Oh, OK. You’re right. I don’t have “customers”. I have Disney friends. So, how about I name this post, “Another Satisfied Disney Guest?”
I bet this happens to you too, but I get asked for WDW advice … a lot. I mean, I’m the guy that friends, family, and co-workers walk up to and say, “Hey! We were thinking about going to Disney. Where should we go? What should we do? What is it going to cost? When should we go?”
Yikes! Where do I start?
Anyway, do you remember the question I fielded a few weeks ago? Fantasy baseball expert, Joel Henard, was heading to Major League Baseball’s Winter Meetings as a camera man for Bleacher Report, and he asked, “How can I get to the Dolphin?”
I answered that question in this post, but Joel and I continued our conversation when he asked, “I have been to the Winter Meetings [before], but I drove and stayed off site and didn’t venture out. I will have plenty of free time on Tuesday as I am only working Monday and leaving [very early] on Wednesday morning.
I was thinking about Epcot on that Tuesday. What can you tell me about the ticket prices? Also, I will be eating most of my meals at The Fountain inside [of] the Swan, and I plan on going to dinner at Shula’s on Monday night. Thoughts? Thanks for all of your info!”
I couldn’t wait to respond!
“First off, Joel, I can’t tell you how much I wish I could be there to see the action. What a mix of my favorite two things … WDW and baseball!
A one-day ticket to Epcot is $95.85. It’s pricey, I know. The good news is that Epcot is a quick boat ride or walk from the Swan & Dolphin resorts. You’ll see where the boat dock is without a problem as you walk between the Swan & Dolphin.
You’re going to LOVE Shula’s! For a preview of the menu, check out this link. Otherwise, I can’t speak highly enough of the Filet Mignon.
The Fountain is actually in the Dolphin and has one of the best burgers I have had on property (Meyer Ranch Natural Angus Burger), but honestly, even though The Fountain is good, I’m not sure it’s worth most of your meals.
Here are some other options that are nearby. I would recommend a walk around the entire Crescent Lake area. There are five resorts, in total – Swan & Dolphin (not owned by Disney) and Disney’s Beach Club, Yacht Club, and BoardWalk.
If you like seafood, Cape May Cafe’ in the Beach Club is a relatively inexpensive buffet. All-you-can-eat crab legs!
The BEST burger in Walt Disney World is at Beaches and Cream Soda Shop – Here’s my first review of Beaches! And, then, my second! Do you like ice cream? Eat the whole Kitchen Sink!
Mmmm. A Beaches cheese burger!
In the Yacht Club, there’s a place called Captain’s Grille. BEST beef short rib I have EVER had. EVER. It is served with an outstanding sweet corn risotto.
Of the three, Beaches will be the biggest challenge to get into, but it’s worth the visit. Great 50s soda shop theming.
Over on the BoardWalk, I would recommend ESPN Club or Big River Grille & Brewing Works for a more casual meal.
One of our favorite things to do is to “pub hop”. The Cabana Bar (the pool bar) at Dolphin is very good. In the Yacht Club, there’s the Crew’s Cup (one of our favorites). And, if you want to try another throw-back to the 50s, visit the Belle Vue Room in the BoardWalk Resort. Here’s my review of the Belle Vue!
Visit the Belle Vue!
Oh, one last thing. Do you like margaritas? You MUST try this Habanero Lime Margarita! I wish we could be there to join you!”
I had meant to pass this little exchange on to you, my Disney friends, last weekend, but we (or, was it “I”) got all caught up in the Deluxe resort voting campaign that went on and on and on. I was reminded of my discussion when Joel passed along a brief report on his adventure to Disney.
“Hey, Bob! I just thought I would drop you a line and thank you again for the tip about the shuttle. It worked perfect and was right in my price range. They were there waiting for us at the airport and also were right on time to take me back to MCO. It was early as well. The shuttle was there at 5:50 AM, and the crew that runs that ship does a great job!
I ate at Shula’s on Sunday. The porterhouse and potato were fantastic.
On Monday, I went to dinner at Todd English’s bluezoo. The BBQ swordfish with rice and oysters was amazing. It was the first time for me having swordfish, and it was cooked perfectly. The rice was covered in BBQ sauce and joined by steamed oysters with lemon on the side.
On Tuesday, I had a chocolate shake from The Fountain for breakfast and I left the complex for lunch. For dinner on Tuesday, I went to ESPN and ordered a lot of wings and beer. It was all great. Thanks again!”
Wow, it sounds like a blast, Joel! I’m glad you had a great time … and, here, you only scratched the surface of what WDW has to offer! Glad I was able to help!
What about you all? For a short trip like this, what advice would you have given Joel? Leave a comment and let us know!
