Think Disney World is just for kids? Think again. There are so many exciting things for couples to do at the happiest place on earth. My husband and I have been taking Disney vacations together for almost a decade, so I think it’s safe to say we know a thing or two about how to plan a fun and relaxing couples trip to Disney World.
As a matter of fact, we took our engagement photos AND went on our honeymoon and first anniversary there (he didn’t pop the question there though, surprisingly!). Each time we had an absolute blast. I don’t think we would have had that much fun anywhere else in the world! When we enter those gates, its like the outside world is gone away. It’s like we are kids again, and we love every second! It can be like that for you, too!
If you’re planning a honeymoon, anniversary, or couples-only retreat to Disney World, let me give you some of my best tips and advice on things to do to make your vacation as romantic as can be.
Need personalized assistance when it comes to planning your romantic Disney vacation? We’d be happy to help! We have lots of experience planning Disney vacations as well as honeymoons and couples trips. Email us at theweavers@travelbytheweavers.com for more information!
1. Stay in a Deluxe Resort
If your budget allows, stay in a deluxe resort on Disney property. Believe me when I say that these are hands down the most romantic accommodations you will find in all of Orlando. If you’re looking to really splurge, stay in a club level room. With club level, you get:
- Evening turndown (only available upon request at Animal Kingdom Lodge)
- Access to the club-level lounge
- Refreshments served daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Personalized Front Desk and Guest Services
- Complimentary fax assistance
- Access to Concierge service
- Complimentary health club access
- Complimentary newspapers in Club Level lounge
- Access to Disney Signature Services
My husband surprised me on our first anniversary with a visit at the Animal Kingdom Lodge in a Savanna View room because he knew how much I had always wanted to stay there. Let me tell you, it was absolutely amazing! I loved getting to watch the animals right from our balcony window, and the room decor was so detailed and beautiful. It really gave us that extra special magical feel that we were looking for on our anniversary!
There are definitely other awesome resort options to fit your style if you aren’t into the Animal Kingdom Lodge vibe. Some of my other favorites are the Grand Floridian, the Polynesian Village, the BoardWalk, and the Yacht and Beach Club.
2. Try a New Restaurant
My husband and I have made it a goal of ours to try all of the restaurants we think we would like on Disney World property. Each trip, we try at least one new restaurant a day. It’s really fun and we enjoy being able to sit down and have a nice conversation together while trying something new. Here are some great romantic places to try:
- Victoria and Albert’s – The Grand Floridian
- Be Our Guest – Magic Kingdom
- Tony’s Town Square – Magic Kingdom
- The Crystal Palace – Magic Kingdom
- Teppan Edo – Epcot
- Chefs de France – Epcot
- Yak and Yeti – Animal Kingdom
- Mama Melrose Ristorante Italiano – Hollywood Studios
Character dining is also super fun if you’re into it. The Crystal Palace is one of our most favorite character dining spots in all of WDW. You can meet all the Winnie the Pooh characters here and their breakfast buffet is absolutely out of this world. SO good! You can also occasionally see Belle and the Beast at Be Our Guest, which is another great option and more romantic setting.
3. Attend a Dessert Party
This is an extra ticketed event, but it’s a great way to catch the perfect view of the fireworks and try some delicious treats! There are dessert parties at every park but they are only available by reservation. Here are a few of the dessert parties you can experience:
- Fantasmic! Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios
- Fireworks Dessert Party at Magic Kingdom
- Frozen Ever After Dessert Party at Epcot
- A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios
- Rivers of Light: We are One Dessert Party
- Special Holiday Dessert Parties
4. Go on a Fireworks Cruise
If you are looking to splurge a little more and would like to view the fireworks by boat, go on a fireworks cruise at Magic Kingdom or Epcot! This is such a sweet way to make your couples trip to Disney World even more magical. They are also only available by reservation and would make a great surprise for your significant other. I mean, especially if you’re going to pop the question – how beautiful would that be? Take notes guys!
5. In-Room Celebrations
If you’re celebrating something special like an anniversary, honeymoon, or birthday and want to surprise your spouse or significant other with a sweet commemorative gift, then this would be perfect for you! For an extra charge, you can get flowers, champagne, roses, and other little surprises (if that’s what you choose) delivered to your room upon your arrival. There are tons of different packages to choose from – from romantic to playful and silly. The prices vary depending on what kind of package you choose. You’ll need to reserve these ahead of time online to make sure your package is in your room when you arrive!
6. Shop at Disney Springs
Nothing says romance like a good old fashioned shopping spree, am I right ladies? At Disney Springs, you will find a huge variety of stores ranging from Kate Spade, Under Armour, Disney outlets, and lego stores. They literally have it all! It’s a great place to relax, explore, and get away from the parks for a little while. They also have an amazing selections of restaurants too!
7. Eat Around the World at Epcot
One of our most favorite things to do when we take a trip to WDW is to visit Epcot and try a snack from every section of the world showcase. It’s like traveling the world with your best friend, except less expensive and easier! Ha! The Food and Wine festival is also a great time to do this because there are even more great food and snack options to try. My favorite so far? A cronut (croissant + doughnut). Right now, you can find it at the Electric Umbrella in Future World. Also, if you’re visiting during the ood and wine festival, the deconstructed strawberry cheesecake at the Deconstructed Dish is absolute HEAVEN!
8. Take a Romantic Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride
My husband and I have yet to do this, but it’s on our bucket list! You can take a carriage ride at either Port Orleans Riverside resort along the Sassagoula river or go through the forest at Fort Wilderness resort. Reservations need to be made in advance, and each ride costs $55.
9. Go to the Spa for a Couples Massage
Disney has several spas on property. One of the most popular ones is the Senses Spa and Salon at the Grand Floridian resort. This would be a great way to relax and unwind together! Reservations need to be made in advance for this as well.
10. Watch the Electrical Water Pageant and Magic Kingdom Fireworks on the Beach at The Polynesian Resort
My husband and I make this a must-do every time we go. It is SO romantic and a great way to rest at the end of a long day of walking. The electrical water pageant is a cute light up display of floats across the water behind the Polynesian. It usually starts about 30 minutes to an hour before the fireworks start at Magic Kingdom.
If you’ve ever been in the park for the fireworks at Magic Kingdom, you know that there is very limited viewing and most of the time you’re standing if you don’t go somewhere to be seated at least an hour in advance. When you go to the Polynesian resort to view the fireworks, you still need to get there pretty early, but there are swings for you to sit on if you get there in time to grab one! Also, when the fireworks start, speakers will play the songs from the show so you can hear exactly what you’d be hearing if you were sitting in the park!
11. Relax by the Pool at Your Resort
If you’re staying on Disney property, you have an awesome lounge chair waiting for you by their pool. Disney has some of the best themed pools I’ve ever seen (depending on where you stay – I feel like the value resorts are lacking in the themed pool area). It can be great just to take a day to rest and recharge by the pool while getting your tan on together!
12. Movies Under the Stars
Looking to curl up together and watch a Disney movie? If you’re staying at a Disney resort, join in on their movies under the stars event! This does not happen every night, only a couple of nights out of the week so you wouldn’t want to miss it! Ask your front desk receptionist for an events brochure so you can be sure to carve out time for it during your trip.
13. SLEEP IN
Since becoming a parent, one of the things I miss most about our couples trip to Disney World is getting to sleep in as long as we want. We still take couples trips, but they aren’t near as often. So, if you’re a kid-less couple, PLEASE take advantage of sleeping in when you can! Trust me, you won’t regret it and Disney World will still be there when you’re ready to wake up and explore!
Thanks for sharing this great list! Regarding #10, makes me wonder if there’s a room with a balcony at the Polynesian Resort that has a view of the boat electric parade AND the park’s fireworks display! Now that would be an awesome room!! Thanks!