Love, Mickey Style, Romance at the Disney Theme Parks

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Tromping under the hot Florida sun around thousands of families with screaming kids doesn't exactly conjure up idealistic dreams of romance. However, Walt Disney World also contains rich atmosphere and world class service that can create a magical experience for couples.

The Magic Kingdom
The Magic Kingdom is the number one theme park in America for many reasons. For one, it's the home to many of the most famous attractions at Walt Disney World. Inside you'll find "it's a small world," Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain and many other classics. The park is also the most popular with the stroller set, so you can definitely expect to see lots of children while you visit. For the most romantic experience, visit the park the first hour it's open and the last few hours before the park closes. The lines are shortest at this time and children are at their best behavior. The low lighting and darkened paths around the park make evening hours especially romantic. If you stay all the way until park close, you may want to grab a bite from the Main Street Bakery instead of heading straight out. The bakery and all of Main Street, USA's shops are usually open until an hour following park close, creating a romantic atmosphere to savor a late night snack while avoiding the massive lines to board monorails and ferry boats.

Even though the park caters towards children, there are some rides that have a romantic touch. Pirates of the Caribbean is a slow moving boat ride with a dark, moonlit setting that gives a romantic feel amongst all of the exciting show effects. The Haunted Mansion is another dark ride through a spooky house that gives couples a good excuse to cuddle up close to each other. The Liberty Belle Riverboat is a beautiful steamboat which gives a relaxing twenty minute voyage around the forests of Tom Sawyer's Island. The trip is particularly romantic after dark. In Tomorrowland, the Tomorrowland Transit Authority is a slow moving tour through the attractions of Tomorrowland. The aerial track provides a nice refuge from the crowds below and the ride never has any wait. Sometimes you can even ride twice in a row.

Quite possibly there's nothing more romantic at the Magic Kingdom than watching the fireworks in front of Cinderella Castle. What's slightly less romantic are the large crowds that gather in anticipation for the firework performances. If you don't mind a slightly more distant view, take the resort monorail over to the Polynesian Resort. On the beach front you may watch fireworks over the Seven Seas Lagoon in a much more quiet setting.

Epcot
Epcot is almost undoubtedly the most romantic theme park at Walt Disney World. In Future World, the Fountain of Nations performs a water fountain show every fifteen minutes. The hang glider simulator, Soarin', provides a breathtaking trip with amazing scenery.

The most romantic section of Epcot is World Showcase. Around the World Showcase lagoon, you'll find eleven pavilions representing countries from all across the globe. Each pavilion offers dining, shopping, and attractions, and you'll notice that even the Cast Members working the pavilions are from their host country. It's like taking an international vacation without all the jet lag. At Mexico guests enter a giant pyramid to find themselves a beautiful outdoor market. Paris is replicated in the French pavilion which also includes the lovely Impressions De France film. Morocco is the most immersive pavilion, and contains a marketplace filled with exotic items. The United Kingdom contains a pretty little park in the back of the pavilion which is a nice retreat from the crowds.

The Illuminations firework spectacular is a great show, made especially romantic due to it's placement in the World Showcase Lagoon. For good viewing, check out locations between Norway and Mexico. You'll want a clear view of the center of the lagoon, and make sure also that there are no trees blocking your view of the sky.

Disney-MGM Studios
Disney-MGM Studios may possibly be the least romantic park at Walt Disney World. The park is much more concrete due to it's studio theme, and there are less quiet spots to discover when the park is crowded. While there are no rides that give a romantic vibe, the Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage is nice for guests with fond memories of the film.

The most romantic spots in Disney-MGM Studios are found in two of the park's restaurants. The Hollywood Brown Derby has a wonderful old Hollywood atmosphere and great food, but may be a little pricey for some budgets. At the Sci-Fi Drive-Inn Diner the whole restaurant is themed to a 50s drive-in, complete with classic cars for the guests to sit in and a starlit sky. Trailers and clips from grade B sci-fi flicks are played on the movie screen.

Disney's Animal Kingdom
The exotic theme and lush landscaping make Disney's Animal Kingdom quite a romantic park. There are lots of little nooks and crannies to discover which gives the park a more relaxed feel. Take the time to explore, especially after Mickey's Jammin Jungle parade ends. Most of the stroller set leaves directly following the parade, leaving the pathways less crowded and much more romantic.

The most romantic attraction is probably Kilimanjaro Safaris, which gives couples a chance to experience the African safari they've always wanted. If you like animals, the many animal viewing locations are also terrific to visit. The Maharahjah Jungle Trek, for instance, offers an up close view of tigers and other animals. These animals can all be found in the romantic environs of an abandoned Asian palace.

If you are here at Walt Disney World to celebrate an event such as an anniversary or honeymoon, you may want to consider stopping by any park's Guest Relations office to pick up an anniversary or just married button. These buttons are free, but the ‘best wishes’ cast members (and other guests!) give you can create memories that will last a lifetime.

For more information about weddings at the Walt Disney World resort please visit our Disney Fairy Tale Weddings section.