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 which restaurants to eat at.

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

In this post, 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 couples trip to Disney World is fairly easy.

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

In addition to booking these things in advance, I recommend purchasing 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 toward 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 sweetheart 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 Disney World couples trip at each price range: value, moderate, and deluxe. I’ll also share some non-Disney properties to consider, as well.

Deluxe resorts

First up, the Copper Creek cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is one of the best Disney resorts for couples.

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

Disney’s Riviera Resort, the newest on-property resort, is also an excellent deluxe option for a couples trip to Disney World.

It’s located on the Skyliner, which itself is a romantic way to get to and from Epcot and Hollywood Studios – assuming you can snag a pod to yourself!

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

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

Another great option is Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, which has villas and bungalows that include a lakeside beach for nighttime snuggles while watching the fireworks 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.

In my opinion, the Polynesian is the best Disney resort for honeymoon or milestone anniversary trips – especially if you can book a bungalow!

For an off-property pick, the Four Seasons Resort Orlando comes with a lot of the same on-property perks, like early extra morning and evening hours.

It also has a ton 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 Four Seasons Resort Orlando is seriously one of the most romantic Orlando resorts available – and lucky for you, it also happens to be right near Disney World!

The nightly price at most of these resorts aren’t budget-friendly, so be sure to check out my post about how to save money on deluxe resorts.

Moderate resorts

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.

The Gran Destino Tower also has some seriously beautiful, dreamy views, especially during sunset.

Another moderate resort option I love is Port Orleans – Riverside. The ferry access to Disney Springs, which is a great spot for a date night, is super fun. Plus the resort grounds are beautifully kept and the hotel room buidings themselves are very pretty.

Value resorts

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 (although on moderate prices).

Check out my post about the best Disney resorts for adults for more ideas on where to stay.

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. Paddlefish
3. Tutto Italia Ristorante
4. Wine Bar George

In fact, if you don’t have time to make reservations, just head to Disney Springs. It’s jam packed with tons of 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 at the Contemporary Resort or Topolino’s Terrace at the Riviera Resort. Both of these restaurants have spectacular views that add to the romantic ambiance.

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

Lastly, for a special meal to celebrate something big, like an anniversary, try The BOATHOUSE at Disney Springs, Narcoossee’s at the Grand Floridian, or Victoria & Albert’s at the Grand Floridian.

For more date night 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 and two water 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 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 (coming late 2023).

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.”

Here are a few suggestions on where to go at each resort:

1. Contemporary: California Grill Lounge, Cove Bar, Outer Rim, The Sand Bar, or Steakhouse 71 Lounge
2. Grand Floridian: Beaches Pool Bar & Grill, Cítricos Lounge, Courtyard Pool Bar, or Enchanted Rose Lounge
3. Polynesian Village: Barefoot Pool Bar, Oasis Bar & Grill, Pineapple Lanai, Tambu Lounge, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, or Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace

Skyliner bar crawl

Take the same concept as the monorail bar crawl and make your way to each Disney resort on the Skyliner for a drink or snack.

1. Art of Animation: Drop Off Pool Bar
2. Caribbean Beach: Banana Cabana Pool Bar or Sebastian’s Bistro
3. POP Century: Petals Pool Bar
4. Riviera Resort: Bar Riva or Le Petit Cafe

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.

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.

All prices listed above last confirmed January 2023.

General tips for visiting Disney for couples

Before I wrap up this guide, let’s go over a few of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to booking a romantic Disney vacation.

Is Disney World a good honeymoon destination?

Yes! In my opinion, Disney World is an excellent honeymoon destination. It is one of those vacation destinations that can be customized to your liking.

So no matter what you want to do on your honeymoon, you’ll be able to do it – with a Disney twist!

How can we get freebies or pixie dust when visiting Disney World for our honeymoon?

If you are visiting for your honeymoon or anniversary, ask the front desk staff at your resort or guest services at a park for a celebratory pin.

Wear this pin when you’re out and about and you just might get something special, like a free dessert or special attention from your favorite character.

You’ll also get TONS of congratulatory remarks from cast members, and likely other guests, too!

Are there any special Disney World couples packages available?

Unfortunately, no, there aren’t any packages specifically for couples. However, as I’ve mentioned, Disney World is super customizable, so you can plan an itinerary that works best for you and your boo.

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!

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About the author

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This post was originally published on January 13, 2017 on Frost + Sun. It was moved to The Park Pixie on May 4, 2021 and last updated September, 20, 2023.