Even if your client doesn ’ t quite have the presidential suite budget , Kozlow says , there ’ s no shortage of fun for adults in the region ’ s iconic theme parks .
As a resident of the area herself , the parks are practically in Kozlow ’ s backyard . Plus , she ’ s an expert in all things Disney . Kozlow shared some of her insider tips and tricks to entertain the adults who are still kids at heart .
SPECIAL EVENTS FEATURING TUTUS , MARATHONS , FESTIVALS AND CONCERTS Even before Kozlow moved to central Florida , she was charmed by the Disney magic . She and a group of friends signed up for the Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon and planned a girls ’ trip around the event .
Events like these are perfect for adults ,
JENNIFER KOZLOW
she says , especially for bachelorette parties and friends ’ trips . When wrangling a bunch of adults ’ busy schedules , it can help to choose one particular event to center the trip around and solidify the date .
Runners may want to plan their trips around special athletic events like the Disney Princess Half Marathon where you ’ ll spot tutus as far as the eye can see , Kozlow says with a laugh , and the formidable Dopey Challenge , a fearsome feat of athletic endurance .
Foodies should keep an eye out for the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival , which Kozlow endorses as a fun way to experience the park through food .
She also recommends keeping an eye on Disney ’ s concert calendar for live music from bands like Toby Mac , Jefferson Starship and The Spin Doctors .
FAR FROM THE KIDS ’ MENU — RISOTTO , SUSHI AND MILKSHAKES ARE AMONG THE SELECTIONS FOR ADULTS Kids may see food as just a necessity between rides , but adults can really take some time to savor their meals — and there ’ s so much to indulge in at Disney , Kozlow says .
If there ’ s only time for one meal at Disney , make it California Grill , Kozlow advises . The restaurant ’ s menu features American favorites like filet of beef , pork tenderloin , grouper and risotto , along with a list of a dozen cocktails , all with views of Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom park . “ The food is excellent ; the views are phenomenal , and you get that touch of magic ,” Kozlow says . “ The great thing about an adult Disney vacation is that the parks are fun for everyone and every age ; however , there are great restaurants with the signature restaurants at Disney by far the best .”
Even more food options await at Disney Springs , like Morimoto with a sit-down option or a quick-serve spot and Wine Bar George with dozens of wines to try . Disney Springs is also home to the beloved Gideon ’ s Bakehouse , whipping up nearly half-pound cookies .
PRO TIP : There ’ s another Gideon ’ s Bakehouse location in East End Market , a neighborhood food hall showcasing the region ’ s top chefs and creatives . Though it ’ s outside the park ’ s gates , it ’ s a way to beat the long lines in Disney Springs .
Over at Universal , CityWalk offers shopping and sustenance . Foodies will find Burgushi ( that ’ s burger-sushi ), tacos , enchiladas , doughnuts , chocolate crème brûlée , marshmallow crisp milkshakes and lots more . It ’ s a favorite spot for Kozlow and her husband to hang out with friends while her teenagers explore the park . CityWalk is open until midnight , so the party can last long after the sun sets .
CityWalk is also home to the Hard Rock Live , a 3,000-seat music venue welcoming big names . Fun fact : Hard Rock ’ s private lounge features furniture from John Lennon and Yoko Ono ’ s Manhattan apartment , including the loveseat where he wrote hit songs .
For those who crave a cold beer on a hot day , Universal hosts Homer Simpson ’ s favorite bar , the open-air Duff Brewery . Simpsons
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