8 of Our Favorite Romantic Spots in Walt Disney World ·

25 Jun 2024, 00:00

February is here and that means that romance is in the air. It’s time for Valentine’s Day. There aren’t many places more romantic than Walt Disney World, so let’s take a look at eight of our favorite romantic scenes inside the parks.

1. Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid: Magic Kingdom

The Little Mermaid is a Disney classic and one of the great animated love stories of all time. So, it’s no surprise that the attraction is overflowing with romance. The dark ride attraction tells the story of Ariel, the mermaid princess who falls in love with a human and risks everything to be with him.

Their love story is celebrated with two brilliant scenes inside the attraction. The first is the “Kiss the Girl” scene, which features Ariel and Eric’s boat ride through a grotto. The trees are draped with Spanish moss and the full moon hangs high in the sky while Sebastian serenades the couple. The lighting, the music, and the fountains of water (created by a few helpful fish) make it one of the most romantic scenes inside the Magic Kingdom.

The end of the attraction gives us another doozy of a scene: Ariel and Eric’s wedding. King Triton watches the couple from afar as they celebrate their nuptials. Fireworks light up the sky. If, like me, you’re a sucker for a good love story, you’ll probably need a hanky to dry your tears by the time you exit the attraction.

2. Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros: Epcot

Okay, hear me out. There’s not a romantic scene on this attraction like those found in Journey of the Little Mermaid. Donald Duck does chase a few women, but that’s about it. However, the beginning of the attraction is hands down one of the most romantic spots in all of Walt Disney World.

After boarding your boat, you begin your journey by passing in front of the ruins of an enormous temple. The sky is dark but for the soft glow of candles at nearby San Angel Inn Restaurante. In terms of ambiance, it might just be the most romantic spot in all of Walt Disney World.

3. The Festival of the Lion King: Animal Kingdom

The Festival of the Lion King is one of the highlights of any trip to Animal Kingdom. The show brings all the excitement of Disney’s animated classic to life through song, dance, and acrobatics. In terms of sheer romance, it’s hard to think of anything that could top the blend of ballet and aerial acrobatics which take place during the song, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (easily one of Disney’s greatest love songs).

The dancers come on stage dressed as a pair of colorful birds, and begin their dance on the ground. The song is sung as a duet while the dancers bend and sway to the music. As the song reaches its ultimate crescendo, one of the dancers takes flight, twirling and twisting her way through the air. It’s utterly breathtaking.

4. Enchanted Tales With Belle: Magic Kingdom

Beauty and the Beast is another of Disney’s great love stories. The story of Belle saving Beast from his curse is one of the most moving stories in the Disney canon.

In Enchanted Tales With Belle, young Guests help retell the story of how Belle came to the castle, met the Beast, fell in love with him and ultimately broke the curse. Children are chosen for a variety of parts, ranging from Mrs. Potts, to Beast himself. Belle watches as the children recreate the children recreate the story. At the end, she comes forward to dance with the young Guest chosen to portray Beast. It’s a sweet and utterly charming way to depict one of the most romantic scenes in movie history.

5. Pirates of the Caribbean: Magic Kingdom

First of all: pirates and swashbuckling are romantic. End of story. It doesn’t need any further explanation. However, if you aren’t willing to make that leap with me I’ll make this argument: Pirates of the Caribbean presents us with a deep and moving story of unrequited love. Seriously.

If you’ll recall, the second half of the ride takes us through a town being burned and pillaged by pirates. Some loot and others ransack. However, one buccaneer finds himself pursued in circles by a love struck maiden. She chases him round and round, doomed to never quite catch him in her loving embrace. It’s almost Shakespearean.

6. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway: Hollywood Studios

No list of Disney romances would be complete without including Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Walt Disney famously said that the story of Disney “all began with a mouse,” but that’s not quite true. It began with two mice. After all, Minnie and Mickey both debuted in Steamboat Willie. Their love story sits at the very beginning of all things Disney.

The final scene in Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is a perfect depiction of the romance between the two. After a series of misadventures, they find themselves in a park at night. There are trees, flowers, stars, and a babbling brook. To top it off, fireworks explode overhead. What could be better?

7. The Haunted Mansion: Magic Kingdom

Like pirates, I have to admit that I find the Haunted Mansion romantic in and of itself. So does my wife. We’re spooky together. Plus, there’s a reason people go to scary movies on dates. It’s a good excuse to hold onto each other. So, for that reason alone I’d consider the Haunted Mansion a romantic spot.

However, we also shouldn’t forget about Constance Hatchaway. You know? The black widow bride? She hangs out in the attic with an ax. She loves love so much that she gets married over and over and over. You can ever hear her reciting her wedding vows when you see her. Heck, she’s so enamored of romance that she’s still wearing her wedding gown. Sure she beheads all her spouses, but every relationship has problems right? Okay, you know what. Forget about Constance.

8. Pandora: The World of Avatar: Animal Kingdom

Like the Gran Fiesta at Epcot, there’s no romantic story that made me include this on the list. It’s just the ambiance. If you’re looking for magic and romance, just pay a visit to Pandora at night. The world literally glows. Add the floating mountains and the waterfalls and it’s easily one of the most romantic settings in all of the parks.