Feature Article: Romance at Walt Disney World - A Valentine's Day Special Report - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
As of January 1, 2019, we have closed our forums. This is a decision we did not come to lightly, but it is necessary. The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk. The server software itself must be updated, and it cannot be without removing the forums.
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We want to personally thank Sara Varney, who coordinated our community for many years (among so many other things she did for us), and Cheryl Pendry, our Message Board Manager who helped train our Guides, and Ginger Jabour, who helped us with the PassPorter-specific forums and Live! Guides. Thank you for your time, energy, and enthusiasm. You made it all happen.
There are other changes as well.
Why? Well, the world has changed. And change with it, we must. The lyrics to "We Go On" for IllumiNations say it best:
We go on to the joy and through the tears
We go on to discover new frontiers
Moving on with the current of the years.
We go on
Moving forward now as one
Moving on with a spirit born to run
Ever on with each rising sun.
To a new day, we go on.
It's time to move on and move forward.
PassPorter is a small business, and for many years it supported our family. But the world changed, print books took a backseat to the Internet, and for a long time now it has been unable to make ends meet. We've had to find new ways to support our family, which means new careers and less and less time available to devote to our first baby, PassPorter.
But eventually, we must move on and move forward. It is the right thing to do.
So we are retiring this newsletter, as we simply cannot keep up with it. Many thanks to Mouse Fan Travel who supported it all these years, to All Ears and MousePlanet who helped us with news, to our many article contributors, and -- most importantly -- to Sara Varney who edited our newsletter so wonderfully for years and years.
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Feature Article: Romance at Walt Disney World - A Valentine's Day Special Report
Romance at Walt Disney World - A Valentine's Day Special Report by Hilary Sommer
Even though Walt Disney World is a popular wedding and honeymoon destination, the average person may not think of it as romantic.
However, it most certainly is! This article explores ways to inject romance into your Walt Disney World vacation -- whether you are there with the kids or on an adults-only trip. While this list is by no means exhaustive, it is a good starting point and a sampling of what is available. Spend some time at a Disney resort
No one does theming like Disney, and its resorts, particularly the deluxe resorts, are no exception. Here are a few heavy on the romance factor:
Wilderness Lodge: This majestic hotel is located near the Magic Kingdom, yet seems a world away. The soaring ceilings and rustic decor give a cozy feel and invite you to stay awhile. My husband and I love to grab a glass of wine or cup of coffee and find a nook where we can settle down and chat. The Wilderness Lodge has several out-of-the-way areas to do just that; some even have fireplaces (check out the third floor). Another romantic thing to do here is tto ake a stroll along the wooded path to Ft. Wilderness Campground; often you won’t encounter another soul.
Animal Kingdom Lodge: The exotic theme alone makes this resort romantic. The African decor and music, plus the gorgeous lobby, make you forget you are in central Florida or anywhere near a theme park. The wonderful Victoria Falls Lounge in Jambo House carries out the theme, and is a great spot to relax after a day in the parks. After spending some time there, be sure to check out the animals on the savanna; you can ask for night vision goggles (though availability may be limited) if it's after dark. You can up the romance by snuggling near one of the fire pits, either inside or outside. Polynesian: The South Seas theme whisks you away and is immediately relaxing. Explore the lush vegetation in the Great Ceremonial House then head outside to the beach. Here you can swing in a hammock or stroll along the sand. After dark, the Polynesian is truly magical, with its torch-lit walkways and view of the Electrical Water Pageant and Magic Kingdom fireworks from the beach.
Port Orleans French Quarter: This resort is small compared to others on Disney property, which gives it a certain charm. Add the New Orleans theme and meandering carriage paths and you have a pretty romantic place. Just strolling around the resort is nice, plus you can walk the path to Port Orleans Riverside or take a boat to Downtown Disney.
Indulge in a couples’ massage or other spa treatment
Check out the newly re-opened Senses, A Disney Spa at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort.The Mandara Spa at the Dolphin and the Spa at Saratoga Springs also offer the amenities you would expect, and both have nice options for couples. A late afternoon spa treatment followed by dinner at one of Disney’s Signature restaurants is a great way to unwind and spend some quality time together. (Though they do not have full-service day spas Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom, Lodge, Boardwalk Inn, Contemporary, Coronado Springs, and Yacht Club all offer massage services.)
Get on a boat
There is perhaps nothing more romantic than a Disney boat ride at dusk. My favorites are the ride between the Magic Kingdom and Wilderness Lodge, the tranquil float from Downtown Disney to Port Orleans, and the boats serving EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the Boardwalk resorts. Time your journey from Wilderness Lodge to the Magic Kingdom so you can watch the fireworks; absolutely magical! Another option is to rent a pontoon boat or other water craft and explore the Disney waterways on your own. This can be done at Beach Club, Caribbean Beach, Contemporary, Port Orleans, Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge, Yacht Club, Ft. Wilderness, Old Key West, Coronado Springs, and Downtown Disney.
Act like a couple of kids
Ride your favorite rides, giggle, and let the joy of Walt Disney World wash over you. We recently rode Dumbo (which neither of us had been on since we were very small children) and it was magical, especially after dark. Riding a thrill ride, such as Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios, can also be romantic. Grab each other on the drops, and scream if you feel like it!
Take a trip around the world at Epcot
Epcot's World Showcase is a great place to find romance. Just strolling through the countries hand in hand will do the trick. A nice option for a meal or snack is Tutto Gusto, the recently-opened wine-plus bar in the Italy pavilion. This location has delicious food, a great wine selection, and a couple of little nooks that offer privacy. You might also enjoy picking a theme and carrying it through each country; take a photo together in an iconic spot, enjoy a snack or drink, or pick up a small souvenir at each stop.
Have dinner at Narcoosee’s at the Grand Floridian
This Signature eatery is in a prime location for nighttime romance – and the food is quite good. If you time it right, you’ll be able to see both the Electrical Water Pageant and the Magic Kingdom fireworks. Typically, the Electrical Water Pageant will arrive first (just ask at the front desk for times); you can head out to the deck to watch this charming display. When the fireworks start, you’ll hopefully be sitting at a table with a view of the Magic Kingdom. The lights will dim, the fireworks soundtrack will be piped in, and you’ll be treated to a great show. If your table isn’t great for fireworks viewing, just step out onto the deck to share a very romantic moment.
What do you think? Please add your own comments, experiences, or news related to this article in this thread! Reader feedback is welcomed and encouraged.
Awwwwwe....this article brought back such wonderful memories of my husband and I while we were young college kids, just dating. We both were part of the WDW College Program and we had traveled from little Lewiston, Idaho to spend a semester working in Disney World. We spent many of our days off trolling around the parks and I always regret not spending more time at the resorts, enjoying the ambience. My favorite times were meeting for dinner near the Boardwalk and riding the boats over to Epcot afterward. My husband would say he enjoyed going to a movie at Downtown Disney and then getting ice cream at Giradehlli's (sp??) shop. We were fortunate to be able to spend our last night in Florida at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. We watched the giraffes from our balcony and and tried to reflect back and remember as much of our time as possible, knowing it would probably several years till we'd be able to visit again.
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-Tiffany (former Cast Member, living in the Pacific NW, desperately missing WDW!)
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