The Ultimate Guide to Disney World for Couples

If you’re looking for a romantic weekend getaway, check out Walt Disney World Resort. Yes, really!

Planning a Walt Disney World vacation can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. It can be tough to know where to start when planning a Walt Disney World vacation. 

There are so many things to consider – from what rides to wait in line for, to where to stay and what restaurants to eat at.

This post is a guide to Disney World for couples who want the perfect romantic getaway or honeymoon.

I’ll tell you everything you need to know, including the best places to stay and which rides are worth waiting in line for!

Before you go

Disney World is at the top of the top when it comes to delighting guests and creating unforgettable experiences.

Given the amount of attention and detail Disney puts in, planning a romantic trip to WDW is fairly easy.

The first thing you want to do is make your hotel, dining and spa treatment reservations as far in advance as possible.

In addition to booking your hotel room in advance, I recommend getting the Memory Maker photo package.

This add-on is often discounted if you book it in advance, which means you’ll have more money to put towards a nicer hotel, a fancy dinner, or a spa treatment.

With the Memory Maker package, you’ll receive all the photos from rides and photographers around the park.

Plus, you can say goodbye to selfie sticks and fiddling with your phone or digital camera.

You’ll be able to stay present in the moment and enjoy the quality time with your love much easier when you don’t have to think about recording your memories!

Best Disney resort for couples

Let’s go over a few different options for a weekend getaway at Disney at each price range: value, moderate, and deluxe. I’ll also share some non-Disney properties to consider, as well.

First up, the Copper Creek cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge are absolutely perfect for couples.

They’re slightly secluded and come with floor to ceiling windows and plunge pools. They’re perfect for a romantic getaway or honeymoon!

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is absolute luxury and romance, which is why it’s home to Disney World’s iconic wedding pavilion.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, including the villas and bungalows include a lakeside beach for nighttime snuggles while watching the snuggles or a quiet morning chat over coffee.

The overwater bungalows are seriously bucket-list worthy, especially with plunge pools you can relax in while watching the Magic Kingdom’s fireworks. Swoon!

For a moderate resort, consider Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. The lakefront Three Bridges Bar & Grill makes for a lovely but low-key dinner date spot.

Disney’s Riviera Resort, the newest on property resort, is also an excellent moderate resort for a romantic weekend getaway.

It has direct access to the Skyliner, which seems like such a romantic way to get to Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Epcot, right?

Be sure to make a reservation at their rooftop restaurant, Topolino’s Terrace, for dinner.

And for a value resort, consider Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, which is the cheapest lodging option at Disney World – as long as you don’t mind pitching a tent or parking an RV! However, if you aren’t fond of either, they also have cute cabins for rent.

For an off-property pick, the Four Seasons Resort Orlando comes with a lot of the same on-property perks, like early FastPass selection, but has tons of romantic spots compared to other Disney resorts.

Imagine lounging by the pool in a private cabana, floating through the lazy river, enjoying breakfast on your room’s balcony, or taking a leisurely walk around the gorgeous resort grounds.

The nightly price at these resorts aren’t budget-friendly, so be sure to check out my post about how to save money on deluxe resorts. In addition, check out my post about the best Disney resorts for adults.

Best restaurants at Disney World for couples

For a romantic meal or after-park snack, make a reservation or stop by one of these restaurants in Disney Springs:

1. Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’
2. Tutto Italia Ristorante
3. Wine Bar George

In fact, if you don’t have time to make reservations, just head to Disney Springs, which is jam packed with delicious restaurants and bars, so you’ll have no problem finding a place for date night eats and conversation.

For dinner with a view, try California Grill, Paddlefish, or Topolino’s Terrace. Each of these restaurants have spectacular views that add to the romantic ambiance.

For a romantic nightcap, try The Edison, the Enchanted Rose Lounge, Nomad Lounge at Disney’s Animal Kingdom (requires theme park admission), or San Angel Inn at Epcot (requires separate theme park admission).

For a special meal to celebrate something big, like an anniversary, try The BOATHOUSE, Narcoossee’s or Victoria & Albert’s.

For more ideas, check out my post about things to do in Disney Springs.

Romantic things to do at Disney World

A kid-free trip can be romantic in and of itself, but there are a ton of things you can do for a little extra romance aside from visiting all four theme parks at the most magical place on Earth.

Cake decorating experience

For a unique date night idea that will also test your team-building skills, try the Cake Decorating Experience at Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs.

The Cake Decorating Experience at Amorette’s Patisserie runs every day at 9 AM. It costs $199 for 2 people, not including tax, and you get to decorate a Disneyfied cake to take home with you.

Book a private photo session

Book at 20-minute private photo session with a Disney photographer at Magic Kingdom with the new Capture Your Moment package.

This program is perfect for engagements, honeymoons, or anniversaries so you can capture a handful of fun photos to frame at home without fighting other guests for camera time.

Sessions cost $99 for up to 8 people, and you can book back to back sessions for additional time and locations within the park.

Copies of the photos cost extra unless you have Memory Maker photo package or PhotoPass privilege with your annual pass.

Fireworks dessert parties

To guarantee prime seating at California Grill during Magic Kingdom’s fireworks, book a seat for Celebration at the Top. This reservation is only available on select Saturdays and Sundays.

It costs $129 per person and includes light food like sushi and appetizers, plus a selection of wine and beer. After the fireworks are done, there’s also a dessert buffet!

Another option is the Ferrytale Dessert and Fireworks Cruise, which takes you on a ferryboat cruise on the Seven Seas Lagoon during the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom.

It’s a lovely way to end a day at the parks! This event costs $99 per adult and $69 per child (ages 3-9).

Classic date night, Disney style

For guaranteed kid-free time, head to AMC Disney Springs Dine-in Theatre where there are 21+ theatres available.

You can order food and drinks while you catch the latest blockbuster film. It’s like the classic date night idea – but WAY better.

If you prefer more active date nights, head to Splitsville Luxury Lanes for bowling and billiards. Splitsville also has several bars and a dining room.

Disney’s BoardWalk

Head to Disney’s BoardWalk entertainment area, where you can grab a drink at AbracadaBar or Boardwalk Joe’s, watch dueling piano players at Jellyrolls, or dance the night away at the Atlantic Dance Hall.

There are also several excellent restaurants, like Flying Fish, Trattoria al Forno, and The Cake Bake Shop Bakery & Restaurant.

Jiko Wine Tasting

Every Wednesday, Jiko – The Cooking Place at the Animal Kingdom Lodge hosts a wine-and-cheese party that makes for the perfect mid-week date night. At this tasting, you’ll experience wines from South Africa with expertly paired cheeses.

Make reservations for afterward at Jiko or Boma for the perfect date night at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Monorail bar crawl

Hop on the monorail and get off at each resort to sample a drink at each location. Most of the bars and lounges serve food, so be sure to order some along the way.

Remember to imbibe responsibly. And of course, you don’t have to stop at every monorail resort; you can break it up into multiple date nights or pick just 2-3 resorts to stop at.

A monorail bar crawl would be a fun way to get an intro to each of the monorail resorts, especially if you’re thinking of staying at one in the future, but aren’t sure which.

By the end of the crawl, hopefully you’ll have your answer as to which one feels like “home.”

Spa time for 2

Book a couple’s massage and other luxurious spa treatments at Senses Spa. A 50-minute massage for 2 runs for about $175 per person. Price accurate as of January 2023.

I also recommend the Citrus Grove Signature Facial for a fresh glow and to reduce puffiness from your flight or long drive.

Senses has a location at the Grand Floridian and Saratoga Springs Resorts.

Mandara Spa at the Dolphin & Swan Resort is another great option. A couple’s massage at Mandara is $170 per person for 60 minutes.

What are your favorite ways to plan a Walt Disney World vacation for couples?

If you’ve been to Disney World with your sweetie, let me know what your favorite romantic thing to do is in the comments below!

This post was originally published on January 13, 2017 on Frost + Sun. It was last updated on May 4, 2021 when it was moved to The Park Pixie.