Kissimmee Travel Guide

Set "in Disney's stunning Animal Kingdom Lodge", this buffet will "make you feel as if you're visiting Africa" as you pick from the "dazzling" "array of choices", including "unusual, authentic foods" for "epicurean thrill-seekers" ("don't miss the Durban-spiced chicken") plus "well-prepared staples" for "the picky eater"; "sure, there are screaming kids running around", but overall it's a "fun", "safari-casual" "must-do" – "all that's missing is the meat on a spear!"

"Pure poetry" profess patrons who say this "hidden gem" in Disney's Grand Floridian Resort "rivals its neighbor", the posh Victoria & Albert's, thanks to "innovative" Med–New American "magic on a plate" plus an "attentive" staff that "goes out of its way" to please; factor in an "awesome" wine list and "spectacular" views (from some tables), and this "favorite" is "worth it for a special occasion" or a "vacation date night"; N.B. also closed Tuesdays.

The "holy grail of restaurants" in the Disney domain (it's the Most Popular spot in the Orlando area), this Californian "favorite" offers an "enchanting" combination of "creative, seasonal" fare, "solicitous" service and "one of the most extensive wine lists east of Napa"; it also boasts a "fabulous location" on the 15th floor of the Contemporary Resort, so be sure to "time your reservation" to take advantage of the "killer view of the fireworks" over Cinderella's Castle.

A "businessman's atmosphere – big steaks, big desserts, big impressions" – helps make this Orlando-area trio "a must" for local carnivores who consider it a "winning" choice; while some are "unimpressed" with the "time warp" decor, most factor in the "attentive service", "large portions" and "consistent quality", declaring it a "good value for your money."

"A swell place to spend an evening", this "magical" New American in Disney's BoardWalk Resort reels in fish lovers with "amazingly fresh seafood" that's "imaginative" and "well prepared"; there's also mac 'n' cheese for the "little guppies", and while it can get "noisy" and you'll watch your money "fly away", it's "delightful" to "sit at the counter and see the kitchen in action" or to "walk off your meal on the boardwalk as you watch the fireworks."

Experience a "taste of Africa without the exorbitant airfare" at this "welcome departure" in Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, where the "unexpected flavors" – think comfort foods prepared with "exotic" sub-Saharan spices – "don't fail to exceed expectations"; the "wonderful experience" includes a "sleek, tranquil" setting, "impeccable" service and an "awesome" South African wine list that will make oenophiles "weep with excitement."

Visitors "will want to sing 'Oh Canada' after trying the steak" at this "lively" option in Epcot's Canada Pavilion, where the filet is "so tender you could cut it with a plastic spoon" and the "hearty" cheddar cheese soup and "soft, warm" pretzel breadsticks will make you "swear you're in our 51st state"; plus, as you "eat underground in an old wine cellar" attended to by "friendly" "Canadian college students", you'll be apt to "forget you're in Disney World"; P.S. "reservations are a must!"

"Tantalize your taste buds" at celeb chef Todd English's "innovative", "trendy" seafooder "for adults" at Epcot's Dolphin, where "simple fish meets a complexity of flavors" thanks to "creative" (if "pricey") preparations and sauces; the "visually stunning" design makes you feel like you're "dining underwater" but, despite the name, "the only animals at this zoo are the party animals who crowd the bar at happy hour."

"Want to know what dinner would be like in heaven?" – then "dress up" and tow "a boatful of money" to this "fantasy" in Disney's Grand Floridian Resort, where "meticulous" servers present "genius" chef Scott Hunnel's "inventive", "decadent" six-course, prix fixe–only New American menu that earns the No. 1 Food rating in the Orlando area; "thankfully, no children [under 10] are allowed" in the "sophisticated" room, making it "wonderful for romance"; P.S. "book well in advance" and try for the "coveted chef's table."

For "a taste of Puck at a lower cost", foodies have four options at this Downtown Disney Californian: on the ground floor there's a "casual" "family-friendly" cafe, a "gourmet" sushi bar and an "express" counter where "designer pizzas" take center stage, while the "more formal" upstairs dining room is the setting for "top-shelf" eats; still, those who cite "overly noisy", "crowded" digs, "less than stellar decor" and an "overwhelmed staff" say they "expected more based on the name."

"Bring the big stick" to "one of the longer courses in Mickey Mouse land", this "top-notch" Rees Jones design that will "test" you with "sand, sand, sand and a gator or two" plus "always breezy" conditions, so be sure to keep it straight to "avoid the mounds"; a few feel it's "overpriced considering the lack of scenery", but the "good practice facilities" and "helpful staff" make it "worth the price at least once."

There's "nothing Mickey Mouse" about "Disney's most interesting layout", this Tom Fazio "favorite" featuring "surprising elevation changes" along with "large bunkers", "huge greens" and "great finishing holes"; if it's "a bit pricey for the market", at least you know "it's first-class", so enjoy the "private country-club feel", "excellent service" and "lush wilderness" vibe ("deer walking on the tee boxes") – it's "a nice break from Minnie and friends."

They no longer grow orchids at this 22,500-sq.-ft. indoor rainforest in Kissimmee (due to hurricane damage), but you can nevertheless buy the blooms at the attached gift store; "nature/animal lovers" fawn over the "incredible variety and beauty" of the "tropical" plants and the presence of koi and exotic birds, and even those who find it "tired" concede that wandering amid palm trees, "meandering streams" and waterfalls is a "nice break."