When people mention holidays at Walt Disney World my mind immediately drifts to all the magnificent and magical activities geared towards families and young children. We regularly see articles about Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, that we often lose sight that Walt Disney World is possibly one of the most romantic travel destinations in the world.
Inside Walt Disney World you will find some of the most extravagant resort accommodations, some of the most elegant and delicious dining options as well as a plethora of romantic activities and settings which will put Fabio to shame. During this article, we aim at highlighting our top 3 choices for romantic Resorts, Dining and activities. Remember, these are our top 3 and realize that others may hold different values, beliefs and priorities in their selections.
Resort Accommodations
With over 25 Disney Resort hotel locations from budget-conscious value Resorts to luxurious deluxe Resort Hotels, guests are sure to find a place to rest their heads which matches their needs, budgets and vacation goals. All Resorts boast an assortment of dining and bar options which are perfect for any couple to reconnect at. The following are our personal opinion’s regarding our top 3 picks into the most romantic Resorts on Disney property.
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Our #3 pick is Disney’s Riviera Resort where it is all about relaxation and elegance. Enchantment awaits you at this hotel which is inspired by Europe. Delight in exhilarating activities, incredible dining and lavish accommodations which include cozy Tower Studios to spacious villas with up to 3 bedrooms.
Upon arrival you will be welcomed to a lobby with a mixture of modern and classic 20th century furnishings with unique art collections celebrating Disney characters, icons and master artists.
A beautiful garden area, bubbling fountains, lush landscaping and a serene waterfront begging you to enjoy a scenic walk with your loved one. Disney’s Riviera Resort is conveniently located on the Disney Skyliner route offering aerial transportation around the Walt Disney Resort.
One of the newest and delicious restaurants, Topolino’s Terrace-Flavors of the Riviera offers guests a unique dinner opportunity with a fantastic view. Inside you will find fresh delicious seafood and meat dishes, handmade pasta and a delicious selection of desserts inspired by French and Italian cuisine. The décor inside will blow you away, with stunning visual aesthetic, modern textures, colors and carved stonework similar to the ancient Riviera. Check out a menu here.
At the Riviera Pool, pure vacation bliss awaits you with inviting waters and a waterslide that winds around a column tower. For those that want a quieter afternoon, visit Beau Soleil Pool to unwind in a soothing setting.
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Coming in at #2 on our list is Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. This deluxe Resort brings the formal grace of a grand New England style yacht club to Disney. Upon arrival you will find a stunning lobby decorated with nautical touches. This lakeside hotel is located in the Disney Boardwalk area and is just a short walk to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Water taxis are also conveniently located just steps from the front of this Resort which also service both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios with short rides. These resorts also have walking access to Disney Skyliner allowing guests the ability to cruise around Walt Disney World Resort by aerial gondolas.
Perhaps the biggest selling point from our point of view is Stormalong Bay. This is a 3-acre water wonderland which is shared with Disney’s Beach Club Resort guests. With various activities for the more adventurous which include a trip down one of the highest hotel waterslides at Walt Disney World Resorts there is plenty of space for those looking for some peace and quiet. Dig your toes into the sand and relax in a sand bottom pool, enjoy some quiet time in one of 3 whirlpool spas, take a snooze along a lazy river, or catch some sun on an elevated tanning deck. For those that want a truly tranquil experience, explore the three all-ages quiet pools, each with their own whirlpool spa. Pool side cabana rentals are available to ensure a relaxing and private setting.
Disney’s Yacht Club Resorts boasts one of the top romantic restaurants in all of Walt Disney World with the Yachtsman Steakhouse. Here you will savor mouthwatering steaks, fresh seafood and more in this New England-style steakhouse. Check out a menu!
For those that refuse to travel without their fur children, this Resort is Pet Friendly! Read the dog policy prior to traveling.
Check out some of the other romantic activities and amenities for anyone celebrating Valentine’s Day or any other romantic getaway with their loved one:
- Movies Under the Stars
- Relax on a Motorized Boat Rental
- Visit Ship Shape Massage Salon Fitness to pamper each other with a various spa and salon services
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
In at our #1 pick is the crème de la crème of Resort Hotels, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. For those that don’t already know, this Resort is themed in Victorian-style and splendor bringing the comforts of home to this elegant resort. Pick whatever type of room from standard, to deluxe studios to multi-bedroom villas. Lovers can indulge in a luxurious massage at the full-service spa or unwind outdoors with views of the fireworks over Cinderella’s Castle.
This timeless resort is arguable located on the most notorious piece of property in all of Walt Disney World. A short walk to Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park, or a monorail ride which services Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
This resort offers a family and all-ages quiet pool and Courtyard pool which also includes a kiddie pool and whirlpool spa. Enjoy sunbathing in a poolside lounge chair or rent a cabana for added luxury!
Exquisite dining awaits you at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. With some of the most famous dining experiences located at this resort, those looking for a more exclusive experience can enjoy a meal at Narcoossee’s, Citricos or the world-renowned Victoria & Alberts (we will touch more on this to later).
Pamper yourselves at a World-class Spa, Health Club and salon at Senses. The spa utilizes therapeutic and revitalizing techniques, Senses Spa offers facials, massages, body wraps and aromatherapy which allows the body to feel refreshed and ready of anything.
Check out some of the other romantic activities and amenities for anyone celebrating Valentine’s Day or any other romantic getaway with their loved one;
- Movies Under the Stars
- Relax on a Motorized Boat Rental
- Specialty Cruises
Dining Selections
Monsieur Paul
Open in 2013 and replacing the great Bistro de Paris, this incredible dining experience is located above Chefs de France inside EPCOT. This recently renovated restaurant offers the culture and flavors of France without the hassle of traveling internationally!
The current menu is the creation of Chef Nicolas Lemoyne and boasts an exclusive wine list, “inventive twists on traditional French dining” and breathtaking views of World Showcase. The menu is home to sophisticated offerings which use the finest in French culinary techniques. Check out a menu to see what they have to offer.
Inside the restaurant you will be met by an elegant but relaxed atmosphere. The menu choices are found boring to most picky children, which results in this being one of the quieter restaurants on Disney properties benefiting in an even more romantic dining experience. You will find classic French Architecture, bright colors and modern designs inside.
We highly recommend making an advanced dining reservation and making them early for this experience after the COVID regulations ease. If possible, request a window-side table to make the evening extra special. Once COVID regulations ease and fireworks make their way back into the daily routine of the parks again, plan your meal accordingly and you can enhance the ambiance of your meal by watching a fireworks spectacular over World Showcase lagoon.
Monsieur Paul does have a strictly enforced dress code which we have included below directly from Disney’s website;
“Dress Code: In order to preserve the atmosphere of this dining experience, Guests are asked to adhere to the dress code. The minimum dress code is required—and dressier attire is also welcome. Please explore the minimum dress code requirements:
- Men must wear khakis, slacks or dress shorts and collared shirts. Jeans may be worn if in good condition. Sport coats are optional.
- Women must wear Capri pants, skirts, dresses or dress shorts.
- Jeans may be worn if in good condition.
- Not permitted are tank tops, flip-flops, swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups, hats for gentlemen, cut-offs, torn clothing and t-shirts with offensive language and/or graphics.”
California Grill
Perched atop one of the most recognizable hotels in the entire world, California Grill is located on the 15th floor of the Contemporary Resort. The excitement of visiting the Contemporary Resort can bring a smile to just about anyone’s face.
Upon arrival to the Resort, you will go to the 2nd floor to check in to the restaurant using your My Disney Experience App or speaking with a cast member. From their, a cast member will escort you to a private elevator taking you up to your dining experience.
California Grill does have a lounge which offers guest a space to have pre-dinner cocktails, or for those who do not have dining reservations inside the restaurant, the opportunity to arrive on a first come first serve basis and order the same food from the same menu.
California Grill offers some of the most incredible vantage points to take in a fireworks extravaganza over Cinderella’s Castle. Guests who have dined earlier in the day are permitted to return to the lounge and observation deck and join current diners in watching a fireworks show. As the fireworks start, the lights dim inside the restaurant and the music from Magic Kingdom is piped in throughout creating a romantic and unforgettable atmosphere. Check out a menu here.
We highly recommend making an advanced dining reservation and making them early for this experience after the COVID regulations ease. California Grill does have a strictly enforced dress code which we have included below directly from Disney’s website;
“Dress Code: Guests are asked to adhere to the minimum dress code requirements at this Signature Dining experience. Dressier attire is also welcome. Please explore the minimum dress code requirements:
- Men must wear khakis, slacks or dress shorts and collared shirts.
- Jeans may be worn if in good condition.
- Sport coats are optional.
- Women must wear Capri pants, skirts, dresses or dress shorts. Jeans may be worn if in good condition.
- Not permitted are tank tops, flip-flops, swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups, hats for gentlemen, cut-offs, torn clothing and t-shirts with offensive language and/or graphics.”
Victoria & Albert’s
The ULTIMATE in romantic dining and delicious cuisine in Walt Disney World! This elegant, classic Victorian style restaurant offers superior fine dinning experience located inside the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Featuring American cuisine with ingredients which are sourced daily from around the world. During your experience at Victoria & Albert’s you will find sophisticated dining focused on incredible service.
An award winning experience which includes accolades such as; AAA Five Diamond Award Recipient since 2000, Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Award, Mobil Travel Guide Four Star Award, James Beard Foundation-Nominee for Best Chef in the South and more!
Three dining areas are located inside offering guests a very different dining experiences which include a more traditional style fine dining experience inside the traditional dining room to a more exclusive and luxurious experience at the Chef’s Table.
Inside the dining room the ambiance is described as “replete with refined opulence, impeccable service and world-class culinary creations”. Fresh cut flowers, Italian linens, fine china and silverware accompany each table. A stunning hand painted dome and on site harpist enhance this romantic dining experience.
Queen Victoria’s Room offers a private dining experience behind closed doors which accommodates only 8 guests per evening. Inside you will experience fine dining at it’s very best and is the perfect location to celebrate a special evening.
The Chef’s Table is located inside the heart of the kitchen and offers guests the unique experience of watching their meals being prepared while interacting with the Chef themselves. Each experience begins with a champagne toast and then meanders it’s way through an unforgettable 11 course extravaganza of flavor. Check out the menu here.
Dress code is strictly enforced and advanced reservations are a must!
Activities
Lastly, we just wanted to highlight a couple additional non-park activities that your loved one and you can splurge on to add that extra romantic touch to a perfect vacation.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
Offered at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Area and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort area. Enjoy a relaxing carriage ride through romantic landscapes and create an unforgettable moment. Each ride lasts approximately 25-30 minutes and can accommodate up to 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 small children. Advanced reservations are highly recommended for this experience.
During the holidays these carriage rides turn into cozy sleigh rides adding to the Christmas nostalgia and are only available during the month of December. Enjoy your journey through a secluded woodland decorated with lights, and garlands.
Spa Treatments
Many resorts located throughout Walt Disney World Resorts offer health clubs and fitness centers to help care for the body. We highly recommend visiting Senses which is a world-class spa offering a variety of treatments inside.
This spa can be located inside Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. Inside you can treat yourself and your partner to facials, body therapies, manicure/pedicures, massage therapies (including a romantic massage for two) and various Spa Package offerings. The ultimate in relaxation, pampering and romance.
Please note that despite these being some of our favorite experiences when planning our next adult only travel, COVID-19 has caused many experiences around Walt Disney World Resort to be modified or unavailable. We highly recommend reaching out to us when planning your next experience to help ensure your expectations are met.
