23 Romantic Things To Do At Disney World
Walt Disney World maybe the most magical place on earth, but did you know it could also be one of the most romantic places on earth too?
I proposed to Helen at Walt Disney World back in 2018, and we got married three miles from the entrance of the resort just one year later. So, if anyone knows how romantic this place can be, it’s us.
Given all this experience we wanted to share some of the most romantic things we think you can do here (many of which we’ve experienced first-hand) inside the Walt Disney World Resort.
1. Go On The Fireworks Cruise
Unbeknown to many regular Walt Disney World visitors, there are a number of speciality cruises you can take around the resort.
These include the incredible fireworks cruise which sees you board a 25-foot boat that seats up to ten guests.
The cruise costs $399 plus tax (at the time of writing) and includes the boat rental, the captain, assorted snacks and soft drinks alongside festive banners and balloons – perfect if you’re celebrating something special.
Depending on your preferences you can either watch the Harmonious performance at EPCOT or the Disney Enchantment performance at Magic Kingdom.
More information, including how to book the cruise can be found on the Walt Disney World website.
2. Have A Romantic Meal At Cinderella’s Royal Table
With more than 200 restaurants there are many incredible dining experiences to be had inside the Walt Disney World Resort.
One of the best, and most romantic is at Cinderella’s Royal Table situated inside Cinderella’s Castle at the Magic Kingdom theme park.
This fine dining restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner every day of the week. However, despite its relatively high availability, it’s recommended that you book a table as far in advance as possible given its popularity.
3. Wear Matching T-Shirts
Matching t-shirts or t-shirts that work well as a couple are a fun and affordable way to celebrate visiting the Walt Disney World park together.
These t-shirts can be purchased in advance (advisable if you’re looking for some level of customisation) or inside the many gift shops at the Walt Disney World Resort.
We initially purchased a couple’s t-shirts during our wedding trip to Walt Disney World in 2019 and have now expanded the range to include a matching babygrow for our newborn.
4. Go Bowling
Located at the entertainment centre of Disney Springs is Splitsville Luxury Lanes.
This luxury bowling alley is a fun and affordable place to spend some time together at the Walt Disney World Resort.
In addition to 10-Pin bowling and billiards, Splitsville also has a restaurant, a bar, flat-screen televisions throughout as well as live music – making it the perfect place to hang out together both in the afternoon or the evening.
5. Take A Photo In Front Of Cinderella Castle
Taking a photo in front of the iconic Cinderella Castle is one of the many free things you can do together as a couple during a romantic day at the Magic Kingdom theme park.
This is something we have done every time we’ve visited Magic Kingdom together as a couple and it’s incredible to look back at how we’ve changed and grown together over the past decade.
There are a number of Disney PhotoPass+ photographers situated along Mainstreet USA who will be able to take your photo using their professional cameras if you have a Memory Maker package.
However, if you don’t have a Memory Maker don’t worry as the photographers will also happily take the photo on your own camera or smartphone for free too.
6. Share A Glass Of Champagne In France
The EPCOT theme park is home to the World Showcase, an incredible collection of countries which are situated around the man-made lagoon at the centre of the park.
One such country included here is France which unsurprisingly boasts the naturally romantic atmosphere that you’d find in the country itself.
The dedication to theming each area of the World Showcase never ceases to amaze us, and France is no exception. Here you’ll find everything from a miniature Efeil tower to French boutique stores and luxury restaurants.
Personally, when we visit the France pavilion we stop for a glass of regional wine at Les Vins des Chefs de France which is situated on the edge of the lagoon just opposite Chefs De France.
While there are many romantic things to do at this pavilion we find this one to be both relatively affordable and very relaxing.
7. Purchase A Souvenier From Which To Remember The Trip By
There are hundreds of stores and thousands of souvenirs to be purchased at the Walt Disney World Resort, as such it’s incredibly easy to get carried away – Mickey Ears anyone?
However, we try to minimise the souvenirs we purchase on a trip and instead put that money towards our future travels.
That all being said, we still like to remember our romantic getaway to Walt Disney World with one select souvenir.
By limiting ourselves to a single item a lot of thought goes into what we purchase and it’s generally something we treasure a lot when we get back home.
Finding that select souvenir together during a trip to Walt Disney World can be a great way to bond over your shared love of Disney or get to know each other’s tastes and interests better.
Our past souvenirs have included a bauble from Disney’s Days of Christmas and a tapestry blanket from the Disney Store.
8. Watch The Fireworks From The Polynesian Village
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is one of the premier resorts at Walt Disney World and is situated just outside of Magic Kingdom (2nd stop on the monorail heading back to the TTC).
Rooms here generally start from $250 per night given the incredible facilities and amenities alongside such a convenient location.
With laid-back tropical vibes, it’s no secret that the Polynesian Village can be a fantastic place to stay.
However, it’s also a great place from which to watch the fireworks display at Magic Kingdom – without the hustle and bustle you’d otherwise find on Main Street.
Guests are welcome to visit the resort (with or without a room at the hotel) to watch the evening fireworks display, with the best viewing points being either on the beach or at the boat launch area.
Thankfully, leaving this resort after the fireworks display is significantly easier than Magic Kingdom and as such visiting this resort can be a great choice if you’re on a time crunch to get back to your accommodation after a long day at the parks.
9. Go Dancing On Disney’s Boardwalk
Disney’s Boardwalk is located just behind ECPOT and is within walking distance of a number of on-site hotels at the Walt Disney World Resort.
This relatively unknown quarter-mile promenade is made up of exquisite dining options and unique shops alongside some incredibly exciting nightlife.
There’s a whole host of romantic things you can do here, especially in the evenings. From dancing in Atlantic City Dance Hall to discovering the incredible street performers. Whatever you choose, this area of Walt Disney World is well worth discovering.
10. Head Out On Safari
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of the four theme parks at Walt Disney World and is home to one of our favorite romantic things to do together, the Kilimanjaro Safari.
This 45-minute journey takes you in a jeep out into the savannah upon which you have the opportunity to see elephants, lions, cheetahs, hippos and more.
We’ve been on this safari more than ten times over the last decade, and no two experiences are the same.
While no animal sightings are ever guaranteed, it’s generally found that the animals are more active in the morning before the heat and humidity of the Floridian sun.
As such we recommend going on this ride at the beginning of your day at the park rather than later into the afternoon.
11. Go For A Horse Drawn Carriage Ride
Even regular guests of the Walt Disney World Resort don’t know that you can book a private horse-drawn carriage ride around the Walt Disney World property.
This 25-minute experience is available from both Disney’s Port Orleans Resort and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and costs $55.
Each carriage can accommodate four adults, or two adults and three small children. This experience is unsurprisingly incredibly popular, as such it’s highly recommended you book in advance using the MyDisney Experience app.
12. Share A Disney-Inspired Snack – Or Two!
One of the best things about Walt Disney World is the food and drink. Both the quality and variety available here is incredible.
However, sadly it’s impossible to try everything – especially since the menu is constantly evolving.
Thankfully, as a couple, you can share your way around double the snacks during a trip to Walt Disney World and have the opportunity to try more than ever before – Mickey Pretzel anyone?
13. Go Pin Trading
Pin trading is one of the largest activities taking place across the Walt Disney World Resort with over 10,000 different pin varieties available.
Pins can be purchased in one of the many stores onsite at the Walt Disney World Resort and then traded either with other guests or with cast members at dedicated pin-trading stations across the parks and inside the hotels.
However, Disney pins are expensive (generally $12 – $20 plus tax each).
As such we try to limit the number of pins we purchase at the parks and instead try to pick up reduced pins from the Disney Character Warehouse at the nearby Orlando outlets to trade inside the parks.
That all being said, pin trading is a serious hobby for many people with many pins now being sold second-hand for hundreds if not thousands of dollars.
Of course, this popularity and pricing have led to fake pins being created.
Given this, it’s highly recommended that you research what to look for in an official Disney pin prior to your visit if you think this is an activity you or your loved one may enjoy during your trip.
14. Head To The Spa
Many regular visitors of Walt Disney World are surprised to find that there is actually not one, but two spas located within the resort; the Senses Spa at Saratoga Springs and the Mandara Spa at Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Hotel.
At the Senses Spa, you’ll find a full-service spa and health club inspired by the 19th-century wellness retreats of upstate New York.
The facilities here include;
- Massage therapies
- Facial treatments
- Body therapies and wraps
- Wet relaxation space with a whirlpool, heated loungers and a steam room
- A relaxation room
Meanwhile, at the Mandara Spa, you’ll find both luxurious treatment therapies and a range of salon experiences including;
- Manicures
- Pedicures
- Hairstyling
- Grooming
All treatments and experiences can either be taken alone or as a couple. However, it’s highly recommended that you book your treatments at least 60-days in advance given the limited availability.
15. Dine At California Grill
California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is arguably one of the most romantic restaurants in all of Walt Dinsey World.
Overlooking the Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom park this restaurant is perfect for a special occasion or just a regular date night.
Better still, given that the restaurant is within Disney’s Contemporary Resort you don’t need a ticket to Walt Disney World in order to dine here.
16. Book A Special Event Or Tour
There are multiple special events or tour experiences that you can book to enhance your visit to Walt Disney World, the most magical place on earth.
These experiences include;
- Disney’s Wild Africa Trek – This experience takes you around the savannah with a private guide
- Capture Your Moment – A private photography experience available at all four Walt Disney World theme parks
- Disney’s Keys To The Kingdom Tour – An in-depth five-hour tour of the Magic Kingdom
- Caring For Giants – Get a closer look at the majestic African elephants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Behind The Seeds – A backstage walking tour of The Land Pavilion inside EPCOT
During our wedding trip to Walt Disney World, we had the pleasure of experiencing EPCOT Seas Adventures Dolphins in Depth.
This incredible experience allowed us to learn more about dolphins and how they are cared for at EPCOT as well as provided us with time to interact with the dolphins – a cast member even managed to capture our magical moment together.
You can view all the current experiences and make your booking on the Walt Disney World website.
17. Take a Ride In An Amphibious Car At Disney Springs
The Boathouse at Disney Springs is a restaurant serving an incredible selection of delicious American food.
However, attached to this amazing restaurant you’ll find one of the quirkiest experiences at Walt Disney World, an amphibious car in which you can take a ride.
This rare vintage Amphicar can take up to four guests out on a 20-minute guided tour of the waters of Lake Buena Vista at a price of $125 per car.
Better still unlike many of the romantic experiences, you’ll encounter during a visit to Walt Disney World, a ride in the Amphicar does not need to be booked in advance.
Instead, you can arrive at The Boathouse and generally book the experience for the same time / day, weather permitting.
18. Enjoy Afternoon Tea At The Grand Floridian
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is one of the most romantic hotels at Walt Disney World. However, sadly for many staying here is unobtainable given the high price tag of roughly $400 per night.
Thankfully, there are many more budget-friendly experiences you can partake in that are hosted at this resort including afternoon tea in the Garden View Lounge.
The lounge serves a range of British-style Afternoon Tea packages including sandwiches, scones, desserts, and more between 12pm and 4pm daily.
This restaurant is small and incredibly popular. As such it’s highly recommended you book a table in advance using the MyDisney Experience app.
19. Stay At One Of The Walt Disney World Resorts
With more than 20 on-site hotels at the Walt Disney World Resort, there is something for all tastes and budgets.
Sadly, however, the benefits of staying in a Disney property are not what they were (bye, bye Magical Express and complimentary MagicBands) that being said, staying on-site can still make visiting the Walt Disney World parks significantly more convenient.
While the likes of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Animal Kingdom Lodge and the incredible Yacht Club Resort are often seen as the most romantic (perfect for a honeymoon!) they are sadly often some of the most expensive.
Thankfully, there are some more affordable, yet equally romantic options available including; Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter and Wilderness Lodge that may better suit those looking for a budget-friendly romantic break.
20. Dine At Tony’s Town Square Restaurant
This charming turn-of-the-century trattoria on Main Street USA in Magic Kingdom may seem like a regular American, Italian restaurant. However, that’s far from the case.
Instead, this restaurant is one of the most romantic because it is in fact where Lady & The Tramp had their first kiss during the 1955 Disney Classic.
With a delicious menu at affordable prices, and incredible architecture including whitewashed balustrades, French doors and an expansive front porch it’s no surprise that this restaurant is one of the most popular in Magic Kingdom.
As such it’s highly recommended you reserve a table here using the MyDisney Experience app up to 60-days in advance of your visit.
21. Take A Hot Air Balloon Ride
The entertainment district of Disney Springs is home to many romantic experiences, however, there are few as unique as a ride on the Aerophile.
Custom-built for Disney, this is in fact the largest hand-painted helium balloon in the world and takes up to 29 guests 400ft in the air on an 8-minute tethered adventure with panoramic views of up to 10 miles.
Tickets for the Aerophile cost $25 for adults and can be purchased on a first-come-first-served basis from the ticket booth located just in front of the balloon.
22. Enjoy A Glass Of Wine At Wine Bar George
If taking to the skies isn’t your thing, why not instead keep your feet firmly on the ground at Wine Bar George.
This estate-style wine bar at Disney Springs offers a range of both wine and food which has been masterfully paired by Master Sommelier George Miliotes.
Enjoy more than 140 wines from acclaimed and well-known wineries, as well as growing regions that are up and coming alongside either a lunch, brunch or dinner menu.
23. Take A Photo With Disney Characters
No couples trip to Walt Disney World (or in fact any trip to Walt Disney World for that matter) is complete without a photo with a Disney character.
While we often try to meet Mickey Mouse on every visit to the Disney parks it’s not always possible.
Thankfully, there are often a wide variety of other characters that you can meet on your trip to the parks with significantly shorter wait times. These include the likes of Buzz & Woody from Toy Story & the Stormtroopers from Star Wars.
If you do want to meet more popular characters such as Mickey Mouse then it may be worthwhile investing in Disney Genie+ which allows you to skip the standby line on selected rides at a cost of $15 per person, per day.
Walt Disney World Travel Planning Guide
🎟️ Where To Buy Tickets for Walt Disney World?
If you’re based in the US or Canada, I recommend Klook for your Walt Disney World tickets.
Klook consistently has the most competitive prices. There’s also a range of different ticket options to suit all budgets and requirements.
Meanwhile, if you’re based in the United Kingdom. Then I recommend buying your Walt Disney World tickets from AttractionTix.
I personally use AttractionTix when purchasing theme park tickets. That’s because AttractionTix consistently has the most competitive prices and incredible customer service.
🏥 Should I Buy Travel Insurance for a Visit to Walt Disney World?
If you’re travelling to Walt Disney World for vacation, then travel insurance is recommended. Basic travel insurance coverage with Safety Wing averages between $5 – $10 per day and offers peace of mind.
However, if a trip to Walt Disney World isn’t part of a vacation. For example, you live locally. Then travel insurance isn’t likely to be necessary.
🚘 Do I Need to Rent a Car for a Visit to Walt Disney World?
You don’t need to rent a car to visit Walt Disney World. Instead, you can take an Uber or Lyft, as the theme park has pick-up and drop-off points.
Parking at Walt Disney World is expensive, so taking an Uber or Lyft can, in some cases, be cheaper.
However, if a trip to Walt Disney World only makes up a portion of your vacation, then you may want to rent a car. I personally use Discover Cars to find the best car rental when visiting the USA.
🏨 How to Book Accommodation for Walt Disney World
To book accommodation at Universal Studios, I use either Booking.com or Hotels.com. However, for large families and groups, VRBO is my number one choice.
Well done! And thats a short list. Now every time you come I know you will add more to your list, just as we have. It is a magical place for sure.