Ultimate List of Romantic Things to Do at Disney World (More than 60 Ideas)
Tons of adult couples are looking for romantic things to do at Disney World. Because we know going to visit “the mouse” in Orlando, Florida is for grown ups too not only kids! So many people travel there as a couple, without kids, and are looking for sentimental and memorable things to do around the World. Like us.
We've broken our ultimate list down into categories by areas of Walt Disney World. This will make it even easier for you to bring romance to your trip based on where you'll be there day, or overall when you're at your resort. And, in total, there are over 60 romantic ideas for you!
NOTE: While many of these things are possible to do during COVID, some aren't. Please click our hyperlinks which reveal more information about the specific suggested service or activity for up-to-date information.
Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post, which means we may earn a small commission if you click the link and proceed with a purchase, at no cost to you. We truly only recommend hotels, products, and services we personally use. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.
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Romantic Things to Do Before You Leave for Your Walt Disney World Vacation
⭐️ Hire a Disney Vacation Planner
If there's anything that would be romantic to me, it would be if my partner could alleviate some of the stress involved with planning a trip with Walt Disney World.
Whether you're planning a lot ahead of time or a little, there's a minimum of the following things to plan: your hotel stay and park tickets. Never mind Fast Passes and reservations.
What would be romantic? Sharing information with your partner for an amazing vacation planner that specializes in WDW vacations. And that's exactly what we do when we're planning a Disney trip – we go to our Disney Vacation planner, Becca!
Contact Becca Plans Vacation – she is THE BEST and her service and help is FREE if you plan a vacation with her.
⭐️ Get a Disney Package Delivered to Your Doorstep to Get Excited for Your Couples Trip to Disney World
Part of the fun of a Disney vacation is the anticipation of the trip and having something to look forward to. Amplify that excitement by sending your sweetheart a Disney care package ahead of your trip.
Try Mouse Marketplace and send anything from a t-shirt to a mug, to Disney-themed sweets and treats, to purses, and more. They are a third-party company owned and operated by just a few individuals; when you shop with them, you'll help to directly support a small business.
If you want to really wow a flower-loving partner, get a box of Roseshire's Disney Collection flowers delivered before the trip (with enough days to enjoy the fresh flowers).
General Romantic Things to Do at Walt Disney World as a Couple
⭐️ Book a Private Car to Get from the Airport to your Resort
How amazing would it be – and such a fun surprise – if instead of heading to the Disney buses at MCO airport you surprised your partner with a limo or private car? It will set the perfect “I love you and I am paying attention to the details!” tone.
⭐️ Get Celebration Buttons to Wear
If you've been to Walt Disney World in the past ten years you have seen people wearing celebration buttons that say things like “1st Visit,” or “Happily Ever After” or “Happy Birthday.”
Get buttons to make your partner feel extra special. They are a small (and free) thing to do that makes a very special difference.
Simply pick them up at any Guest Relations around WDW property. (You might be able to get them at the front desk of your Disney hotel too.)
⭐️ Book a Professional Photographer for a Photo Session
Go for an ultra-luxurious photography experience: hire your own photographer to take pictures you! Even if just for an hour or two.
You can do an hour session at Disney Springs or the hotel you're staying at. Or even in one of the parks.
⭐️ Take Photos Everywhere
We obviously take a lot of photos together – Dan's a saint cooperating with his photo-loving wife, who is also a professional photographer.
We not only take photos on my iPhone (I tend to leave my DSLR camera at home when we go to WDW so I don't have the extra weight and equipment on me) but we also do it within a fun app!
It's the one tradition we do everywhere we travel: a photo strip.
Disney also makes picture-taking SUPER easy if you haven't mastered a selfie as a couple or by using self-timer. Just sign up for their Disney Photo Pass.
Be sure to get some printed when you get home and buy frames as a gift for your partner to put them around the house. (Or buy 1 frame with several spaces for photos.) It may be a good idea to get a frame (or frames) first and print second so you know what size photos to order.
⭐️ Wear Matching (or Coordinating) Outfits
Romance is different for everyone – and for so many people, one of the most romantic things to do at Disney World is to match their clothes. Declare your love to the world with coordinated Disney shirts like, “His Minnie” and “Her Mickey” or “Just Married” shirts with your wedding date.
I'm going to be honest – this would be totally out of character for Dan and me. We would maybe wear cute matching Disney masks, though!
⭐️ Get Mickey Ears for Each Other
Shopping for Mickey Mouse Ears can be romantic – whether you get matching ears, ones that fit each other's personalities or bride + groom – or bride + bride or groom + groom – if you just got married. (Be sure to check out our Walt Disney World and Universal Packing List with year-round items and fun Disney things, like ears!)
Buy ears ahead of time so you can wear them to the airport!
⭐️ Ride the Skyliner
This is a great free thing to do at WDW (outside of the theme parks). It takes you above the Disney World property to gain a bird's eye view of the landscape below. It's like riding a gondola on ski slopes! But in the Florida sunshine.
We consider it one of the most romantic things to do at Disney World because of the privacy you have in the cable car (don't do anything naughty!) and the views.
⭐️ Order Special Magic Band Decals
There aren't many way to personalize your Magic Bands that you wear for all things at the parks and resorts (like your Fast Pass access, key to your room, credit card and more).
You can order a specific color or one of a limited variety of illustrations from what is available at the time. But beyond that there isn't much you can do. In come Magic Band decal options via Etsy!
Pre-plan and order your decal to work or home. Then bring it on your trip and surprise your partner with a custom decal for his or her Magic Band during the trip.
It's also fun to hear people ask, “Ooh where did you get that?!” when they see your special Magic Band on your wrist.
⭐️ Take a Fireworks Cruise
If you love fireworks then book a private cruise for your sweetie! If Dan did this for me I'd know it was a gift because he likes fireworks but not in the same way I love fireworks.
This is possible on Seven Seas Lagoon to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks. Or on the World Showcase Lagoon at Epcot.
⭐️ Play Miniature Golf
We love miniature golf! Especially at Disney World. It's also one of the best things to do at Walt Disney World besides the parks.
Play a round of golf at Fantasia Gardens and Fairways by Disney's Boardwalk or Swan and Dolphin resorts, or Winter Summerland by Disney's Blizzard Beach water park.
(If you're a competitive couple we recommend doing the Fantasia Gardens course over the Fantasia Fairways course, which is actually pretty difficult. The Gardens course has fun animated characters and is way more playful than the more serious and challenging Fairways course.)
Don't forget a rechargeable mini handheld fan to stay cool on the course while your group plays.
⭐️ Eat at a Signature or Fine Dining Restaurant
This category of restaurants at WDW is usually (but not always) synonymous with romance. They are all over the property whether at resorts, Disney Springs, or the parks.
Becca, my Disney Vacation Planner who I mentioned at the start of this post, recommends getting the last reservation of the day at a theme park. That way you'll have the chance to be one of the last couples or people out of the park and you'll get to feel like you're the only ones there. (How romantic and cool is that?)
⭐️ Stay After Dark
Every area of the Walt Disney World property has a different feel when the sunsets. Especially the parks and resorts. Be sure to stay after the sun sets for an entirely different – and in a lot of cases more romantic – experience.
Romantic Things to Do at the Magic Kingdom
⭐️ Take a {PG} Photo Kissing in Front of Cinderella Castle
1-2-3….awwww! Take a photo in front of the castle at the Magic Kingdom – it will be a keeper. If you need help, just ask a nearby Cast Member. (And a Cast Member is actually the one who told us to kiss in the photo!)
⭐️ Make a Wish Together at the Castle's Wishing Well
If you're looking at Cinderella Castle from Main Street (or the hub in front of it) and go up the walkway towards the castle, to the right side of it, you'll encounter a wishing well.
It's a very popular spot to propose….because it's ROMANTIC!
If you're already married, celebrating your honeymoon, engaged, or simply dating, it's a great place to throw a coin in the well to make a wish. Maybe wish for a lifetime of romance and happiness together!
⭐️ Book a Behind the Scenes Tour
For $99 per person, you can book yourself and your partner a Keys to the Kingdom Tour. Lunch and a keepsake are included in this tour that takes you behind the scenes of the Magic Kingdom, including a look at the legendary service tunnels under the castle.
⭐️ Share Spaghetti at Tony's Town Square Restaurant
Recreate the famous spaghetti scene from Lady and the Tramp with a shared plate of spaghetti and meatballs. Tony's Town Square is a seated dining restaurant that is closest to the entrance of Magic Kingdom park. (If you're entering the park it's on the righthand side of Main Street.)
Need discounted park tickets? Check out Undercover Tourist
⭐️ Buy Your Partner a Glass Figurine to Remember Your Trip from Main Street's Crystal Arts
One of the most fun things to do on Main Street is watching the glassblowers create works of art. We loved watching Figment take shape before our eyes.
Other great things to buy here include vases, Disney holiday ornaments, castle replicas, and even glass slippers! A delicate souvenir is a romantic way to commemorate your trip. (And if you're worried about it breaking ask Disney about their shipping services.)
⭐️ Make Reservations for Cinderella's Table at the Castle
If you want your partner to feel like a princess, make a reservation to dine at the only restaurant in the castle: Cinderella's Table.
The interior is fit for royalty with gothic touches, finely upholstered chairs, and royal flags in the rafters.
⭐️ Have a 3-Course Meal at Be Our Guest (Beauty & the Beast Restaurant)
If one of the two of you is a huge Beauty & the Beast fan, you must make a reservation at Be Our Guest. Since it's one of the nicer options at the Magic Kingdom we recommend saving the special experience for dinner, though they serve lunch as well. (End there aren't any real windows inside so Disney can control the themed lighting, no matter the time of day.)
It's a huge restaurant so the scale of it doesn't feel intimate in the grand dining hall, but some of the areas within the restaurant are smaller than others; those feel the most romantic. And hopefully, you'll feel like the only two people there, so in love at the happiest place on Earth, anyway!
⭐️ Ride the People Mover Together
There are few rides that go at a slow pace around the Magic Kingdom and where you can cozy up to your partner in your own vehicle for a long time. The People Mover in Tomorrowland is one of these rides. And it's so relaxing! It's a great thing to do after a meal if you ask us. Just sit, digest, and relax together.
Try to ride it during the day and at night – it feels like two different experiences depending on if you go in daylight or during the evening (regardless of it going through dark areas, like Space Mountain, no matter the time of day).
⭐️ Slow Down and Take in the Little Scenes
There are so many pockets of beautiful scenery at the Magic Kingdom, in particular. The storybook scene at Fantasyland reminds me of Colmar, France. And the winding waterway between the Castle hub and Frontierland takes us back to The Netherlands.
One of the most romantic things to do at Disney World is to take time to stop and enjoy the little scenes together. When you stop to breathe and take in these moments as a couple you have time to appreciate your trip more instead of simply running from one ride to the next.
⭐️ Book a Fireworks Dessert Party
The dessert parties are a great way to indulge in something sweet at the end of the day and take advantage of reserved seating for the fireworks. And feel extra special being let into an “exclusive” area.
Romantic Things to Do at Epcot
Epcot's World Showcase (where the country pavilions are) practically screams romance to us. Here's a few ideas of many for what to do in Epcot that's romantic and memorable.
⭐️ Ride Spaceship Earth Together
This ride is in the Epcot icon (that some people say looks like a huge golf ball). It's a Disney classic if you ask us. It's also dark inside with ride vehicles that only accommodate two adults each and move slowly.
Cozy up as you take a journey through time.
⭐️ Have a Meal at the Coral Reef Restaurant at Future World
A popular restaurant at Epcot is by the Living Seas Pavilion. Cozy up in a clamshell ride vehicle as you experience The Seas with Nemo and Friends (a dark ride with a continuously moving platform, like how the Haunted Mansion ride vehicles operate). Then head over to the Coral Reef restaurant steps away.
One of the most romantic things to do at Disney World is eating lunch or dinner here, where you can be up close and personal with an aquarium tank that's inside the restaurant. Keep your eyes peeled for Scuba diving Mickey Mouse.
⭐️ Have a Meal at One of the Countries
There are a lot of great restaurants at Disney's Epcot theme park. Here are a few of the most romantic restaurants there:
- San Angel Inn in Mexico. It's always nighttime inside with very romantic lighting.
- France's Monsieur Paul, which is the upscale restaurant in this pavilion. It's on the 2nd floor of the food building, and the entrance is on the right side of it if you're looking at the building's facade.
- Le Cellier steakhouse in Canada is great. And I loved seeing there's an actual Le Cellier in Montreal when I visited one summer a couple of years ago! Très authenique!
⭐️ Walk around the Garden in Japan
I love Japanese gardens. If I'm ever at Epcot I love to walk around the Japanese gardens there with Dan. It's small but lovely. It's tucked back behind the pagoda, next to Japan's quick-service restaurant. (Swoon…this makes me think of Tokyo DisneySea in Japan, which is an AMAZING park if you've never been! Add it to your Disney parks bucket list!)
⭐️ Drink around the World
Drinking around the world doesn't have to be a frat party or bachelorette party debauchery. It can be sweet and romantic.
Try drinking wines around the world, including bubbly, like Champagne in France or Prosecco in Italy. Or beer in Germany and sake in Japan.
Don't forget to hydrate too, and bring a reusable water bottle with you to the parks.
The Best Refillable Travel Water Bottles
Memo Bottle
We love these because they're flat, so it fits in a pocket, on the side of a backpack, in a purse, etc. very easily and comfortably.
MiiR Bottle
They’re insulated and keep the liquid at the temperature you added it to the bottle in for HOURS and hours. They rock.
We also love that the wide-mouthed bottles are easy to get ice cubes into. Use code “SOMETIMESHOME” for 15% off your order.
Collapsible Water Bottle
This Nomader water bottle saves a lot of space when rolled up before filling. The only reason we don't carry one is because we're worried about squishing it when it's filled with water. But it's a great option if it fits your needs.
Romantic Things to Do at Animal Kingdom
⭐️ Surprise Your Partner with an Evening Safari Tour
Savor the Savanna is an evening tour at Animal Kingdom's safari. They pair it with African tapas, as well as wine and beer from the continent.
The experience is $174 per person, not including tax. If you know your partner loves exclusive experiences and animals this could be the perfect surprise for him/her!
⭐️ Ride the Na'vi River Journey Together
One of the most romantic rides in Animal Kingdom is the Na'vi River Journey in the Pandora – World of Avatar section of the park. It's an indoor dark ride through the water with colorful lighting, soothing sounds, and a relaxing vibe. Sit in the back row if you want to make out! (But don't forget there's another ride vehicle not too far behind you.)
⭐️ Walk around Pandora – World of Avatar, Together at Night
We received a tip to make sure we saw Pandora at night because it felt like a different world after sunset. And I'm glad we stayed to see the transformation! The lighting at night is beautiful.
Even if you don't like Avatar or have never seen it (like me) it's still awe-inspiring! Spend time looking for all the wonderful details and hidden flowers and plants that glow in the evening.
⭐️ Eat at Tiffin's
If you want to treat your sweetheart to a lovely meal in Animal Kingdom, head to Discovery Island's sit-down restaurant, Tiffin's. Their dishes are full of flavor. The restaurant has waterfront views and plenty of seating for lunch and dinner.
⭐️ Get Drinks at the Nomad Lounge
The Nomad Lounge is the perfect place to get away from crowds – and kids – at the attractions at Animal Kingdom. Have a drink as a couple enjoying Walt Disney World! They have plenty of options with alcohol but they have non-alcoholic beverages, including coffee, espresso, and tea, as well.
It looks like it's part of a safari respite in Africa, with flowing curtains and neutral-colored furniture. If you're hungry you can grab small plates here too, like a poke bowl or sliders.
⭐️ Walk Maharaja Jungle Trek Hand-in-Hand
We think the safari at Animal Kingdom is a must. But it isn't romantic (unless you book a semi-private tour). However, the Maharaja Jungle Trek can be romantic!
Walk hand-in-hand at your own pace and be sure to stop at the most beautiful and romantic place, pictured below, where the tigers are.
Romantic Things to Do at Hollywood Studios
Remember the days you could cozy up on the Great Movie Ride? Alas, 'tis gone. But there are still some romantic things to do at Hollywood Studios we recommend.
⭐️ Cozy Up in a Drive-In Car at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Restaurant
One of the biggest surprises we had at Hollywood Studios was dining at the Sci-Fi Dine-In. Because we were blown away by the ambiance and the meal.
It's VERY cute and romantic inside – and if you love a DELICIOUS meal (think drive-in food, like burgers and sandwiches, fries, milkshakes, and salads) you'll love it here. The dark air-conditioned space is also SUCH a nice break from the Florida heat!
⭐️ Dine at the Brown Derby
The Brown Derby is one of the nicest restaurants at Hollywood Studios (if not the nicest if you ask us). It aims to bring guests back to the Golden Age of Hollywood.
It's modeled after the Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood, California. Owner of the Brown Derby, Bob Cobb, invented the Cobb Salad.
Hollywood Studios' Brown Derby does, indeed, have a Cobb Salad on its menu along with fish, chicken, and steak options.
⭐️ Get Drinks at Oga's Cantina at Star Wars Galaxy's Edge
Are you a Star Wars fans? Then you'll find a few romantic things to do at Disney World at the Star Wars Galaxy's Edge land of Hollywood Studios.
Try to get a coveted reservation at Oga's Cantina. We had to go at 8:00am (it was the only reservation we could get) and it still felt exclusive and sexy inside (dare I say).
There are no windows so it always feels like the same time at the bar no matter if you're there in the morning, afternoon, or at night.
Romantic Things to Do at Disney Springs
⭐️ Listen to Live Music Together
One of our favorite things to do as a couple is to listen to live music. So, naturally, we believe one of the most romantic things to do at Disney World is listen to the bands and musicians who play at Disney Springs.
For instance, did you know the House of Blues is at Disney Spring? Even if there isn't a concert happening soon you're interested in they often have live music in the courtyard. (And Disney Springs has happy hour! Live music + happy hour = happy couple.)
There's also often live music at Raglan Road and Splittsville's outdoor bar area.
⭐️ Get Tickets to See Cirque du Soleil, “Drawn to Life” at Disney World
One of the best date night ideas is to see the incredible Cirque du Soleil show at Disney Springs. This hour and a half show will completely wow you as the performers entertain with one amazing act after another.
They have a 5:30pm show and 8:00pm show every day from Tuesday through Saturday. Tickets start at $85 (not including taxes and fees) and it's worth every penny! See our extensive post about Cirque du Soleil at Disney to read more.
⭐️ Pay for a “Hot Air Balloon” Ride Together
The largest hand-painted helium balloon in the world is at Disney Springs and it's called Aerophile. And you can take an 8-minute tethered ride together to overlook Disney Springs from hundreds of feet above the ground.
It's not really a “hot air balloon” per se, but it's a good substitute for a fraction of the time and the price.
It operates from morning to night (9:00am to 11:00pm), weather permitting, and is $25 per adult and $20 per child. It holds up to 29 people though the amount of people on your flight depends on who has signed up when you're there.
⭐️ Take an Amphicar Ride into the Water at the Boathouse
Have you ever seen those vintage Cadillac-looking convertible cars that ride INTO the water at Disney Springs? They're AMAZING! And they're truly a blast from decades past, not a Disney World-specific invention.
The owner of the Disney Springs Boathouse restaurant owns a large collection of Amphicars. (There's an estimated 400 left in the world today.) And what better place for this adventure than Walt Disney World?
It's $125 per car for this unique 25-minute experience. It takes you around the waterway behind Disney Springs, also near Saratoga Springs Resort (a Disney Timeshare/DVC resort). Bonus tip: you can get a $25 reward towards the experience if you show your dining receipt from the Boathouse Restaurant or $50 or more purchase from their gift shop, called Boatique.
⭐️ Go Bowling at Splittsville
One of the most fun “dates” we ever had at Walt Disney World was bowling in Disney Springs, at Splittsville.
Go hungry and thirsty because the drinks and food are both YUMMY. (And by the way if you're ever in Tampa, there's a Splittsville at Sparkman Wharf that's a lot of fun too!)
⭐️ Hit up Happy Hours around Disney Springs
We love happy hour! Everyone loves to feel like they're getting a “deal” ) and the time that happy hour occurs is also a great time to be at Disney Springs.
Happy hour is right after the lunch rush, before the evening crowds flood this area of WDW. And because we love enjoying good food and drinks as a couple (especially during daylight, keeping us happy with a Florida sunshine dose of Vitamin D) we think this is one of the most romantic things to do at Disney World.
Enjoy the romance of getting drinks and appetizers around Disney Springs, at places like Paradiso 37 and Terralina.
And you don't even need to figure out a schedule of times for it. We've mastered Disney Springs happy hour for you.
⭐️ Buy Each Other a Memorable Gift or Keepsake
There are so many great shops at Disney Springs. Some of the items/stores you can't find in the parks or hotel property, and some of them you can. One of my favorite shops is Ever After for their unique pieces of Disney jewelry, handbags, and wallets.
Two other special jewelry shops there – with Disney exclusive items – are Pandora and Alex and Ani.
What we love about the idea of shopping for special gifts together at Disney Springs – besides the thought of getting nice keepsakes as a couple – is that we aren't going on rides there. So it's not a pain in the ass to carry around shopping bags while you walk around as it would be in the theme parks.
(Even though if you're staying at a Disney Resort and there's enough time before you leave you can have those bags delivered to your hotel.)
⭐️ Share Dessert
There are so many places to get dessert at Disney Springs! If you or your partner have a sweet tooth this is a good place to be. Even if you want to share one dessert (with two spoons!), or get two, sitting down to enjoy dessert is one of the most romantic things to do at Disney World as a couple.
Share an ice cream sundae at Ghiradelli's, high-end chocolates at the Ganachery, or a bubble waffle cone covered in powdered sugar and chocolate fudge at AristoCrêpes.
Romantic Things to Do at WDW Hotels and Resorts
⭐️ Tell the Hotel You're Celebrating
You never know – they may send something special to your room, like cake, or chocolate-covered strawberries, or a chocolate Mickey, or champagne! Which would for sure turn a simple hotel stay into one of the most memorable and romantic things to do at Disney World.
⭐️ Get Flowers Delivered to Your Room
If you do this, do it at the beginning of your trip so you can enjoy the flowers the entire time you're there, each time you go back to your room.
Simply call a local florist or Disney Floral and Gifts.
⭐️ Order a Cheese and Charcuterie Board
One of the beautiful things that resulted from Disney having to lay off or furlough employees during the pandemic, was seeing the support the Disney Cast Members family had for each other. There is a Facebook group called “Ear for Each Other” where you could/can find furloughed or laid off Cast Members who pivoted into other businesses.
That's how this awesome “Journey Across the Board” business came across our radar.
It's no secret we're obsessed with our at-home date nights, complete with cheese and charcuterie boards. And we love to get them when we're out too. (Like that time we'll never forget in Balboa Park in San Diego.)
One of the most romantic things to do at Disney World is to retreat to a quiet corner of your resort, whether on the hotel grounds or in your room. Because one of the most romantic things to do at Disney World is unwinding together at your resort after a long day.
But what is something special that you can get delivered and slowly but surely enjoy as a couple at your resort? A cheese and charcuterie board!
You can have one delivered to your resort room! They will even cut a Mickey Mouse silhouette out of the cheese for you if you request it.
Pump up the Romance: Customize the Actual Board
Jon of Journey Across the Board will customize your plate as you wish – for example, with either real or faux meats if you're a vegetarian. Or based on your cheese likes or dislikes. Just ask.
Not into meat and cheese? They make dessert boards and guacamole boards too.
Want to up the ante and pump up the romance factor? Journey Across the Board has partnered with bespoke cutting board creator, Sean Gibson, to offer more customization to orders. Journey Across the Board can use a custom board you've ordered to build your board. Imagine your partner's surprise when you get to the end of the board and you see your names carved into the wood.
If you don't like the designs offered by Sean Gibson, check out the many designs to choose from on Etsy and contact Jon at Journey Across the Board to coordinate.
⭐️ Get a Couple's Massage at a Resort Spa
Gifting your partner a spa treatment – or even better, time at the spa together with a couple's massage – is a luxurious gift and the perfect way to help rejuvenate from tiring days at the Walt Disney World parks.
Try the Mandara Spa at the Swan and Dolphin, and next to the Swan Reserve, or the Senses Spa at the Grand Floridian or Saratoga Springs. (You don't have to be staying at the hotel to book a massage at the spa.)
⭐️ Order Room Service and Have Breakfast in Bed
Treat yourselves to breakfast in bed if you're staying at a deluxe resort. Order room service! (Deluxe resorts include the Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge, Grand Floridian, Animal Kingdom Lodge, the Contemporary, Yacht and Beach Clubs, and the Boardwalk Inn.)
⭐️ Experience the Highway in the Sky Dine Around (on pause due to COVID)
Dan and I definitely want to do this one day! Our friend raved about it and thought it was definitely worth the price tag when she did it with her boyfriend. (It's about $170 per person, including valet parking, which is a plus.)
So what is was Highway in the Sky Dine Around? It is was an around-the-monorail dining experience at Walt Disney World. So many of the romantic things to do at Disney World involve dining and meals, but this one has had a unique twist as a progressive dinner.
It's not currently available, in 2021. If we had to guess, it got axed because of the pandemic. But we're leaving it on our list in hopes it returns!
It's definitely geared towards adults since the experience has a fairly high-ticket price. (It says 12 and older, only, but it would take a sophisticated 12-year-old child to want to do this experience at Disney World when more casual meals abound, which we think kids would enjoy more.)
There's a slight dress code, which we take as a great excuse to get dressed up, get fancy and enjoy each other's company and great food. (And hope you get a good small group since it's not restricted to one couple only.)
The four-course progressive dinner starts and ends at the Contemporary and takes you to the Polynesian and Grand Floridian throughout the evening on the monorail. Surprise your partner by making a reservation in advance (which you definitely need).
⭐️ Visit the Boardwalk
My favorite “hidden gem” at Walt Disney World is Disney’s BoardWalk. I think of the thousands of people who visit, who never go to the Boardwalk. And it saddens me. But perhaps that is part of why it's special.
There are many opportunities for romance on the boardwalk.
Talk a Ride on the Boardwalk
You can rent a Surrey Bike on the boardwalk. (This is also one of our favorite things to do at Walt Disney World besides the parks.)
Stroll on the Boardwalk, Holding Hands
Don't want to ride? Take a walk holding hands, day or night! The Boardwalk is truly lovely – grab an ice cream, candy, or beer on the Boardwalk and enjoy the waterfront views during your walk.
Visit the Boardwalk at Night
The Boardwalk turns into another source of enjoyment and entertainment at night. Here are a few things you can do on Disney's BoardWalk in the evening:
- Have dinner at the Flying Fish restaurant with a blue and champagne-colored interior.
- Stop to enjoy the Boardwalk entertainers, like jugglers.
- Play Boardwalk games like a basketball toss.
- Share a funnel cake, which you can eat together on a Boardwalk bench.
- Go dancing at Atlantic Dance Hall (next to Jellyrolls).
- Sing along with dueling pianos at Jellyrolls.
Enjoy a Date Night at Jellyrolls
One of our all-time favorite things at Walt Disney World at night is spending the evening at Jellyrolls. It's the dueling pianos bar on the Boardwalk.
And we stay for HOURS listening to great songs, the humor and jokes of the pianists and enjoying the atmosphere and drinks. (Expect to spend at least $50 between an entry cover and drinks – but it's well worth it! Be sure to bring singles to tip the piano players!)
When we stayed at the Swan Reserve, we walked over to Jellyrolls two nights in a row and stayed from opening to closing.
⭐️ Watch the Fireworks from a Disney World Resort or Restaurant
You don't have to be in the parks to see fireworks. You can be nearby.
Here are a few places you can see fireworks from without park admission. (Though it may require access to a hotel with a room reservation, access to the monorail, or a dining reservation to access certain parts of the resorts.)
- Contemporary's restaurant, California Grill, in time for the Magic Kingdom fireworks.
- Boardwalk by Epcot (and the Yacht and Beach Club, and Disney's Boardwalk Inn), for the Epcot fireworks.
- The beach of the Polynesian, for the Magic Kingdom fireworks.
⭐️ Watch an Outdoor Movie Under the Stars
Want a quiet night that's neither in your hotel room nor out at the parks? We suggest finding out if your resort is having a Movies Under the Stars evening. Of course, it will be a Disney flick!
⭐️ Rent a Swan Paddleboat
Did you know big boats aren't the only way to get around the waterways at Walt Disney World? You can take a spin around the lake in a swan paddleboat! (Swans are repeatedly associated with romance because they mate for life. How romantic!)
While this used to be a rental that was available to anyone, it's now an exclusive perk for guests of the three adjacent Marriott hotels: Swan, Dolphin, or the Swan Reserve. In fact, it's already included in your resort fee so the rental doesn't cost anything extra.
Paddleboats are both relaxing…and a little work, but very memorable. (This is an especially romantic thing to do one day you're taking off from going into one of the four theme parks.)
Be sure to check out our packing list for Disney World and Universal – you do not want to forget your sunscreen.
Book a stay at the Swan or Dolphin resort, or the new Swan Reserve hotel
⭐️ Dine at a Resort Restaurant
Here are some super romantic restaurants to make reservations for during your Disney trip (and don't forget – if you use a Disney Vacation planner, like Becca at Pixie and Pirate Destinations, she can take care of the reservations for you):
- Victoria and Albert's at the Grand Floridian. It's unforgettable. (It may be the most romantic restaurant at Walt Disney World, with a strict dress code to support it). They print custom menus each night with guest names on them. I admit I went here with an ex many years ago. But the positive experience, including superb service, remains a great memory from that relationship.
- Narcoosee's on the water at the Grand Floridian for “coastal cuisine or surf ‘n turf if you want to mix it up.
- Jiko – The Cooking Place at Animal Kingdom, especially if you love wine for their extensive collection of African wines.
- Share a milkshake or ice cream Sundae at the Beaches and Cream soda shop at the Beach Club resort.
- Kimonos at the Swan and Dolphin is a well-known, high-quality sushi restaurant. We also enjoyed our meal at the Swan Reserve's Amare restaurant, with a Mediterranean-inspired menu.
- Head to the top of the Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs to eat at Toledo's. You'll love their tapas and that 3/4s of the walls are transparent glass windows with a beautiful view.
- Topolino's Terrace, atop the Riviera resort. It has some spectacular views. They serve hand-crafted pasta, various fish, and meats. We'd definitely start with an escargot appetizer (we love 'em) or Romaine salad. And yes. they have a terrace! So be sure to grab a cocktail out there before your reservation or after dinner.
⭐️ See the Animals During the Day at Animal Kingdom Lodge
There are over 30 African species that roam the property at Animal Kingdom Lodge. And it's rarely busy because most guests scatter to the parks or other parts of WDW during the day.
If you want another reason to go to the Animal Kingdom Lodge in addition to seeing animals (since it's somewhat out of the way at WDW unless you're at Animal Kingdom) make a lunch or dinner reservation at Boma or Jiko – The Cooking Place.
⭐️ Have Drinks at a Resort Bar
Have cocktails at one of the Bars around WDW. Conversation over a couple of cocktails is a great way to recap your Disney World vacation after a long day.
Here are some bars we love:
- Enchanted Rose at the Grand Floridian
- Victoria Falls Lounge at Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Territory Lounge at the Wilderness Lodge
- Dahlia Lounge at Coronado Springs
⭐️ Take a Horse and Carriage Ride along the Water at Port Orleans Riverside
Port Orleans is a property filled with southern charm. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the property for 25-minutes for just $55.
⭐️ Have Tea at the Grand Floridian
You know when Buzz Lightyear has “high tea” in Toy Story? That's kind of how I feel when Dan and I have tea. He's a tall masculine guy having tea with me, to flatter his wife. And do something romantic! (We had a wonderful, memorable tea in Asker near Norway a few years ago with another couple that was great. The actual country not just Epcot!)
Book reservations to have afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian's Garden View Tea Room.
⭐️ Watch the Electric Water Pageant
The Electric Water Pageant has been around for years. It's a night show that glides by some of the monorail resorts in the evening. And it's both a staple for Disney classists and also one of the {cheesy, yet} romantic things to do at Disney World.
It's nostalgic and sweet, and romantic if you're next to your partner watching it. It stops with enough time for its lights to blink to an instrumental song, then glides on to the next resort around the lake.
You can see it from the Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Fort Wilderness, Wilderness Lodge, and the Contemporary.
Heading to Orlando? Also check out:
- Things to Do at Walt Disney World Besides the Parks
- Experiencing a Disney Cruise Without Kids
- Our Afternoon Mastering Disney Springs Happy Hour
- 12 Fun Adult Things to Do in Orlando
Thank you for sharing the information, really enjoyed reading it.
So glad to hear that! Thanks, Khopra!