According to the travel industry experts, Walt Disney World is one of the top 10 honeymoon destinations in the world. And really, why wouldn't it be? Great food, great fun and plenty of activities for you and your honey. So here are some helpful tips if you're planning to spend your honeymoon at "The Most Magical Place on Earth."
1. Choose When to Visit.
Now I don’t expect you to set your wedding date around expected crowd levels at Walt Disney World; however, a Disney honeymoon will be MUCH more relaxing (and romantic) during off-peak seasons like late spring and mid-fall. You might find better deals on airfare and lodging during those times, too. Leap's Crowd Calendar is a good place to start when deciding when to visit.
2. Sign up for Disney’s Honeymoon Registry.
Instead of getting four toaster ovens that you don’t need, sign up for Disney’s Honeymoon Registry and get exactly what you want. Of course, you’ll have already purchased discount tickets in advance, but your friends and family can give you everything from dinner at the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue to a shopping spree at Disney Springs. For more information about Disney's Honeymoon Registry, click here.
3. Stay at a Moderate or Deluxe Disney Hotel.
Staying on-site for a Disney honeymoon is a must. You won’t have to worry about driving (just hop on the Disney bus and go) and the service is second to none. I would recommend at least a Moderate Resort, but since it’s your honeymoon, why not splurge on a Deluxe? There’s a much better selection of on-site recreation and dining options at the Deluxe Resorts. The Value Resorts are just fine, but the word “romance” doesn’t come to mind when I think of them. See and book all Disney hotels here.
4. Make Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs) early.
This is a good idea for all Disney vacations, but it is imperative for a Disney honeymoon. Of course, you might make reservations at a Signature Restaurant at one of the Disney Resort hotels, but don’t forget to make ADRs for your days at the parks. It’ll be a nice time for the two of you to get out of the crowds and enjoy a semi-quiet meal. Monsieur Paul or Le Cellier at Epcot are good choices. Be Our Guest is the most romantic of the Magic Kingdom restaurants. Tony’s Town Square at Magic Kingdom may not be the quietest, but it's perfect for re-enacting the classic scene from Lady and the Tramp. That reminds me…When you make your reservations (hotel and dining), tell everyone who’ll listen that it’s your honeymoon. Those Disney folks are great at making your experience even more special.
5. Talk about what kind of Disney honeymoon you’d like to have.
A theme park vacation can be a bit stressful, so make sure you and your fiancé talk about what kind of Disney honeymoon you'd like to have beforehand. Do you both like to take your time and follow a loose schedule? Or are you both thrill ride junkies who will want to hop from park to park? Do you want to have a good idea of where and how you’ll spend each day? Or would it be just fine if you slept in and laid by the pool the whole time?
6. Wear Celebration Buttons…And the Bride & Groom Mickey Ears!
Make sure to pick up your free “Happily Ever After” Celebration Buttons at Guest Relations; you’ll get lots of attention from Cast Members the whole week. While you’re at it, go ahead and get those Bride & Groom Mickey Ears. Think about it, when are you ever going to get to do that again???
7. Take your time. Take your time. Take your time.
Did I mention to take your time? You and your new hubby/wife have just come off of whirlwind event and you’re probably just a wee-bit tired from the whole thing. A Disney honeymoon is one of the only times you’ll hear me say it’s OK to sleep in and just go with the flow.
8. Use Disney’s PhotoPass service.
Not that you won’t take plenty of candid shots of each other with your own camera, but Disney’s PhotoPass service is a low-stress way to have great pictures taken of both of you. When you get home you can add fun borders to your pictures, too! Click here for more information about Disney's PhotoPass.
9. Plan some non-theme park activities.
Take a Specialty Cruise along the waterways of Walt Disney World Resort. Get a Couples Massage at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Float 400 feet above Disney Springs aboard Characters in Flight.
10. Start a few traditions.
You’ve decided to begin your journey as a married couple at the “Most Magical Place on Earth” so why not begin a few magical traditions while you’re there. Whether it’s just the two of you again on your next Disney vacation or you have a tadpole in tow, those “Remember when…” moments are always very special. The Frog Family has made a few of our own traditions over the years, read them here.
Have you planned a honeymoon at Walt Disney World? Tell us about in the comments below! And for more vacation planning tips, check out our When to Visit Orlando page inside the Orlando Planning Timeline!
Hoppy planning!
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