Celebrating Valentine’s Day Disney Style

Disney World Valentine's Day

Last weekend while I was shopping with my family at Target, I was amazed to see that right next to the Christmas clearance section was an area filled with everything imaginable for Valentine’s Day. It’s hard to believe that we are already well into January with February 14 less than six weeks away! If you are one of those lucky people who will be celebrating in Disney World this year, you have lots of romantic options available and if you are like so many of us far away from that magical place, I have a few ideas for you to bring a little Disney magic into your celebration as well as some gift ideas.

Here are just some of the many possibilities available at Disney World from WDW News:

The Couple that ‘Spas’ Together… What’s more enjoyable than a luxurious spa treatment? Imagine sharing it with that special someone.  The new Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort or Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, both feature a “couples room” where guests can enjoy specialized spa treatments – such as massages and facials – with the one they love. For information about spa treatments, call 407-WDW-SPAS.

Make like Aladdin and Jasmine – Fly through the sky with your special someone on an adventurous tandem parasail over Bay Lake. Those looking to soar to new heights can spend 10 minutes soaring high above Disney and get a bird’s-eye view of Magic Kingdom and its neighboring resorts. Contact Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, or call 407-939-0754 for reservations for a tandem flight.

Sunset in the Sky – A very different kind of flight is aboard a tethered balloon rising gently into the Florida sky. Located on the waterfront at Downtown Disney, Characters in Flight gives romantics a chance to take their love to new heights.  Operating daily, the giant balloon provides breathtaking sights from 400 ft. up in the air with an unparalleled, 360-degree view of the Vacation Kingdom and beyond. Flights take place between 8:30 a.m. and midnight (weather permitting) and last approximately 8-10 minutes. Romantics who time their flight to sunset or fireworks bursting above the parks are in for a special treat. Tickets can be purchased at Downtown Disney West Side; tickets are $12.00 per child and $18.00 per adult.

Magical Resorts – From the tropical splendor of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to the Victorian era of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the mood is set for an enchanting stay at a Walt Disney World resort hotel. Disney’s fantasy hotels transport couples to faraway places with lavish theming, picturesque views and superior service. For reservations, call 407-W-DISNEY.

The Love Boat The Grand Floridian’s Grand 1 – an elegant 52-foot yacht – can give couples, or parties up to 18, a stunning view of “Wishes” fireworks showering above Magic Kingdom during select evening cruises along Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Private butler service and gourmet meals also are available. Romantic evening cruises include a captain and private deck hand. Reservations may be made up to 90 days in advance by calling 407-WDW-PLAY. Callers to that same number can ask about Magic Kingdom or Epcot fireworks cruises aboard gently floating pontoon boats. To turn up the romance, lovebirds can order up champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries for their fireworks viewing.

Disney Dining Serves Romance Couples find Disney dining infused with romance in settings ranging from subdued to spectacular.

  • Indulge in a romantic dinner for two at California Grill atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Situated on the 15th floor of the resort, the onstage, market-inspired kitchen boasts breathtaking views of the Magic Kingdom, Seven Seas Lagoon and nightly fireworks.  The menu is creative, seasonal, sophisticated and fun.
  • Beneath shimmering chandeliers, lovebirds can dine in fairy tale elegance at Be Our Guest Restaurant in New Fantasyland. Known as the place where Belle and Beast fell in love, the grand ballroom in Beast’s Castle is the perfect setting for romance as ‘snow’ falls on the French countryside outside the windows and guests dine on French-inspired cuisine and fine wines.
  • One of the most romantic dinner spots at Walt Disney World Resort is a table for two at Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The elegant restaurant has been honored with the Five-Diamond Award from AAA for its gourmet cuisine. Combining Royal Doulton china, Cristofle silver and personalized menus, Victoria & Albert’s is the “crown jewel” of the Grand Floridian’s dining destinations. Soft harp music fills the air in the intimate dining room. Ladies also receive a long-stemmed red rose. For the ultimate romantic experience, an evening at the Chef’s Table is unsurpassed. Couples are seated at a cozy table in Victoria & Albert’s kitchen and treated to a culinary feast custom-tailored to their palates by Chef Scott Hunnel.
  • Guests who prefer to dine in an even more intimate setting at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa need only to pick up the closest telephone. The Grand Floridian can arrange a private dinner for two, served against the elegant backdrop of the Grand Floridian beach – or aboard the Grand 1 – on a sunset excursion along Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Certain menu items can be specially prepared for the evening. Seven-day notice is requested.
  • There’s nothing more romantic than a champagne toast with classical French cuisine. Monsieur Paul restaurant at the France pavilion at Epcot pays homage to one of France’s most celebrated chefs, Paul Bocuse with upscale French creations. The second floor vantage point of the newly redesigned restaurant offers stunning views of the nightly IllumiNations fireworks display.

For all Walt Disney World dining information, guests can call 407-WDW-DINE.

Nature Lovers A horseback ride through one of the backwoods trails at Walt Disney World Resort is just the thing for couples who share a love of nature and each other. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground offers wrangler-led tours (45 minutes) through the deep, pine-scented woods that make up part of the Vacation Kingdom’s 40 square miles. Tours leave several times daily from Trail Blaze Corral, and may be reserved by calling 407-WDW-PLAY.

Romantic Evening Horse-drawn carriage rides through the wilderness of Walt Disney World Resort are a romantic treat for couples looking for a secluded nighttime outing. The antique carriages depart from Pioneer Hall at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground and traverse throughout the scenic landscape of the 750-acre rustic resort. Or guests can choose a relaxing old-fashioned carriage ride through Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-Riverside with pickup at Boatwright’s Dining Hall. Each nightly excursion is 25 minutes long. For reservations, guests can call 407-WDW-PLAY.

Looking to bring a little Disney magic into your Valentine’s Day celebration at home? Here are a few of my Disney inspired ideas that would work not only for a romantic evening for two, but for the whole family as well.

  • Decorate the space like a rustic Italian restaurant, make a simple spaghetti or lasagna dinner, open a bottle of wine, put on some romantic music like Andrea Bocelli, and then after the meal pop in Lady and the Tramp.
  • Decorate the space like an old library, make some easy French desserts like cream puffs or éclairs, add a little French wine and music, and follow it up with Beauty and the Beast.
  • Decorate the space like you are “under the sea”, make a tasty seafood meal, turn on some lively Caribbean music, and watch The Little Mermaid.
  • And of course, for those Frozen fans out there, decorate the space like a winter wonderland, make a delicious chocolate fondue and cut up fruits and cakes for dipping, and don’t forgot some yummy hot chocolate while watching the movie.

Looking for a Valentine’s Day gift for that special Disney fan in your life? Here are a few of my favorites from the Disney Store. Just click the images for more information about each item and if you place an order, be sure to use promo code SHIPMAGIC to receive free shipping on purchases over $75. This is just a small sampling of what is available. The Disney Store has items for Princesses and Prince Charmings of every age and prices range from just a few dollars to thousands (contains affiliate links)!

Mickey Mouse Dangling Icon Earrings by ArribasMickey Mouse Dangling Icon Earrings – $19
Mickey puts the ear in heart with these Mickey Mouse Icon Earrings. His distinctive silhouette features a large Swarovski crystal and dangles from a heart on this pair of sparkling earrings by the renowned Arribas Brothers.

Minnie Mouse Icon Necklace by ArribasMinnie Mouse Icon Necklace – $39.50
Minnie’s iconic outline is crafted with Swarovski crystals and accented with her fa-mouse bow on this dazzling necklace. Crystals add extra sparkle to the polka dots on this glamorous reminder of your visit to the Park.

Disney Sketch Wristlet by Dooney & BourkeDisney Sketch Wristlet by Dooney & Bourke – $88
Carry your small essentials in this strapping handbag by Dooney & Bourke. Mickey’s fine fashion fun-purse comes to you direct from the Disney Parks and the designer label you love.

Mickey Mouse Icon RingMickey Mouse Icon Ring – $175 (Silver)
Mickey puts his head together and comes up with this contemporary styled ring. Part of the Disney Dream Collection, this band of alternating Mickey icons is available in a choice of sterling silver ($175) and gold ($1500) so Mickey will always be on hand.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party Returns

IllumiNations

Exciting news – The IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party has returned to Epcot! This fun and delectable event is being held on select Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings during January and February at Epcot’s Showcase Plaza from 7:45pm – 9:20pm. Guests will enjoy delicious desserts and wines in a beautiful setting with a perfect view of the World Showcase Lagoon during the nighttime spectacular Illuminations: Reflections of Earth.

The scrumptious sweets and beverages being served include:

  • Traditional baklava from Morocco
  • Tiramisu from Italy
  • Chocolate ganache tarts from France
  • Crisped rice puffs inspired by Asian cuisine
  • Cinnamon sugar churros with caramel and chocolate sauces from Mexico
  • Seasonal berry cobbler from the United States
  • Apple dried fruit crumbles from the United Kingdom
  • Sparkling blue velvet cupcakes
  • Chocolate chip cookies
  • No-sugar-added lemon cookies
  • Assorted beverages and sparkling wines

Important Reminders

  • The food and beverage selections are subject to change without prior notice.
  • Epcot admission is also required and is not included in the price of the IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party.
  • There is no seating available at the IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party venue.
  • The IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party venue is uncovered.
  • In the event of inclement weather, the dessert portion of the party will take place at an alternate indoor location.
  • IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth may be canceled without prior notice due to inclement weather.

Admission to the IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party
costs $49 for adults and $29 for children ages 3 to 9 (tax and gratuity included).
Please click this link or call 407-WDW-DINE to book now – space is limited!

Disney World Refurbishments 2015

Magic Kingdom At Night

Updated June 1, 2015

Planning a trip to Disney World in 2015? Throughout the year Disney closes attractions for enhancements or maintenance. Here’s the current list of planned refurbishments. Please remember that these dates are tentative and are subject to change.

Magic Kingdom

  • Dream Along With Mickey: July 19 – August 22, 2015
  • Liberty Square Riverboat: August 4 – August 10, 2015
  • Liberty Tree Tavern: July 6 – November 20, 2015
  • Pirates of the Caribbean: June 8 – September 25, 2015
  • Walt Disney World Railroad: September 28 – November 5, 2015

Epcot

  • Maelstrom and Spirit of Norway Film: Ongoing – Reopening in 2016 Reimagined as a New Frozen Attraction

Hollywood Studios

  • Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage: June 12 – June 14, 2015
  • Voyage of the Little Mermaid: September 7 – September 10, 2015

Animal Kingdom

  • Creature Comforts: Reopening June 2015 as the New Starbucks Location
  • Flame Tree BBQ: January 5 – June 3, 2015

Water Parks

  • Typhoon Lagoon: Park Closed October 25 – January 1, 2016

Downtown Disney

  • Downtown Disney is undergoing a major transformation to become the reimagined Disney Springs. Construction will be finished in phases with the final completion date set for Fall 2016.

Resort Hotels

  • Art of Animation: Finding Nemo Schoolyard Wet Play Area May 26 – June 29, 2015
  • Beach Club Resort: Ongoing Guest Room Refurbishments To Be Completed In 2015
  • Contemporary Resort: Main Pool September 8 – September 10, 2015
  • Polynesian Resort: Polynesian East Pool To Be Completed In 2016
  • Walt Disney World Swan: Ongoing Guest Room Refurbishments To Be Completed In 2015
  • Walt Disney World Dolphin: Guest Room Refurbishments 2016 – 2017

Need more help planning your Disney World vacation?

Be sure to check out these important resources to make the most of your time in Disney World:

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Have a magical Disney World vacation!

Disney World Enthusiast – Voted Top Disney Blog

Top Disney Blogs

Thanks so much to everyone that voted for Disney World Enthusiast for Top Disney Blog last quarter on The Best Of Disney! My website came in first place out of almost 100 Disney blogs from across the internet. Please check out the article here with all of the details including a complete list of the Top 25 Disney Blogs. I truly appreciate the support!

Disney Flip Side Sweepstakes

Disney Flip Side

Have you heard the exciting news? Every day from now until January 31, Disney is flipping around the fun and giving away a Walt Disney World vacation. Here’s what it includes:

  • 1-Night stay at the Cinderella Castle Suite in the Magic Kingdom Park
  • 3 Nights at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel
  • 5-Day Magic Your Way Tickets with Park Hopper and Water Parks Fun & More Options
  • $500 Disney Gift Card
  • Personalized “Disney Side” Welcome Basket
  • Glass Slipper Gift inspired by the new live-action film “Cinderella,” in theaters March 13
  • Round-trip coach airfare (If the winner resides more than 250 miles from the Walt Disney World Resort)

You can enter to win every day at DisneyFlipSide.com. Good luck, everyone!