Sunsets on Cinderella Castle, sharing a milkshake at Beaches n’ Cream diner, walking hand-in-hand on the beach at The Polynesian. There really is magic in the air at Disney World! It must be something they put in the water because this place is bursting with hearts and flowers. Maybe you think I’m crazy for claiming that the place notorious for crowds, kids, and large families can be romantic. Well, there are a ton of things to do at Disney World for couples. You just have to know where to find the romance and how to hide from the crowds. You can make the night extra special by adding a few simple touches to your evening. Some of these suggestions are a little over the top and others are subtle, but might add a little special something to your date night.
Shout It From the Rooftops
Tell Cast Members working at the Front Desk or your Servers that you’re celebrating something! Once in a while, Servers and Cast Members will create a little magic for you. Most of the time they will exclaim a simple “Congrats!” which feels nice too. It’s like everyone at Disney World is celebrating you! If you call into the Hotel Reservation hotline, you can tell Cast Members over the phone what you’re celebrating as well! My only ask is that you don’t demand free things or special treatment from Cast Members. Guests who do this don’t make new friends. You can definitely feel free to ask nicely for accommodations like a window seat, food to be prepared a certain way (dietary requirements), or even inquire about an upgrade to your hotel room. Sometimes Cast Members have the ability to make your wishes come true!
A little shy when it comes to bragging about yourself? Grab a “Just Married” or “Happily Ever After” pin from Guest Services in the parks. Cast Members will take notice of this too. And the pins double as a free souvenir to remember your vacation!
Eat Somewhere Really Good
There are a ton of romantic restaurants at Disney World. In terms of dining, each park within Disney World has something delicious and romantic to offer. The top three restaurants that most people find the most romantic are The Boathouse (Disney Springs), Flying Fish Cafe (The BoardWalk Inn), and California Grill (The Contemporary Resort). For a complete list of romantic restaurants head over to this post: 12 Romantic Restaurants for Date Night at Disney World.
Book Dining During a Nighttime Show
This is a hefty request, but if you can snag a reservation at a restaurant with a view of a firework show, you’re in for a real treat! Try to time the reservation to be about 30-40 minutes before the show begins so you can enjoy it while you eat. Servers don’t mind if you get out of your seat to view the show from the outdoor viewing areas as well. The best method to snagging hard-to-get reservations is by booking 180 days in advance (for guests staying offsite) or 190 days (for guests staying onsite). Those are the times dining becomes available to reserve. If there’s nothing available then keep checking the My Disney Experience app or online at DisneyWorld.com. A lot of guests will cancel 30 days before their trip begins or a few days before the reservation to avoid the “no-show” fee. For a full list of what restaurants offer an awesome view of the fireworks, be sure to opt-in and download my cheat sheet at the bottom of the post!
Plus It
Maybe you feel like dropping a few extra bills to celebrate your significant other. There are a lot of places that don’t give off a blaring theme park vibe and offer a more lavish atmosphere. Three of the most luxurious restaurants on Disney property are Victoria & Albert’s, Narcoossee’s, and Yachtsman Steakhouse. All three restaurants range from fairly spendy to really, really spendy. Adult foodies will appreciate what each one has to offer. Besides, you’re on vacation! Live a little!
Cater to Your Every Need
Speaking of Victoria & Albert’s, this AAA Five-Diamond Award Winning restaurant offers the most glamorous experience offered at Disney World. When you book a reservation at the Chef’s Table you’re seated inside the kitchen where the Culinary Staff literally caters to your every need. They prepare dishes designed exclusively for your palate and interests. The entire experience lasts about 3 hours long and the Chef’s Table only seats 10 people. Meaning, it’s an incredibly intimate and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Wondering about the price tag? The multi-course meal costs $250 per person and the wine tasting is $150 per person.
Stay Somewhere Nice
Choosing a hotel will depend on your preferences and budget. To narrow down your choices you will have to decide whether you prefer a resort that is extremely “Disney” or has a low-key theming and decor. Art of Animation is super cute and packed full of Disney fun. If you’re totally into Disney and want that in-your-face, pixie-dust-exploding, Mickey-hugging atmosphere then Art of Animation is the place to be. Love nostalgia and reliving your childhood? Pop Century Resort is a bit more toned down and a really fun option too. Now, if you’d rather have an elegant resort experience, Deluxe Resorts like The BoardWalk Inn or Swan & Dolphin would be the best way to go. Another option is to book a Disney Springs Resort like B Resort & Spa. This resort has an adults-only feel and considered a Moderate Resort in terms of room prices and accommodations. I also really enjoy Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside because the landscaping is gorgeous! Want more options for a budget-friendly resort? Check out my post: Disney World Value Resorts Ranked from Best to Worst
P.S. Renting DVC points is a more affordable way to stay at a Deluxe Resort. David’s Vacation Club Rentals is a good choice for booking a high-end resort.
Add Some Pixie Dust to Your Hotel Room
Did you know that Disney can send flowers and baskets directly to your hotel room? This is something to think about if you want to add a romantic surprise to the end of your night. Disney World Floral & Gifts is a service for custom room deliveries. They will add custom balloons, merchandise, or flowers to your room while you’re away! Mouse to Your House, a Third-Party vendor, does similar requests and a company I’ve used in the past. They don’t set up the arrangements in your room, however.
After-Dinner Treats
Finishing the night off with dessert and cocktails is probably my favorite thing to do at Disney World. This is especially helpful if you were forced to make an early dinner reservation! Disney Springs is the best choice with dessert gems like Amorette’s and lounges like The Edison. This is also a great idea if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a ritzy dinner! You can eat somewhere delicious and inexpensive like the Polite Pig then pop over to Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar for a drink. You get to enjoy the sizzling ambiance without feeling guilty about the cost.
Pair Your Steak with a Massage
Cheese goes with wine. Dinner goes with a spa day. There’s nothing more fantastic than spending a day in a eucalyptus steam room then heading to a delicious dinner with your favorite person. Conveniently, most Disney spas are located inside the Disney Resorts with the best restaurants. Senses Spa is inside The Grand Floridian and Saratoga Springs is a short boat ride to Disney Springs. Also, Mandara Spa is inside Disney’s Swan Hotel where you can get dinner at Todd English’s bluezoo in the hotel. Afterward, you can take a short stroll to either The BoardWalk or Epcot for dinner.
Get Away from the Crowds
Despite what you may think, Disney World has a ton of hidden nooks and comfy spots that are not overrun with crowds. Most resorts have running trails that wrap around the property. These are the perfect way to spend some quiet time between you and your SO. These trails are hardly ever populated because, well, not many people like to exercise while on vacation. Another idea is to enjoy the sunset at one of the man-made beaches inside the theme park. You can find beaches at The Yacht & Beach Club and any of the monorail resorts: Grand Floridian, Polynesian, and the backside of The Contemporary. Lastly, Port Orleans Riverside and Fort Wilderness offer horse-drawn carriage rides around the beautiful properties. You can also rent bicycles built for two at multiple resorts. You don’t have to stay the resorts to experience these activities either!
These ideas will help you get the ball rolling when you create your super romantic couples itinerary. But here’s the thing, don’t think you need to do any of these things to have a good time with your significant other. My favorite memory is when my partner and I sat on a bench in Magic Kingdom and shared a basket of mini corn dogs. We were in the middle of the most exciting theme park in the world, but at that moment all we needed was each other…and mini corn dogs. Next time you’re at Disney with your SO, be sure to slow down and take some time to enjoy each other.
