get ready to your next Trip to Disney – Best Wine Spots included !
For me, a child of the ’90s, Disney was more than just movies; it was an ethos. It was about believing in magic, in the happily ever after, and in the power of a good song. Now as a parent, and many of my generation fellows, we are finding our way back to this world. We are bringing our own children in tow or planning a curated, sophisticated itineraries. A recent study, reveals something fascinating. Young travelers are a driving force in the post-pandemic tourism boom. Millennials are especially influential. They seek authentic, memorable experiences. For many of us, that means a visit a place that bring us joy. But this time, we’re doing it with a little more flair. And we’re doing it with a lot more wine.
Reflecting on my own decisions, I’m drawn to spaces that are vibrant, rich in culture, and a little bit glamorous. Disney, in its own way, is all of these things. Particularly, at Epcot, is a place where cultures collide. These cultures are celebrated. This ranges from the intricate mosaics in the Mexico Pavilion to the architectural grandeur of the France Pavilion.
However, traveling to Disney is a trip that you have to be ready to organize. From the reservations and usage of their digital app, it is a whole process. I am sharing my tips. These will help make it happen. You can enjoy the magic and the wine, of course. Keep reading to get a Guide to a Dazzling Trip to Disney Best Wine Spots included!
Forget what you thought you knew about theme park food. Disney’s culinary scene has evolved into a full-fledged gastronomic destination, and if you’re a wine lover like me, Epcot is your kingdom. My first stop, without fail, is the Mexico Pavilion.
The quiet, dimly lit, and undeniably romantic vibe of San Angel Inn Restaurante is a welcome respite from the bustling park. It’s a place where you can sit down. You can appreciate a plate of authentic huaraches, topped with crumbled Oaxaca cheese. The dish features a bright tomatillo salsa. But the real discovery for me was the Mexican sparkling wine—a testament to the fact that you can find unexpected gems outside of the French or Italian pavilions.
For a true taste of luxury, one must go to France. Les Vins de France offers a stunning selection of Champagne. I am a wine educator and professional, so I’ve had my share of bubbles. Enjoying a glass of Piper-Heidsieck or Taittinger Brut in such a setting is a delightful marriage of my two passions. It is a charming and elegant moment in the middle of a theme park. It reminds you that indulgence is part of any well-curated travel experience.
Wine Bar George at Disney Springs is a must-see. With over 200 wines available by the glass, bottle, or even ounce, this is where you go to truly indulge. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet approachable, making it the perfect spot for a pre-dinner flight or a post-shopping charcuterie board.
Be our Guest restaurant at Magic Kingdom is also another great spot. It is nested in the castle of “The Beast” in Magic Kingdom. This restaurant offers a table side service that transports you to a different era. The restaurant features high ceilings. It offers a well-curated wine list. This list includes selections of sparkling wine and Champagne. There are also various national selections. Moreover, the service here is executed seamlessly and a three-course menu is available without exceptions.
Disney Springs is where the magic of Disney meets the luxury of high-end retail. It’s a style-conscious traveler’s dream. Beyond the standard souvenir shops, you’ll find brands like Kate Spade New York, Lacoste, and Sephora. The aesthetic is clean, modern, and perfectly suited for an afternoon of sophisticated retail therapy. For a true showstopper, a visit to Luxury of Time by Diamonds International is non-negotiable. Here you can peruse an impeccable collection of designer watches from brands like Breitling and Bulgari. It’s a moment of pure, unadulterated glamour.
While many of us have memories of staying at the more budget-friendly resorts, a new chapter calls for a new level of luxury. For a truly elevated experience, consider a stay at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando. It’s located within the Walt Disney World Resort, giving you all the convenience of the Disney transportation system with the unparalleled service and amenities of a five-star hotel. The rooftop dining at their restaurant, Capa, provides a breathtaking view of the fireworks. It offers an entirely new perspective on the park’s nightly spectacle. For an equally romantic and beautiful option, Disney’s Riviera Resort offers a refined design. It provides direct access to the Epcot International Gateway via the Disney Skyliner. The resort transports you to the European coast.
Beyond the culinary exploration, there are must-do activities that have only grown more enchanting with time. The Festival of the Lion King at Animal Kingdom is an absolute triumph of performance art, a vibrant, emotionally charged show that will move any millennial who grew up with Simba’s journey. At Magic Kingdom, the Starlight Parade is a spectacle of light and music. It taps into the nostalgic heart of every visitor. And at Epcot, the Moana’s interactive water walk is a beautiful, minimalist display that encourages a different kind of engagement, proving that you don’t need a roller coaster to find a moment of wonder.
In the midst of all the excitement, a moment of repose is essential. The Disney resorts offer world-class spas that are a perfect escape. The Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa offers a full menu of services. These range from massages to facials. The spa provides a serene environment to recharge your mind and body. The aesthetic is one of calm and tranquility, with the soft lighting and soothing music creating a true sanctuary. It’s a necessary indulgence, a way to replenish your spirit before you return to the magic.
Disney is not just a childhood dream. It is an adult reality. Here, I can explore the world through food, wine, and a renewed sense of wonder. As a wine educator, I see how a trip like this is not just about fun. It’s about a cultural experience. It’s about expanding your taste horizons with a glass of sparkling wine you’ve never tried. Perhaps, it’s also about discovering a taste of home in a savory huarache. It’s about realizing that even in a place designed for children, there is space for adult sophistication. There is genuine cultural exploration. It’s a reminder that magic isn’t something you outgrow. It’s something you learn to appreciate differently. You appreciate it in a more refined way. And that, mi amor, is the most wonderful of all.
I can’t recommend enough to any wine lover to explore Disney with different lenses and bring back the magic.
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