Disney for Adults

Yes, it can be done -- big kids can have fun at Disney World, too. The following pointers will ensure that the kid in you gets the most out of your visit to the Mouse House.

Where to stay: Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts are a throwback to New England seaside resorts minus the Boston accent. The nautical theme is light and easy and there are plenty of on-property perks to keep you coddled. A less expensive option is the Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney's ode to calypso with a Mickey Mouse imprimatur. Guests at Disney resorts are offered early entry to the theme parks and complimentary property-wide transportation. Reservations at any of the Disney resorts can be made by calling (407) W-DISNEY.

Where to eat: a top-notch meal can be had at the Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney's Yacht Club Resort. The Porterhouse and filet are prime, starters are smart (order the crabcakes) and a ruby port provides the perfect grace note. At the Wilderness Lodge, the Artist Point offers up northwestern salmon and pan-fried trout in a hunting-lodge setting. Among the theme parks, the best food, hands down, is at EPCOT. Call (407) 939-3463 for reservations at any Disney resort restaurant.

What to do: It's theme park roulette while you're in the land of Disney. Play like a kid at the Magic Kingdom first. Top rides here are Space Mountain, Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Climb down the mountain and go to the Hall of Presidents for a look-see (and listen) at an audio-animatronic Bill Clinton. EPCOT has the hottest new ride at Disney, Test Track, a high-speed blast with you as one of GM's test vehicle drivers. Also check out "Ellen's Energy Adventure," featuring an ultra-funny Ellen DeGeneres, at the Universe of Energy. Be sure to grab a bite at Norway, Germany and Spain, all part of EPCOT's World Showcase, then spend your shopping dollars in Morocco.

Disney's newest theme park, Animal Kingdom, may be its best. Start with the Kilimanjaro Safari for a wide-eyed look at animals in a nearly natural habitat and follow it up with a raft ride down the Kali River Rapids, guaranteed to soak. Dry off at the Tree of Life, a "tree" at the center of the park with over 300 animals carved into its root, trunk and branches. The Disney-MGM Studios are last on your list, where you'll check out the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror first. This ride features a hair-raising plunge in an old hotel elevator, so to speak. Once you catch your breath, do some shopping. Hungry? Then it's time for lunch at the Brown Derby with the other MouseMoguls.

A little bit more: Take a mid-afternoon break while at Disney and indulge in a massage. The Spa at the Grand Floridian Resort is a pampering pleasure, and you can even have your rubdown in a couple's room. Finally, don't miss Cirque du Soleil's "La Nouba" at Downtown Disney. This Disney-only tour de force by the Canadian acrobats has to be seen to be believed.

There's a lot more to do at Disney, but you'll have to read the story to find out!

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