Romantic Things to Do at Disney World

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Ever wonder what romantic things to do at Disney World? Walt Disney World is one of the most traveled to destinations on the planet. Many people have the assumption that it’s a vacation destination for families and tailored to young children, but that’s only the beginning.

Believe it or not, Disney World is a popular adult destination too. Wedding couples, honeymooners, and conventioneers are just some of the adult-only travelers that visit Disney. Couples can have unique, romantic experiences in just about every corner of Disney World.

Keep reading for ideas on romantic things to do at Disney World.

COVID-19 UPDATE: Not all restaurants and experiences are open or available at this time. For a list of current open Disney World restaurants, click here. For a list of experiences and enchanted extras, click here

Romantic Dining at Disney World

Nothing says romance like elegant dining at an exclusive resort. When thinking of eating at Walt Disney World, you might think of hamburgers and chicken nuggets in a loud restaurant—but did you know that some of the world’s best restaurants are on Disney property? This is one of our favorite romantic things to do at Disney World. Here are some of best options.

Highway in the Sky

Let’s start with an experience, rather than just one restaurant.

Get dressed up and make your way over to Disney’s Contemporary Resort to begin a journey. For this dining event, you’ll be visiting several different restaurants, transported to each along the monorail line. You will enjoy several different cuisines, along with some special experiences with your sweetheart that are uniquely Disney.

First, check-in at the Wave restaurant at the Contemporary Resort. Enjoy an appetizer and cocktails with the other guests as your private monorail is prepared. Relax as you board the monorail and enjoy a peaceful trip to the Polynesian Village Resort. You will notice that a quiet, uncrowded monorail is a much different experience than you’re used to. Enjoy the ride, nestled next to the one you love.

Upon arriving at the Polynesian, you and your date are brought to a private reserved area. As you dine on a fish and pork appetizer, you are serenaded Hawaiian-style while the staff tends to your every need.

The next stop is to the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa for the main course at Citricos, one of the resort’s top restaurants. You are given a choice of wine upon arrival, and while the chef prepares your dinner, the staff lays out a delicious plate of meat and cheeses. After enjoying the main course, you are then escorted back to the monorail to close the loop where you began – the Contemporary Resort.

Once you and your date arrive at the Contemporary, be prepared to be whisked away to a private patio to watch the Happily Ever After fireworks spectacular while enjoying an assortment of high-quality desserts and coffee. If there is ever a perfect place to propose to your significant other, this is the moment.

While the Highway in the Sky is pricey, and advance reservations are strongly recommended due to the limited availability of the excursion, it’s an unforgettable romantic experience couples will remember forever at Walt Disney World.

California Grill

At the very top of Disney’s Contemporary Resort is the California Grill, an award-winning restaurant with spectacular, panoramic views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom. An outstanding romantic thing to do at Disney World!

From sushi to soups, a list of about 250 wines, and some of the best steaks you will ever eat, California Grill is the perfect restaurant to celebrate a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary. If you’re lucky to get a reservation, which are very hard to come by, try to grab a table by the windows at night, where you and your date can experience Happily Ever After from a unique perspective. The lights in the restaurant are dimmed and the music that accompanies the fireworks is played in the restaurant to give you the full experience of the nighttime showcase.

Some nights, California Grill has a private event called Celebration at the Top. While the chefs prepare light bites and drinks from an open bar, find a good seat, and prepare to enjoy the fireworks from the outside patio. When the fireworks show ends, head back inside for desserts, coffee, and cordials.

Victoria and Albert’s

The only AAA Five Diamond Award restaurant at Walt Disney World, Victoria and Albert’s is one of the most romantic places in all of the Disney. Featuring a ten-course meal with personalized service, you’ll remember this meal long after you leave the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa at the end of the night.

For an even more intimate experience, book the chef’s table in advance. The table is located right outside the kitchen, and you are served a meal made especially for you — served by the head chef himself! If you are planning a proposal, tell the wait staff in advance and they will make it even more of a night to remember. The chef will prepare a customized dish while you propose over a champagne toast.

While very expensive, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity that every couple must try at least once. At the end of the night, the staff provides you with a customized menu of all the food and drinks you had that magical night as a keepsake. At Disney, you’re not only paying for a meal but for the experience and the memories that come along with it.

Besides what we mentioned above, just about every moderate and deluxe resort has fine dining options that offer different specialties and experiences that will give you plenty to come back for.

To learn more, read Disney World Table Service Restaurant Guide for information and links to menus to restaurant dining around Disney World.

Touring the World - Romance at Disney World

Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

Romantic things to do at Disney World include an event popular with tourists and locals. If you and your date are at Epcot during the fall, head over to the Food and Wine Festival. Each country’s pavilion showcases the best food and drinks they have to offer. There are even some freestanding stages where couples can take cooking classes and mixology classes.

Disney provides some memorable gifts such as menus, posters, and cutting boards that couples can take home to remember their special vacation.

To add to the experience, there are free concerts under the stars, some featuring very popular bands from the sixties to the nineties.

Food & Wine can get especially crowded with locals on the weekends, and it gets hot during the day. So for a better chance at a romantic experience while sampling flavors from around the world, plan to do this on a weeknight during your stay.

If you’re visiting in the spring, the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival allows couples to take a stroll through the park, which features some beautiful topiaries shaped to your favorite Disney characters, along with enchanting rose gardens. The Flower and Garden Festival also features many delectable foods, drinks, and more concerts.

Drinking Around the World

Where else can you and your sweetheart savor a glass of wine in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, enjoy a margarita overlooking the water in Mexico, and sip sake in the serene gardens of Japan, all in the same day? You can never run out of romantic things to do at Disney World!

Taking a trip around Epcot’s World Showcase to enjoy a beverage in each spot is a rite of passage for locals in Florida, and now you can get in on the fun.

Be sure to fully explore each pavilion, as many are filled with hidden treasures that you can’t see from just walking on the perimeter (Germany’s Biergarten and the shops in Japan are just two of the hidden gems of the World Showcase).

You can go at your own pace and eat along the way, but be sure to stay hydrated, especially if you are partaking in libations under the intense Florida sun.

Romance at Disney Means Sailing the Seven Seas (Lagoon)

Mouse Boats and Pontoons on the Seven Seas Lagoon

This massive man-made lake provides transportation to and from the Magic Kingdom and its resort hotels. But did you know you can rent and pilot boats on this body of water? There is hardly a more romantic thing to do at Disney World that glide along the water.

Head on over to any of the Magic Kingdom resorts and rent a boat. Couples can pilot a pontoon, or a mouse boat made for two along the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake and simply take in the sights.

Whether it’s a thirty-minute or one-hour long excursion, you can explore the massive lagoon, finding the perfect picture with Cinderella Castle in the background. There aren’t too many places in public where you can truly be alone at Walt Disney World, but the boats are the perfect way to get away from civilization and enjoy some quiet time together.

Ferrytale Dessert and Fireworks Cruise

The Happily Ever After fireworks show at Magic Kingdom is one of the most awe-inspiring moments to experience at Disney. Couples who wish to get the best view of the fireworks without having to deal with intense crowds and obstructions like trees and buildings can enjoy the Ferrytale Fireworks Cruise.

Couples board a Seven Seas Lagoon ferryboat about an hour before the show at the Transportation and Ticket Center. From there, you will be greeted individually by a cast member, who will present you and your date with a glow-in-the-dark necklace, a glass of champagne, and some small souvenirs.

The lower level of the ferry serves as a bar, while the upper level serves as the dessert station. The ferry positions itself in the lagoon with an absolutely dazzling view of Cinderella Castle. The music is piped into the ferry’s speakers, so no matter where you stand on the ferry, you are guaranteed to hear the soundtrack clearly.

After Happily Ever After concludes, the ferry heads back to the TTC. While kids are allowed on the cruise, it’s mainly for adults looking for a quiet and romantic evening on the water.

For an even more intimate experience, rent a private pontoon with your own skipper and experience the shows while just the two of you sip on some fine wine. You can also have a hors d’oeuvres or a private dinner served aboard. I’ve also witnessed a proposal aboard a neighboring boat during the fireworks show. Now, that was romantic!

On cool evenings, they will even supply a blanket that you can cuddle under to stay warm while burst of colors light up the sky.

Disney Cruise Line

While we’re talking about the sea, you can take things one step further and take a cruise as part of your Walt Disney World vacation. A bus can transport you from your resort to Port Canaveral (about an hour away), for a cruise on one of Disney’s luxury liners.

The same rule applies here as it does to Disney World. Yes, the cruises are family-friendly, but there’s plenty of romantic things to do for couples, as well. Each ship has a private, adult-only area featuring pools, a full-service spa, coffee shop and bar. Plus, there is plenty of nightlife for adults only onboard. There are also two specialty restaurants (Palo and Remy) that provide outstanding meals with gorgeous sunset views over the ocean.

Compared to other cruise lines, I feel Disney does an even better job of creating adult-only areas for their guests. Having done a Disney cruise with only adults in my group, I was very pleased. Plus, Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island, also has an entire adult only beach. It’s a quiet sanctuary and the ultimate romantic Disney getaway.

While most cruises depart from Port Canaveral, Disney Cruise Line travels all over the world. Book anything from a short Caribbean getaway to a twelve-day European experience, traveling to some of the most romantic places in the world.

Need some relaxation after days of theme park excitement (and miles of walking)? Consider combining your Disney World vacation with a Disney cruise. Three- and four-day Bahamian cruises sail from Port Canaveral, just an hour away from Walt Disney World Resort.

If you are planning a Disney cruise, consider booking with our friends at Destination Magic. They are offering FREE onboard credit. It’s like getting free money to spend on you. Click HERE for a free, no-obligation price quote.

Exclusive Animal Encounters

Wild Africa Trek

Few romantic things to do at Disney World can be as exciting as getting back to nature. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Kilimanjaro Safari is one of the parks’ most popular rides. But did you know you can take a private safari tour with incredible up-close views of the animals?

For the couple who loves animals, try the Wild Africa Trek. You, your date, and up to eight other people meet up with a safari guide for a private tour of the savanna. This three- to four-hour tour includes walking over a rickety bridge over a pond of Nile crocodiles, an up-close experience with giraffes, a hippo feeding, and a private safari truck ride through the African savanna, featuring dozens of exotic wildlife.

The tour is concluded with a lunch featuring African delicacies in a hut overlooking the entire savanna. If you want to propose to your significant other, let the tour guides know, and they will set up feeding stations, so the animals come up to the hut while you propose.

Starlight Safari at Animal Kingdom Lodge

Staying with Animal Kingdom, couples head over to Animal Kingdom Lodge to board an open-air truck for a private safari thru the multiple savannas of the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Since the Starlight Safari is located at the resort, you and your date can plan your safari around dinner at Boma or Jiko, which are two of the fine dining options at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Your safari guides provide you with night vision googles for clear viewing of the savanna’s giraffes and zebras, among other wildlife. It’s a very bumpy ride, so be sure to hold on!

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

For the ultimate romantic Disney World experience, rent a horse-drawn carriage for a relaxing journey through some of the Disney resorts. Always a classic in romantic things to do at Disney World, these rides are relaxing and charming.

For the best romantic experience, carriage ride at Port Orleans Riverside. Take a ride along the Sassagoula River in this antebellum-themed ride. Couples can sit back and relax in this private and peaceful ride. Who knows, you might even see some wildlife, like deer, fish, and turtles. After the ride, head back to the resort for some of the best beignets on this side of New Orleans.

Horse-drawn carriage rides are also available at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.

Disney Nightlife

Disney Springs

If you wish to escape the theme parks and take in some nightlife with your partner, take a Disney bus or boat (if you’re staying at Port Orleans or Saratoga Springs) to Disney Springs. Filled with amazing shops and restaurants, Disney Springs is the perfect date night.

Dine at the Boathouse, a brand-new dining experience overlooking the water. After eating, head over to the dock and rent an Amphicar, which is half car, half boat. This 25-minute tour of Disney Springs starts briefly on land, which then smoothly transitions into the water for a unique tour of the complex.

For a uniquely adult evening, head over to The Edison. Designed to look like a 1920s electric company, The Edison exudes an air of romance and old-world sophistication. After 10:00 PM, you must be 21 or older to enter and there is a cover charge (and a dress code). However, you will be entertained with a steady lineup of unique acts like contortionists, aerialists, live cabaret, DJs, and more.

Besides eating and shopping, couples can also experience live music at an Irish pub, cheer on your favorite team at a sports bar, catch a movie, enjoy a round of bowling, and indulge in a gourmet cupcake or gelato.

To end a perfect night at Disney Springs, board the Aerophile, a tethered hot air balloon that takes you 400 feet in the air with stunning panoramic views of Disney’s property (and the surrounding area) during the day or night. Our list of romantic things to do at Disney World wouldn’t be complete without mentioning these amazing options!

Disney’s Boardwalk

If Disney Springs is a bit too large for you, head on over to Disney’s Boardwalk. This Victorian-era Atlantic City-themed destination packs a ton of entertainment into an intimate, waterfront setting. Featuring some award-winning restaurants, the Boardwalk is the perfect date night for couples looking for more of a low-key atmosphere.

If singing and dancing is your thing, head over to Jellyrolls, a dueling piano bar, or Atlantic Dance Hall, a 1940 style night club where you can dance the night away to some of today’s hits.

There are also carnival games to play along the Boardwalk with fun prizes that bring back that nostalgia of roaming the carnivals as a kid. The Boardwalk also has tandem bikes couples can rent and pedal along the lake with scenic views of the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts across the water.

Or, simply hold hands and take a stroll along the water and enjoy the sights, smells and people-watching the Boardwalk has to offer. Grab a towel, relax on the grass, and gaze at the stars while you forget about your worries and focus on each other.

Universal City Walk

About 20-30 minutes from Walt Disney World is Universal Studios. City Walk is similar to Disney Springs in the sense of it being an exciting dining and entertainment district full of unique shops, eateries, and activities. It’s much more compact than Disney Springs, but it’s packed with options to delight.

You will find venues like Hard Rock Café, where you can hear live music nightly including some top names in rock and pop, or you can chill at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. You and your sweetheart can dance the night away at the tropical Red Coconut Club and finish the night off with something too sweet at Toothsome’s Chocolate Emporium.

There is also live Karaoke, which I find frightening. But if that does not scare you, perhaps a round of mini-golf at Hollywood Drive-In Golf will. They offer 2 courses, The Haunting of Ghostly Greens and Invaders From Planet Putt, inspired by classic horror and sci-fi flicks. Perhaps that will have your partner clinging close to you. For a different kind of excitement, you can see Orlando’s most unique multi-sensory show that will make you want to laugh, dance, and party with Blue Man Group.

City Walk is open nightly until 2:00 AM and has free parking after 6:00 PM nightly.

Taking time to relax and just be together is another favorite romantic things to do at Disney World

Get Pampered at the Spa

With so much to see and do in Disney World, you owe it to yourselves to take some time to relax and recharge. There is no better way than to be pampered with a spa day.

There are several Spa’s to choose from on Disney property. Senses—A Disney Spa and Salon is located at The Grand Floridian and Saratoga Springs. Mandara Spa is located at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel. All spas offer an array of spa services such as facials, hair and nail services for men and women, and of course, massages.

For the utmost romantic activity, treat yourselves to the ultimate luxury of a couple’s massage.

Together, side-by-side in a private room filled with soothing music, aromatherapy, and candlelight, you will each have a trained masseuse working to relax your muscles and give your circulatory system a boost of energy. What better way to spend the day and set the stage for an evening of romance?

Find simple moments throughout the day

Sometimes being romantic just means being together. Share an ice cream, walk hand in hand, and simply enjoy being in the Happiest Place on Earth. Let the Disney photographers take pictures of you together. You can get the Memory Maker, which gives you unlimited downloads of the photos taken by the cast members, or you can simply ask them to take a photo using your camera. Get close, get creative, and have fun. Photos make a great souvenir and memento of your time together.

Don’t overlook amenities at your resort. Spend the afternoon at the pool. For some extra privacy, consider renting a cabana. Take a few minutes to relax on the beach at your resort or swing in a hammock. Consider going back to your resort for an afternoon nap. It will help you recharge for an evening out.

Resorts also have evening movies. Cuddle up together under the star. Maybe bring dinner back to your room and have an early evening. Then you can get up extra early and be at the parks for rope drop to get on the most popular rides before the crowds. You can fill your days (and nights!) with romantic things to do at Disney World!

To help plan the perfect vacation, Disney Travel Planners are available to make sense of all the options. Many offer free services when you book with the. To learn more, read Disney Travel Planners.

Disney World—It's Not Just for Kids

These are just some of the experiences available at Disney World that can bring a couple closer together. Not to mention, bringing out your inner child.

You don’t need to make big gestures to be romantic at Disney. Find small moments throughout the day. Stroll arm-in-arm as you walk down Main Street. Stop and smell the roses in the garden between World Showcase and Future World. Hold on to each other tight as you go down Expedition Everest.

With its award-winning restaurants and nightlife, Walt Disney World is the quintessential place for couples who are looking for date night comprised of a delicious meal, delectable drinks, and one-of-a-kind entertainment, or those simply wanting a special vacation at a luxury resort.

Whatever your goal, it’s easy to make memories together that will last a lifetime.

For more helpful planning tips, check out these articles:

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