Just imagine it, Mickey and Minnie holding hands while they watch the fireworks over Cinderella Castle. That's about as romantic as a cartoon mouse can be; right?
Actually, Walt Disney World offers a number of ways to experience the resort as the center of a romantic getaway that rival those found on the Disney Cruise Line. And, because they are Disney related, these experiences offer uniqueness that is, well, magical.
Now, you may be asking "What might those ways be exactly?". So, for those of you who seek to take a romantic journey through Disney, here we go.
Taking into account all that Disney has to offer in Orlando, I decided it would be best to write this post in a form similar to an itinerary. Consider it my gift to those husbands who are tired of being called unromantic, but don't know anything to do about it beyond ordering flowers.
For the sake of planning, let's say this is a three-day weekend. If you are flying in, remember to take the Disney Magical Express from the airport. Sure, you could get a limo, but for a 33 mile trip, that money will be better spent later.
You will then arrive at your Disney Resort. I recommend Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. "What?", you might exclaim aloud, knowing my aversion for zoos and the like; but yes, I recommend this resort. First, the Grand Floridian was the obvious choice, but we aren't going for obvious; we are going for romantic and unique. Second, this is the most secluded resort on property. Third, it has great subdued colors and decorations. The darker, earthy tones set a mood. And, you will be setup for a nice moment later.
Since you have called ahead and spoken with the Disney Dream Makers (407-WDW-GIFT), your wife will find her very own glass slipper as she opens the door to the room. There are actually many things she could find, however, inside every woman desires to be treated like a princess. So, this weekend, your Cinderella will have her own 5" glass slipper sitting on a pillow of carnations and pearls. The best part is that you have become her Prince Charming.
You may spend the day in the Magic Kingdom, so your Cinderella can admire her castle, but don't overdo it. From here, you might leave the park and hop the monorail for the Grand Floridian Spa & Health Club where your Cinderella will be treated to a deep tissue massage. Unfortunately, the spa will be closed until 2013 for refurbishments. So, you'll take the bus (though slightly less romantic than the monorail) to Saratoga Springs Resort, where she will partake in a personalized firm pressure massage as well as a spa manicure and pedicure.
From there, your evening will end atop the Contemporary Resort, where a meal for two at the California Grill will be an almost perfect end to the day. Once your meal of Seared Rare Tuna or Grilled Pork Tenderloin is finished, you will walk out to the balcony where you will catch a special view of the Wishes fireworks spectacular over her castle.
The next morning, you will attend the Around the World at Epcot Segway Tour. You will be a part of a small group, but this is a very unique way to explore the world showcase before it is open to the general public. It makes for nice photos and it is a fun, memorable activity that will last 2 hours. The remainder of the day can be spent enjoying Epcot. Plan to depart the park in time to catch dinner at the Hollywood Brown Derby in Hollywood Studios. A nice meal would be the Cobb Salad (originating from the Brown Derby) or the Duck Two Ways. Sharing the Double Vanilla Bean Creme Brule would be a nice way to finish the meal.
When you make your reservation, be sure to get the Fantasmic Dining Package. This allows you to take advantage of special seating for this wildly popular fireworks show without requiring you to arrive 3 hours early. After Fantasmic finishes, you will return to the Animal Kingdom Lodge and sit together on the Arusha Viewing Area, rocking and talking into the night.
On your last morning, you will wake and attend the Sunrise Safari Breakfast Adventure at 7 am. Apparently, animals are extra cute or mysteriously exotic shortly after dawn. Either way, it is a memorable way to spend the morning. Spend the remainder of the day enjoying the park and the shows - I highly recommend Nemo - before you depart for home.
Have suggestions on other romantic ways to enjoy the parks, let us hear them. Add suggestions in the comments area below, or send a complete post of your own to DLuminations@gmail.com.
Great topic! I'm sure a lot of people don't believe in how romantic WDW can be! But my husband and I have had some really great times there, and sometimes it's the simplest thing. Like walking around a deserted DHS after dinner at Mama Melrose, or watching Illuminations while enjoying dinner at La Hacienda or Rose & Crown. I think walking around the World Showcase is always sort of a romantic and relaxing thing to do. I think EPCOT is the place to be :) - Stelle
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