Tag Archives: Disney Valentine’s Day

Can Walt Disney World be Romantic?

Posted on by

Magic-Kingdom-Boat-Dock-SelfieI 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?

(From the Merriam-Webster online dictionary) Simple Definition of romantic

  • : of, relating to, or involving love between two people

  • : making someone think of love : suitable for romance

  • : thinking about love and doing and saying things to show that you love someoneClam-mobile-selfie

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.EPCOT_BACKSIDE 4_7072200359

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.Bay-Lake-Tower-Sunrise

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!RM-Enchanted-10K-Sunrise

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.RM-Brown-Derby-Patio-Wine

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).RM-California-Grill-Patron

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.  IMG_1981We 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?

 

 

 

 

Romance at Walt Disney World

Posted on by

RM-Happily-Ever-AfterSometimes, you’re so busy doing everyday things – working, raising children, getting those children to all their various activities, maintaining a household, and a million other little things that take up all your free time – you forget about simple pleasures.  Pleasures like adding some romance to your relationship with the person you’ve teamed up with for the long haul.

As many of you know, Raymond and I have been married more than 25 years.  We’re not old! (At least we don’t feel that way yet.)  We’re mature – and with that maturity has come an appreciation for our relationship and how we’ve managed to stay incredibly happy – really, truly, enduringly happy as a couple all this time.  We remember to enjoy each other’s company and there’s no place better for this (to us) than when we’re on a Disney vacation.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, I give you my top five ways to add…

Romance at Walt Disney World

Hold Hands – I know there are different cultural norms in different parts of the world and even in different parts of the country, but holding hands is not only romantic, it allows you to literally connect with the one you love.  No, you don’t have to tour Epcot’s World Showcase hand-in-hand if that makes you uncomfortable, but walking to the bus after a long, happy day in the parks or strolling around, leisurely exploring your resort is a good time to feel like kids again…together.RM-Bay-Lake-Tower-Balcony-View-Sunrise

Take in a Sunset (or a sunrise) – I don’t know if it’s Florida or just being at Walt Disney World, but we’ve notice that there are some spectacularly romantic sunsets (and sunrises) to be enjoyed!  If your resort accommodations have a balcony, step out for a quiet moment to enjoy a cup of coffee together in the early morning or after a busy day, a late-night snack or nightcap.  Plan for these special moments and make them count!RM-BLT-Sunset

Enjoy Some Time for Two – Use a Disney babysitting service or kids’ club, but go out ALONE!  Spring for a nice dinner or, if that’s not in the budget, a cocktail and snacks.  Even if you just want some alone time to watch a movie or stroll along Disney’s Boardwalk – remember where this whole adventure began…when you were just two.RM-Epcot-R&L

Splurge on Luxury! – Whether it’s a couples massage at the Senses Spa (Grand Floridian), dinner at the California Grill (Contemporary Resort), or a Wishes Fireworks Cruise – Nothing says romance like a special occasion planned just for the two of you!  Yes, it’s expensive, but your relationship is worth it!  And the memories are priceless.RM-Duffy

Be Goofy!  I’ll bet that one of the things you fell in love with in your favorite person was their sense of humor.  They make you laugh out loud – and vice-versa.  Life isn’t always a piece of cake, but finding joy in the midst of mortgage payments, medical bills, and college tuition is what keeps you going!  I don’t care how rusty you might be at this – find your inner goof and be a kid again.  Happiness is contagious and absolutely free of charge.

What’s your favorite way to add a little romance to your Disney vacation?

 

 

 

A Valentine’s Day View – Favorite Disney Couples

Posted on by

DSCN0796I just love Valentine’s Day!  I’ve had 25 super-happy, romantic ones with the same guy.  When I thought about writing a post to mark this special day, I asked Raymond, “Who’s your favorite Disney couple?” – His answer?  “We are.”  Now, do you see why every Valentine’s Day I’ve had for all this time has been so wonderful?  (Oh, stop gagging, I’m moving on to the Disney stuff now).

I want to talk about some of my OTHER favorite Disney couples.  I  felt the need to break them down into two categories – BFF, not-married category – we’ll call that “Group One” and the married, into the happily-ever-after, romantic category – aka “Group Two”.  I’m just, you know, giving my opinion (big surprise there!) about these twosomes and I sure hope you’ll weigh in with comments right here on the blog, on Facebook here, or on twitter (follow me @life_of_green) about your own favorite Disney couples.

So, here we go – oh, and in case I forget later, Happy Valentines Day!IMG_2141

Group One!

Mickey and Minnie – They may not be married, but they certainly share a love that endures.  Perpetually happy and ready for fun, these two create joy with each other that they freely share with all they meet.  Obviously best friends with a lot in common, they’re a Disney power couple with a relationship formula that equals success.

Kermit and Miss Piggy – Maybe they’re not happy all the time – She’s high maintenance (oh, like that’s a bad thing) and he’s a little hesitant to take the relationship to the next level.  They’ve been through a LOT together over the years and never fail to treat each other with understanding and respect (mostly).  Maybe their timing’s off.  Maybe they just have to find the right time in their lives – where everything will fall into place for them and they will get their IMG_4791happily-ever-after with each other.  Yeah, I’m a romantic, hope springs eternal and all that jazz.  I’m pulling for them!

Chip and Dale – Not a romantic couple, maybe, but these besties have been together forever and I admire that in a friendship!  Chip’s the serious thinker and Dale is the slightly goofy sidekick.  Laurel and Hardy with fur!  What is not to love about these two – and isn’t love what Valentine’s Day is all about?

Group Two!

IMG_5225Cinderella and her Prince.  Love at first sight?  Yes, indeed.  She’s faced a lot of challenges growing up – he’s faced a lot of challenges finding a partner.  Both know the pressures of trying to please family.  She can appreciate the love and care-free life he has to offer.  He can appreciate her down-to-earth, low maintenance personality.  Everybody goes home happy.  Except maybe Lady Tremaine, Drizella, and Anastasia – but, really – don’t we love them too?

IMG_5211

Snow and Charming:  Not gonna lie – I am a huge Once Upon a Time fan – even Raymond’s been known to enjoy an episode now and again.  These two really do love each other in a way that endures over time, through changing realms, in spite of any challenges thrown their way via magical spells, mythical creatures, and evil queens – in sickness and in health, richer, poorer, yadda, yadda – these guys know how to make it work.   They will always find each other!

Rapunzel and Flynn/Eugene – Good girl + bad boy = true love.  She’s a princess and doesn’t IMG_5229know it, he’s a goodhearted fellow who hasn’t met his potential.  Combine the two and what a great relationship!  He helps her find her family and she helps him find the man behind the smolder.  I love these two!  They’re both a constant surprise to themselves and to each other.  I think their relationship has got what it takes to endure.

Ellie and Carl Fredrickson – Proof that true love lasts.  These two had a lot in common, were very best friends and faced some serious challenges over the course of their relationship.  Did they give up?  No, never.  I cried so hard during Up‘s opening montage, I almost couldn’t watch the rest of the movie.  A relationship to admire and perfect example of the kind of love Valentine’s Day is all about!

Lisa and Raymond – The reason I believe in love at first sight.  Raymond proposed six weeks DSCN2932after we met and here we are today – getting ready to celebrate our 25th anniversary (with a trip this fall to Disney World for our first Food and Wine Festival).  Couple of kids, a (very few) trials and tribulations, a whole lot of fun and laugher – and still going strong.  So, I’ve got to hand it to Raymond after all.  When thinking about Disney couples – I do have to say…we make a pretty good one.