Things to make honeymoon "special"

[singingpixie]

Hi girls!
We're still not fully set on a Disneymoon, but we're definitely looking at it in more detail. If we do one, I want there to be a couple things that set this trip apart from a "normal" disney trip- not that every trip isn't wonderful, but we only get one honeymoon!

Our budget isn't extravagent, but we're looking to spend a bit more than our "bare-bones, budget" trip last year to Pop Century. The obvious choice is to upgrade the hotel, but DFi isn't convinced that it's worth it to spend a lot on a place that's "just to sleep" (well and... ). I'd like to at least do a moderate, but is it worth it to upgrade to the AKL? We'd have to use wedding gift $ to do this, as our original budget only includes a moderate resort. I also wonder if concierge is worth it (DFi would enjoy the service and the snacks, but I think on our budget it may be out of reach).

As for other activities, what "different" things have you done on your honeymoons to make them memorable? I had thought a couples spa treatment, but DFi doesn't sound interested. We'd do the dining plan and would work in a couple signature restaurants that we didn't do last time (were on the DDP but trying to stretch the credits as far as possible).

Any ideas would be appreciated! Thanks!

 

[DisBride2007]

I can think of a couple of things.

First, DEFINITELY get the Bride & Groom ears and pick up your "Just Married" buttons at the ticket window or hotel lobby. Both got us tons of attention that we normally don't get because we don't have little children with us. Characters in the parades waved at us, every cast member we could see and even a lot of guests would congratulate us, lots of people wanted to take our picture... and so on.

Second, when you are making your ADR's, tell them it's your honeymoon. They'll note it on the reservation and you might get some special treatment. Usually it's just them sprinkling some glitter on your table, but we got a few free desserts and some champagne (except we don't drink...) Keep those bride & groom ears on the table and it's even better! The only exception to this was the CG, where we had our wedding dinner for the two of us (after a lunchtime reception), we told them we'd gotten married that day and had our ears on the table, and the waiter didn't even muster a "congratulations." Needless to say we were not pleased. Every other place at least wished us well.

I'm not sure how long your trip is, but have you considered buying the annual passes? The reason I mention it is because you can get up to 20% discount on hotels if you do it properly. I remember the AKL was ridiculously cheap after the discount. It's worth looking into - but see if the rate is even available before you do it. They only offer so many rooms at the AP rate on a given day.

GL!

 

[lurkyloo]

Regarding AP discounts on hotels - sometimes it's a 30% discount, like the one they have right now through the end of March.

AKL is one of the more reasonably priced Deluxe hotels, so with discounts you may be looking at paying not much more than you would at a Moderate. And if you do decide to go concierge at AKL, they offer special safaris (Sunrise and Sunset, I think) just for concierge guests that sound fabulous. That might be a nice honeymoon splurge!

 

[SleepingBeauty_LA]

I don't know if this will help you but http://www.mousesavers.com is a wonderful website that gives disney "codes" that help lower prices and they also have reviews on hotels. It might be helpful... It's helped me plan many vacations

 

[Gina Loves Disney]

A few things I think will make the Honeymoon special, some are pricey but if you skip the hotel upgrade they are deff do-able:

1. Consider renting the Grand 1 Yacht for on hour ($400, non-holiday) for a Wishes Cruise. It will be just you and DH on a 45- foot yacht. You can even order Strawberries and champagne if you wish. I have not done this myself but I think it would be amazing. (I am strongly considering doing this for an ending to my intimate wedding with all my guests)

2. Instead of upgrading for the entire week, consider one special night in the GF or other Deluxe hotel. One night could be fun!

3. Go para-sailing! It's AMAZING!!!!!!

Have fun! Congrats!!

P.S. IMO the jump from Value to Moderate is worth in, if only because there are just simply far less children running around. I suggest the POFQ for a nice quiet moderate resort, and it's romantic, you can walk along the river or even take a horse drawn carriage ride!!

 

[Janet2k]

We're still not fully set on a Disneymoon, but we're definitely looking at it in more detail. If we do one, I want there to be a couple things that set this trip apart from a "normal" disney trip- not that every trip isn't wonderful, but we only get one honeymoon!

Singingpixie, here are some things to consider:

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Fireworks Cruise in Epcot or Magic Kingdom Areas
Grand 1 Dinner and/or Fireworks Cruise (if you really want to splurge)

Dinner at Victoria & Albert’s (Chef’s Table if you really want to splurge)
Dinner at Narcoossee’s (GF)
Dinner at Jiko’s (AKL)
Dinner at California Grill (CR)
Dinner at Flying Fish (BW)
Dinner at Artist Point (WL)

Theme Park Tour (MK, Epcot, AK)
VIP Theme Park Tour (if you really want to splurge)

Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Show

Fishing Excursion
Horseback Riding
Waterskiing
Parasailing
Wakeboarding
Tubing

Private Golf Lessons
Private Tennis Lessons

Golfing
Miniature Golf
Tennis

Richard Petty Driving Experience (if you really want to splurge)

Full-Service Spa Treatments at GF, SSR, and Dolphin
Spa Treatments and/or Fitness Facilities at AKL, BWI, CR, CSR, WL, YC

Order Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner from Room Service
Order Chocolate-Covered Strawberries from Room Service
Order Gift Basket and/or Flowers from Walt Disney World Florist
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[Janet2k]

Our budget isn't extravagent, but we're looking to spend a bit more than our "bare-bones, budget" trip last year to Pop Century. The obvious choice is to upgrade the hotel, but DFi isn't convinced that it's worth it to spend a lot on a place that's "just to sleep" (well and... ). I'd like to at least do a moderate, but is it worth it to upgrade to the AKL? We'd have to use wedding gift $ to do this, as our original budget only includes a moderate resort. I also wonder if concierge is worth it (DFi would enjoy the service and the snacks, but I think on our budget it may be out of reach).

Singingpixie, I’ve stayed in all of Disney’s on-site resorts. They each have something unique to offer. I have enjoyed every single one of them.

I love the suggestion regarding only staying in a Moderate or Deluxe Resort for a few nights. If you do that, begin your stay in a Value Resort and end your stay in a Moderate or Deluxe Resort. Save the best for last, so to speak.

You mentioned the AKL and I have to say that it is one of my family’s favorite resorts. It is so unlike any other resort that we have stayed in. We truly felt like we were on safari in some foreign land. The resort is gorgeous, especially at night.

One of my other favorite resorts is Port Orleans – French Quarter. I adore that place. The grounds are gorgeous and the swimming pool is adorable. The resort even has a jacuzzi.

My all-time favorite resort is the Grand Floridian. For my own FTW vow renewal, I made sure that my family stayed there for the nights surrounding it. It was, after all, the resort where my family fell in love with Walt Disney World vacations, ~sigh.~

As to concierge, both the GF and the AKL are top-notch. If you are thinking of splurging, either one of those resorts is a good choice.

Oh, before I end my post, I just thought of something. If you stay concierge at the AKL, you can partake of a few events that no other guest can partake of. There is a Sunrise Safari and a Sunset Wanyama (dinner). You must be a concierge guest of the AKL in order to attend either of those events. The Sunrise Safari takes place inside the AK Theme Park early in the morning and it ends with breakfast (I have done this one and it was incredible). The Sunset Wanyama takes place at the AKL Resort and it ends with dinner at Jiko’s (I haven’t done this one yet but friends of mine have and they raved about it). If you're going to stay concierge at the AKL, ask the IPO folks about both of these events.

 

[Janet2k]

One final note about being a concierge guest at any of Disney's Deluxe Resorts. You can book the Wildlife Discovery Excursion Tour. I did this tour a year and a half ago and it was wonderful: click here. Here is some info from the official WDW website:

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Ability to participate in the Wildlife Discovery Excursion — an exclusive guided tour of Kilimanjaro Safaris® at Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park — offered only to a limited number of Club Concierge-level Guests for an additional fee.
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Ask your resort's IPO (Itinerary Planning Office) folks about the tour. They can give you more information.

By the way, here are some photos of the AKL's Sunrise Safari event: click here. My family attended the very first one that was held during Opening Week of the AKL. I think the event is basically the same. The AKL's IPO should be able to fill you in on the details of the event.

 

[Janet2k]

Here is Disney's official list. It holds true for every day of the year.

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Top 10 Tips: Walt Disney World Resort Offers Romance for Lovebirds on Valentine's Day and Every Day

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- All you need is love -- and a Walt Disney World vacation -- to make this year's Valentine's Day dreams come true. It's "The Year of a Million Dreams" at Disney Parks, and with dreams being granted to guests every day, there's no better time to visit the home of the world's greatest storybook romances.

Whether it's a spa treatment for two, a horse-drawn carriage through the South or a view of the sunset over an African savannah, these top ten delights create the perfect setting for unscripted romance on Valentine's Day or any day!

1. A South Pacific paradise awaits at Disney's Polynesian Resort, where couples can lounge on a hammock made for two amidst tropical landscaping, cascading waterfalls and a picturesque view of Seven Seas Lagoon.

2. In the United Kingdom pavilion at Epcot, guests can stroll through the serene Perennial Garden, an oft-missed attraction (it hides snuggly behind the thatched-roof cottage of The Tea Caddy). Sample an English biscuit and a cup of Twinings tea, then relax on one of the many benches that provide excellent views of fluttering butterflies and seasonal flower blooms.

3. It was a "Bella Notte" when Lady and the Tramp shared that famous spaghetti noodle, so to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their classic romance, guests can recreate the moment at Tony's Town Square in Magic Kingdom. Couples can share a heaping platter of the restaurant's signature dish, spaghetti and meatballs dressed in Tony's tomato sauce, next to an indoor Lady and the Tramp fountain or outdoors on a patio that provides excellent parade views on special nights. (Info: 407/WDW-DINE)

4. Travel amidst scenic waterways and the grand manors of Disney's Port Orleans Resort-Riverside on a horse-drawn carriage ride, departing most nights from Boatwright's Dining Hall. For $35, couples can enjoy a 25-minute journey in an antique carriage with dreamy views of the resort's southern-inspired locales. (Info: 407/WDW-PLAY)

5. At Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, guests can indulge in one of many pampering services, including the Citrus Zest Treatment, a signature couples massage held in a romantic candlelit treatment room reserved solely for couples. The Grand Romantic Evening package offers a 50- or 80-minute aromatherapy massage, and for guests who prefer a hands-on experience, the Couples Instructional Massage provides the chance to massage one another with instruction from a certified masseuse. (Info: 407/824-2332)

6. Rent an old-fashioned fringe-topped surrey for two at Disney's BoardWalk, then bicycle around the old-fashioned pier amidst street performers, carnival games and the sweet smell of cotton candy. Guests can pedal to the nearby Disney's Yacht Club and Disney's Beach Club resorts or the Swan and Dolphin resorts for $19-$25. (Info: 407/560-8750)

7. Continue your storybook romance by renewing your vows with Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings. Disney's wedding specialists become the fairy godmothers, incorporating all the elements including ceremony, cuisine, floral arrangements and more. Each celebration can be custom-tailored to the whims and fancies of the couple to make their milestone magical. (Info: 321/939-4623)

8. A night's stay at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is an experience in itself! With most rooms overlooking a 33-acre savannah filled with 200 exotic animals and birds, guests can watch the sunset -- or sunrise -- over Africa from their private balcony. Room service can deliver breakfast in bed, or for more exotic cuisine, Jiko-The Cooking Place, a AAA Four Diamond restaurant, is steps away from the lobby. (Info: 407/W-DISNEY)

9. For the utmost in romance by sea, guests can rent the Grand Floridian's Grand 1, a 45-foot Sea Ray 450 Express Bridge Yacht, that provides private dining, butler service and a captain during a cruise along Seven Seas Lagoon. At Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Marina, the Breathless, a handsome reproduction of a 1930 mahogany runabout, is also available for private cruises. (Info: 407/824-2682)

10. Unmatched elegance lives at Victoria & Albert's at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, central Florida's only AAA Five Diamond restaurant (and one of just 58 restaurants in North America with the distinction). A table for two offers Royal Doulton china, Cristofle silver, personalized menus, and soft harp music in an intimate 18-table dining room. A meal at the Chef's Table seats guests in Victoria & Albert's kitchen with a culinary feast custom-tailored to their specific tastes by Disney's executive chef. (Info: 407/WDW-DINE)

Additional general information about Walt Disney World Resort is available by logging on to disneyworld.com, visiting a travel agent or calling 407/824-4321.
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[DisneyFairy19]

If you have the money.. I would say spend it in the Hotel... Esp the poly you will feel like you are in Hawaii... and the conceirge (not sure how to spell it lol) level they have food 24/7.. It was beautiful

 

[Janet2k]

I agree with the DisneyFairy19, the Polynesian Resort is nice. I was a concierge guest there last summer and my room had a lovely Magic Kingdom view. However, food is not available in any of the Disney concierge lounges 24 hours a day. For that, you'll need to order from Room Service.

Most of the concierge lounges are open from 6 or 7 AM until 10 PM at night. When you check into your resort as a concierge guest, you will be given a list of the times that the food is available in the lounge. For example, here is a list from the Polynesian:

- - - - - - -
Hours of Service for Food and Beverage Offerings:

6:30 am - 7:00am
Coffee

7 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. -- Kakahiaka - Morning Service
Continental breakfast featuring: fresh fruits, juices, pastries, bagels, English muffins, oatmeal, cereals, coffee and assorted teas.

12:00pm - 4 p.m. -- Auinala - Afternoon Service
A variety of fresh fruits, cookies (oatmeal raisin, chocolate chip, sugar) and other snacks, including gummy worms, Goldfish crackers, trail mix. Also available: Guava juice, lemonade, tea, coffee, bottled water and sodas.

5 - 7 p.m. -- Ahiahi - Evening Service
Light hors d'oeuvres, including fresh fruit, veggies and dip, cheese and crackers, cookies, and hot appetizers, wines (cabernet, white zinfandel, and chardonnay). Children's snacks, including Smuckers "Uncrustables" peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and gummy worms.

8 - 10 p.m. -- Aumoe - Late Evening Service
Sampling of desserts (miniature eclairs, cream puffs, etc. ) and cordials, including Amaretto, Grand Marnier, Courvasier, and Franjelico.
- - - - - - -

And here is a list from the Animal Kingdom Lodge:

- - - - - - -
LOUNGE OFFERINGS

Macheo (Sunrise Offerings)
6:30 am
For Early Risers, coffee and assorted juices

Miamko (Adventurous Awakenings)
7:00am - 10:30am
Assortment of fresh fruits, juices, pastries and cereals

Vitafunio (Safari Snacks)
11:30am - 3:00pm
Selection of African snacks and beverages

Chai (Afternoon Tea)
3:00pm - 4:30pm
Loose leaf teas, assortment of scones, cookies and biscuits

Kisikusiku (Twilight Offerings)
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Wines, hors d'oeuvres, appetizers from Jiko and Boma

Rehema (Evening Indulgences)
8:00pm - 10:00pm
Fine desserts and premium cordials
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Please note that you must be 21 years of age, and be able to prove it, in all of the concierge lounges before you will be allowed to take an alcoholic beverage. One of my friends was 29 years of age and got carded in the Grand Floridian's Royal Palm Club lounge during our vacation last summer. She was surprised by it but gladly pulled out her driver’s license in order to prove her age.

 

[Maggimus]

I only wore my wedding ears for a day or two-- the wedding pins got us just as much attention if not more. Its as though the cast members are trained to look for buttons and tell you congratulations. They will go out of their way to make you feel important (something you dont see around the US is people taking pride in their jobs).

Watch the Electric Water Parade one night at one of the MK resorts... can be very romantic if you get down there near the water... Wishes is very romantic in my opinion. I dont think you have to spend any extra to have a more memorable time... the buttons will do it alone. You will feel so special just knowing what the moment is for the both of you... who needs to buy the experience? Let the experience come to you!

I now have chills just thinking back to my honeymoon at the parks-- very special! Heres a little Pixie Dust for you!

-Maggie

 

[Tink11302]

I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. There's just so much to choose from!

 

[DisneyBrideWannabe]

As a couple always on a budget, here is how we make WDW fun, as well as romantic:
1. Don't stay at a value (too many children, cheesy rooms, etc.) The Port Orleans French Quarter is great and a moderate (DF & I will be here for our wedding). If looking for a tropical feel, Caribbean Beach is nice but lots of families.

2. Get the Disney Dining plan!!!!!!!! There a lot of restaurants to choose from, including the Epcot resorts. DF & I ate at Les Chefs de France (very elegant) and the bill came to over $100, and it was all covered (tip too). The nice restaurants are 2 dining points, but you could splurge one night and go somewhere nice (like California Grill with a night resevation and watch Wishes from the balcony!). We did a breakfast buffet one day and got all pics w/ characters. Here are some of the nicer "adult" restaurants covered on the plan: Boma (AKL), Concourse Steak house (Contemporary), Ohana (Poly, & my fav restaurant), Mama Melroses (MGM), El Cellier Steakhouse (Epcot), Coral Reef (Epcot), Alfredo de Roma (Epcot), Capt n Jacks (DTD).

3. Go to the extra hours. Less people, darker, and you can rise many rides over and over with out sweltering in the lines. Sometimes it is like having the park to yourselves.

Everything else was covered by others, so this is my contribution.