Romancing the Mouse

Posted by Scott Sevener on February 1, 2007 under My Time with the Mouse... - the column | Be the First to Comment

Love is in the air.

Don’t worry, I’m certainly not about to get all mushy on you, but with Valentine’s Day right around the corner and red paper hearts adorning the walls of nearly everyplace you go, you can’t exactly deny that February is the most romantic month of all. Over the next two weeks, you’re going to find yourself barraged with more chocolates and flowers and red and pink hearts than most people would know what to do with, but of course around here, the big question is a little different – can Walt Disney World be a romantic place?

Walt Disney World is many things to many people, just as romance means different things to different people, which is why I ask in return, why couldn’t Disney World serve as an amorous getaway for lovers and hopeless romantics?! With the 47 square miles that make up Walt Disney World having so many different offerings, from the tropical and relaxed settings to jacket and tie formal dinners, not to mention, of course, plenty of carefree fun at the most popular theme parks in the world, I would think that it’s pretty safe to say that a couple could find their little slice of romance at Disney World no matter what their cup of tea might be…

So what would I recommend, you ask? Well, I’m certainly no expert…at least not with the romance side…but nonetheless I’ve put together the following list of a few ways in which a young (or young at heart) romantic could entertain his or her loved one that sound like fun to me. Some of them, I’m proud to say that I’ve actually been able to pull off myself, while others are either word of mouth from other Disney fanatics or simply ideas that seem worthwhile in my head … so consider yourselves warned – this imagination of mine has been known to get a little out of hand when left to brainstorm on its own! But then again, as long as you’re both still laughing and smiling at the end of the night, all is well in my book…

The Classic: Dinner and a ____________
What can I say, at the end of the day I’m a simple guy and no doubt the simplest of Valentine’s Day festivities would have to be a nice dinner out with the one you love … granted, simple certainly doesn’t have to mean boring, especially at Disney World! I couldn’t even give you a count of how many restaurants are at your disposal around Walt Disney World, but with each one offering a unique taste in atmosphere, sophistication, not to mention the menus themselves, it shouldn’t be too difficult finding a special place for the two of you to enjoy a nice Valentine’s Day no matter what you fancy.

Here’s just a sample to get you started…

Tropical / Seafood Favorites:
· ‘Ohana @ Disney’s Polynesian Resort
· Shutters @ Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
· Coral Reef @ Epcot
· Fulton’s Crab House @ Downtown Disney

Ethnic Options Around the World:
· San Angel Inn Restaurante @ Epcot (Mexico Pavilion – World Showcase)
· Nine Dragons @ Epcot (China Pavilion – World Showcase)
· L’Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante @ Epcot (Italy Pavilion – World Showcase)
· Teppanyaki Dining Room @ Epcot (Japan Pavilion – World Showcase)
· Les Chefs de France @ Epcot (France Pavilion – World Showcase)

A Classy Touch:
· California Grill @ Disney’s Contemporary Resort
· Citricos @ Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
· Yachtsman’s Steakhouse @ Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
· Jiko – The Cooking Place @ Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Fancier or Just Plain Special Eats:
· Victoria & Albert’s @ Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
· Narcoossee’s @ Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
· Cinderella’s Royal Table @ Magic Kingdom

And of course, dinner’s only the beginning – deciding what you’ll choose to fill-in-the-blank for the second part can be just as fun as making your dining selection!

…and a Movie
Maybe it’s not the most romantic option for you, maybe you never go to the movies or at least never get to watch those sappy tear-jerkers that she wants to watch – well, if that be your choice, then we can certainly work with that! 24 screens over at the AMC Pleasure Island 24 offer plenty of choices – just pair it with dinner at one of Downtown Disney’s finer establishments, and you’re all set! And as a bonus if things are going well, you’ve also got a great place to stop off for ice cream (Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop) after the movie…

…and Fireworks
I’d like to think that we all shoot for fireworks with our romances every now and then, so why not take that to a more literal stance?! A plethora of spots around both the Magic Kingdom and Epcot offer great views for watching their respective evening festivities – again, match them up with dinner for a Valentine’s Day made in the shade!

Wishes @ Magic Kingdom:
· the beach @ Disney’s Polynesian Resort
· California Grill @ Disney’s Contemporary Resort
· anywhere on Main Street USA inside the park

IllumiNations @ Epcot:
· great viewing spots can be found all around the lagoon, within a short walk from nearly any World Showcase restaurant
· Showcase Plaza at the front and center of World Showcase Lagoon always provides fantastic views of IllumiNations if you’re not already out and about around World Showcase

…and Then Just Spend the Night, Too!
You just had a great meal, maybe watched Tinkerbell fly from Cinderella Castle or possibly even just let loose and hit up some of your favorite rides – why should the magic stop now?! I can’t think of a better way to round out the evening than to be told that we don’t have to, so make your reservations at the Disney resort of your choice that fits those same lifestyles that you’ve already catered to with your dining selections, then get to work on those sly moves and figure out how you can pack a hidden overnight bag so you can keep your last hurray a surprise until the very last second! It’s sure to win ‘em over every time…

The Sensual: Spring for a Couples Massage and Relax Together
If you’ve both been up to your ears in stress lately and the idea of being poked and prodded by strangers relaxes you, then you might consider popping for a day spent together at one of Walt Disney World Resort’s spas. Both Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa offer packages specifically aimed at couples so that you can get poked and prodded together in the same room! One word of caution – anyone who’s actually been to a spa before can vouch that they’re not exactly cheap, and Disney’s prices are generally in the same ballpark, if not a bit higher. Think hundreds of dollars, if you really have no clue what you’re getting into.

For a cheaper option, consider splurging on just one or two options from a spa’s listings, then head off to dinner or one of the parks to continue your day. Depending on your selections, you may not necessarily be in a “couples” environment, but on the upside, several of the other deluxe resorts also offer more limited spas than the Grand Floridian or Saratoga Springs, so this could work in your favor if you’re already planning on staying on-site anyways.

The Unexpected: Snuggle Up for a Carriage Ride Around the Resort
Nothing says romance like pulling your partner close as you enjoy a nice, leisurely tour through the scenic areas of Walt Disney World, or so I’m told! Offered at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort, and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, couples can enjoy a 25-minute ride through the resort of their choice – a bit cheaper than the massage option, though you’ll still want to make reservations just to ensure that you’ve got a ride waiting for you when you arrive.

The Sparkling: Take to the Water for a Different Fireworks View
Some will argue that for $200 and more, the views aren’t worth the money, however if you’re looking for a unique way to watch Wishes or IllumiNations after a long day, you might consider chartering a cruise to take you out on either the Seven Seas Lagoon or the World Showcase Lagoon to watch the show from the water. The boats typically hold 8 – 10 guests each, however for the price you’re also welcome to keep the guest list down to simply two, and there’s also an option to order catering from one of the resorts to be delivered to your boat and enjoyed during your cruise!

The Fun-Loving: Head to the Parks and Just Have a Blast
Of course, if you’re anything like me sometimes the most romantic times are simply any times spent having fun with the one you love, and if that’s your prerogative then I think it’s save to say that you’re in the right place! Honestly, where candlelit dinners and long walks on the beach might be perfect for some, others may have just as great of a time soaring up and down on Dumbo the Flying Elephant or blasting Zs on Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, so I’ve got to say, if you just so happen to be one of those couples, you’ve got Valentine’s Day made without a care in the world. And the best thing is that you can still add a few of those special romantic touches here and there even around your theme park touring by penciling in lunch or dinner at a special restaurant, arranging for flowers or wine in your room at the end of the day – the possibilities are truly only limited by your own imagination.