Disney News

Valentine’s Day is just a few weeks away, and what better way to suprirse the love of your life than with a getaway to Walt Disney World® Resort in central Florida.

While Walt Disney World® Resort may not initially be at the top of your list when you think of romantic getaways, the reality is that there is a world of romance awaiting you at Walt Disney World® Resort!  In fact, Walt Disney World® Resort has become a popular destination for proposals, weddings, honeymoons, anniversaries and countless other romantic getaways!

Walt Disney World® Resort is the perfect stage for spontaneous romance, featuring over 100 dining locations, 26 resort hotels, 4 theme parks, and a dining and shopping district. Even amidst the strong family atmosphere, romantic adventures are hiding around every corner.

Walt Disney World® Resort hotels can really unlock the magic of romance, setting the mood for a romantic getaway. At Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa you can steal away to another place and time, as you slip into the Victorian elegance of another era. Together you can indulge in a special spa treatment at Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa followed by afternoon tea at the Garden View lounge before settling into the deluxe amenities of your room. If the tropics are a little more of your taste, you can lose yourself in the styles of the South Pacific at Disney’s Polynesian Resort that features plenty of romance and even an open-air Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show! And we’d be amiss to not mention the southern charm of the picturesque Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside; evoking the romance and charm of the Louisiana Bayou.

Elegant dining is one of the cornerstones of any romantic getaway, and Walt Disney World® Resort does not disappoint when it comes to dining. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is home to two romantic favorites, Victoria & Albert’s as well as Narcoossee’s. Just a short monorail ride away, at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, you will find the newly re-imagined California Grill. Jiko- The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort will transport you to an intimate meal in Africa, while a trip around World Showcase in Epcot® will lead you to Monsieur Paul, Le Cellier, Restaurant Marrakesh and more. Keep in mind that reservations fill quickly at Walt Disney World® Resort, so be sure to talk with your Magic Maker® about your options and making your reservations well in advance.

It isn’t just the dining and resorts that frame a beautiful romantic getaway, but it is also the shared experiences. Inside Walt Disney World® Resort’s theme parks you will find countless opportunities to embrace your love, whether it is strolling around the world in Epcot®, watching the fireworks light up the sky in front of the castle in Magic Kingdom® Park, strolling hand in hand down the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail Walking Tour in Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park or embracing in the open air theatre during Fantasmic! Show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®; the experiences are truly limitless.

Away from the parks you can enjoy a ‘night on the town’ at Downtown Disney® Area, a unique district-featuring waterfront dining, unique and boutique shops and exciting entertainment options. If a night out isn’t your speed, consider relaxing on a romantic evening cruise to watch the fireworks of Magic Kingdom® Park or Epcot®, or experience private dining one evening aboard Grand 1 Yacht. You can also keep your land-legs and experience a horse-drawn carriage ride through the idyllic woodlands or along the bank of the Sassagoula River as you journey through Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground or Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside.

Whatever your taste, a world of romance awaits you at Walt Disney World® Resort. While Walt Disney World® Resort is a fantastic destination for families, it is also full of romantic experiences and adventures to draw you closer to the one you love. Contact your Magic Maker® today to begin planning the magic!

By Off to Neverland Travel® Director of Marketing Kyle Froman

The ‘Disney Difference’.

It’s that extra little sprinkling of pixie dust and magic that keeps beckoning us to visit “The Happiest Place on Earth” from all around the globe.

At times the ‘Disney Difference’ can be hard to describe with our words, yet when experienced, it is completely undeniable.

Last week after navigating a long and busy day at Magic Kingdom® Park, my family and I were ready for a brief reprieve from the heat of the day and bustle others around us also enjoying their time in the park.

We retreated to Fantasyland® Area to rest and refresh at Gaston’s Tavern. After scouting a location to sit and rest I slipped away to get us a few LaFou’s Brews from the counter.

After ordering and waiting what felt like only a few seconds I was handed our drinks by one of Gaston Tavern’s Cast Members. When I went to tap my wrist and pay the Cast Member quickly and proudly replied, “these are on us today!”

It was the ‘Disney Difference.’

It re-energized us and completely transformed the rest of our day.

A few days later we were ‘dragging’ through Epcot® after a full day and we decided to slow ourselves down with a visit to Character Spot. As we moved towards the queue a Cast Member asked where we were heading next. As we shared with him our Character Spot plans he encouraged us that now was a ‘great time to go’ as the line was only 5 or 10 minutes.

We smiled and continued towards the queue.

As we approached, we noticed the wait time was actually 45 minutes so we turned to walk away. As we did, the Cast Member that had just spoken to us approached us and said “follow me”.

He proceeded to lead us to the FastPass+ entrance and through the FastPass+ queue. Our wait did, indeed, end up being only 5 to 10 minutes thanks to the special touch this Cast Member added to our evening.

It was the ‘Disney Difference.’

We decided to end our night at Epcot® with a ride on Soarin’® Attraction since our 4 year old had finally ‘risen’ to the minimum height requirements. It was his first ride! We chose to ride during IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth so that the wait time would be a minimal.

Following our relatively short 45 minute wait, as we were boarding Soarin’® Attraction our 4 year old looked to the Cast Member nearest to him and said “Am I going to die?!”

The Cast Member was quick to assure him, and then adore him, before sending us off for our flight.

As our flight over California came to an end the same Cast Member returned and asked our 4 year old if we’d like to be on Soarin’® Attraction’s last flight for the night…of course we did!

It was the ‘Disney Difference.’

It’s the extra magic that Walt Disney World® Resort brings to every guest’s vacation.

It’s takes on different shapes for every guest and trip, but I’m certain that you will experience that same ‘difference’ on your next trip too!

In fact, our Magic Makers® are ready to sprinkle some pixie dust of their own, so be sure to contact us about helping your family navigate the Happiest Place on Earth!