Walt Disney World

Lesson 5: Romance at WDW

Yes, romance is alive and well amidst all of those little ones at the House of the Mouse. Cap off your busy day with one of the cruises or carriage rides available! Then relax with a massage and enjoy a romantic meal at the top of the world, followed by some fantastic fireworks (no double entendre implied).

One If By Land, Two If By Sea

By Land

Carriage rides, now available in most big cities, are a romantic option at Walt Disney World, as well.

If you are staying at the Port Orleans resorts (French Quarter or Riverside), you may now take a 30 minute horse-drawn carriage ride through the resort area any evening. The rides begin at 6 p.m. and continue through a last 9:30 p.m. departure. A carriage can accommodate up to four adults (but who would want a crowded carriage ride?) or two adults and three children. Reservations are made in person at the Riverside Marina. These rides are especially lovely in the holiday season!

After enjoying the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review at Fort Wilderness, you can opt to finish off your night with a carriage ride there, as well. The carriages run at the same times as the Port Orleans do, but here if you time it right, you may end up seeing the Magic Kingdom fireworks (times vary) during your 30 minutes. Reservations can be made by calling 407-824-2832. Both carriage rides are $30.

(Photo used by permission of WWW.THEMEPARKS.COM)

Other options at Fort Wilderness include the nightly hayrides (which may be a lot less romantic, if filled with children who have just arrived at WDW and aren’t exhausted yet) that are $8 per adult and $4 for children. These also will offer fireworks specials, depending on the time of year.

(There is also a nightly sing-along at the campground (available to any WDW resort guests) that includes marshmallow roasting, usually followed by a movie. If you can manage to get into your own little world, this can be pretty cool.)

By Sea

There are many options for cruises on the waters of Walt Disney World. Cruises leave from the Grand Floridian, the Contemporary and Polynesian, Fort Wilderness, the Wilderness Lodge, and the Yacht and Beach Clubs.

For romantics on a budget, the pontoon cruises are the way to go. You may schedule them for viewing of the Magic Kingdom fireworks (these are not year round, so double-check that there WILL be fireworks during your cruise), or for viewing the Illuminations show at Epcot. Prices start at $120 for an hour, and the cruise normally departs about one half hour before the fireworks are scheduled to begin. Call 407-WDW-PLAY up to 90 days in advance.

(Photo used by permission of WWW.THEMEPARKS.COM)

A brand, spanking new cruise is the Port Orleans' New Year's Eve cruise. This cruise leaves at 11:30 each evening and heads down the Sassagoula River to Lake Buena Vista for a fantastic view of the nightly fireworks at Pleasure Island. The cruise includes soda and champagne and costs $170 for up to 4 people (extras $12.50 each).

A step up is the Breathless, a 1933 replica mahogany Chris-Craft boat. This is also available for Illuminations viewing, starting at $180, and can include champagne. Call 407-824-2621 up to 90 days in advance.

You may also cruise during the day on either the pontoons or the Breathless and cruises range from 30 to 50 minutes in length.

If you really want to splurge, though, you can rent the 44-foot Grand 1 yacht starting at $350 per hour, but including private dining and butler service. This one can be scheduled at any time, but for a special time you can coordinate with the Magic Kingdom fireworks. Call 407-824-2439 for more information and reservations.