WDW Offers Romantic Playground for Lovebirds on Valentine's Day & Every Day

[Janet2k]

For those with weddings soon, I thought I would share Disney's latest press release regarding romance in Walt Disney World.

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Walt Disney World Resort Offers Romantic Playground for Lovebirds on Valentine's Day and Every Day

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The storybook setting and amorous ambiance of Walt Disney World Resort has lovebirds flocking to the Vacation Kingdom for a romantic getaway. Moonlit strolls, luxurious spas and intimate dining make it feel like Valentine's Day every day at the Vacation Kingdom.

Couples who've been bitten by the love bug don't need a fairy godmother to find romance at Walt Disney World Resort. This is, after all, home to some of the world's most famous romances: Cinderella and Prince Charming, Lady and the Tramp, Beauty and the Beast -- and don't forget America's sweethearts, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.

Throughout the 25,000-acre playground, love is in the air at the Vacation Kingdom. During a couples spa experience. In the middle of a romantic dinner. Or on one of the "love boats" that cruise Walt Disney World waterways.

Honeymooners thrive in the romantic allure of Walt Disney World Resort -- a top-rated honeymoon destination, according to industry experts.

And for couples who want to make their own fairy tale dream come true -- complete with Cinderella's coach and her famous glass slipper -- Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings can create an enchanting, unforgettable union.

The four Walt Disney World theme parks create a perfect setting for unscripted romance -- whether it's a stroll along the lush Maharajah Jungle Trek at Disney's Animal Kingdom or a relaxing stop for espresso and pastries at a sidewalk table in the France pavilion at Epcot World Showcase. Beyond the parks, couples can embrace a collection of romantic experiences that seem designed just for them:

* The Couple that 'Spas' Together, Stays Together -- What's more enjoyable than a luxurious spa treatment? Imagine sharing it with that special someone. The Grand Floridian Spa & Health Club, in Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, features a "couples room" where guests can enjoy specialized spa treatments -- such as massages and facials -- with the one they love. For information about these spa treatments, call 407/824-2332.

* Magical Resorts -- From the romance of an African lodge to the Victorian splendor of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the mood is set for an enchanting stay at a Walt Disney World resort. Disney's fantasy hotels transport couples to faraway places with lavish theming, picturesque views and superior service. For reservations, call 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639).

* The Love Boat -- The Grand Floridian's Grand 1 -- an elegant 52-foot yacht -- can give couples, or parties up to 18, a stunning view of "Wishes" fireworks showering above Magic Kingdom during select evening cruises along Seven Seas Lagoon. Private butler service and gourmet meals also are available. Romantic evening cruises begin at $450/hour (plus tax), including captain and private deck hand. Reservations can be made up to 90 days in advance by calling 407/824-2682.

At Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Marina, a 1930s-style 26-foot mahogany runabout is available for private rental. Half-hour afternoon cruises are $95 (plus tax) for up to six people. For $275 (plus tax), up to six guests can take a Fireworks Cruise (45-50 minutes) for an exhilarating, one-of-a-kind view of "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth." The craft travels across Crescent Lake to Epcot for the nightly fireworks, sound and laser show. Reservations can be made up to 90 days in advance by calling 407/WDW-PLAY (939-7529).

Oh, and the name of the boat is perfect for couples in love: Breathless II.

* Disney Dining Serves Romance -- Couples find Disney dining infused with romance in settings ranging from the subdued to the spectacular.
California Grill atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers a panoramic view overlooking the Magic Kingdom theme park. Here, stellar cuisine and the restaurant’s award-winning selection of California wines set the stage. Lovebirds can catch a Florida sunset over Magic Kingdom.

One of the most romantic dinner spots at Walt Disney World Resort is a table for two at Victoria & Albert's at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The elegant restaurant has been honored with the Five-Diamond Award from AAA for its gourmet cuisine. Combining Royal Doulton china, Cristofle silver and personalized menus, Victoria & Albert's is the "crown jewel" of the Grand Floridian's dining destinations. Soft harp music fills the air as "maids" and "butlers" provide stellar service to each of the 18 tables in the intimate dining room. Ladies also receive a long-stemmed red rose.

For the ultimate romantic experience, an evening at the Chef's Table is unsurpassed. Couples are seated at a table in Victoria & Albert's kitchen and treated to a culinary feast custom tailored to their specific tastes by Chef Scott Hunnel.

Guests who prefer to dine in an even more intimate setting at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa need only to pick up the closest telephone. The Grand Floridian can arrange a private dinner for two, served against the elegant backdrop of the Grand Floridian beach -- or aboard the Grand 1 -- on a sunset excursion around Seven Seas Lagoon. Certain menu items can be specially prepared for the evening. Twenty-four hours notice is requested.

For all Walt Disney World dining information, call 407/WDW-DINE (939-3463).

* Nature Lovers -- A horseback ride through one of the backwoods trails at Walt Disney World Resort is just the thing for couples who share a love of nature and each other. Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground offers wrangler-led tours (45 minutes) through the deep, pine-scented woods that make up part of the Vacation Kingdom's 25,000 acres. Tours leave several times daily from Trail Blaze Corral, and may be reserved by calling 407/WDW-PLAY (939-7529).

* Romantic Evening -- Horse-drawn carriage rides through the wilderness of Walt Disney World Resort are a romantic treat for couples looking for a secluded nighttime outing. The antique carriages depart from Pioneer Hall at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground and traverse throughout the scenic landscape of the 700-acre rustic resort. Or guests can choose a relaxing old-fashioned carriage ride through Disney's Port Orleans Resort-Riverside with pickup at Boatwright's Dining Hall. Each respective excursion is 25 minutes long for $35, available nightly from 5:30-9:30 p.m. For reservations, call 407/WDW-PLAY (939-7529).

* Weddings Around the 'World' -- The epitome of Disney romance can be summed up in four words: Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings. Since the first wedding at Disney's Wedding Pavilion in 1995, approximately 1,500 couples each year have exchanged vows at Walt Disney World Resort.

For these couples, dreams become reality. Where else but at Disney could a bride arrive for her wedding in Cinderella's glass coach, have a handsome major domo carry wedding rings to the altar in a glass slipper, or have Mickey and Minnie greet guests at the reception?

Whether it's an elegant ball at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, a traditional ceremony at the Wedding Pavilion, a country hoe-down at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, or a beach-themed wedding complete with tiki torches, leis and luau on one of the Walt Disney World white-sand beaches, Disney custom designs each wedding with the famous "Disney Difference" -- providing attention to the tiniest detail.

Disney's wedding specialists become the fairy godmother, incorporating all the elements including ceremony, entertainment, cuisine, floral arrangements, audiovisuals and accommodations. For more information on Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings, call 321/939-4623, or visit www.disneyweddings.com.

Couples who are tying the knot back home can arrange a Fairy Tale Honeymoon by calling 321/939-4623 or visiting www.disneyhoneymoons.com.

* Renewing Vows -- Many couples who've been married for years are coming to Walt Disney World Resort, often with their families, to renew their vows five, 10, 25 and 50 years later. A Disney vacation provides the perfect backdrop to celebrate this family milestone. Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings experts can tailor the ceremony and celebration to suit each couple.
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[Janet2k]

I loved this press release, too -- especially the photo of the carriage ride, ~sigh.~

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Horse-drawn carriage rides - Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort andCampground...

HORSE-DRAWN MAGIC -- Private, horse-drawn carriage rides are offered nightly at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Guests experience a leisurely 30-minute excursion through the secluded beauty of the Walt Disney World backwoods. Guests are encouraged to make reservations up to 60 days in advance by calling 407-824-2832.
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[Janet2k]

This picture simply tugs at my heartstrings.

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Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse celebrate Valentine's Day

COUNTING DOWN TO FEBRUARY 14: Mickey Mouse prepares to surprise his favorite Valentine, Minnie Mouse, with a bouquet of flowers. Throughout Walt Disney World Resort, couples who've been bitten by the love bug don't need a fairy godmother to find romance and storybook settings at one of the most romantic places on earth.
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[Janet2k]

Since the "Love Boat" was mentioned in the first post, I thought I would print below this Disney press release and photo.

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Grand 1 yacht sails from Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Grand 1, the most luxurious watercraft at Walt Disney World Resort, offers a VIP boating experience on the waters of Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake just outside Magic Kingdom. A personal captain and deckhand launch the 52-foot Sea Ray yacht from the marina at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Guests can book morning, afternoon or evening excursions, each of which offer spectacular views of Walt Disney World Resort, including the Magic Kingdom, Disney's Wedding Pavilion and several Walt Disney World resorts. On select nights, guests can view "Wishes," above Magic Kingdom from the boat deck, or the dining and salon areas that feature panoramic, wrap-around windows. For the ultimate cruise, private-dining staff can whip up an evening snack or gourmet five-course meal with wine pairings. A private butler can also cater to guests' every need. Up to 18 guests can sail for $450 per hour plus tax. Dining service and butler are available for additional fees. Reservations for Grand 1 can be made by calling 407/WDW-PLAY. (Gene Duncan, photographer)
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[Caribbeanprincess]

Oh, wow. I love the carriages, maybe I can do that with my boyfriend if we go in June.

 

[DisneyFairy19]

WOW how romantic. I live the carriage ride as well

 

[SanFranciscan]

This is a sweet thread. I am sure Disney World's marketing department thanks you. To be honest I have serious reservations about Valentine's Day because it is such an easy prescription for greed and disappointment in women and guilt and resentment in men. For couples choosing to celebrate, a Disney World date would take a great deal of the pressure off.

 

[Janet2k]

To be honest I have serious reservations about Valentine's Day because it is such an easy prescription for greed and disappointment in women and guilt and resentment in men.

I disagree with you on that point. I have always loved Valentine's Day. I put it right up there with Halloween (my favorite day out of the year).

 

[Janet2k]

Oh, wow. I love the carriages, maybe I can do that with my boyfriend if we go in June.

Caribbeanprincess, the carriage ride is fun. I hope you get to experience it. The one I did was over in Fort Wilderness (click here for a few photos).

 

[Janet2k]

WOW how romantic. I live the carriage ride as well

DisneyFairy19, I actually did the carriage ride with my daughter during a Mother & Daughter Vacation. We attended the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue that night, and did the ride afterwards. The driver asked us if we wouldn't mind an extra long ride because another driver was being trained. Since it was just the two of us, we had no objections.

Our ride began near the Crockett's Tavern and then traveled through the campgrounds. We eventually wound up at the Wilderness Lodge. It was fun pulling beneath the resort's porte cochere before we headed back to the campgrounds.

Since it was nighttime, the whole time I kept thinking of my husband and how much fun it would be to experience the ride with him instead of with my young daughter. Maybe one of these vacations, I'll get my wish.

 

[Janet2k]

The Dis has a list of romantic ideas. Remember, these ideas can be incorporated into any WDW vacation, they're not just for Valentine's Day.

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Romantic Ideas at Walt Disney World (click here)

While there's no Tunnel of Love at Disney World, there are plenty of ways to plan a bit of romance during your visit. From something simple to a luxury splurge, love is in the air no matter what your budget.

Spend Valentine's Day at Disney

• Surprise your loved one with a spa treatment, or better yet, schedule a couples massage
  
• Dine at the California Grill and watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the observation deck
  
• Stroll along the beach of the Polynesian and watch Wishes
  
• Order flowers, champagne, or a unique Disney keepsake thru the Disney Florist
  
• Walk over to the Wedding Pavilion at the Grand Floridian and reminisce about your own wedding (or planned wedding if the case may be)
  
• It's always twilight when you dine at the San Angel Inn at Epcot's Mexico Pavilion.
  
• Watch the cheesy horror movie clips while dining "under the stars" at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theatre
  
• Relax in the outdoor jacuzzi of your Deluxe Resort or better yet, stay at a Disney Vacation Club Resort where the one/two bedroom units have the jacuzzi in your room.
  
• Most of the resort gift shops sell more than postcards. You can often find a selection of wine that you can enjoy in your room. You can also purchase wine at the World Showcase in Epcot. (Just make sure you can open it.) Pick up some chocolates while you're at it and you're all set.
  
• Experience a horse-drawn carriage ride
  
• Get a souvenir photo of the two of you
  
• Find a garden swing on the beach of the Grand Floridian or the Beach Club and sit and swing in the moonlight.
  
• Splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime meal at Victoria & Albert's.
  
• Enjoy a specialty cruise and watch the fireworks at the MK or Illuminations at Epcot.
  
• Instead of using the buses or water ferry from Disney MGM Studios, walk along the water's edge to the Boardwalk.
  
• While at the Boardwalk, act like a kid again while playing carnival games. You may be lucky and win your sweetie a stuffed toy. You can rent a Surrey Bike built for two to cap off your day.
  
• Dance the night away at Pleasure Island
  
• Head to Animal Kingdom Lodge for a sumptuous dinner at Jiko and then watch the animals from the viewing areas. Better yet, stay at the resort in a room overlooking the Savannah.
  
• Order in a romantic room service meal

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[Janet2k]

This one sounded interesting (but it's probably already booked up completely).

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Valentine's Day Seas Salon
Disney Dining Experience Member Event

Place: Seas Salon in Epcot
Date: February 14
Reception: 7:00 - 7:30pm
Dinner and Dancing: 7:30 - 10:00pm
Price: $165 per person plus tax
Booking Date: January 26 at 9:00am
Cancellation: 72 hours
Dress Code: Jackets required for gentlemen, Cocktail attire for ladies is recommended

A special Valentine's Day event for Disney Dining Experience members is being hosted in Epcot.

Guests will meet at Guest Relations and be escorted to the Seas Salon. This evening of dining and dancing includes a visit by a "special guest."

The dinner is the combined efforts of Chefs Bill Brown and Trude Knutson accompanying wines from the Gloria Ferrer vineyard.

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Dinner Menu

Lobster Bisque with Butter Poached Maine Lobster en Croute
Rose, NV
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Tender Greens with Lavender Goat Cheese, Truffle Scented Croutons, Avocado and Tear Drop Tomatoes dressed with a Champagne Tarragon Vinaigrette

Carneros Cuvee, 2004

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Passion Fruit Sorbet with Spirited Raspberries

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Grilled Buffalo Tenderloin
with a Carneros Pinot Noir Demi-Glace and Forest Mushroom Ragout

Root Vegetable Gratin

Broccoli Rabe with a Honey Balsamic Fig Butter

Carneros Pinot Noir, 2004

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Nuages de Beaux Reves "Beautiful Dream Clouds"

Freixenet Spumante, NV
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The Valentine's Day Seas Salon event is exclusively for Disney Dining Experience Members. Reservations can be made by calling 407-560-5703
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[Janet2k]

The Walt Disney World Florist has some fun & unique items on their website for Valentine's Day: click here.

From a simple floral arrangement:

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Mickey's Sweetheart: click here

Surprise your Sweetheart for Valentine's Day with this classy red rose arrangement. Mickey makes a surprise appearance in this magical design. Available for delivery after February 1, 2008. US $35.00*
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To something a little (!!) more elaborate:

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Speechless: click here

Four-foot roses will leave her speechless! An unbelievable display of love and admiration will be experienced with this incredible design of beautiful red roses set within an exquisite glass vase with silver accents.
Impressive! Please note, 14 days notice is required to order this item. US $375.00*
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But if you truly want to bring out the "princess" in someone, the following two are worth considering:

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Create a Fairy Tale: click here

A shimmering glass slipper and a sparkling tiara arrive on a carnation pillow, surrounded by lace. As your princess smiles in amazement over your gift, you place the tiara on her head and create a fairy tale moment she'll never forget! US $165.00*

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The Ultimate Happily Ever After: click here

Be the hero of your "Happily Ever After." See her eyes shine as you slip a sterling silver bracelet around her wrist and crown her as your very own princess with a rhinestone tiara. Then, lead her down a rose petal path, where a limited edition Beauty and the Beast vase holds a stunning bouquet aside a gourmet nightcap of wine, cheese, and chocolate that await you both. The perfect way to end the most romantic of days! US $435.00*
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[Janet2k]

For those with simpler tastes (like me!), don't forget to pick up a small box of Sweethearts Conversation Hearts: click here.

 

[Janet2k]

Life is like a box of chocolates and thus no Valentine's Day should be complete without some sort of chocolate confection, be it a candy bar or a handful of kisses.

 

[Janet2k]

For those folks who will be staying at a "beach" resort, don't forget that a romantic gesture can be pretty dang easy to pull off. All it takes is some sand and a little imagination. See below:

 

[Janet2k]

The luau at the Polynesian Resort makes for a romantic and fun evening.

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Disney's Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show

Get carried away by the spirit of the Pacific in this spectacular live celebration of Polynesian culture. From hula dancers to fire twirlers, the excitement doesn't cease as you feast on an all-you-care-to-eat banquet inspired by the flavors of the South Seas. You may even want to join in on the fun so brush up on your hula. Aloha! Welcome to paradise!
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The luau is an enjoyable time for the little ones all the way up to the older ones:

And if the night is especially balmy, you almost feel as if you're on a tropical island. That sounds pretty romantic to me.

 

[Janet2k]

I haven't experienced this one yet but it's definitely on my "to do" list for the future.

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Wanyama Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge...

Sunset Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge offers up-close encounters with exotic creatures -- Club-level (concierge) guests can enter a serene animal reserve for an up-close encounter on the Wanyama Safari. Just before sunset three nights a week, guests board a specially designed vehicle that explores the resort's three savannahs. Guests get picture-perfect views of more than 200 mammals and exotic birds and then partake in a savory South African feast at the resort's signature restaurant, Jiko-The Cooking Place. The 3 ½-hour experience, including dinner, is $160 for guests ages 10+; $80 for guests ages 8-9. For club-level reservations at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, call 407/W-DISNEY.
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