Romantic Things to Do at Walt Disney World

Couples can Plan for Romance at Disney’s Theme Parks

Jan 20, 2010
Debra Peterson

Disney's California Grill Offers Romantic View - joiseyshowaa

Walt Disney World offers romantic activities for couples celebrating a special event - an engagement, honeymoon, or anniversary - or simply spending time together.

With its romantic resorts and the signature restaurants that offer fine dining for adults, Walt Disney World (WDW) can be as much a vacation destination for loving couples as it is for families. With all the things to see and do at Walt Disney World, it can be a challenge for couples to remember to plan time for romance. Although each couple’s interest varies, here are suggestions for adding romance to a WDW trip.

Romantic Disney World Resorts

For many couples, setting the right tone of a romantic getaway begins with accommodations. Luckily, all Disney’s accommodations are amenable to romance. All have quiet buildings and areas away from the buzz of post-park touring activity. All are carefully landscaped, with pathways to encourage romantic walks and conversation. Some of the most romantic Disney World resorts, however, are found at the deluxe and moderate levels.

Deluxe:

Animal Kingdom Lodge & Villas
Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Polynesian Resort
Wilderness Lodge & Villas
Yacht & Beach Club

Moderate:

Caribbean Beach Resort
Port Orleans French Quarter

These resorts feature particularly lush grounds, more intimate settings, relaxing pool areas, and room service. The deluxe accommodations also offer a variety of amenities particularly appealing for romantic trips: hot tubs, concierge-level rooms and suites, and stunning views of the parks.

Disney Dining for Adults

Many WDW restaurants are family friendly, featuring good food and a lively atmosphere. Couples who desire a quieter, more adult evening amenable to conversation and romance might choose to splurge on signature Disney World dining at these resorts:

Jiko at Animal Kingdom Lodge
California Grill at the Contemporary
Cítricos, Narcoossees, and Victoria & Albert’s at the Grand Floridian

In addition to fine dining with leisurely meals set in elegantly themed decor, these signature restaurants are located in resorts with scenic pathways for a post-meal stroll and lounges that encourage drinks and extended conversation.

For those guests who want to enjoy romantic meals at the theme parks, an interlude in a touring day, the following restaurants are particularly atmospheric:

Magic Kingdom: Cinderella’s Royal Table (dinner)
Epcot: Coral Reef (Future World), San Angel Inn (Mexico), Rose & Crown (United Kingdom), Bistro de Paris (France)
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Hollywood Brown Derby

Fireworks at Magic Kingom and IllumiNations at Epcot

The Magic Kingdom’s nightly fireworks are a visual spectacle enjoyable for all ages. As part of a romantic evening, try viewing them from the Polynesian Resorts beach or at California Grill’s restaurant or lounge, located at the top of the Contemporary Resort. Inside the Magic Kingdom, a less crowded area for viewing is near the Tommorrowland Terrace Noodle Station.

One of Epcot’s highlights is IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, a nighttime show which closes the park at 9:00 p.m. The show can be seen anywhere around the World Showcase Lagoon and prime viewing locations fill early. Locations in Italy, Germany, or on the second-floor of Japan’s Mitsukoshi, may offer a somewhat less-crowded, more intimate IllumiNations experience.

Another way to enjoy IllumiNations is to indulge in a leisurely dinner at World Showcase, then stay to view the show from the restaurant. The United Kingdom’s Rose & Crown and France's Bistro de Paris are two good choices. Preferred dining times to catch IllumiNations start approximately 1 – 1 ½ hours before the show and reservations for these restaurants need to be booked far in advance.

Disney World’s Romantic Views and Walks

Beyond its fireworks and nighttime shows, WDW offers many scenic views that inspire romance. In addition to touring the above resorts, couples might:

Ride the ferry to the Magic Kingdom or take resort boats to the parks or Downtown Disney.
Watch the sunset and, depending on the location, park fireworks from one's Disney resort.
Stroll the pathway between the Grand Floridian and the Polynesian.
Walk the Boardwalk or the pathway between Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot.
Conduct a wine-tasting tour of Epcot’s World Showcase.

Romantic Gifts – Disney Flowers and Gift Baskets

Surprising a loved with thoughtful gifts is another way to infuse a vacation with romance. Many Orlando-area businesses create and deliver floral arrangements and gift baskets to the resorts for that special someone, including Disney Florist (407-827-3505), which officially serves WDW, and Gifts of a Lifetime (407-445-2457).

As these tips suggest, romance can be found even in a trip to the family-friendly Walt Disney World. At heart, the key to a romantic Disney getaway is making each other’s company the focus of the vacation.