Epcot, with the World Showcase at your disposal, offers a wide variety of food, drinks and snacks that make Epcot a special place to visit. During the Food and Wine festival each Fall, the number of offerings explodes. We will cover the 10 best snacks available to Epcot guest on a normal day, I couldn’t limit myself to just 10 during Food and Wine:

#10: Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies – Found in Sunshine Seasons in the Land Pavilion, these cookies are freshly made throughout the day, a great snack for adults and kids alike.

#9: Minnie’s Strawberry Fruit Bar – Located throughout the park at ice cream carts, Minnie’s Strawberry bars are deceptively yummy, and may possibly even be good for you. Hey, it has Strawberry in the title, how bad can it be for you? A great break from a normal ice cream treat.

#8: Crepes – Located outside Chef de France in France, this crepe carts makes them like the do on the streets of Paris, right in front of you. With options such as chocolate, Strawberries or Sugar (yum, my favorite), you can please everyone in your family with one stop.

#7: Peach Tart – From the Boulangerie Patisserie in France, the Peach Tart is my favorite of many wonderful snacks available at this busy snack shop. From the classic Eclair to Elephant Ears and Napoleons, you are sure to rekindle your memories of France for a few dollars.

#6: Apple Strudel – From Sommerfest in Germany, the Apple Strudel is to die for. Plenty of tables around, and a wonderful atmosphere make Germany a great place to stop to snack. And if you are a beer drinker, Sommerfest offers several Germany beers to go with your strudel.

#5: Red Bean Ice Cream – A Chinese specialty, this ice cream is found in the Lotus Blossom Cafe in China. A unique taste sets this ice cream apart from others, not suite, but a slight tart flavor makes is special. If you want to try something out of the ordinary, the Red Bean Ice Cream should be your first option.

#4: Club Cool - While technically not a snack in itself, Club Cool is a great stop on a hot day to pick up a free drink or two. Sponsored by Coca Cola, Club Cool offers free drinks from around the world, including Smart Watermelon from China, Mezzo Mix from Germany and Lychee Mello from Thailand. Some are fantastic, others, not quite so much.

#3: Kringla Sweet Pretzel - From the Kringla Bakeri og Cafe in Norway, the Kringa Sweet Pretzel is just awesome. The Bakery offers other wonderful cakes and sandwiches, a nice, out of the way place to snack or dine. Plenty of tables around overlooking the Norway play area (cool ship that kids can play on).

#2: Mickey Ice Cream Bar – From ice cream carts from around the parks, what would a trip to Disney be without eating a Mickey Head Ice Cream Bar or ten? Shaped like Mickey, this is a classic vanilla ice cream bar covered in chocolate. Messy for kids and adults alike.

#1: Funnel Cake with Sugar - From the Funnel Cake Kiosk in the American Pavilion, this is the classic American Fair treat. Deep fried dough covered in powdered sugar. The line is usually long, especially right before Illuminations, so plan accordingly. You can get your funnel cake covered in chocolate, ice cream or fruit, but the plain old sugar one is by far the best. Just make sure you eat carefully, that powdered sugar has a strange way of finding the front of your shirt.

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Many people think of Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom, full of rides for the under 8 crowd, and assume that the rest of Walt Disney World is just like that. Well, over the past few years, Disney has added quite a few “thrill” rides for teens, and others who want to add a little spice to the Disney adventure. Here are our top 10 Disney World rides for teens.

#10: Soarin’ - Located in Epcot, Soarin’ is a replica of Soarin’ over California originally built in California Adventure in Disneyland. With an eye towards the future, the California part has been left off the title, as we will surely see an updated film sometime in the future. Replicating a ride on a hang glider, Soarin’ gives you a thrill that is hard to replicate. While not necessarily fast or scary, it is a fun, cool ride.

#9: Dinosaur - Located in the Animal Kingdom park, Dinosaur takes you back in a time machine, in search for a “friendly” dinosaur that you are to bring back in the future. Unfortunately, things go wrong, and your time machine vehicle goes through quite an experience before returning home. A dark ride, huge, hungry dinosaurs, plenty of chances to get your hear pumping, it is all that you can ask for in a scary ride.

#8: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Located in the Magic Kingdom, Big Thunder is the classic run away mine train adventure. Mild, as far as a roller-coaster goes, it is still fun, loud and worth the wait. After all, it is the wildest ride in the wilderness!

#7: Splash Mountain – Located in the Magic Kingdom, much of Splash Mountain is a kid friendly trip through the adventures of Brer Rabbit. It isn’t until Brer Rabbit is caught by Brer Fox where the real fun starts. A huge drop awaits, and it ends up being a fun, exciting ride.

#6: Test Track - Located in Epcot, Test Track recreates an automobile testing ground, with bumps, turns and high speed test included. You board a test car, and are taken through a series of test including high speed turns. Once outside the building your test car accelerates to over 60 MPH, giving the riders a big thrill.

#5: Space Mountain – Located in the Magic Kingdom, Space Mountain has been around for 30+ years, but is still a fantastic ride. You are launched into space, and then you hurtle back to earth, dodging asteroids and other space materiel. In itself, it isn’t a fantastic roller coaster, but the dark atmosphere and theme of the ride make it a great thrill ride.

#4: Mission Space – Located in Epcot, Mission Space takes you to Mars on a fantastic journey. Not only do you feel the full G-Force that astronauts feel, you get a great ride out of the experience. If you get motion sickness at all, opt for the non-spinning side. You still get the great ride, without the G-forces.

#3: Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster staring Aerosmith – Located in Disney Studios, Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster is a full fledged indoor roller coaster. With a 0-60, under three second start, RNR is as exciting as it gets at WDW. Full loops, corkscrews and loud music make for a fun, fast ride for teens and just about anyone else willing to ride.

#2: Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – Located in Disney Studios, Tower of Terror is a unique Disney experience. Enter an abandoned Hollywood Hotel, that has not been entered since a tragic accident in the 30′s. While the original elevators are now gone, they were lost during the storm that closed the hotel, there is still a maintenance elevator that is in use. Unfortunately, as you use the maintenance elevator, things get a bit out of hand. Big drops and unpredictable situations make for one of the best thrill rides anywhere.

#1: Expedition Everest – Located in Animal Kingdom Park, Expedition Everest is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad meets the Matterhorn, updated for a 21st Century ride. The Everest Yeti is out to get the Expedition Everest train, and will do anything to destroy it. From destroying tracks to swiping at passing trains, Expedition Everest is fast paced, exciting and offers a few unexpected twists not seen in any other roller coaster. Ask for the front row, it is worth the wait.

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While Walt Disney World is known for being a great place for kids and families, it may be even better for an adult only trip. Disney World has some of the best restaurants in central Florida, and many are very romantic, and surprisingly, have very few kids in attendance. So, without further adieu, our top 10 romantic restaurants at Walt Disney World:

#10: Coral Reef - located in Epcot, coral reef features an entire wall of the restaurant that is a side of a huge aquarium. This creates a unique dining experience, with interesting light patterns throughout the restaurant. Since it is in Epcot, there will be plenty of kids around to see the fish, but there are some nice quiet corners where you can enjoy the food and views without being disturbed too much.

#9: Jiko - located in the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Jiko features interesting dishes with an African influence. Jiko features a fantastic atmosphere, with constantly changing lighting, and many quiet dining areas. You get an extra bonus, so show up early. The Animal Kingdom Lodge is surrounded by savannas full of African animals, so show up 30 minutes early and spend some time walking around the resort.

# 8: Narcoossee’s - located in the Grand Floridian, Narcoossee’s features pretty standard, though high quality, fare. The thing that sets the restaurant apart is the location. Built hovering over Seven Seas Lagoon, most tables in the restaurant feature fantastic views of the Magic Kingdom, and if your timing is right, the Electric Water parade.

#7: Yachtsman Steakhouse - located in the Yacht Club Resort, Yachtsman is home to the best steaks on Disney property. If you significant other is a meat and potatoes kind of person, this is the place for your romantic dinner. While they do offer a few other entrees, it is a steakhouse. Yachtsman is a short walk from Epcot, and is a nice break from the crowds at Epcot.

#6: Artist’s Point – located in the Wilderness Lodge, Artist’s Point features food from the West such as Buffalo Steak. The restaurant features fantastic panorama views overlooking the Wilderness Lodge and Bay Lake. It really feels like you are dining in Yellowstone, but with fantastic food.

#5: Flying Fish Cafe – located on the Boardwalk, Flying Fish is a fish house, if you couldn’t guess. Fantastic, lively atmosphere just adds to the high quality food available. If you want fish, and your partner wants a steak, no worries, Flying Fish offers the best steak on property. Strange but true.

#4: Cinderella’s Royal Table – located in the Magic Kingdom. Ok, a character meal is romantic? Well, for many people, eating in Cinderella’s Castle is a dream come true, for princesses of all ages. Try dinner here, Cinderella and her princess friends are absent, but the atmosphere is fantastic, with great views of the Magic Kingdom from inside the castle. Like no other restaurant on earth. The food isn’t quite on par with the other romantic restaurants listed, but you pay dearly for the location, and it is worth it.

#3: Victoria and Albert’s – located in the Grand Floridian. Disney only restaurant that requires a coat and tie, so come prepared. A unique restaurant, as all the staff is named either Victoria or Albert. Custom menus available as well, if you are looking for a particular meal for a special occasion. While this restaurant doesn’t offer spectacular views, it is all about the experience.

#2: Rose and Crown - located in Epcot. While this ranking may be a bit high, Rose and Crown offers a unique restaurant experience, front row seats to the nightly fireworks show at Epcot, Illuminations. Rose and Crown features a large patio, with lagoon side seating, that is worth the time and effort to get a good table. Show up early for your reservation and ask for a water side seat, and be prepared to wait.

#1: California Grill – located atop the Contemporary resort, the California Grill offers fantastic food, great atmosphere and a top of the world view of the Magic Kingdom and the nightly fireworks. Make sure you time your reservation correctly to coincide with the fireworks. High quality food, views and unparaleled romanticism make this our top choice for romantic restaurants at WDW.

Please note all of these restaurants require Advanced Dining Reservations, and many sell out months ahead of time, so plan accordingly. While you will be ok with theme park attire in many of these restaurants, please check in advance so that you will be admitted and comfortable eating at the restaurant of your choice.

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Walt Disney World offers character meals of all types, for both young and old, but with so many to choose from, which ones are right for you. The top 10 character meals at WDW:

#10: 1900 Park Fare – located at the Grand Floridian, 1900 Park Fare has two different character meals. Breakfast is the Supercalifragilistic Breakfast, featuring Mary Poppins, the Mad Hatter and Alice in Wonderland. Dinner is Cinderella’s Gala Feast, featuring, of course, Cinderella. Neither one are fantastic, but if you are looking to do a character meal with Cinderella, and can’t get into our top character meal, 1900 park Fare is a good option, especially if you are staying at the Grand Floridian.

#9: Cape May Cafe – located in the Beach Club lobby, the Cape May Cafe offers a daily character breakfast with Goofy, Pluto and Chip and Dale. Nothing special, but it is usually easy to get into, rarely crowded and a good option for an out of the park character breakfast with decent food.

#8. Liberty Tree Tavern – located in the Magic Kingdom, the Liberty Tree Tavern offers a dinner with Minnie, Goofy and Pluto. Food is served family style, and is usually of very good quality. A nice break from the theme park, let you and your kids have a bit of a rest before getting back to the rides.

#7. ‘Ohana Character Breakfast – located in the Polynesian, ‘Ohana features Lilo and Stich, Mickey and Pluto. Serving breakfast only, this is a good place to stop on your way to the Magic Kingdom. Good food served buffet style, and the chance to see Lilo and Stitch are tough to pass up.

#6. Donald’s Safari Breakfast – located in the Animal Kingdom theme park, eat breakfast with Donald, Goofy, Pluto and Mickey in a safari like atmosphere, featuring buffet service, and a chance to see live animals while you eat.

#5. Crystal Palace – located in the Magic Kingdom, Crystal Palace offers all three meals with Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet, practically the only place to see those “characters” on property. Located in probably the coolest building on Disney property, many tables features a great view of Cinderella’s Castle.

#4. Chef Mickey’s – located in the Contemporary Resort, Chef Mickey’s is the home of your friend, Mickey, where he presents you with fantastic food and a loud, fun atmosphere to enjoy your food. You can eat breakfast or dinner with Mickey, Goofy, Chip and Dale, and if lucky, Donald Duck.

#3. Playhouse Disney’s Play ‘N Dine – located at Disney Studios. If you have a toddler who is into Playhouse Disney, this is their chance to eat breakfast or lunch with their TV friends Jo Jo and Goliath from “Jo Jo’s Circus” and June and Leo from “The Little Einsteins”. The atmosphere is loud, featuring all your favorite Playhouse Disney songs, with kids and parents encouraged to sing along.

#2. Princess Storybook Meal – located in the Norway pavilion in Epcot, the Princess Storybook meal is fairly new, and has become one of the most popular character meals at WDW. All three meals are offered, and if you have a princess of your own, this is a must do during your Disney World vacation. Princess that are usually in attendance are Belle, Jasmine, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Mary Poppins. During lunch and dinner, Ariel often visits in her royal gown.

#1. Cinderella’s Royal Table – located in Cinderella’s Castle in the Magic Kingdom. What could be more magical than eating with Cinderella in her castle? Nothing, that is why this special character meal appears at number 1 on our list. Breakfast and lunch feature Cinderella, the Fairy Godmother, and usually Belle, Jasmine and Snow White. During Dinner, Cinderella gets a break, and the dinner is hosted by the Fairy Godmother, so make sure you get in for breakfast or lunch if you want to see Cinderella.

Please note Advanced Dinning reservations are strongly encouraged for all character meals. Most of the character meals sell out in advance, even during the slowest times of the year. Dining reservations can be made 180 days in advance, so it is rarely too early to call to make reservation.

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