Disney is not just for a family getaway with the children or a place for theme park goers. It is also a top location for honeymooners and romantic getaways. It is a way for couples to channel their inner child, be responsibly free, relax while tasting their way through different countries, and be enriched by this magical destination.
Upgrade your Room
When making a Disney World Resort reservation it is important to note on the reservation if you are celebrating anything such as an anniversary. Your notes and requests are not guaranteed, but Disney does their best to acknowledge and accommodate them.
Additionally, cast members look at special occasions when they are all booked in the standard room categories. When this happens, they will bump those up to a higher room category. Room upgrades might be from a studio to a one-bedroom, of a more picturesque view, or even to a club level. Cast members will also leave memorable items if they know you are celebrating a special occasion such as roses, candy, or other fun Mickey items.
Fireworks on the Beach
There is nothing more romantic than watching Disney’s spectacular firework display. To make it more romantic there are other locations outside of the park to enjoy the display where you aren’t surrounded by thousands of families. Disney’s Magic Kingdom is home to the Happily Ever After firework display. One of the best locations to watch the fireworks is from the Polynesian Village Resort. The view from the Polynesian is breathtaking since it offers a direct view of the castle and you can dig your toes in the sand on a more secluded beach. The Grand Floridian has another good view of the fireworks, though it is not on a beach. Just outside near the boat docks is where most people go to watch the display. Lastly, Contemporary Resort has an observation desk one can view the fireworks from. However, the best view is at the Contemporary Resort’s Disney Vacation Club addition called Bay Lake Tower. If you are a Disney Vacation Club member you can watch the fireworks from the top floor at the Top of the World Lounge. Couples go to enjoy not only the fireworks but also for the drinks and their famous Seven Layer Cake.
Hollywood Studios has a firework display built into their Fantastic Show and Star Wars: Galactic Spectacular show. It is possible to view the fireworks from some of the Epcot Resort areas, but they aren’t as memorable without seeing shows. The best resort to view these fireworks from is the Beach Club Resort. You can sit in the sand or find an open hammock to lay back to enjoy the lights with your loved one. Another less crowded option is to take a stroll on the walkway the connects Epcot and Hollywood studios.
Epcot also has a firework display is called Epcot Forever. The best way to catch this show is from the walkway bridge the connects Boardwalk and Beach Club Resort. This location is very close to the park entrances.
Indulge in Signature Dining
There are many restaurants that are perfect for couples.The Chef’s Table at Victoria and Albert’s is perhaps the top choice. There is only one Chef’s Table, so you have a private party for just the two of you. This table is located right outside the kitchen. The meal itself is seven courses and based on the main dining room’s selection and can last anywhere from two to three hours. An added bonus that couples love is that the chef interacts with you and can tailor the menu to accommodate your preferences. Meals start at around $250 and reservations are hard to obtain so book early.
It is said that Paris is the most romantic place in the world. If Europe might be out of your price range, that doesn’t mean you can’t experience Paris. Epcot is home to many different pavilions such as Paris and Italy. Visitors say these two locations at Epcot in particular are as romantic and authentic as the real thing. In Italy, for example, Tutto Gusto Wine Cellas has over 200 bottles of Italian wine.
San Angel Inn in the Mexico pyramid in Epcot is also a great romantic spot. The atmosphere is one guests talk about for weeks. Couples can gaze upon the pyramids, buildings, as well as enjoy the mood lighting.
Lastly, a great time for couples can be had at the Polynesian Resort’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show. Couples can enjoy delicious food brought to their table and watch an amazing show. Afterwards, you can take a stroll on the beach to watch the fireworks from Magic Kingdom.
Head to the spa for couples relaxation
Leave all your stresses at the door and visit one of Disney’s most relaxing spas.
Mandara Spa is a Balinese themed spa located at Disney’s Dolphin Resort. As you enter you are whisked away to a mystic Meru temple and the Mountains of Asia. Refreshments given out also incorporate Asian culture. Couples can enjoy massages, body wraps, facials, and aromatherapy. The salon also offers grooming for men and woman such as haircuts and manicures. If you are staying at the Dolphin Resort, you also have the option of an in-suite massage. Couple messages are offered for 50-80 minutes.
Senses: A Disney Spa and Salon is located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort as well as Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. At The Grand Floridian Resort, you can relax in a gorgeous garden-like atmosphere. Couples love the Victoria-style feel and the calming lighting and music. Many couples enjoy body wraps, facials, or massages. At Disney’s Saratoga Springs, couples enjoy New York’s one of a kind atmosphere and enjoy therapeutic elixirs, One of the main attractions is the wet relaxation space with a whirlpool, steam room, and heated loungers. The goal is for everyone to renew their mind, body, and spirt. Both Senses locations also offer 50 to 80-minute couples messages
Lastly, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort’s Zahanati Massage and Fitness Center offers messages and facials. It also offers in-room massages.
Themed bars and lounges
Tiffins Nomad Lounge is at Disney’s Animal Kingdom right outside Pandora. It truly is a great experience due to its atmosphere, food, and drinks. You don’t need a reservation in order to eat at the lounge; however, be prepared to wait as it typically fills up within an hour of opening.
Another fun bar is Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto located to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The atmosphere is lively due to the amazing waitstaff yet tranquil due to the music and lighting. The drinks are very large, and they are actually recommended to be shared. Trader Sam’s Gog Grotto is located right next to the lobby. Just as Nomad Lounge, you do not need reservations, but due to its small size it fills up quickly.
Disney Springs is the place to go for nightlife. One popular are in the area is Jock Lindsey’s Hanger Bar. This Indian Jones type outpost is right on the waterfront and home to one-of-a-kind cocktail concoctions such as “The Fountain of Youth.”
Located at Disney’s Boardwalk is ArbracadaBar. It has a few appetizers one can enjoy as well as magician themed drinks. Unlike the other bars mentioned, this one is more classic and loud. Enchanted Rose at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is similar to ArbraccadaBar in terms of atmosphere. It is very elegant and sophisticated. It is themed after Disney’s live-action film Beauty and the Beast.
Keep it duo – opt for cozying up on two-seater rides
If adrenaline is your thing, there are many rides that you can cozy up to your partner on. Splash Mountain, Thunder Mountain, and Expedition Everest for example are all thrilling rollercoasters in which the seat sits just two people. Another fun ride for couples who like a rush is Toy Story Mania. Here couples battle each other in a 3D game to win the most points.
If you don’t plan to spend time at the parks, you can take a special ride with your partner as you glide across the water on a car that can float on water. Amphicar Tours is located at The Boathouse. This 25-minute tour lets you get a guided tour of the area and ride in style.
Take flight or go on horse carriage for two
What is more romantic then a carriage ride for two through some serene landscape? Disney’s Port Orleans Resort and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort both offer carriage rides. Each ride is about 25 minutes long and can seat four people in the carriage. As you venture into Port Orleans, you will see the Sassagoula River and gaze upon old style homes. At Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, you will be placed right into the woods and can relax immersed in the beauty of nature. During the holiday season, the carriage rides are decorated with lights and garland as you stroll through the secluded woods.
Although this might not seem like a typical romantic experience, couples love the ability to soar through the sky while relaxing and gazing upon the Disney grounds. Disney’s Skyliner is one of the newest ways to travel though the Disney World grounds. The gondola system lets guests glide above the streets and be transported to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Epcot, or one of the following hotels: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Riviera Resort.
Characters in Flight is another way to see Disney from above. This tethered helium balloon ride lifts you up 400 feet in the air so you can not only see Disney Springs but also much of the Disney grounds. For about ten minutes you can feel just like Peter Pan so make sure to have your camera handy.
Go all out and plan a vow renewal or wedding
With the help from Disney, couples can have storybook moments with vow renewals or weddings.
Weddings are truly a magical experience at Disney World complete with even a horse-drawn Cinderella’s carriage. Disney takes care of every detail such as flowers, photographers, and delicious food. Couples can get married at iconic locations such as the wedding pavilion at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, the gazebo at Disney’s Yacht Club, or many other locations throughout the Disney World Resorts. Additionally, couples have the option to get married within the theme parks such as right in front of Cinderella’s castle.
Vow renewals are done very similarly to weddings. There are four different packages couples can choose from which means you can make your renewal ceremony as lavish or as intimate as you would like. Couples can choose from a few different locations and photographers, who above and beyond to capture your moments.
Nightlife
There are some great spots for couples to enjoy night life outside of the Disney parks. Jellyrolls is a popular spot on the Boardwalk that features dueling pianos playing tunes from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. The musicians will also play fan-favorite music and take requests. Everyone 21 and older can sit back, drink delicious drinks, and listen to some classic music.
Atlantic Dance Hall is also located on Disney’s Boardwalk. Couples can stare upon the stars twinkling on the ceiling and dance their socks off on the giant dance floor. Lively music will beat on for hours. A nice spot for couples who want to relax from dancing is on the upper deck balcony that looks out upon the water.
Another fun location for couples is The Edison located at Disney Springs. Couples can enjoy some classic American cuisine, drinks, and countless amusement. Throughout your time at The Edison, you will see one-of-a-kind acts such as aerialists, live cabarets and much more.
Disney Springs also has a hot spot called STK. This upscale steakhouse also features an in-house DJ and outdoor patio area. This spot is typically recommended for couples or adult groups, so it is a great location to go to in order to get a break from all the children you see at Disney. The most romantic spot to eat would be on their rooftop since the atmosphere is breathtaking and the views are terrific.
Raglan Road is another very popular location to grab some drinks and traditional Irish foods while enjoying the lively music in and outside the restaurants. Although the music might be a little loud within the restaurant, it is a very special place to sit back and tap your food to the beat.
If you want to do something cheaper, a great option is simply strolling through Disney Springs. Each night there are bands and dancers throughout the area that people can listen to and even break out their dancing shoes right there on the walkway.
Fun for all
As you can see Disney is full of riveting and romantic activities for couples at any stage of their relationship. From a lavish resort room, relaxation at the spa, and never-ending delicious food and nightlife, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Here are a couple final tips to help couples get the most out of their Disney World experience:
- Something many people don’t know is the parks actually stay open even after the designed time they are supposed to close. The walkways remain open for some time so people can walk around the park to see all their favorite spots without all the crowds.
- Go to pools in the morning as families race to the parks to get on the most popular new attractions.
I have a background in elementary education, biology, and travel. Disney has always been a passion of mine since I was first there with my family when I was three years old. The joy and happiness it brings to people is just magical. As a result, we became Disney Vacation Club Members which has allowed us to visit often and with our large extended family. I hope to pass on my knowledge and experience of Disney World to others in order to make their trip flawless and one they will never forget.