6. Be Our Guest (Alternative: Monsieur Paul)

Image: Disney

Along with Cinderella’s Royal Table, Be Our Guest has quickly become the other toughest dining reservation to get in Walt Disney World. Within only a few years, this enchanting Magic Kingdom getaway has captured the hearts of guests. However, capturing a reservation there can prove particularly frustrating.

While we already mentioned our favorite alternative for those looking for a castle-like atmosphere (see the section above on Akershus), if fine French cuisine is your specific interest, look no further than Epcot’s France pavilion—and no, we don’t mean Chefs de France.

Tucked away in an upper loft in World Showcase’s France pavilion is Monsieur Paul, a cozy gourmet bistro hosting some spectacular flavors. The atmosphere is far more relaxed than the bustling Chefs de France downstairs, and the menu takes classic French cuisine to new heights with unique offerings like Roasted Guinea Fowl Breast, Black Sea Bass, and two different pre-fixe menu options. If the appetizers and entrees aren’t stunning enough, the desserts bring it home in proper French brilliance. You won’t miss The Grey Stuff! As an aside, while no restaurant could likely hold a candle to The Grand Floridian’s Victoria and Alberts, Monsieur Paul is a good alternative for those looking for a fine dining experience at a lower price tag.

7. Bonus – Avatar: Flight of Passage (Alternative: Star Wars – Secrets of the Empire)

Image: The VOID

The do-this not-that philosophy doesn’t just apply to Disney dining. What is a family to do if you realize you aren’t going to be able to score a Fastpass+ for Animal Kingdom’s hottest attraction, Avatar: Flight of Passage? Sure, you could wait in line, but on busy days crowds swell and sometimes timings just don’t work out.

If you find yourself in this unfortunate position with a flustered family hungry for virtual thrills, take a detour to Disney Springs to try out Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire. Hidden in “The Void” compound near the Disney Springs carousel, it’s easy to miss, but we’ve written before about how Secrets of the Empire might secretly be the best attraction in Walt Disney World—even topping the spectacular Flight of Passage.

Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire is a hyper-reality experience. You pay for it separate from a park admission, so this would ideally be a good activity for a non-park day or a half-day (though it’ll only take about an hour or so of your time). Guests are hooked up to a fully immersive virtual reality rig and then set loose on a stunningly realistic quest to steal Imperial secrets for the Rebellion. The magic is accomplished through virtual tricks and a carefully constructed maze that perfectly matches the virtual world. It’s hard to describe how vivid the experience is, and objects in the digital world react near-seamlessly to your real-life interactions. It is seriously the most fun we have ever had at Walt Disney World and is an experience well worth the price. Plus, it’s a great preview of things to come in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!

What is your favorite “Do-This, Not-that” recommendation for Walt Disney World?