<p>Winter Park is a lovely area. Shopping and strolling along Park Ave would be very nice. There is a boat tour that I haven’t been on but heard is great. [Scenic</a> Boat Tour - Winter Park, Florida](<a href=“http://scenicboattours.com%5DScenic”>http://scenicboattours.com)</p>
<p>Also although it is expensive I would second the vote for Cirque du Soleil. Our whole family loved it.</p>
<p>Montegut: This month – pretty sure that’s before spring training starts. </p>
<p>Bookworm: I plan on it. I’ve even located the nearest Nordstrom Rack. There are two Premium Outlets, and I’ve got to figure out which one to go to – our hotel is in middle between the two.</p>
<p>Winter Park sounds good. Cirque du Soleil will have to be another time. I’m sure I would like the Space Coast, but I’m pretty sure my daughter would be less than thrilled, and my husband will be working and he’s the one who would really want to go.</p>
<p>Any specific restaurant suggestions, especially Downtown Disney? And ideas for best places to go biking?</p>
<p>We were there in October and very much enjoyed Raglan’s Pub in DT Disney. They have Irish music most nights; double check for the night you are going. I like Fulton’s Crab House (in the riverboat) but it can be very crowded. </p>
<p>Do make reservations on that Disney site I referenced earlier…you can do it now if you are that organized! Be aware though that they don’t release all seating through any one source – if the website says full, the phone operators may have seating, and if they say full, going to the door an hour before you want to eat is always a choice.</p>
<p>Not in Downtown Disney, but 2 of my 3 favorite Disney restaurants are both located in Animal Kingdom Lodge (disclosing that I have never eaten at any of their signature restaurants). One is Sanaa where one can view some of the animals that are in the Animal Kingdom from one’s table. The other does not have that view, but is a wonderful buffet, IMO, and it is called Boma’s. I prefer the food at Boma’s, but enjoyed Sanaa very much too. I cannot think of the name or location of the 3rd restaurant right now, but if you call dining services they could help you. It is a buffet where you can eat crab legs until your heart and your stomach are content (if you like crab legs, I’d recommend it). I know it is located in one of the hotels, and I believe it is located in one of their more luxury hotels, because I recall enjoying sitting in the hotel lobby while waiting to be seated.</p>
<p>We like Del Frisco’s Steak House. </p>
<p>[Del</a> Frisco’s Prime Steak & Lobster | Central Florida’s legendary mouth-watering steaks and seafood](<a href=“http://delfriscosorlando.com/index.php]Del”>http://delfriscosorlando.com/index.php)</p>
<p>Wow, Cirque du Soleil is very expensive – it’s like going to a Broadway show. Well, it’s all moot since there are no performances on the days we could do it.</p>
<p>I’m gathering that the Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the hotels, and that if I eat there I don’t have to pay the entrance fee to the park – correct? If I eat there at night, when it’s dark, can I still see the animals? I’m not planning on going to restaurants for lunch, just for dinner.</p>
<p>We were there in the summer, when it gets dark later. Also, we wanted a good table so we made early dinner reservations. We still had to “fight” for a premium table (one without obstruction to see the animals). This is a pretty small restaurant and there are very few tables with a great view (we got one of those). You don’t need to pay for a park to eat in the Disney Hotels. For all of that info and for reservations, call their dining services number. I don’t know if you can see any animals once it gets dark. I suggest an early dinner if you choose that restaurant. Also make sure that you like the type of food that they serve, as it is not everyone’s taste.</p>
<p>Most of the animals at AKL are not nocturnal. We stayed there and, though the animals are lively during the day, there are only a few to be seen at night. </p>
<p>In case anyone wonders, my dh and I are <em>serious</em> Disney fans.</p>
<p>Yes, you can eat at any of the hotel restaurants without paying entrance fees. Only the restaurants in the parks are off-limits to you. You will have to speak to a guard when you go onto the properties…just tell them you are there for dinner.</p>
<p>There are some excellent restaurants at the Boardwalk, including a couple of new ones. Nice water views and if you are there about 9 pm, you will be able to glimpse some of Epcot’s fireworks.</p>
<p>What kind of food do you like? I prefer MGM restaurants in general, but have favorites in each park. For example, France for dinner and Mexico for lunch. Anyway, the more specific you can be, easier to answer.</p>
<p>I’m glad you didn’t laugh at my shopping suggestion. I did well at the Mikaso outlet.</p>
<p>Beltz outlet is the best!!! It’s outside so a great walk too!
Mall of the Mellenia is amazing with food court and a few chains.
If you want to take a bike ride and see two beautiful hotels. The ritz and JW Marriott are connected together and a site to see. You can self park and take a walk. Hammocks and bikes are out back on a man made lake.
If you go to city walk you can park at the hard rock and walk thru the back pool area. It’s a nice jungle feeling as u walk there.
If you want another nice walk park at the boardwalk hotel and go out back it’s a big circle. Lots to see and bikes there too!! Have fun!!!</p>