If you're anything like us, date nights in 2020 and 2021 have consisted of takeout and Disney+ — with Tad and Lily in tow too! In an unusual year with lots of time together, Leap and I only recently took a date night outside of the house. Naturally, this hoppened at Disney World! Whether it's Valentine's Day or any day that you want to spark romance, there are plenty of ways to show your love at Disney World.

Romantic Things to Do at Disney World Year-Round

Now, I know this is hard to believe, but there are romantic things to do at Disney World even when it's not Valentine's Day. (Someone, please send word to Leap!) Surrounded by castles and fairy tales, Disney World is a toadally romantic pick to spend some quality time reconnecting with your partner. Here are a few of my favorite ideas!

Stay at a Disney World Resort Hotel

Walt Disney World Resort is dotted with hotels and resorts that cater to the needs and whims of visiting families. Not all of the Disney World Resort hotels say romance, but quite a few of them have lovely grounds that are perfect for moonlit strolls and impromptu picnics! The grande dame of them all, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, is the epitome of elegance and romance. Like something straight out of a fairy tale, it's no surprise that the Disney Wedding Pavilion is located on the grounds. It's also home to the Enchanted Rose Lounge, a toadally romantic date night choice, if I do say so myself. Check it out in the video below!

We also think Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, Disney's Riviera Resort and Disney's Yacht and Beach Club are all good choices for couples, each with a romantic twist, gorgeous views and fun activities (sangria-making, anyone?). One of Leap's faves (blame it on his love of Hawaiian shirts) is Disney's Polynesian Resort. While the resort is undergoing a refurbishment currently, that means when it reopens this summer, the rooms will be even more reminiscent of a tropical paradise, complete with our favorite tiki stop, Trader Sam's. And a little bird might have mentioned, but we have discounts on Disney World hotel rooms so that you can save some extra green to splurge on romantic extras instead.

Make a Splash on the Water

Delicious food options make Disney Springs a hoppin' date night spot. However, this revamped shopping, dining and entertainment district makes for a great date "day" too. For a fun experience — and a peek at how we amphibians live — hop in one of the vintage amphicars that drive on land and float on water at The BOATHOUSE. You'll have your own captain, and you can snuggle in the back seat during the tour across the waters of Disney Springs. Tours are offered daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. for up to three at $125 per car. Earlier reservations will be easier to come by.

Or perhaps you're feeling inspired by Ariel and Prince Eric's boat ride? You can rent canoes or kayaks at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Set off on your own excursion through the scenic streams and tranquil waterways. Sha-la-la-la-la-la, my, oh my! (Singing frogs not included.)

The Old Faithfuls

Flowers and chocolate are synonymous with Valentine’s Day, but think beyond the store-bought ones. Adding Disney-style to the old standbys really revs up the romance. Have a flower arrangement designed by a Disney florist delivered to your room. To add even more “enchantment,” ask the Dream Maker — Disney-speak for florist — to add on the “Romance with Rose Petals” package. The gift includes a plentiful supply of rose petals sprinkled in your resort room. Ohh. La. La.

Each Disney World Resort hotel will have some special sweets and treats on-hand for the occasion this year, too, including specialty cupcakes and a Valentine's Day Celebration Wine Package. For a cool $17, you can snag sparkling wine and chocolate ganaches to share with your honey — available Valentine's Day weekend only.

For sweets for your sweetie on Valentine's Day or anytime, stop by Disney Springs for Sprinkles Cupcakes, Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC, Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop, Amorette’s Patisserie or The Ganachery. New to Disney Springs in 2021 are Gideon's Bakehouse, Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew and the M&M's Store, adding even more delicious options to spoil your special someone with sugar!

If you're heading to Disney World during or even just outside of the month of February, you'll find specialty offerings for the season. Here's what's available for 2021:

Disney Springs

• The Ganachery (available Jan. 31 to Feb. 14)
  
  • Sweetheart Minnie Piñata – Minnie Mouse dark chocolate sphere decorated with signature red bow and red heart-shaped dots filled with marshmallow treats.
  • Love Note Heart Piñatas – Chocolate heart filled with heart marshmallows adorned with sweet saying for your love (available Feb 11-14 only).
  • Strawberries and Champagne Ganache Squares – Dark chocolate melded with strawberries and Champagne. Whimsical Cinderella’s coach container (holds two ganache squares) available for purchase.
  • I Heart U Ganache Lollipop – Raspberry and dark chocolate ganache on a stick decorated with I Heart U.

• Amorette’s Patisserie (available Feb. 7-14)
  
  • Dipped Strawberry Bouquet – Strawberry dipped in Guayaquil dark chocolate.
  • Love is in the Air Petit Cake – Pink velvet chiffon, strawberry mousse, chocolate chiffon, peanut butter filling, strawberry crisp pearls and strawberry jelly.
• Marketplace Snacks (available Feb. 1-28)
  
  • A Valentine Swirl – A swirl of DOLE Whip  Strawberry and Chocolate Soft-Serve with Chocolate-dipped Strawberry Garnish.

Magic Kingdom Park

• Main Street Bakery and Various Carts (available Feb. 12-14)

• • Royal Majesty – Strawberry-flavored cake pop dipped in red chocolate and coated with sprinkles.

EPCOT

• Biergarten Restaurant, Traveler’s Café and Garden Grill Restaurant  (available Feb. 14)

• • Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookie – Sugar cookies with heart sprinkles.
• Coral Reef Restaurant (available Feb. 14)
  
  • Red Velvet Cake with white chocolate cream cheese icing, raspberry coulis and a chocolate strawberry truffle.
• Le Cellier Steakhouse (available Feb. 14)
  
  • Red Velvet Chocolate Bar – Dark chocolate crémeux, red velvet cake, white chocolate-orange-flavored liqueur and raspberry coulis.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

• Creature Comforts (available Feb. 2 to March 1)
  
  • Valentine’s Brownie with Mousse Dome – Strawberry mousse atop a chocolate brownie with valentine heart sprinkles.
  • Valentine’s Cupcake – Chocolate cake, cherry filling and vanilla frosting with a chocolate zebra-striped heart.
• Restaurantosaurus Restaurant and Flame Tree Barbecue (available Feb. 2 to March 1)
  
  • Valentine’s Cupcake – Chocolate cake with milk chocolate, soft ganache filling, vanilla buttercream and Simba and Nala chocolate coin. 
• Dino-Bite Snacks (available Feb. 2 to March 1)
  
  • Valentine Ice Cream Sandwich – Strawberry ice cream between two chocolate cookies rolled in sprinkles.
• Tiffins Restaurant (available Feb. 14)
  
  • Valentine’s Dessert – Chocolate-hazelnut mousse, pistachio cookie, berry coulis, pistachio sponge, chocolate ganache and hazelnut liqueur-infused chocolate strawberry.
• Nomad Lounge and Tiffins Restaurant (available Feb. 12-14)
  
  • Rose Rosé – Vodka, single estate rye, simple syrup, rose water and rosé brut.

Night Lights

While fireworks and nighttime spectaculars are temporarily unavailable at Disney World, there are still plenty of dazzling displays after dark around the resort. Once the sun goes down, the park's iconic landmarks, including Cinderella Castle, the Millennium Falcon and the Tree of Life, are illuminated and make romantic backdrops to snap a selfie or steal a smooch (just remember that masks must say on unless you're stationary and eating or drinking. That means the best time to snap a pic or give a quick kiss is during or just after a meal or snack break!). The neon lights at the Chinese Theater, now home to Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway, are mesmerizing at night. At EPCOT's France pavilion, you can currently see the sign for Gusteau's all lit up in preparation for the opening of Remy's Ratatouille Adventure ... and the Eiffel Tower is pretty fantastic too! Would you believe me if I said one of my favorite areas lit up at night was a bathroom? It's true! In Fantasyland, the Rapunzel bathrooms are alight with lanterns after the sun sets, making a gorgeous sight in the evening. All at once, everything looks different, now that I see youuuuu ...

Over at Disney Springs, Leap loves watching the Rainforest Cafe volcano erupt, lighting up the sky every 30 minutes after dark (yes, I know — he's a big kid). Disney World Resort hotel guests also have in-room access to stream "Happily Ever After" right from their TVs! (Valentine's Day Celebration Wine Package + "Happily Ever After" from the hotel room = a happy Flora).

You can also take in the Electrical Water Pageant from the beach at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney's Polynesian Village, Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Disney's Grand Floridian.

Sunset Strolls in the Sand 

There are spectacular beaches around the Disney property. Each of them are perfect places to watch the sunset. Grab some champagne and strawberries, or fixings for a full picnic. Disney's Beach Club, Yacht Club, Polynesian and Grand Floridian have fantastic beach areas with swinging benches on which you can snuggle up next to your sweetie. You may just stay long enough to catch the Electrical Water Pageant!

Snuggle Up

When I asked Leap what I should include in this guide, his response solely consisted of rides where you can snuggle up with your ride partner. (I'll take it!) Over at Magic Kingdom, Astro Orbiter, Peter Pan's Flight and even the Haunted Mansion fit the bill (though that last one doesn't set the most romantic tone, Leap!). Alien Swirling Saucers always makes us slide together as we ride, and the charming Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway is sweet enough to make your heart burst ... plus all of the zany movements get you sliding in your seat too!

Snap a Selfie

There are so many picture-perfect spots around the resort! I can't even list them all because I find a new spot every time we visit. Cinderella Castle, Cinderella's Wishing Well, the UK pavilion garden and the waterfall in Canada are all fantastic spots to stop. (OK, truth be told, most of World Showcase makes for beautiful photos!) The pathways around the Tree of Life and the Pandoran sky islands are our must-stops at Animal Kingdom ... but most of that park is gorgeous, too, so keep your camera handy. For special occasions like Valentine's Day, you may also find that PhotoPass photographers have special props to use to commemorate the occasion.

I Love You a Latte

Got a java lover? There are Starbucks locations all around the resort, as well as Joffrey's coffee, which is known for its latte art ... including Disney characters! Both Everglazed and Gideon's at Disney Springs have rave reviews over their coffee, as well. Looking for a special gift for your coffee-lover? Each retail location offers specialty beans to take home, plus park-specific ceramic and acrylic tumblers and mugs.

Merch and Gifts

And speaking of gifts, you'll find anything you could imagine (plus more) at Disney Springs any time of year. World of Disney is the largest Disney Store in the world! But if you'll be visiting around Valentine's Day, you'll find some special offerings just for the season of love, including Pandora charms, Dooney & Bourke bags, phone cases, MagicBands, plushies and more.

Plan a Romantic Dinner

Guests can now reserve dining 60 days in advance through My Disney Experience. If the restaurant of your choice is full, we recommend you call or check the dining reservation website daily until your trip for any last-minute cancellations. For the Disney Springs restaurants, you can also try Open Table. We've noted any restaurants with an asterisk that are offering a special Valentine's Day menu for 2021. Here are our romantic faves from A-Z:

• Be Our Guest Restaurant at Magic Kingdom Park
• California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort*
  
  • Valentine’s Day Prix Fixe Menu (available Feb. 11-14)
    
    • Sparkling Wine Toast Included.
    • Choice of One Appetizer:
      
      • Plant City Strawberry Salad – Butter lettuce, strawberry variations, corn shortbread and avocado.
      • Braised Beef Short Rib Wontons with doenjang miso-cola-onion sauce, crispy garlic-chili oil, radish and pickled lotus root.
      • Yellowfin Tuna Sampler – Maki, Oshizushi, Nigiri, Tartare served with Wasabi, pickled ginger, dashi, crispy garlic, yuzu-gooseberry gel, soy gel and tapioca-nori puff.
    • Choice of One Entrée:
      
      • Jumbo Scallops served with herb basmati rice, lobster, cashew chutney, bok choy, baby shiitake and kaffir lime-coconut nage.
      • Oak-fired Wagyu Striploin served with potato-celeriac-apple pavé, leek fondue and fig-onion demi.
      • Green Circle Chicken served with truffle-potato rostï, porcini cream, baby turnips and roasted cipollini.
    • Dessert:
      
      • Key-to-Your-Heart Dessert – Raspberry chèvre cheesecake, milk chocolate mousse, strawberry mousse heart, almond crumble, hibiscus meringues and fresh strawberries.
    • Special wine pairings will be available.
• Jaleo at Disney Springs
• Le Cellier at EPCOT
• Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs
• Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa*
  
  • Valentine’s Day Prix Fixe Menu (available Feb. 11-14):
    
    • Choice of One Appetizer:
      
      • Endive and Pear Salad with Gorgonzola, cherrywood-smoked bacon
        and apple-maple vinaigrette.
      • Maine Lobster Bisque – Butter-poached lobster, coral and chervil.
    • Choice of One Entrée:
      
      • Grass-fed Filet Mignon served with Yukon Gold mash, roasted carrots, cipollini onions and red wine-oxtail reduction.
      • Pan-seared Georges Bank Day Boat Scallops served with Parisian-style gnocchi, peas, ham and truffle-Meyer lemon cream.
    • Dessert:
      
      • Key-to-Your-Heart Dessert – Raspberry chèvre cheesecake, milk chocolate mousse, strawberry mousse heart, almond crumble, hibiscus meringues and fresh strawberries.
    • Special wine pairings will be available.
• The Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney's Hollywood Studios
• Tiffins at Disney's Animal Kingdom
• Topolino's Terrace - Flavors of the Riviera at Disney's Riviera Resort*

• • Valentine’s Day Prix Fixe Menu (available Feb. 11-14):
    
    • Sparkling Wine Toast Included.
    • Choice of One Appetizer:
      
      • Gnocchi – Duck confit, pesto bianco, garden kale and pinole.
      • Romaine Insalata – Ricotta, watercress, acciuga, lemon and olio d’oliva.
    • Choice of One Entrée:
      
      • King Salmon – Artichoke risotto, sauce vierge, upland cress and huile d’ olive.
      • Filet Mignon – Truffle mashed potatoes, charred barbeque onions, fungi purée and vinaigrette.
      • Rigatoni – Braised chicken sugo, chanterelles mushrooms, dandelion greens, broccolini and Parmigiano-Reggiano.
    • Choice of One Dessert:
      
      • Warm Valrhona Chocolate Cake – Sea salt caramel center, chantilly and raspberries.
      • Key-to-Your-Heart Dessert – Raspberry chèvre cheesecake, milk chocolate mousse, strawberry mousse heart, almond crumble, hibiscus meringues and fresh strawberries.
    • Special wine pairings will be available.
• Tutto Italia at EPCOT

No matter where you end up, you're sure to have a romantic time at the Most Magical Place on Earth with your special someone by your side!

By now, your special someone has landed the hint that you'd care for a bit of romance. I've listed out some of the most romantic things to do at Disney World, but I'm sure there's more. What romantic Disney World Valentine's Day activities do you plan? Share your suggestions or questions in comments below!

Related: Top Tips for Celebrating a Birthday at Disney World

Hoppy planning!