Finding Romance in the Land of the Mouse

When looking at the landscape of options for romance in Orlando, believe it or not, Walt Disney World should be at the top of your list. There are many different options to choose from when planning together time with your favorite person. Here are some ideas:

• Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes Spa: This spa sets a high bar for relaxation. It is located in a separate building away from the main hotel and has a separate pool and cafe only for spa guests. You can use the pool, gym, and locker room throughout the day of treatment. They have an amazing cafe, Vitale, with poolside food service. Menu items like the Vitale blue crab salad or the chocolate-covered strawberry smoothie will refresh and refuel after your treatment. There are many couple treatment options, including messages and rose petal baths. It is quiet, calm, and a great place to reconnect.

• EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival: A super fun and light-hearted festival taking place in the Spring when Epcot is in full bloom. Between strolling through the Butterfly Garden and dancing at the Garden Rock Concert Series, you cannot help yourself but get your couple groove back. There out outdoor kitchens intermingled between character topiaries throughout the World Showcase section of the part. If you are a foodie or gardener, this is a can’t-miss activity. Pro tip: avoid attending on weekends if you can. Crowds are at their largest levels on Saturdays & Sundays.

• Wild Africa Trek Tour: Located at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park: Embark on a privately- guided, VIP expedition in the heart of Disney’s Africa. You will spend 3 hours crossing rickety bridges and riding in a safari vehicle on the savanna to get up close to giraffes, zebras, rhinos, hippos, and crocodiles. Your journey concludes with an African-inspired gourmet lunch overlooking the whole savannah and close to the elephant paddock. If you cannot make it to the continent of Africa, this is the next best thing. Note: Park admission is required separately for reserving the tour.

• Horse Drawn Excursions: Carriage Ride at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside: Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside resort is a themed resort evoking the romance of rural Louisiana. Huge moss-covered oak trees line the Sassagoula River and stately white-column mansions represent the rooms of the resort. This 25-minute carriage ride travels along the pathways of the river from dusk into the early evening. Reservations are recommended.

• Carriage Ride at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground: The campground of the Fort Wilderness Resort is covered in scenic trails, tall pines, cabins, and wildlife. The theming here is so rustic, you may forget you are in the middle of Disney World. This 25-minute carriage ride travels along the scenic paths of the area around sunset. The perfect time to take selfies with your loved one.

Fine Dining:

• Victoria and Albert’s-Queen Victoria’s Room at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: The most exclusive, top-rated restaurant in Walt Disney World. If you come across availability, grab it. You will not be disappointed.

• Capa at Four Seasons Resort Orlando: Michelin rated rooftop steakhouse and bar restaurant with Spanish influenced fare. Time it right and you may be able to see the nightly fireworks at Magic Kingdom.

• Knife and Spoon at Ritz-Carlton, Grande Lakes: Michelin star rated restaurant specializing in locally sourced steak and seafood. Consistent great flavors and drink combinations are this restaurant’s motto.

• California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort: This restaurant is located on top of the Contemporary Resort and provides with spectacular view of the Magic Kingdom. If you get the right reservation, you can enjoy dinner while you watch the nightly fireworks display.

• Bull and Bear at Waldorf Astoria: Trend setting restaurant with table side food preparations and high-end team service.

• Monsieur Paul in the France Pavilion in Epcot (Park tickets are required): A Classic high end French restaurant in the middle of a theme park. The décor is casual, but the food is refined.

• Takumi-Tei in the Japan Pavilion in Epcot (Park tickets are required): Takumi-Tei translates to “House of Artisan” from Japanese. This omakase style restaurant offers 2 different menus include Wagu steak, lobster tempura, and the special strawberry yuzu sorbet.

Dining Experiences:

• La Cava Experience in the Mexican Pavilion in Epcot (Park tickets are required): An exploration of Tequila hosted by a Tequila Ambassador. Learn and sample the different flavors of the spirit as well sample some exclusive items not found anywhere else.

• Sangria University at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort: Learn and sample 4 sangria varieties along with some light appetizers. The lesson concludes with the opportunity to create your own glass of sangria.

• Celebration at the Top - Sip, Savor, Sparkle at Disney’s Contemporary Resort: A cocktail party including drinks and appetizers at the top of the Contemporary Resort. This lively party provides a private viewing area of the nightly firework show at the Magic Kingdom.

• Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya in the Japan Pavilion in Epcot (Park tickets are required): This experience offers delights and sushi tailored to Japan’s seasonal festivals. Japanese cast members guide you through not just the food, but what the food represents during the unique festival.

• Space 220 Restaurant at Epcot (Park tickets are required): A very unique restaurant! An immersive culinary experience that takes the visitor 220 miles into space featuring a panoramic view of Earth. Watch the sun rise and set over Earth as you enjoy Galactic Salmon or Planetary Punch.