by Erik Yates
Last updated: 2:30 PM ET, Fri February 10, 2017
Castles, fireworks, and "happily ever afters". Walt Disney World is one of the most romantic places on earth.
While it's definitely a romantic getaway, the cost of a theme park ticket can make for a pretty pricey date. Add in the crowds, the long lines, and of course the families full of screaming and crying kids, and your romantic outing could fall very flat.
So, how do you have a romantic adventure without enjoying one of Disney's theme parks? Luckily romance is around every single corner at the Walt Disney World Resort, and all without having to face a theme park, you just have to look.
California Grill at the Contemporary Resort
High atop the Contemporary Resort, just a literal stone's throw away from the Magic Kingdom is California Grill. The restaurant is high-end, gourmet dining at its finest. The menu has a taste of everything, from amazing sushi, delectable beef, over 250 different wines and a delectable dessert menu. The restaurant even offers brunch on Sunday. While the food is divine, the view is absolutely breathtaking. Whether it's for an evening of fireworks, or simply watching the sunset, it's the best place in the entire resort to rise above it all.
Video-Sunset at California Grill
Horse Drawn Carriage Rides
A nice Florida evening makes for the perfect backdrop for a cozy carriage ride for two through the woods, or along the banks of the Sassagoula River. The Fort Wilderness Lodge, and Port Orleans River Side both offer carriage rides throughout the day. Each carriage ride lasts about 25 minutes and gives you a quieter look at the resorts.
Ferrytale Wishes Dessert Cruise
Amazing sweets and dazzling fireworks are at the center of this next romantic excursion. Guests can book a ride on the General Joe Potter Ferryboat where they can sip on cocktails, and indulge in some of the tastiest desserts you've ever had.
The experience lasts about an hour and a half and will have you sailing on the Seven Seas Lagoon, with the fireworks spectacular, Wishes rising over the water. It's a picturesque end to a great evening and one great way to spend time with your special someone.
[READMORE] READ MORE Disney Announces Exciting Stars Wars, Avatar Theme Park News [/READMORE]
Wanyama Safari
Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom Lodge is nestled right on the outskirts of Disney's Animal Kingdom park. Animal Kingdom allows guests to see amazing animals from Africa in their attraction, Kilimanjaro Safaris.
However, what if you could enjoy the animals of Animal Kingdom, and an amazing African meal? That's the idea behind Wanyama Safari. You leave from the Animal Kingdom Lodge, and embark on a safari in the back of an open-air truck into the Savannas of Animal Kingdom. There you might be able to spot giraffes, zebra, antelope and wildebeests.
Afterward, guests on the safari will enjoy dinner at Jiko: The Cooking Place. It's a great evening doing something a little different and getting closer to exotic animals.
Princess Promenade at the Grand Floridian
This one is aimed a little more for kids, but it's something that I personally think will sweep anyone off their feet. At the gorgeous Grand Floridian Resort, guests can watch a parade of Princesses as they make a procession from the top floor of the Grand Floridian Lobby, down to the first floor, led by none other than Cinderella. As the princesses make their way down the stairs, the music swells up and Cinderella is taken by the hand for a waltz with her Prince Charming.
Video courtesy of Big Fat Panda
Who doesn't want to be swept up by their prince charming for a romantic dance around a gorgeous ballroom setting? There are tons of little princesses who participate, but there is plenty of room for you and your princess (or prince) to take a romantic trip across the dance floor. It happens daily at 3:30, and it is absolutely free to participate in.
Disney's Boardwalk
Another favorite is to walk hand in hand along the historic boardwalk. Modeled after the Boardwalks in Atlantic City, Disney's catches the feel of a shore side town. There are dozens of restaurants to either sit down for a great meal or just get something to snack on while you stroll. There are carnival games, and street performers at every turn. There's even a Dance Hall for cutting a rug, and dueling pianos at Jellyrolls to sit and enjoy a drink while listening to piano players expertly tickle the ivories.
These are just a few of the romantic things that await you for Valentine's Day, or any other day at Walt Disney World. Hopefully, this will give you a few ideas on how to add a little romance to your next trip.
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