The Walt Disney World Resort I Grew to Love

 No, it wasn't Disney's Polynesian Village Resort that I had to grow to love. Anyone who knows me is aware that was an instant hit. The truth is the other original Walt Disney World Resort hotel was the one that took decades to win me over- the Contemporary Resort. (And here's a piece of rare concept art: an early plan for the exterior.)

Yes, riding the monorail through the lobby still surprises with the reveal of the Grand Canyon Concourse, but that wasn't enough. Decades after my first visit to the World in 1975, it was the sum of many smaller pieces that won me over. The energy, the bright colors, the large panes of glass that provided terrific views, the lakeside setting. 

What tipped the scales? Dinner at the California Grill back in 2009! That memorable and expensive evening became one of my favorite resort experiences. What could be more spectacular than a great meal with my beloved wife high atop it all? Only a view of the Magic Kingdom while the evening fireworks were aglow. Truly magical!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)