Date Night at Walt Disney World

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, I thought it only fitting to talk about Date Night in Disney World!

While many people believe Disney World is a destination for kids and families, there are a TON of things for adults to do as well.  Disney World is a popular destination for guests enjoying their honeymoon and anniversary, after all!

The options for date night in Disney World include high-end signature dining, fun lounges, spectacular shows, and one-of-a-kind experiences.

You can enjoy your date night in any Disney World theme park, resort, or at Disney Springs.  OR you could make a whole day of it and enjoy a combination of all three! 

The possibilities are endless.  So, in this article, I have broken down several Disney World date night ideas that take place throughout the resort.

Which Disney World date night sounds the best to you?  Let me know in the comments!

*Dining at Table Service restaurants will require advance reservations. Check out our Tips to Score the BEST Disney Dining Reservations HERE!

Childcare

The first thing you may need to consider is childcare.  If you are visiting with young children, you will need someone to watch the little ones.  Luckily, there are several options to consider! 

One option is in-room babysitting provided by Kids Nite Out.  This is a Disney-recommended service that provides care for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years.  If you plan to use this service, you will need to make a reservation.  Bookings become available up to 3 months in advance.

Another childcare option is the drop-off childcare service, Camp Dolphin, located at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel.  From 4pm-11pm, children ages 5 to 12 can enjoy crafting, games, themed-activities, and delicious meals and snacks during this program.  If Camp Dolphin is more your speed, then make reservations HERE!

Magic Kingdom

Our first date night takes place at Magic Kingdom.  Between the signature dining, stunning night-time attractions, and amazing fireworks display – you are sure to enjoy an unforgettable evening.

Kick off your Disney World date night with a stroll through and around Cinderella’s castle.  The glass mosaics within are absolutely stunning! 

While exploring around the castle, be sure to find Cinderella’s wishing well.  This is a quiet area of the park which also makes it a popular spot for proposals.  Make sure to snap some photos of the two of you at this iconic location!    

From the castle, head over to Prince Charming’s Regal Carrousel and take a spin on the ornate and intricately carved horses and chariots.  Rumor is the horse with the golden ribbon in its tail is Cinderella’s favorite horse.  See if you can spot it, or better yet, ride it!

Get inspired by Aladdin and Jasmine and enjoy a ride on the Magic Carpets in Adventureland.  Make sure to do it at night so you can take in the beautiful nighttime views of the park!  When you disembark, swing by Aloha Isle for a Dole Whip before enjoying a tropical serenade at the Enchanted Tiki Room.

Signature Dining

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, enjoy one of the signature dining offerings at Magic Kingdom!

Be Our Guest restaurant is a gorgeous recreation of the Beast’s castle in Beauty and the Beast.  The menu features French-inspired cuisine and an extensive wine and champagne list.  Dining here is an elegant affair, but it can get noisy in the ballroom due to the large amount of people it accommodates.

Another signature dining option is Cinderella’s Royal Table located in the castle itself.  We dined here on our last trip to Disney, check out our review HERE!  Dining in the castle is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that may be the perfect component to your date night.  However, this dining location also serves as a meet-and-greet with the princesses.  If you want to avoid character interactions, I suggest considering another dining option.

To keep dinner carefree and fun, consider grabbing some hotdogs from Casey’s Corner and enjoy a picnic on the hub grass while you wait for the fireworks to start.

Fireworks Viewing

Want to take your fireworks viewing to the next level?  Consider booking a Fireworks Dessert Cruise to watch the fireworks from one of the ferry boats on Seven Seas Lagoon.  You can also book a Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace and enjoy specialty desserts, snacks, and beverages before or after the show.

Be sure to stick around the park a little longer after park close to catch the enchanting Kiss Goodnight projection show on the castle.  It’s the perfect ending to a great date night in Magic Kingdom!

EPCOT

EPCOT is a FANTASTIC place to enjoy date night in Disney World.  Often thought of as a more “adult-focused” park, there are plenty of live performances, shops, cultural presentations, and unique eats and drinks to enjoy.  If there is a festival taking place (such as Food and Wine Festival) – even better!

For this date night, we are taking a stroll through World Showcase to Eat and Drink Around the World.  Check out our complete guide HERE!

Wander the Promenade

Here are some highlights from the 11 pavilions for an extra special date night:

Mexico – Take a relaxing boat ride on the Gran Fiesta Tour then order a margarita from La Cava del Tequila lounge.  Time your visit just right, and you may catch a live performance by the mariachi band outside!

China – Explore the beautiful Temple of Heaven at the forefront of the pavilion.  When you stand in the very center of the temple, your voice will echo back due to the perfect acoustic design. From there, explore the lush gardens lit by beautiful lantern light at nighttime.

Italy – Bring your date to the elegant and intimate Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar.  Try to snag one of the couches near the fireplace. Before leaving the pavilion, visit the fountain to make a wish and toss a coin.  All coins are collected by Disney and donated to charity.  This is also a great photo opportunity for the two of you! 

Japan – Shop around at the Mitsukoshi Department Store and check out their one-of-a-kind souvenir offerings!  If you time your visit right, you may also catch a performance by the traditional Japanese drummers as you wander the pavilion.

Morocco – Follow the winding paths toward the back of the pavilion, away from the hustle and bustle of the promenade.  There are many quiet and intimate spots displaying Moroccan artwork and craftsmanship.

UK – explore the hidden garden area located near the International Gateway.  There are some great photo spots to take advantage of with your date! 

Canada – take in the beautiful Victoria Gardens before traveling up the walking trail to the top of the waterfall.  For signature dining, head over to Le Cellier Steakhouse.  Resembling an intimate cellar of a Canadian chateau, Le Cellier offers fine dining inspired by the various Canadian provinces.    

Fireworks Viewing

No date night in EPCOT would be complete without a viewing of the nighttime fireworks spectacular – Harmonious!  There are plenty of locations to get a great view, but if you’d like to make the event EXTRA special, consider booking a fireworks dining package.  These packages can be booked through the Rose and Crown lounge in the UK or the Spice Road Table restaurant in Morocco.

After Hours

If you’re not ready to end date night at park close, take a ride on the skyliner to get incredible views of the Walt Disney World Resort.  Or exit the park through the International Gateway and enjoy the 5-minute walk over to the BoardWalk.  There, you will find plenty of dining options, shops, and exciting nightlife to end your evening.

Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios is all about the magic of movie making.  From glamorous romance to fun and exciting – there are plenty of great opportunities for date night here. 

Galaxy’s Edge

We are kicking off our Disney World date night in the Star Wars-themed land – Galaxy’s Edge!  This area is highly interactive, so take your time to explore with your partner.  A great way to do this is by downloading the Play Disney Parks app. 

This app will turn your phone into a Star Wars datapad, allowing you to translate the local language, Aurebesh.  Working together, use your datapad to scan objects throughout the land, decrypt communications, and interact with droids and control panels.  This is a great way to explore Galaxy’s Edge and doesn’t require a long wait in line!

After completing your missions, head over to Oga’s Cantina for some fun space-themed cocktails in a lively atmosphere.

Toy Story Land

After departing Galaxy’s Edge, head over to Toy Story Land to ride Toy Story Midway Mania.  Make it a competition to see who gets the higher score!  Then, take a ride on Slinky Dog coaster at night and take in the dazzling lights of Toy Story Land.

Signature Dining

If you are looking for Signature Dining in Hollywood Studios, then you will want to make reservations for Hollywood Brown Derby.  This upscale restaurant emulates the glitz and glam of Hollywood’s golden age. 

But if you’d like to keep things more casual for date night, consider popping into The Brown Derby Lounge instead.  The lounge offers a limited menu and great cocktails with patio seating.  It’s the perfect place to kick back and people watch.

Fireworks and Projection Shows

There are a few options for evening entertainment at Hollywood Studios.  Fantasmic has been a staple at Hollywood Studios for years featuring fireworks, pyrotechnics, and water projections.  There are also two projection shows that take place at the Chinese Theater: Wonderful World of Animation and Disney Movie Magic. 

Whichever one you decide to attend, it will be a great ending to date night in Hollywood Studios.

Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom is the perfect date night location for animal lovers and those who appreciate the beauty of nature.

Wildlife Encounters

A must-do on every trip to Animal Kingdom is explore the savanna on Kilimanjaro Safari.  The animals and views along the reserve are truly breathtaking, making the safari a great way to kick off date night!   

From Kilimanjaro, explore the trails on the Maharajah Jungle Trek.  Lush jungle areas, exotic animals, and a beautiful aviary await you and your partner along the path.  Take your time here to really appreciate the beauty all around you.

Signature Dining

When you’ve worked up an appetite, dinner at Tiffins is a MUST!  This Signature Dining experience celebrates exploration and adventure with a menu featuring international cuisine.  This upscale venue will offer a quiet and romantic dining experience for your Animal Kingdom date night.

If you are unable to secure reservations at Tiffins, head into the adjacent Nomad Lounge for small plates and drinks.  While more casual and relaxed than Tiffins, Nomad Lounge still maintains the same atmosphere and great flavors on their limited menu.

Pandora

When darkness falls on the park, take your date over to Pandora – The World of Avatar.  This land is transformed at nighttime, as the plant life and pathways glow with beautiful bioluminescence.  Take a relaxing boat ride on Na’vi River Journey through the visually stunning rainforest and feel transported to a dream world. 

Before leaving Pandora, head over to Pongu Pongu and order a Night Blossom or Mo’ara Margarita to sip on during the evening entertainment.

Nighttime Entertainment

To wrap up your adventure in Animal Kingdom, catch the dazzling Tree of Life Awakenings projection show.  The animal spirits of the Tree of Life come alive in a glittering display of vivid colors and animated imagery.  This show celebrates the beauty of nature and is the perfect ending to your Animal Kingdom date night.     

Disney Springs

Want to enjoy date night in Disney World but don’t have theme park tickets?  No problem!  Disney Springs is the go-to destination for premiere dining, shopping, and entertainment. 

Bowling at Splitsville Luxury Lanes

Start your Disney Springs date night with a friendly bowling competition at Splitsville Luxury Lanes.  Order some light apps and drinks – the sushi is fantastic!    

Unique and Thrilling Experiences

Enjoy a thrilling experience on Aerophile, the world’s largest hand-painted helium balloon.  You and your date will rise 400 feet into the sky and take in rare views of the Walt Disney World Resort. 

If heights aren’t for the two of you, take a tour around Disney Springs in an amphicar.  These vintage-style cars cruise on land and water, offering fantastic views of the surrounding landmarks.

After enjoying some unique views, catch the new Cirque du Soleil show, Drawn to Life.  This new show is the perfect marriage of Cirque du Soleil’s astounding acrobatics and the magic of Disney animation.

Signature Dining

There are numerous dinner options in Disney Springs to suite any palate for date night.

One of the best signature dining locations is Morimoto Asia.  The gorgeous venue hosts stunning 20-foot-long chandeliers, private dining spaces, and Asian-inspired lounges.  Chef Morimoto’s incredibly executed Pan-Asian menu and upscale dining atmosphere is sure to impress for date night.

Another fantastic date night dining location is The Boathouse.  This upscale restaurant offers waterfront dining with views of vintage boats, water taxis, and amphicars.  The eclectic menu offers extensive seafood options as well as fantastic steaks, pastas, and sandwiches to accommodate any palate.  After dinner, take your date on a walk along the connecting boardwalk to admire the waterfront views.     

If high energy and live entertainment are more your taste, head over to The Edison!  The theming here is 1920’s industrial gothic with classic American cuisine.  I have to say, The Edison is QUITE edgy for Disney standards!  Guests can enjoy a wide variety of performances such as burlesque dancers, stilt walkers, aerialists, and a live band playing on the dance floor. 

Dessert To-Go

Before ending your Disney Springs date night, spend some time browsing the unique boutiques while enjoying the live entertainment throughout the area.  Once you find yourself at Amorette’s Patisserie, be sure to purchase a specialty cake to cap off the evening. 

Enjoy it right there next to the scenic waterfront or enjoy it in the comfort of your resort hotel room.

Monorail Resort Hopping

Monorail resort hopping is a great way to enjoy date night in Disney World without needing theme park tickets.  Just hop on and hop off when you are ready to move on to your next destination!

The Disney monorail resorts include Polynesian Village Resort, Contemporary Resort, and Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.  Each of these deluxe resorts have unique offerings that make them great destinations for your Disney World date night.

Lounges

Start your night off in one of the monorail resort lounges for some light appetizers and drinks.

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at the Polynesian offers an entertaining, tropical-themed environment.  The menu features fun tiki drinks that (when ordered) make areas of the room literally come alive!  Jungle Skippers make up the wait staff, and guests can expect to see many nods to the Jungle Cruise attraction here. 

For a more upscale lounge experience, hop on the monorail and head over to the Enchanted Rose at the Grand Floridian.  This lounge is exquisite and lovely, with theming inspired by the classic animated feature, Beauty and the Beast.  The bar area is lit by a stunning golden chandelier reminiscent of Belle’s shimmering ball gown.  Order an artisanal cheese plate and some floral cocktails before continuing your monorail tour.

Signature Dining

There are two signature dining locations on the monorail loop that stand out for date night.  The first, is Victoria and Abert’s at the Grand Floridian.  This is THE premiere dining experience in Walt Disney World.  Victoria and Albert’s is a recipient of AAA’s illustrious Five Diamond Award.  It is elegant fine dining at its absolute best, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience you and your date will never forget.   

Another great signature dining reservation for date night is the award-winning California Grill at the Contemporary Resort.  The food here is AMAZING with a menu featuring Pacific Coast cuisine.  Guests of California Grill dine on the 15^th floor of the Contemporary Resort, where they can take in views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom.  If you time your reservation right, this is a great location to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks!

Fireworks Viewing

As I mentioned before, California Grill is a great spot to catch the Magic Kingdom fireworks.  But if you can’t secure dining reservations at just the right time, you are welcome to return with your receipt and enjoy the fireworks from the Contemporary’s observation deck.  This also applies to guests who enjoy reservations at the restaurant earlier that same day.

If you want to watch the fireworks from the Grand Floridian, head out to the marina area outside Gasparilla Island Grill.  There is plenty of outdoor seating, so grab one of their specialty cupcakes and some coffees and settle in for the show!

Another great option for fireworks viewing is the beach area at the Polynesian Resort.  Grab some Dole Whips and get cozy on one of the hammocks to enjoy the fireworks on your very own tropical getaway.

I hope these Disney World date night ideas have inspired your own perfect celebration with your special someone!

Check out even more of our favorite Table Service recommendations HERE and our Quick Service recommendations HERE!

Looking for more Disney World trip planning articles?  Check out our Walt Disney World Planning Guide HERE and our Packing List HERE!

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