Celebrating Valentine’s Day at Walt Disney World by Liliane Opsomer

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and there are many ways to have a romantic time at Walt Disney World. You can even do so without visiting the parks. Here’s how!

Start your day with the exclusive Valentine’s Day “Part of Your World” massage package. For the price of $340 (plus tax) for 50 minutes and $450 (plus tax) for 80 minutes (Price subject to change), enjoy a couple’s massage with apricot-infused body oil, a chocolate hand-hydration treatment, sparkling wine served in a chocolate Champagne glass, and a take-home custom-blended bath salt. This special package is available at the Senses Spa at both Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. Photo by Disney

For lunch, take your special someone to Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Sample and share a variety of Indian-African foods while looking out on the resort’s savanna where giraffes, water buffalo, and other animals graze within yards of your dining table.

What could be more romantic than a horse-drawn carriage ride? They are available at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, and at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside. I personally prefer the ride along the pathways of Port Orleans and the banks of the Sassagoula River. The 25-minutes ride costs $55. (Subject to change.) Reservations are recommended and can be made up to 180 days in advance by calling (407) WDW-PLAY.

Relaxing, romantic, and absolutely free of charge is the boat ride from Port Orleans to Disney Springs where more romantic activities abound.

At Disney Springs, impress your date with Characters in Flight, a tethered helium balloon ride 400 feet in the air. Please note that the $20 experience is grounded if winds exceed 28 mph in the air or 18 mph on the ground, or if there is a storm or lightning in the area.

Plenty of sweet treats are available at Disney Springs, but nothing beats the beautiful creations available at Amorette’s Patisserie. Any of the miniature cakes ($16) are perfect for sharing. Amorette’s Patisserie also offers Champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries.

For Valentine’s Day dinner, consider Morimoto Asia. Served in an elegant atmosphere, the food is fresh and tasty, and the Morimoto Peking Duck (for two) is a great deal.

Another fabulous restaurant for a romantic evening is Artist Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Make sure to arrive before sunset, request a table by the window, and watch the geyser near the waterfront erupting on the hour. Around 9:30 p.m. you can see the Electrical Water Pageant from the resort’s beach or boat dock.

Take your Valentine for a walk on the beach at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Time your visit right and watch the Happily Ever After Fireworks over Cinderella’s Castle at the Magic Kingdom.

If you miss the fireworks, be on the lookout at 9 p.m. for the Electrical Water Pageant. For some amazing small plates and the best drinks on Disney property, stay at the resort and head over to Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto.

Where to Stay

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a perfect choice for a romantic stay. Go for the savannah view rooms and enjoy seeing the animals from the privacy of your terrace.

From the deck of the Bora Bora Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, you will have the ultimate, private view of the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom.

My personal favorite are the new Copper Creek Cabins at Wilderness Lodge. The waterfront cabins come with a fireplace and a screened-in porch complete with a built-in hot tub. How is that for romance?

Liliane Opsomer is the coauthor of The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World with Kids.
She visits the parks several times a year.