Ahh, amor. As we get closer to Valentine’s Day, some of you out there might be planning a romantic getaway with your significant other and scoff at the idea of going to the World.  Well, let me set you straight – the World is not just a haven for children and their parents; it can also be the perfect place to celebrate an anniversary, a honeymoon, a wedding, or just a date.  So let me put on my Cupid hat and let’s get started…

            The first thing to do if you’re planning a romantic getaway is to find the right place to stay.  While places like Pop Century or the All-Star resorts are affordable and usually your best bet if you’re staying at the World – it’s definitely not the kind of environment that screams romance (the tacky bowling pins, memorabilia, and other giant sized figurines don’t mesh with romance).  While you might not plan on spending a whole lot of time at the resort, consider upgrading to a moderate, deluxe, or DVC.  Places like the Wilderness Lodge, the Polynesian, Port Orleans French Quarter, and Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa might be the perfect place to bring your significant other.  These resorts are beautifully maintained, are nicely themed, and offer great amenities (like restaurants, activities, pools, lounges, etc.).  It is a nice way to kick off that romantic trip.

            Once you get to the World, one way start your romantic getaway is to simply experience the parks with your significant other.  Having fun, experiencing the attractions, or just walking around the parks is the easiest and sometimes best ways to spend time with one another.  For example, take turns choosing what attraction to go to next, meet with your favorite character, or watch the fireworks together while you share a box of popcorn.  You don’t have to spend loads of cash to have a great day with one another. 

            The next thing you should consider is extra-park activities with your significant other.  While it is easy to get wrapped up into touring the four parks and two water parks, you should set aside time to do something outside the parks.  Depending on your budget, consider the following (thanks to Mousesavers.com for the details!):                                                             

• Private table at the Grand Floridian: The Grand Floridian will create a private dining experience for couples, with views of the fireworks and a personal butler to attend to all your needs. The dinners usually take place outside in the alcove area overlooking the Seven Seas Lagoon, and dessert is timed to coincide with the Wishes fireworks at Magic Kingdom. You can order off of the private dining menu, or for a 25% surcharge, order from any of the Grand Floridian's restaurants.  This standard Private Dining meal includes a multi-course dinner and one bottle of wine or champagne. Depending on your specific food and beverage selections, the dinner usually costs around $200 plus 6.5% tax and gratuity.
  
  
• Take a leisurely walk:  The World is full of paths, walkways and trails.  Some of these places make for a very nice activity that you and your significant other can share.  For example, at night you can walk along the Polynesian's beach, sit in a cabana and watch the Electrical Water Pageant and the Wishes over the Magic Kingdom.   From the Boardwalk, walk along the boardwalk, over the bridge and up to the back gate of Epcot, or over to Disney's Hollywood Studios around closing time and enjoy the music and perhaps a glimpse of IllumiNations or Fantasmic!.

• Every cut footloose: This one is pretty self explanatory.  Take your significant other by the hand, head down to Pleasure Island at night, head to one of the nightclubs, make like Kevin Bacon and dance, dance, dance.  Or, in the alternative, go to the Boardwalk and dance to the Top 40 hits of the 80’s and 90’s at the Atlantic Dance Hall.  Whichever you choose to do – make Kevin proud.

• Go to the circus:  Okay, not really.  Instead, what you can do is pass on the parks one night and make a date for Cirque de Soliel’s La Nouba.  Well it may be a little pricey, many have said its well worth it. 

• Share a milkshake:  Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club Resort is home to some of the best ice cream on property.  Why not stop by, grab a milkshake (or your dessert of choice), two straws, find a place to sit, and make “googelly” eyes at one another? 

For some more great information about planning your honeymoon, anniversary, or romantic getaway, head on over to Mary Waring’s site.  It is a must see for anyone planning to woo the one they love.

Who says romance is dead?  As you can see, there is an entire range of things one can do to kindle or rekindle a romance at Walt Disney World.  There is a common misconception about the World, and that is it is only a place for kids.  Well, as you can see from the discussion above, that couldn’t be further from the truth.  The true magic of Walt Disney World is that it can be whatever you make it to be.  For those seeking a romantic getaway, no matter what you choose to do the important thing is that you are at the World together; sharing a magical and memorable time with one another. And that is what is truly romantic about Walt Disney World.

For those of us without a significant other this Valentine’s Day (read: me), stay tuned next week where we will discuss some touring tips for the singles crowd.

Until next time!