I was listening to the latest episode of one of my favorite Disney podcasts, Mighty Men of Mouse, (if you don’t already listen to Dutch, Kip, and Russ, you should) and found myself pretty fired up about an article the guys were discussing.  The article’s author, Brooke, proposed that young couples who consider a Disney World vacation a romantic getaway are ridiculous and should be mocked…reviled even.  I wonder does Brooke realize how many honeymoons are spent at Disney resorts?  I pity her refusal to see Disney World as anything but fast food, lame attractions, screaming children, and sweating.  Shame on you Brooke – you don’t know what you’re talking about.

Can Walt Disney World be Romantic?

Even though I’m a baby boomer and not a millennial, I feel I have the experience with both Disney World and romance to make a few observations of my own.  I’m certainly secure in both my adultness (if that’s not a word, it should be) and my nearly 28-year long romance with the same man (and absolute love of my life).  While we might not consciously think “Oh, we should do THIS, it’ll be SO romantic”, we have enjoyed (and plan to continue enjoying) many romantic moments at Walt Disney World – a place we DO consider perfect for a romantic getaway.

With Valentine’s Day just two days away, this is a great time to share some suggestions (in case you, like Brooke, have a difficult time envisioning the more grown-up side of Disney) for adding romance to your next Disney vacation.

Share – There’s something romantic to me about sharing dessert.  Nothing says “I love you” like offering up the first or last bite of something delicious, rich, and decadent.  Or an appetizer or snack even.  With so many wonderful flavors to try at Disney World, this has become one of our favorite things to do!  In Epcot’s World Showcase, there are sweet and savory treats perfect for sharing in every country.

Take in a sunset (or sunrise) – At home during our busy workweek, we are rarely together for either of these two daily events, but at Disney World, it’s a different story.  Florida dawns and dusks are spectacular.  If we have an evening dining reservation, we try to plan our route to the restaurant to take advantage of the view.  Sunrise or sunset spent in quiet contemplation with your favorite person on Earth?  Very romantic!

Grab a quiet moment – There are plenty of places to avoid crowds and yes, screaming children too, for a few minutes of solitude.  It’s easy to get swept up in doing all the rides and attractions and forget the simple joy found in discovering a secluded corner from which to watch the World go by together.  We like Tomorrowland’s PeopleMover, the benches in World Showcase facing the lagoon, and the beaches on Seven Seas Lagoon (for enjoying Wishes from afar or watching the Electrical Water Pageant float by).  Some of our favorite memories are of enjoying a glass of wine together at some of our favorite Disney lounges.

Go on a date – So many romantic options available!  Couples massage at the Senses Spa (Disney’s Grand Floridian), dinner at one of Disney’s amazing Signature restaurants, or even a Segway tour at Fort Wilderness can be romantic because we’re together doing something new, special and unique.  We’ve splurged on specialty wine-pairings during Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival and had a wonderful time at each.  One thing we’ve never tried, but think would be amazingly romantic is one of Disney World’s Specialty Cruises.  Top date-night favorites for Raymond and I include Jiko (Animal Kingdom Lodge), California Grill (Disney’s Contemporary Resort), and Citricos (Grand Floridian Resort and Spa).

Take a walk – The places to explore are endless (hand-holding optional).  We love strolling along the Boardwalk and around Epcot’s World Showcase.  One day we took some time to explore Fort Wilderness (before and after our Segway tour) and had such a great time!  The walkway between Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and the Grand Floridian is very special and romantic.  We purchased a “Walk Around the World Brick” way back in 1996 – following the path from Magic Kingdom towards the Grand Floridian, we can locate our little piece of the World and remember how buying that brick was so hard on our finances back when Megan was four and Joseph was one.  We are also reminded of how much we love each other and our now all-grown-up children and what wonderful, magical memories we’ve made at Disney World through the years.  To me, there’s nothing more romantic than that.

*Sorry for all the cheesy, lovey-dovey pictures! Due to today’s subject, it could not be avoided*

It’s your turn!  Has Disney World been a place for romance in your life?  Or is it just a sweaty amusement park full of screaming kids, fast food, and not-so-thrilling rides?