The Best Way to Spend Valentine’s Day at Disney!

Posted:  Holidays Parks Resorts

Ah, l’amour! ‘Tis the season for love with Valentine’s Day coming up, and what better way to spend the holiday than a magical day at Disney! 

Pink and gold fireworks burst in the sky over Cinderella Castle during the Happily Ever After show. The castle is lit up with pink and gold projections.

I asked some of our DVCR team members to share what they think would be the best way to spend Valentine’s Day at Disney, whether it’s with a special someone or with a close-knit group of galentines! Here’s what they had to say!

 

Stacy R: If I could choose any way to spend Valentine’s Day at Walt Disney World, it would absolutely start with staying at my favorite resort, Disney’s Beach Club Villas! It’s elegant and romantic, laid-back but chic, and within walking distance of my favorite park. I’d start with a sweet and delicious breakfast at Cape May Café and then enjoy a leisurely romantic stroll over to Epcot!

A paved walkway with green lawns and trees and black light posts on either side leads up to the white and light blue exterior of Disney’s Beach Club Villas under a hazy blue sky.

After helping the Guardians of the Galaxy save the world and learning how to live with the land, we’d visit with Figment and Nemo, go Soarin’, thank the Phoenicians, and then spend the rest of the afternoon touring around the countries in World Showcase; shopping and snacking as we go!

The country pavilions for Germany, Italy, America, Japan, and Morocco can be seen during golden hour across the waters of World Showcase Lagoon at EPCOT

For dinner, we’d pop out of the park and take the Skyliner over to Disney’s Riviera Resort for a delectable and indulgent meal at Topolino’s Terrace. Post-dinner plans would see us returning to the Skyliner, but this time, heading to Hollywood Studios! My epic Disney Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day celebration would have to end with sharing some popcorn and enjoying a performance of Fantasmic! – my favorite of Disney’s incredible nighttime spectaculars!

Characters Steamboat Willie, Moana, Belle, Beast, Tiana, Naveen, and more wave multicolored ribbons on a white boat at night during the finale of Fantasmic! at Hollywood Studios.

 

Mya: For me, the perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day at Walt Disney World starts with a delicious dinner at a signature restaurant like The Hollywood Brown Derby, Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera, Citricos, Takumi-Tei, or any of the other charming spots that make Disney dining so special! There are just so many good places to choose from, but those would be the first picks that come to mind!

The entryway into Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort. The hallway is decorated with dark brown and white wallpaper with a swirled design, dark wood floors, and large, fringed light fixtures. There is a Cast Member at the podium along with a dark brown sign and dark brown floor mat that both read the restaurant’s name is gold lettering.

Afterward, I’d take a romantic nighttime stroll on Disney’s Boardwalk or at Disney Springs, soaking in all the twinkling lights – they both have such great atmosphere. Then, I’d make my way to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa to cap off the night with a cozy drink at Enchanted Rose.

The interior of the Enchanted Rose lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. 2 yellow chairs sit across from a floral print sofa in dim lighting with a candle on a coffee table between them. Behind the sofa is a bookcase and in front of it hangs a painting of Beast’s castle.

When it comes to the perfect Valentine’s Day stay, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Riviera Resort top my list for a dreamy, love-filled retreat!

(White horses lead Cinderella’s glass carriage at dusk in front of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The carriage is lit up with white lights and is empty as it makes its way down the paved pathway.

The grey building exteriors and leisure pool are seen from Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort at sunset. The sky is orange, yellow, and purple as the resort’s lights twinkle below.

 

Katie M: I would start the morning at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas, sipping tea on the balcony while watching the animals roam the savanna—such a peaceful and magical way to wake up! 

3 wooden rocking chairs with small wooden side tables sit on a covered viewing platform overlooking the sunny savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas Jambo House.

Next, my husband and I (we’re newlyweds) are taking a Minnie Van to the Grand Floridian for brunch at Grand Floridian Café. The pancakes are HUGE and so fluffy! The avocado toast with marinated cherry tomatoes is so good I actually asked them to recreate it for our Disney wedding in December! And, of course, we’ll stop by the Wedding Pavilion, where we had our ceremony, to reminisce!

Guests dine in the cream and gold colored interior of the Grand Floridian Café at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

For dinner, we’re heading to the Cake Bake Shop—so dreamy and perfect for a special night. Afterwards, we’d stroll along the Boardwalk, soaking in the lights and atmosphere, and visiting Sea Breeze Point—where we had our reception.

Disney’s BoardWalk is seen across the waters of Crescent Lake at night. The twinkling lights along the boardwalk and resort buildings shimmer on the water.

To end the night, we’d walk to Epcot from the BoardWalk to watch the fireworks in the most romantic place ever— the France pavilion! What a perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with my hubby!

Pink fireworks glitter over World Showcase Lagoon during Luminous: The Symphony of Us at EPCOT.

 

Melissa H: I think the best way to spend Valentine’s Day at Disney would be to start at Contempo Cafe at the Contemporary to grab a Valentine’s Day treat and a delicious coffee. After that, my partner and I would head on over to Magic Kingdom, taking a stroll down Main Street, hoping to see a few characters and, of course, more treats at the Main Street Confectionary! 

The blue and white exterior of the Main Street Confectionary is seen under a sunny sky at Magic Kingdom. The sign above the entrance is decorated with blue and pink lollipops and reads “Main Street Confectionary. The home of Mars Candy Treats in blue writing.

Then, I’d love to head back to our favorite resort (Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort) for a romantic dinner at California Grill, where we can have a delicious meal and watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks! Ideally, I’d LOVE to try a Fireworks cruise one day; that just seems so perfect and romantic to me! 

Blue and white fireworks sparkle over Space Mountain and the Magic Kingdom as seen from a Theme Park View Studio balcony at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

 

Taycee: As someone not currently in a relationship, the perfect Valentine’s Day for me would be all about me! 

The green mossy and brown stone exterior of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is seen under a sunny blue sky at Magic Kingdom. In the background amidst green trees, you can see the top of the dark wood water tower that reads “Tiana’s Foods” in white lettering

I would focus on things that make me happy in the parks, like going on all my favorite rides and making sure I get a snack (or three). I would embody the essence of “treat yourself” and splurge on pins and merchandise, and maybe even go all out and get a Lightning Lane MultiPass so I can have more time to do the things I love. I would treat myself like I’m my own best friend and give myself whatever I wanted on this day!

Multiple figures of Figment the dragon are seen in a purple and orange display during the Journey Into Imagination with Figment attraction at EPCOT. Figment is seen playing with marionettes under a cloud, climbing a mountain, and flying an airplane made of camera film with a tail ribbon reading “The sky’s the limit!!!”

 

Allison: Valentines’ Day for me is a true celebration of love, so whether it’s spent with just myself, with friends, family, or a special someone, my perfect Valentine’s Day at Disney would be full of Disney snacks, Disney rides, and the best fireworks show to end the night!

I would start my day at EPCOT eating all the snacks I could possibly have, and take a break through the Journey of Water or dance around the galaxy on Comic Rewind! After a perfect morning/afternoon, I’d make my way over to Magic Kingdom. A tasty Mickey Waffle with sweet and spicy maple chicken and a Mickey Waffle with chocolate-hazelnut spread and berries from Sleepy Hollow are the perfect Valentine’s treats! 

A green foliage covered statue of Te Fiti sits above a pool of water in the Journey of Water attraction at EPCOT. The top of the white Spaceship Earth ball is visible under a blue sky of fluffy white clouds behind the green trees of the attraction.

Once one has indulged in all the goodies, you best believe it’s nostalgia time, with some classic rides like Haunted Mansion and Peter Pan’s Flight. I also believe one should be pixie-dusted at Sir Mickey’s to truly get that magical touch!

The white and yellow exterior of Casey’s Corner is seen at night on Main Street U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom. The “C” sign is illuminated with warm white light, and a red and gold Coca-Cola sign is seen below.

Happily Ever After brings pure warmth to my heart, and sharing that moment at Disney with anyone would be true magic. While the most magical show is happening, snacking on Casey’s Corn Dog Nuggets and the Frozen Mint Julep Lemonade would be the cherry on top!

Multicolored fireworks shimmer in the sky over Cinderella Castle during the Happily Ever After show. The castle is lit up with colorful projections depicting many classic animated characters.

 

And as for me, Elyse: I think if I were to celebrate Valentine’s Day at Disney, I would start the morning at Magic Kingdom, making sure to get some great photos in front of the castle and hit some rides to get energized for the day! 

The grey, pink, and blue exterior of Cinderella Castle is seen under a bright blue sky at Magic Kingdom. In the foreground of the photo is the curled black iron lamp post that lines the walkway towards the castle.

I would then want to end the evening with a great meal! Something fancy! A dream would be to dine at Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, but I think Narcoossee’s would also be a great place for some amazing, upscale food. 

The white exterior building with the red roof of Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is seen under a blue sky. There is a white sign reading the restaurant’s name in black lettering, as well as displaying the menu.

To end the night, I would grab a sweet treat from the Gasparilla Island Grill (or have a little picnic basket ready) and set up a blanket to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the resort across the water. 

Baked goods such as cookies, muffins, and croissants are seen in a glass display case at Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

 

There are so many fun ways to celebrate this holiday, as well as your loved ones, at Disney! If you have a perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, let us know! 

If you’re looking to plan for next year’s Valentine’s Day, be sure to give us a shout to get started on your next romantic getaway! 

The light blue exterior building reading “Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort” with a horse logo is illuminated by white light under a pink and blue sunset sky. The building also has green trees on either side and at the top of the photo.

~Elyse

 

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