Going to Disney World? Here's some advice... Part 3

I'm so glad people seem to be finding some value in my Disney advice posts! I've always wanted to pass some of this knowledge on - I'm glad it's of value!

So, today I promised to point out some less traveled pathways in some of the parks and point out attractions that I think are "not-to-miss" but before I do that, I'll talk about some of the places we enjoy eating at in the Disney parks.

Now, a disclaimer... we are not fancy eaters. We like tasty food that doesn't cost an arm and a leg and, while we love to eat, we don't want to spend too much of our time doing it - there are too many other things to see!

PLACES WE LIKE TO EAT
We really do love EPCOT! In Part 2 I mentioned the tasty beet salad we always get at the food court in The Land Pavilion. There are lots of other really delicious options - all made to order. Unless you want to experience the dining at one of the pavilions in the World Showcase, the food court at The Land is the place to go!

Other places we have eaten at EPCOT (and they were all delicious and worth the extra cost!!) are: Teppan Edo - Teppan Chefs prepare authentic Japanese cuisine at your table - it's really dinner theater!
San Angel Inn - This is located in the beautiful Mexico Pavilion and has wonderful ambiance. The Mexico Pavilion itself is a feast for the eyes and the food is pretty yummy, too!
Le Cellier Steakhouse - In the Canadian Pavilion, this is a sweet and sort of out-of-the-way little spot. Very nice and not too pricey.

I've always wanted to eat at the Restaurant Marrakesh in the Morocco Pavilion. If you go and are lucky enough to eat there - let me know how it was!

I will admit that we have only rarely eaten at Hollywood Studios or The Animal Kingdom. Sorry to not really have any info there.... :)

As for the Magic Kingdom - our favorite place, hands-down, is Cosmic Ray's. It is definitely fast food at it's best. Cosmic Ray's is located in Tomorrowland and is a pretty busy place. It's a bit confusing because they have 3 "bays" - one has burgers and hot dogs, another has roasted chicken and BBQ pork and the last one has a selection of salads and sandwiches. (Click here to see the lunch menu) The confusing thing is that if you want a hot dog and someone else wants a BBQ pork sandwich, you can't order at the same "bay". So, that's a draw-back to dining at Cosmic Ray's. If you can get everyone to agree and want the same fare - you're in luck!!

We are also pretty fond of another little place in Tomorrowland called "Auntie Gravity's". They have some super delicious ice cream treats - perfect for a mid-afternoon, cool-down snack.

So, now that "eating" is out of the way... let's move on to some of my favorite undiscovered spots and less-traveled walkways in the parks. It's not like I have a ton of them - let's face it - there are lots of freakin' people there pretty much all of the time.

Undiscovered Rest Rooms and walkways
There is a restroom at The Animal Kingdom that, no kidding, we have NEVER seen another soul in. It's also along a lightly traveled walkway that runs between Dino-Land and Expedition Everest - so, not only will you find a quiet and clean restroom, you also have found the quickest and easiest way to get to Expedition Everest!! Yay! Here is a bit of the map - hopefully it will make some sense to you...

I have drawn a path from (roughly) the front gate to the restroom located just next to "Finding Nemo - The Musical" theater. If you continue along the main walkway (in pink) you will find yourself smack dab in front of Expedition Everest where you can get your Fast Pass for later or join the Single-rider line to get on in no time!

Another favorite undiscovered walkway is in The Magic Kingdom - it winds nicely from Space Mountain to the back part of Fantasyland. It's not a short-cut, per-say, but it's a pleasant stroll away from the crowds. Also notice I have a secret restroom circled. It's not as secret as the one in The Animal Kingdom - but pretty close and like the one at The Animal Kingdom, it's along the quickest and least traveled path to Tomorrowland! So, here's how you go... You're walking up Main Street with 10,000 other people entering the park. Stay on the right side of the street and turn right at the Ice Cream Parlor. A short way down the walkway is a low-traffic restroom. As you come out of the restroom, turn right again. The walkway looks like it goes into The Terrace Restaurant but it actually passes through it! Hang to the left and you've found the quickest and least crowded way to get to Tomorrowland from Main Street USA. Score! Here's a shot of the map...

Two more of my favorite walkways are pretty clearly marked on the map but appear to be much larger than they are in reality. They pass along the backside of Cinderella's Castle. While they can sometimes be a bit crowded when compared to the other routes I've shown you, the crowds here are nothing as compared to walking through the "Stroller Capital of the World" - FantasyLand! These walkways enable you to travel from the Adventureland/Frontierland areas of the park to Tomorrowland relatively painlessly. Remember what I said about snagging Fast Passes in yesterday's post? These walkways make Fast-passing that much easier!

Also marked are the secret restroom from the other photo as well as a path that appears to run over several shops on Main Street USA. This is actually a path through the shops and easier than trying to navigate the crowds (and sometimes a parade) on Main Street. If there is a parade, you have to come at this path from the Adventureland side. It makes exiting the park easier at the end of a long day plus it's air-conditioned! Yay! You might even want to stop for that last-minute souvenir, too!

Last but not least is a quick and dirty run-down of our absolute favorite attractions (in no particular order) at the various parks This list won't include our "so-so" or "no-go" attractions and everyone's list will be different but these are the ones we rate pretty dang high!:
Magic Kingdom
Be sure to go inside Cinderella's Castle to see the truly majestic mosaic art on the inside. I don't think most people ever see it but it's really beautiful!
Walt Disney Railroad
Pirates of the Caribbean
Splash  Mountain
Thunder Mountain Railroad
The Haunted Mansion
Mickey's Philharmagic
Space Mountain
Buzz Lightyear's Ranger Spin
The People Mover
The nighttime Firework Show
Small World and Jungle Cruise - but only because they are classics!
Be sure to visit this park at night - it's beautiful at night

The Animal Kingdom
It's Tough To Be a Bug!
The walkway around and through the Tree of Life in the center of the park
DINOSAUR
Primeval Whirl
Expedition Everest
Festival of the Lion King
Wildlife Express Train

EPCOT
Spaceship: Earth
Ellen's Universe of Energy
Soarin'
The Sea Pavilion has some wonderful aquarium exhibits
The Mexico Pavilion et al
The Gardens surrounding the China Pavilion
The Land Pavilion et al - Be sure to take a look at the magnificent mosaic work along the walkways going up to the building. I also love the decor inside the building - don't forget look up!
Make sure to take a stroll through the World Showcase for the scenery alone! You might also stumble upon some of the excellent street performers.
The evening show - Illuminations!

Hollywood Studios
Toy Story Mania!
Star Tours
Rockin' Roller Coaster
Tower of Terror
Beauty and the Beast Show
Muppet Vision 3-D
"Honey-I-Shrunk-The-Kids" Movie Set - this is actually a playground area meant for kids but I think it's pretty cool :)

So, I hope this info will help some of you on your next trip to Disney. Tomorrow I will talk about Universal Studios Florida. There just aren't as many secrets there but I'll try to share what few I might have with you! See you then :)