This past week brought Valentine’s Day. While definitely a holiday some will argue against – too commercialized, it makes single people feel less worthy, etc… – I personally do not mind it. I like chocolate.
There are many different ways to celebrate love and romance at Disney as well, every day of the year. Disney has made big business out of the wedding industry at the parks, and it’s quite common to see someone on bended knee in front of the castle as he (or she) asks their loved one to spend the rest of their life with them.
My husband and I travel alone to Disney most of the time. We enjoy trying something new each time we go, and sometimes we just stumble across experiences that become meaningful and “romantic” as well. Sometimes these are paid events that we attend, and sometimes not. In honor of the week of love, I will list 5 ideas for romantic to-dos for any couple heading to Disney.
- Port Orleans Riverside, in my opinion, is one of the most romantic resorts on Disney property. There is something about the bayou after dark and all of the many paths lit up with lamps that can really set the mood. Strolling the resort property after the sun goes down is going to be the first romantic thing I suggest, and it doesn’t cost a dime. Even if you are not staying at Port Orleans, it is still worth the time to stop by – you can watch one of my favorite entertainers, Yeehaa Bob, and then stroll the Port Orleans property or the river walk between Riverside and French Quarter, where you can stop in at Scat Cat’s Lounge and enjoy some boozy Beignets.
- Fireworks will always be romantic to me. Where you watch them from, however, can definitely up the romance value. On my most recent trip, while the husband and I were waiting for a late night reservation at Ohana, we got ourselves a couple of drinks and walked to the Poly beach to watch the fireworks. We were basically the only people at that location on this particular night, and while it likely had something to do with abnormally chilly temperatures, it definitely provided an aura of romance. We have also watched Happily Ever After from the Wilderness Lodge walkway (did you know that they pipe the music in along there? I did not until that moment.), which was also a great locale for seclusion and intimacy.
- Dining at a signature restaurant for supper is classic romance. There are many to choose from – California Grill, Le Cellier, Jiko, etc. This is a perfect opportunity to wash away the sweat of a long day at the parks and get dressed up, which is bound to make anyone feel like a superstar. Another way to plus it up: make your reservation as close to closing time as you can at a signature restaurant located in a park. The restaurant will likely be quieter, but also, when you leave, the park will officially be closed – meaning the crowds will have dispersed and you can stroll leisurely to the exit while enjoying the solitude. Sometimes I amaze myself with my ideas.
- Carriage rides are offered at both Port Orleans Riverside and Fort Wilderness. What about you and your loved one alone in a carriage, with just the repetitive clip clop of a horse’s hooves, doesn’t scream romance? Either location would be amazing (remember my argument that Port Orleans Riverside just may be the most romantic resort on Disney property?), but Fort Wilderness at Christmas time is sure to be mesmerizing. Many of the campers staying at that property decorate their sites. It’s been many years since I experienced a Disney carriage ride, so I believe I am due. Perhaps I will try to fit this in on my next trip, and since it will be a Christmas trip I think I will try to do this at Fort Wilderness to experience the decorations and ambiance for myself.
- My last suggestion to enjoy a little romance at Walt Disney World is a couple’s spa treatment. Cliche, I know, but Disney offers several great spas of differing levels throughout the property. However, the Senses Spa, located at both the Grand Floridian and Saratoga Springs, is going to offer some grand experiences such as massages for two and experiences involving heated pools and relaxation rooms. It all sounds exquisite.
These suggestions are just some of the things Disney has to offer to couples traveling without children. I know that many people in my life believe Disney is just for kids – big amusement parks – but in fact Disney has so much to offer for adults as well. What great experiences have you had while at Disney that gave you that feeling of intimacy?
