Our Favorite Valentine’s Day Places At Walt Disney World

Happy Valentine’s Day!

We thought that to celebrate the day, we would share some of our ideal places to celebrate at Walt Disney World!

Valentine's Day

Beth

A fun unique way to spend Valentines Day at WDW for me is to take a stroll around the Boardwalk. Grab some dinner & drinks while taking in a view of Illuminations before ending the night at Jellyrolls for a fun sing-a-long. 

Betsy

One of the most romantic things I love to do at Walt Disney World is stroll around with that special someone. I have a few places in particular that I enjoy. One of my favorites is Epcot at night. The parks transforms when the torches are lit before Illuminations and the ambient noise from guests seems the die down. I especially love finding a quiet spot in France by the back gardens or tucked away while everyone else is getting ready for the fireworks and listening to the beautiful French accordion music. Enjoying a toast with an adult beverage or even a snack from the patisserie is a great way to cap off a romantic stroll around World Showcase. 

 

If you are looking for romance outside the parks, also in the evenings I really enjoy walking around the gardens at Port Orleans French Quarter, maybe after enjoying some beignets! After all, the French do seem to know what they’re doing when it comes to l’amour <3!  I also would never turn down a romantic walk around the Polynesian with the palms swaying in the breeze, ukelele and steel guitar music gently wafting through the air, sand beneath my toes, and a view of Wishes fireworks from the beach would make almost anyone swoon. 

 

Dining options around Walt Disney World are prevalent, but it can sometimes be hard to picture a romantic place that is quiet and sans children. Of course if I had the choice, I’d pick dressing up with my man to go to Victoria & Albert’s at the Grand Floridian where no children under 12 are admitted and the tones are decidedly hushed. I’d also prefer not to pay that bill ;). Looking for something a bit more affordable, but still with a nice atmosphere, I like Artist Point at the Wilderness Lodge or Flying Fish at the Boardwalk. Both are quieter than most other restaurants I’ve found on property and have a nice ambiance, great food and wine to match. 

Gail

There are many restaurants and places to go for Valentines day, depending on how extravagant one is willing to go.

 

For me, if I’m not planning on going to a restaurant or park, one of my favorite things is fireworks. So my recommendation would be to go to The Polynesian, pick up a coffee and a sweet snack and head down to the beach area. If it’s chilly be sure to take a blanket, which can be used to sit on too. 

 

The view from the beach at the Polynesian is special as you don’t need park access, and the view is stunning as you get the reflections off the lake too.  Just be sure to get there around 15/20 minutes before they begin so you can secure a good viewing spot. 

Watching the fireworks with your loved one can be so romantic, especially snuggled up with a hot beverage by the beach! Don’t forget a selfie to capture your night! 

Jillian

I’d love to spend Valentine’s Day with a nice meal at Yachtsman Steakhouse followed by a night time stroll around Crescent Lake or World Showcase. Then cap the evening off with any of the firework spectaculars. 

Kelly Hicks

My ideal Valentine’s Day at WDW would have to be in the World Showcase at Epcot. I especially love wandering around at night when the pavilions are lit up. Maybe grab an ice cream cone at L’Artisan des Glaces in France – my favorite flavor is profiterole! – and do a little window shopping. Of course the night wouldn’t be complete without a viewing of Illuminations!

Kelly Walker

When I think romance (which I hardly ever do in general) around Disney World, I immediately think of Jiko at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Not only is it one of our favorite restaurants, but it tends to be quite one-on-one. It’s normally not loud and while it’s “fancy”, it’s got a laid back feel to it as well. And if you’re not looking to spend a bunch of money on dinner, a favorite of mine is to get a good spot on the train station and watch Wishes from there.

Mike

If I could pick somewhere to spend Valentines Day in Walt Disney World it would have to be experiencing a romantic candlelit dinner at the California Grill located within the Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Not only does this location have excellent food and atmosphere, but it also provides for some of the greatest views of the entire Walt Disney World property. Located on the 15th floor, the California Grill provides views of the Magic Kingdom, the Seven Seas Lagoon, Bay Lake and numerous other landmarks on Disney World property. There’s nothing quite like being able to catch a Florida sunset from the top of the Contemporary Resort while enjoying an excellent glass of wine and top notch cuisine. At the end of the night you can head out onto the balcony and top off your romantic evening with a breathtaking view of Wishes, the Magic Kingdom’s night time spectacular. In my opinion the California Grill is one of the most romantic dining options on Walt Disney World property and an excellent way to spend your Valentines Day. 

Shelley

My favorite date night with Dave is a little bit corny, but we love to head to the Magic Kingdom. We have a ‘light’ dinner of appetizer’s at Tony’s Town Square, take a stroll through the park as the sunsets, and then settle into our favorite spot for the rest of the night. We head over to Sleepy Hollow Refreshments to grab a funnel cake and a table near the castle. Sleepy Hollow is an awesome spot, because you can watch the Main Street Electrical Parade and Celebrate the Magic before heading to the castle to watch Wishes! I love our Magic Kingdom nights, because it’s a great chance to slow down and I don’t have to share my treats with Zoe!!!

Wherever you are celebrating today, we hope that your Valentine’s Day is awesome!

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Celebrate Canada Day at Epcot

On July 1st, Epcot will host a celebration of Canada Day in World Showcase’s Canadian pavilion. The festivities will be from 11am to 5pm and will be located at the Kidcot Fun Stop. Guests will be invited to learn more about this holiday, which was formerly known as Dominion Day and dates back to 1867. This “Discovery Experience” is open to guests of all ages and all will receive an award certificate once they complete the experience.

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Today’s Walk Around EPCOT

Another Week…another walk around EPCOT.

There is a lot going on….So let’s get to it…

One of these things is STILL not like the other...
Tell me which looks better...One
Or Two? I can't believe that they haven't painted this side yet.
Still lots of work going on in front of Fountain of Nations
Lots of Wall!
The backside of the Fountain wall
You can also get a good look at all the different colors of concrete that are in the area now,
The Whirlygigs are still...well still.
Is something missing?
I think I like the little green box!!! 🙂
The Character Spot entrance is still behind walls, too.
A closer look at the concrete work going on.
Genie and Marie were meeting and greeting sans handlers near Club Cool.

Then I headed into World Showcase. And while you can tell that efforts are ramping up in preparation for Flower and Garden, there is a lot of action going on in China these days…

The Duffy location in China has been moved while Yong Feng Shangdian Department Store is being refurbished.
Walled off Yong Feng Shangdian Department Store.
And the entrance to the Yong Feng Shangdian Department Store.
The Duffy spot is now located in the Tomb Warriors exhibit near the Temple.

And in all seriousness, what would a walk around EPCOT be without a peek at some new merchandise?!?!?!?

2011 St. Patrick's Day Ears
Be still my beating heart! A new Duffy outfit!!!
And the kids will all love the new Duffy Spinner!!!

And to offset all the Duffy hate, I thought I would share with you my favorite spot in ALL of EPCOT….

But my favorite spot in all of EPCOT, will always be this!
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Hidden Gems: Morocco’s Fez House

I always look longingly at Morocco as I pass it in the World Showcase at EPCOT, because I usually have zero time to explore my favorite pavilion.

Morocco may not have a ride or movie to lure people in, but what it does provide you with is an intimate glimpse into what it may be like to live there.

Over the years, I have found The Fez House to be a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle out on the World Showcase Lagoon.

From the outside the Fez House looks unassuming…

While the outside is plain, once you enter the doorway you are instantly transported to a time and place that is both unfamiliar and comfortable all at once. The walls echo with the sounds of traditional music mingled with the soft flow of water from the fountain, and all around you are details that make you feel like the family that lives there has just popped out to the market.

Just to the left of the fountain is a brass plaque that tells you some details and information about not only the design of the house but of how important homes are in Moroccan culture.

The First thing one should own is a home;

and it is the last thing one should sell. For

a home is one’s castle this side of Heaven.

Moroccan Proverb

If you ever find yourself needing to take a break from it all, I strongly suggest popping into the Fez House to take a moment to reflect on your day.

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