Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Disney Romance In the Parks

Since my best friend is heading to Disney in November for part of her honeymoon, she asked me to write a few articles for their trip.  In this post, I'm assessing the parks in order according to their romantic offerings.

1. EPCOT
  • The World Showcase is stunning at night.  Each country's pavilion is lit up and they are beautiful.  I highly recommend trying to go there on an extra magic hours night and strolling along in the darker hours while sipping a cool beverage.
  • Best restaurants for couples:
    Le Cellier Steakhouse (Canada) - dark and romantic - their steaks are to die for!
    The Coral Reef (Living Seas Pavilion) - an amazing dining experience inside one of the largest man-made reefs in the world.
    Tutto Italia (Italy) - rather expensive for a bowl of pasta, but incredibly romantic
    Monsieur Paul (France) - this is pricey, but very nice.
    San Angel Inn (Mexico) - it's always night inside of the Mexican pavilion and the prices are not bad.
  • Best rides for adults:
    Mission to Mars
    Test Track
    Soarin'
  • Best places to sit and relax:
    France - there is a small bistro in France where you can buy a cheese place and a chocolate croissant and a cup of coffee and sit and feel as though you truly are far away in France.
    Canada - there is a gorgeous waterfall in Canada that you can sit near and simply relax.
2. Magic Kingdom

  • The Magic Kingdom earned its name - it is magic! Heading to this park without kids is still great! Ride just the rides you like best, stop for a cup of coffee on your own time, and catch some amazing shows.  Definitely don't miss the Main Street Electrical Parade.
  • Best restaurants for couples:
    Cinderella's Castle is incredibly romantic - especially at night.
    Be Our Guest - quick service at lunch and table service at Dinner, it's a cool place to eat.
    Tony's Town Square Restaurant - inspired by the romantic Lady and the Tramp spaghetti scene.
  • Best rides for adults:
    Space Mountain
    Thunder Mountain
    Pirates of the Caribbean
    Walt's Carousel of Progress
  • Best place to sit and relax:
    As you face the castle, if you head to the left and walk up beside the castle on that side, you'll come upon a number of benches in small alcoves.  They make for a lovely place to sit and relax with a cup of coffee and if you head over to that side during the Dream Along with Mickey, characters will wave right to you as they go on stage.

3. Hollywood Studios
  • Hollywood Studios is geared toward adults - its purpose is supposedly the opposite of the Magic Kingdom.  While the MK is supposed to provide seamless and real magic, Hollywood Studios tries to break the magic down and show you how they do it - the shows are all about giving you a chance to see how that magic is made. Whatever you do, don't miss Fantasmic!
  • Best restaurants for couples:
    Hollywood Brown Derby - this is a pricey place to eat, but worth every penny.  The atmosphere is true Hollywood and the food is delicious.
    Sci-Fi Dine in Theater - eat in vintage-designed cars that are lit and have built-in tables. You eat while a black-and-white rendition of "scary" movie clips from the 1950s plays on a large projection screen.
  • Best rides for adults:
    Tower of Terror
    Rock'n Roller Coaster
    Star Tours
  • Best shows for adults:
    Lights, Motors, Action
    Fantasmic!
4. Animal Kingdom

  • Animal Kingdom's charm is in the walking around between things.  The paths between Africa and Asia and Dinoland USA are beautiful and there are many beautiful sights to see.  If you don't like to walk, I wouldn't go here, but if you do, get a bottle of water or a cold soda and head out to explore with your camera.
  • Personally, I don't think any of the restaurants in the Animal Kingdom are that amazing, but here are the ones I like best:
    Tusker House
    Yak and Yeti
  • Best rides for adults:
    Dinosaur
    Everest
    Kali River Rapids
    Kilimanjaro Safari
  • Best places to sit and relax:
    Asia has several nice areas to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee or just rest for a few minutes.
    Africa's Wildlife Express Train allows you to sit and enjoy pretty views as you head to Rafiki's Planet Watch.

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