SHOWS
Best nighttime show
Fantasmic!, Disney-MGM Studios, Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL
The inimitable Mickey Mouse, in Sorcerer's Apprentice mode, presides over a tour-de-force show that includes waterscreen images, live action, pyrotechnics and more. It is so well done, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that it is the single best attraction in all of Walt Disney World -- and that's saying quite a lot. The Disneyland Fantasmic! show is also great, but the custom-built theater in Florida gives it the edge.
Best walk-around characters
The Shrek stars, Islands of Adventureand Universal Studios Florida, Universal Orlando, FL
Sure, Mickey Mouse gets the sentimental nod hands down. One sight of the icon is enough to bring a three-year-old to fits of elation and turn a forty-year-old into a blubbering schoolgirl. But the newer Shrek and Lord Farquaad characters have astonishing makeup and costumes. Unlike most theme park characters, these guys get to talk, and, depending on who inhabits the duds, the Shrek stars can be wildly funny. An impromptu meet and greet with the green ogre and his diminutive nemesis could turn into one of the best shows you'll see at the Universal parks.
FOOD
Best Walt Disney World Restaurants
From fast food to special occassion meals, we've picked a baker's dozen of Disney's finest dining experiences.
Best Fries
(Tie) Lake Compounce, Bristol, CT and Kennywood, West Mifflin, PA.
Both owned by the Kennywood company, their Potato Patch Fries are to die for.
Best Desserts
(Tie) Busch Gardens Tampa, FL and Williamsburg, VA
I defy you to walk past the mile-high desserts in the cafeteria lines at either park and not put at least one on your tray.
Best Beer
Any of the Busch Gardensor SeaWorldparks.
Say what you will about Budweiser; at the Anheuser-Busch parks, the King of Beers and all the members of its barley-brewed court are free for the taking.
Best in-park themed restaurant
The 50s Prime Time Cafe, Disney-MGM Studios, Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL
With its retro decor and finger-wagging "mom" waitresses, you're part of the show. A real hoot -- and good food to boot.
BEST RIDES AND ATTRACTIONS- OTHER
Best Motion Simulator Attraction
Star Trek: The Experienceat the Las Vegas Hilton.
Spider-Man is a wild attraction, but it uses a roving-motion base (its cars move from scene to scene, as in a dark ride, and in sync with filmed action). Star Trek is among the best fixed-base motion simulators, but it's more than the simulator that makes this attraction so spectacular. It transports guests into the 24th century for an astonishing 25-minute immersion into the Trek oeuvre, complete with live actors, multiple sets, and Klingons. Resistance is futile; it's holodeck nirvana.
Best Classic Dark Ride
Spook-A-Rama, Deno's Wonder Wheel Park, Coney Island, NY
Harking back to 1955, the Spook is one of the few remaining classic dark rides. Its nostalgic charm, combined with the TLC it gets from Deno's, makes it a winner.
Best Interactive Attraction
Men in Black Alien Attack, Universal Studios Florida
The latest twist in theme park attractions: DON'T keep your hands and arms inside the moving vehicles. Armed with guns, you get to zap MIB's hideous creatures. If you end up on the right-facing track, be on the lookout for the alien bug with Steven Spielberg's head.
Best Water Ride
Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges, Islands of Adventure, Universal Orlando, FL
There's wet and then there's ring-out-your-underwear wet. This river raft ride goes for the latter. Fast-moving rafts, great themeing, a good-sized drop: P&B has it all. Did I mention that you get wet?
Best 3-D Film Presentation
Terminator 2:3D, Universal Studios Hollywoodand Florida
James Cameron, Mr. Titanic himself, directed the film. And Arnold's back, as promised. This mind-blowing attraction is so engaging, many guests refer to it as a ride -- even though they remain seated in a theater.
