The entrance was subtle—a wooden door flanked by Japanese lanterns, at the end of a short stone path—and by Walt Disney World Resort standards, very quiet. We were not far behind, but it seemed like a different world, as hundreds of people took selfies at Epcot’s Japan Pavilion. But my family was there to have an omakase at Takumi-Tei, The restaurant “House of the Artisan” is located in the Mitsukoshi Department Store.
Takumi Tei offers a break from the crowds with its five interconnected, intimate dining rooms. Each room is themed after a different element. Ours was Stone. It’s hard to find a theme park that offers a multi-course, relaxed dining experience. You’ll have tried everything from Wagyu tempura and bluefin tona sushi with house-made sauces. takuan, We left Epcot to see another spectacular show: the evening fireworks.
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Disney has always been a pageantry company. In order to attract more luxury travelers, Disney’s parks and resorts in the Orlando area are upgrading their food, amenities, and accommodations. At La Cava del TequilaCasa Dragones is a cult favorite tequila. Celebrities like Lily Aldridge have created specialty cocktails for the bar. Wine Bar George, part of the Disney Springs entertainment complex, serves famous labels by the ounce (Château d’Yquem at $65 a sip, anyone?) curated by Master sommelier George Miliotes. Last year Victoria & Albert’s, You can also check out our other articles. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, The first American theme park restaurant to receive a Michelin Star. Not to be outdone CapaThe Spanish-inspired steakhouse at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, now has a star, too—and an elevated (yet still kid-friendly) rooftop setting on the 17th floor.
Four Seasons Orlando, part of Golden Oak, has now been open for 11 years and helped lead the way in introducing premium accommodation in Orlando. Karen Magee of Valerie Wilson Travel is a member of T+L’s advisory board and says, “We love booking clients there.” “Their kids’ club is top-notch, so parents can easily recover from the chaos of the parks.”
Nearby golf courses are focusing on the game. Waldorf Astoria Orlando, It has also recently completed an upgrade of its 18-hole course and a refresh of the hotel rooms. The new Conrad Orlando The Evermore Orlando Resort offers private moments like s’mores by a fire pit or family photo sessions on the beach. The new Island Tower in Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows Inspired by the Disney movie “Moana”, stylish outdoor lounges are located on the upper levels to provide a secluded place for guests to unwind.
“Too often, parents feel like Disney is something they endure for their children—rather than enjoy with them,” says Caitlin Pfitzinger, a Florida-based travel advisor with Embark Beyond, who plans around 15 theme-park trips for clients each year. “Whether I’m skipping the line with a dedicated VIP guide, getting coveted dining reservations or crafting an itinerary that allows parents to enjoy the magic of Disney parks alongside their kids, it is my goal for them to do so.”
For me, that magic kicked in when my son Bobby’s eyes lit up at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge during an exclusive make-your-own-light-saber experience at Savi’s Workshop. And then we geeked out at the Haunted Mansion—Bobby’s very first Magic Kingdom ride—with our private guide. Pfitzinger explains that “Disney is a shared adventure when you balance luxury, convenience and quality” in an itinerary.
Disney
What’s New in Orlando?
Universal Epic Universe opened at Universal Orlando Resort last month, becoming the first major U.S. theme park to debut in 25-years. The state-of-the-art destination has five “worlds,” including a Super Nintendo–themed area, a new Wizarding World of Harry Potter experience, and Dark Universe, an eerie enclave inspired by classic monsters. The new Universal Helios Grand Hotel is a Loews Hotel with a pool, rooftop bar, and private entrance. It also offers cutting-edge entertainment and themed dining.—Elizabeth Rhodes
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The Ultimate Disney Hack
You may want to consider a guide if you are short on time or have a large group with specific requirements. Disney Private VIP Tours, a service affiliated with Walt Disney World Resort.
“These guides are incredibly knowledgeable and can navigate the parks with their eyes closed,” says Stacy Fischer-Rosenthal, the president of Fischer Travel and a member of T+L’s advisory board. Here are four benefits of this service, which costs $450–$900 an hour, not including park tickets, for up to 10 people.
PICK A PARK ANY PARK
My family chose to focus solely on the Magic Kingdom. Jonathan Herd, our guide, took us to every corner of the park, surprising us with Tiana’s famous beignets or securing an excellent viewing position for the afternoon’s parade. If we had wanted to move on to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, or Animal Kingdom, we could have: we had a full day of Herd’s time.
SKIP THE WAIT
It’s not unreasonable to expect shorter waits if you use the Lightning Lane. That said, our longest was 10 minutes—compared to what could have been an hour or more. On a few rides (including Pirates of the Caribbean), we were allowed to use an exclusive behind-the scenes entrance, which is normally only accessible to Disney staff.
GEEK OUT on Trivia
Herd shared some interesting facts with the crowd throughout the day. He noted that the Haunted House is decorated with chess-themed pieces (but not knights); Space Mountain plays themed music during the holidays; while the windows of Main Street U.S.A. display the names influential Disney employees.
GET INSIDER MERCH
You can easily identify VIP tour guides based on their uniforms with plaid accents. A special shop located on Main Street allows clients to purchase their own plaid.—J.G.
A version of this story first appeared in the June 2025 issue of Travel + Leisure Keys to the Kingdom is the subtitle.
