Tip Tuesday: Romance at WDW

On this Valentine's Day, I thought it quite appropriate to talk about ways couples can help make their trips to Walt Disney World a little more romantic.

Now obviously, I'm going to need to divide these tips into two separate groups - with kids and without kids.

Without kids
If you don't have kids yet (or have left them at home), you're in for a great time!  Walt Disney World has so many opportunities for romance that it's hard to list them all.

Of course what's a little romance without a bite to eat?  Walt Disney World has some fantastic restaurants that have a great romantic setting.  Victoria and Albert's, Narcoossee's, Blue Zoo, Yachtsman Steakhouse and Jiko are just a few restaurants that immediately come to mind.  I especially like Narcoosee's at night.  The restaurant is dimly lit, allowing the surrounding lights of the Magic Kingdom and the different resorts to be more vivid.  Just don't forget the wine!  Most restaurants have a sommelier who can help you choose a wine to suit your palliate.  Of course there's always room service if you don't feel like emerging from your resort room.

Perhaps you want to have a little fun along with the romance?  There's always the Boardwalk with all the evening performers, games of chance or maybe just a stroll around Crescent Lake.

There are more ways to enjoy a romantic moment that don't include food (don't tell Lou Mongello!).  How about an evening dip in the pool?  Most pools are open late and a nighttime swim can be very romantic. 

Speaking of water, an evening cruise can be extremely romantic!  And if you're going to take an evening cruise, you can always go "all out" and book the Grand 1 yacht.  I've had the opportunity for a Wishes! cruise on the Grand 1 and I personally can't think of a more romantic setting.  There also are other Wishes cruises on various craft and Illuminations cruises over at Epcot.  For more information and to book a cruise, call 1-407-WDW-PLAY.


With kids
If you're coming to Walt Disney World with the kids in tow, creating a romantic moment can seem difficult.  The good news is that finding that romance can be easier than you think.  Disney offers some services to allow you an evening alone to enjoy some of the romantic activities mentioned above.  Located at most deluxe resorts are Children Activity Centers.  These centers are for kids ages 3-12 and offer different activities, games and snacks.  The cost per child is $11.50 with a two-hour minimum.  Reservations are strongly suggested and can be made at by calling 1-407-WDW-DINE.

A second child-sitting option is Kids Nite Out, which is an in-room sitting service recommended by Disney.  For more information and to book a personal sitter, call 1-407-828-0920.

If you can't (or don't want) to have someone watch the kids, there are other ways to create romantic moments, even with the kids around.  Try having the kids sit by themselves in one car, while you and your significant other enjoy a separate car to yourself (assuming your kids are old enough for that - use your best judgement).  For instance, let the kids sit in their own car on the TTA while you two sit in the next car.  You'll have the opportunity for some "big people" conversation (and perhaps sneak a kiss during the Space Mountain segment) while the kids will enjoy a bit of "freedom" from Mom and Dad.  The benefit here is that the kids are still in a controlled space and you're literally right behind (or in front) of them.

This idea works well for most attractions, so give it a shot!

These are just a few ideas for creating romantic moments at Walt Disney World -- what do you think?  How do you create romantic moments at WDW?  Post a comment!

Happy Valentines Day!