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Celebrating Valentine's
Day
(photos below)
The storybook setting and amorous ambiance of Walt Disney
World Resort has lovebirds flocking to the Vacation Kingdom
for a romantic getaway. Moonlit strolls, luxurious spas and
intimate dining make it feel like Valentine's Day every day at
the Vacation Kingdom.
Couples who've been bitten by the love bug don't need a
fairy godmother to find romance at Walt Disney World Resort.
This is, after all, home to some of the world's most famous
romances: Cinderella and Prince Charming, Lady and the Tramp,
Beauty and the Beast -- and don't forget America's
sweethearts, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.
Throughout the 25,000-acre playground, love is in the air
at the Vacation Kingdom. During a couples spa experience. In
the middle of a romantic dinner. Or on one of the "love
boats" that cruise Walt Disney World waterways.
Honeymooners thrive in the romantic allure of Walt Disney
World Resort -- a top-rated honeymoon destination, according
to industry experts.
And for couples who want to make their own fairy tale dream
come true -- complete with Cinderella's coach and her famous
glass slipper -- Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings can create an
enchanting, unforgettable union.
The four Walt Disney World theme parks create a perfect
setting for unscripted romance -- whether it's a stroll along
the lush Maharajah Jungle Trek at Disney's Animal Kingdom or a
relaxing stop for espresso and pastries at a sidewalk table in
the France pavilion at Epcot World Showcase. Beyond the parks,
couples can embrace a collection of romantic experiences that
seem designed just for them:
- The Couple that 'Spas' Together, Stays Together --
What's more enjoyable than a luxurious spa
treatment? Imagine sharing it with that special someone.
The Grand Floridian Spa & Health Club, in Disney's
Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, features a "couples
room" where guests can enjoy specialized spa
treatments -- such as massages and facials -- with the one
they love. For information about these spa treatments,
call 407/824-2332.
- Magical Resorts -- From the romance of an
African lodge to the Victorian splendor of Disney's Grand
Floridian Resort & Spa, the mood is set for an
enchanting stay at a Walt Disney World resort. Disney's
fantasy hotels transport couples to faraway places with
lavish theming, picturesque views and superior service.
For reservations, call 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639).
- 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. Private butler
service and gourmet meals also are available. Romantic
evening cruises begin at $450/hour (plus tax), including
captain and private deck hand. Reservations can be made up
to 90 days in advance by calling 407/824-2682.
At Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Marina, a 1930s-style
26-foot mahogany runabout is available for private rental.
Half-hour afternoon cruises are $95 (plus tax) for up to
six people. For $275 (plus tax), up to six guests can take
a Fireworks Cruise (45-50 minutes) for an exhilarating,
one-of-a-kind view of "IllumiNations: Reflections of
Earth." The craft travels across Crescent Lake to
Epcot for the nightly fireworks, sound and laser show.
Reservations can be made up to 90 days in advance by
calling 407/WDW-PLAY (939-7529).
Oh, and the name of the boat is perfect for couples in
love: Breathless II.
- Disney Dining Serves Romance -- Couples
find Disney dining infused with romance in settings
ranging from the subdued to the spectacular.
California Grill atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort
offers a panoramic view overlooking the Magic Kingdom
theme park. Here, stellar cuisine and the restaurant’s
award-winning selection of California wines set the stage.
Lovebirds can catch a Florida sunset over Magic Kingdom.
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 as "maids" and "butlers" provide
stellar service to each of the 18 tables 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 table
in Victoria & Albert's kitchen and treated to a
culinary feast custom tailored to their specific tastes 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 around Seven
Seas Lagoon. Certain menu items can be specially prepared
for the evening. Twenty-four hours notice is requested.
For all Walt Disney World dining information, call 407/WDW-DINE
(939-3463).
- 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 and Campground
offers wrangler-led tours (45 minutes) through the deep,
pine-scented woods that make up part of the Vacation
Kingdom's 25,000 acres. Tours leave several times daily
from Trail Blaze Corral, and may be reserved by calling
407/WDW-PLAY (939-7529).
- 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 700-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 respective excursion is 25 minutes long
for $35, available nightly from 5:30-9:30 p.m. For
reservations, call 407/WDW-PLAY (939-7529).
- Weddings Around the 'World' -- The epitome
of Disney romance can be summed up in four words: Disney's
Fairy Tale Weddings. Since the first wedding at Disney's
Wedding Pavilion in 1995, approximately 1,500 couples each
year have exchanged vows at Walt Disney World Resort.
For these couples, dreams become reality. Where else
but at Disney could a bride arrive for her wedding in
Cinderella's glass coach, have a handsome major domo carry
wedding rings to the altar in a glass slipper, or have
Mickey and Minnie greet guests at the reception?
Whether it's an elegant ball at Disney's Grand
Floridian Resort & Spa, a traditional ceremony at the
Wedding Pavilion, a country hoe-down at Disney's Fort
Wilderness Resort and Campground, or a beach-themed
wedding complete with tiki torches, leis and luau on one
of the Walt Disney World white-sand beaches, Disney custom
designs each wedding with the famous "Disney
Difference" -- providing attention to the tiniest
detail.
Disney's wedding specialists become the fairy
godmother, incorporating all the elements including
ceremony, entertainment, cuisine, floral arrangements,
audiovisuals and accommodations. For more information on
Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings, call 321/939-4623, or visit www.disneyweddings.com.
Couples who are tying the knot back home can arrange a
Fairy Tale Honeymoon by calling 321/939-4623 or visiting www.disneyhoneymoons.com.
- Renewing Vows -- Many couples who've been
married for years are coming to Walt Disney World Resort,
often with their families, to renew their vows five, 10,
25 and 50 years later. A Disney vacation provides the
perfect backdrop to celebrate this family milestone.
Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings experts can tailor the
ceremony and celebration to suit each couple.
HORSE-DRAWN
MAGIC--Private, horse-drawn carriage rides are offered nightly
at Disney's Fort Wilderness
Resort & Campground, at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake
Buena Vista, Fla. Guests experience a leisurely
30-minute excursion through the secluded beauty of the Walt
Disney World backwoods. Guests are encouraged
to make reservations up to 60 days in advance by calling
407-824-2832
A dream-come-true
Valentine's Day wedding became a reality on February 14, 2007
for John Kinney and
Julie Parsons of Hillsboro, Ore. during the "Brides"
magazine "Dream Team Wedding" at Walt Disney World
Resort
in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The couple was selected from a
nationwide search conducted by "Brides" magazine for
a
fantasy wedding in front of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom
during Disney Parks' "Year of a Million
Dreams"
celebration. Top bridal industry experts worked their magic to
create a once-in-a-lifetime wedding fit for a princess.
Pictured, the bridegroom carries his new bride into the
Cinderella Castle Suite, the newly opened royal chambers
inside Cinderella Castle specially built this year for
Disney's "Year of a Million Dreams" celebration.
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