Romance in Walt Disney World
Romance probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think about a Disney Vacation but many couples — including my husband and I — would disagree. According to the Knot, the nation’s largest and most trusted source for wedding news and inspiration, 20% of US couples who honeymoon domestically go to one of the Disney Theme Parks. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, your honeymoon, or just an ordinary day, there are plenty of romantic things to do that will turn a day at Walt Disney World into a fairytale worthy of the Disney name.
While Valentine’s Day doesn’t get the epic treatment that many other Walt Disney World holidays enjoy, there are a few little things that Disney does to make the day special, including seasonal baked goods and special meets! Although it’s not usually announced ahead of time, when you line up to meet a princess on Valentine’s Day, you get the added bonus of meeting her prince as well! Be sure to ask a cast member for more details, including locations and times.
PICK A ROMANTIC RESORT
Where you start and end your day sets the tone for your whole vacation. When my husband and I go, we like to stay at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. It has all the added charm and delightful theming of a Disney resort with the sophistication of a business resort — all without the Deluxe prices! The convention center means that this hotel is usually filled with business travelers, so you won’t find as many young families around, but it’s still a Disney resort, and it’s great for kids of all ages.
The new Grand Destino Tower adds an elevated sense of elegance to the already-swanky resort, but I also like Port Orleans Riverside, The Yacht Club, and — of course — the Grand Floridian for couples trips. If you need help choosing the best resort for you, be sure to check out my FREE Guide to Choosing the Best Resort for your trip!
SLOW DOWN
While many of our Disney vacations are fun-filled and action-packed, when my husband and I go as a couple, we always try to slow down. We’re fortunate enough to be passholders and we go often, so we don’t feel the pressure of having to do everything every time. To us, there is nothing better than sitting on a bench with our favorite frozen treats (Mickey Bar for him, Dole Whip for me), people-watching and enjoying each other’s company. Take some time to enjoy the little shows and great streetmosphere Disney has to offer.
Try Something New
We use these “couple vacations” to spend time doing things we would normally pass by. If you’re usually the one planning the vacation, add something your partner would enjoy into the itinerary. Fishing in the Seven Seas Lagoon or Watching the Game in the ESPN Zone may not be something you’re dying to do, but the thought you put into it will make it extremely romantic in your partner’s eyes.
There’s something for absolutely everyone on Disney property, and I love working with my travelers to find the perfect way to surprise their partner. Backstage tours are popular, but I personally LOVE the Savor the Savanna tour, a private safari that ends with hors dourves in a boma (an outdoor enclosure similar to a gazebo) overlooking the Kilimanjaro Safari’s Savannah.
During many of our visits, we institute a “must try something new each day” rule. We’ve done this for half a dozen trips already, and we still have so much left to try! It also helps that Disney is constantly adding new things, so even if a backstage tour or a a day in the Savanna doesn’t sound like the perfect romantic retreat, try something new — you might be surprised by what you find!
Consider a Dining Plan
The value of the Disney Dining Plan is often the subject of much debate. Whether or not it will work for you definitely depends on your family. The dining plan does save you money if you plan on eating in the higher-end or signature dining locations. For couples, I highly suggest looking into the dining plan and using your table service credits to plan memorable nights of romance without breaking the bank.
Mix one or two of Disney’s signature dining experiences (2 credits) into your itinerary. Victoria and Albert’s has earned the AAA 5-star rating 13 years in a row, and Narcoossees and the California Grill offer unparalleled views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks.
For cheaper options, my husband and I really enjoy the fine French cuisine at Chef’s de France and the view of the fireworks at Rose & Crown, both of which are conveniently located in EPCOT. There’s nothing more romantic than dining in Beast’s ballroom at Be Our Guest in the Magic Kingdom, and their exclusive wine, L’ombre de le Bete (Shadow of the Beast), is one of my absolute favorites.
If you want other options for a romantic night out, check out the video below!
Enjoy the Sunset
The Polynesian Resort’s new Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto offers a new and unique bar experience inspired by Trader Sam, the “head” salesman from the Jungle Cruise. The indoor space is incredibly small and difficult to get into, but what it lacks in space it makes up for with unique special effects.
Plus, the Tiki Terrace, an outdoor patio, is an unforgettable experience. Offering the same unique cocktail and small bites menu as inside, the terrace enjoys views of the pool and beach. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy the sunset, and on cooler nights, they also offer outdoor fireplaces that you could cozy around while enjoying live music.
Another unbeatable sunset spot is Sanaa in the Animal Kingdom Lodge. There, you can enjoy a romantic dinner (complete with bread service!) while admiring breathtaking sunset views as giraffes roam the savanna.
Splurge on Exclusive Fireworks Viewing
While I’m not usually a fan of fireworks, the incredible nighttime spectaculars at the Disney parks are definitely magical experiences. Sharing a romantic moment with your partner amidst the beautiful bursts is incredibly special, but the stress of getting a good spot and dealing with the crowds can easily overshadow that. For a truly romantic night, splurge on one of Disney’s exclusive ways to view the fireworks, and be sure to:
Time your reservation right – If you plan on making reservations at California Grill, Narcooses, or Rose and Crown, make them 45 minutes to an hour before the fireworks show. They all offer viewing decks, but they also pipe in the music if you prefer to enjoy the show from your table.
Book a Dessert Party – Whether the convenience of the dessert party is worth the cost is a source of constant debate. For large families, these events can get very expensive, so take advantage of the fact that there are only two of you and splurge on one of these. For more information on what is currently offered, check out this post.
If you really want to splurge, you can also rent a pontoon boat or yacht at select Disney Deluxe Resorts. For the cost of the boat rental, a driver will bring you out to the Seven Seas Lagoon or International Gateway for an incredibly intimate experience. For an additional cost, you can even add private dining to your cruise!
Have a Picnic on the Beach – For a budget-friendly option, the beaches at both the Grand Floridian and Polynesian offer amazing views of the fireworks. Grab a meal from their Counter Service restaurant or head over after your dining reservation. We like to have dinner at Ohana, grab a dole whip at the Pineapple Lanai, and watch the show.
Think Outside of Main Street – You don’t have to be in the middle of the crowds to get a great spot to watch the fireworks! Personally, my favorite spot is on the path to New Fantasyland towards Be Our Guest restaurant. They shoot the fireworks off behind both Cinderella and Beast’s Castles, so if you stand on the path between the castles, you’re right in the middle of the show!
Pamper Yourself
After a long day of walking around the parks, there’s nothing better than a soothing massage or pedicure. Most Deluxe Resorts offer treatment rooms, so you can enjoy a treatment at the Grand Floridian before heading off to dinner and fireworks on the beach, or head over to Saratoga Springs before a shopping spree at Disney Springs. Coronado Springs is the only moderate resort to boast a Health Club — yet another reason that it’s our favorite!
Horse Around
The romantic comedy staple — a horse-drawn carriage ride — can also be found in Walt Disney World. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a thirty-minute jaunt around the Sassagoula River at Port Orleans Riverside or through the forests at Fort Wilderness. They even offer sleigh rides in December!
For a more adventurous journey, Fort Wilderness also offers horseback riding, where you can ride through an idyllic woodland teeming with deer, ducks, armadillos, and rabbits.
Explore Disney Springs
The newly-reimagined Downtown Disney is a perfect location for a date night, whether it’s dinner and a movie at the AMC theatres, bowling at Splitsville Luxury Lanes, searching for that perfect souvenir in one of the many shops, or splitting a sundae at Ghiradelli. Stop by the new Ganachery for a one-of-a-kind chocolate-tasting experience and enjoy a game of mini-golf across the street at Blizzard Beach.
Every Friday the Boathouse offers a Sweetheart Wine Tasting Cruise about Venezia, a 40 ft Italian Water Taxi. You can unwind with beautiful Italian music as you enjoy award-winning wines and delicious hors d’oeuvres.
With at least half a dozen new restaurants joining the area each year, there are plenty of options in all budgets. The art deco-themed Edison is a lot of fun with live entertainment, but if you want an upscale steak dinner, check out STK. My personal favorite for a romantic evening is Jose Andres’ Jaleo, a Spanish-style tapas menu that offers a sangría hour, “vino” (wine) Wednesdays, and even sells its own signature candles! Though 90s nightlife hotspot Pleasure Island is now defunct, the Boardwalk (near EPCOT) offers a dueling piano bar and dance club.
The Old Stand-bys…
Of course, there’s always “Flowers, Chocolates, Promises you don’t intend to keep.”
Disney has a whole department dedicated to sending special arrangements and gifts to your Disney resort, and Disney Floral and Gifts offers pre-imagined packages. But if you want something truly unique for your partner that will turn a day at Disney into a romantic rendezvous, contact the Dream Makers. Just imagine your loved one returning to your resort room to candlelight, rose petals, and luxurious gifts as you settle in for the night. These ideas (and anything else you can dream of!) can be arranged by contacting the Disney Dream Makers at (407)-WDW-GIFT.
And even better? Disney offers in-room babysitting services and Kid’s Activity Centers in some of the Deluxe hotels, so you can plan a fun-filled family vacation while still leaving a little room for a romantic rendezvous — all without worrying about the kids. For more information, check out the Disney website.
All dining reservations can be made through My Disney Experience, or by calling (407)-WDW-DINE. All cruises and special excursions can be made by calling (407)-WDW-PLAY.
As the sun sets over Cinderella Castle, painting the sky in shades of pink and gold, it’s easy to see why Disney holds a special kind of magic for couples. Whether you’re sharing a quiet dinner at California Grill as fireworks sparkle over the Seven Seas Lagoon, holding hands during a twilight stroll along the BoardWalk, or simply stealing a kiss beneath the glow of the castle, Walt Disney World proves that romance isn’t just for fairy tales — it’s for anyone ready to believe in a little bit of magic.
If you’re dreaming of your own romantic Disney escape, I’d love to help you plan every unforgettable moment. Start bringing your own fairytale to life and schedule a dream trip chat today!
Who is Christina?
Meet Christina Vieira, a Traveler, a Planner, and a Mom. She is also the owner of Showcase the World Travel, a modern travel agency that helps busy Moms take the vacation they deserve without adding “planning it all” to their to-do lists. After all, Mom should get to enjoy their vacation too.
She specializes in Disney, the Caribbean, Europe, and has helped dozens of families have magical vacations that they will always remember. She loves traveling with her four-year-old, Annabelle. Her favorite destinations include Walt Disney World, Wyoming, and Prague.
