The Most Romantic Restaurants Around the 'World' by WDWTravels~Kris

The Most Romantic Restaurants Around the 'World'

Couples who've been bitten by the love bug don't need a fairy godmother to find romance at Walt Disney World Resort. This is, after all, home to some of the world's most famous romances: Cinderella and Prince Charming, Lady and the Tramp, Beauty and the Beast -- and don't forget America's sweethearts, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. Throughout the theme parks and resorts there are as many opportunities for romantic dinners as there are hidden Mickey's.

"Romantic dining" does not necessarily have to include darkened mood lighting, lit candles, a calm atmosphere, and classic music playing in the background.

If that were the case, I'd only have two choices for you: Victoria & Albert's and the Bistro de Paris at Epcot.
There are several notable things about V&A’s: 1.) It’s the only AAA 5-diamond restaurant in Orlando (and one of only a handful in Florida), 2.) It’s the only Disney World restaurant where children (under age 10) are not welcome in the dining room, and 3.) Its chef’s table is the hottest ticket around.

Victoria and Albert's Chefs Table

Bistro de Paris is a dinner-only establishment upstairs from Chefs de France. At about $70/person for three courses, it is one of the pricier locations to eat in the parks. The price combined with upscale service make this an ideal location for a leisurely, intimate dinner

Walt Disney World may be known as a child's playground, but in fact, there's much more to it than that. In my opinion, Walt Disney World can be one of the most romantic places to be - especially in the evening. With all the amazing restaurants to choose from, you have almost unlimited options.

Magic Kingdom
First: Cinderella's Royal Table
Second: Tony's Town Square Restaurant
Counter Service: Columbia Harbour House (upstairs)

Tom Sawyer's Island: I consider the entire island a getaway. he other is the covered seating area around Aunt Polly's on the opposite side. Again, very pretty views, and so few guests realize it's there!

Epcot
First: Bistro de Paris
Second: Coral Reef in the Living Seas pavilion at Epcot is another wonderful place to dine with your sweetie. Enjoy the absolutely gorgeous views of the largest saltwater aquarium on land
Third: Chefs de France What is more romantic than a dinner in France? Well, dinner in France at Epcot. Some of the seating at this restaurant is under a glass patio, which is very romantic in the evening. Plus, with all of the servers speaking French you feel like you are right in the heart of Paris

Honorable mention: San Angel This restaurant is located inside the pyramid at Epcot. As soon as you walk into this restaurant, you will be transported to a little cafe in Mexico. The restaurant is dark with candles for lighting. San Angel Inn sits on the water where the ride floats by to add to the romantic setting.

San Angel Inn Mexico Pavilion

Disney's Hollywood Studios

First: The Hollywood Brown Derby
Second: Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano
Counter Service: Starring Rolls Bakery (eat under an umbrella)

Disney's Animal Kingdom
First: Yak and Yeti
Second: Tusker House


Downtown Disney

	Cap'n Jack's Restaurant (Marketplace): A cozy 'hidden  gem' with very casual atmosphere; informal romantic opportunity.
	Bongos Cuban Cafe (West Side): Casual, festive atmosphere, especially on the live-band nights; great place for casual (and much calmer) lunch.
	The Dining Room at Wolfgang Puck's (West Side): Not especially quiet, but a top recommendation for couples.

Disney's Board Walk

	Flying Fish Cafe: Beautiful setting and fantastic food.

Walt Disney World Resorts

	Jiko - The Cooking Place (Animal Kingdom Lodge): very pretty setting.
	California Grill (Contemporary): Casually elegant,
	Maya Grill (Coronado Springs): Unique opportunity; very pretty setting.
	Citricos (Grand Floridian): Elegantly casual
	Narcoossee's (Grand Floridian): A great beginning or end to your vacation together; outstanding views.

Adventures by Disney

ADVENTURES BY DISNEY

Are you starting to plan your summer vacation? Have a student graduating school or celebrating a milestone? So, you have been to Southern California and Disneyland on your own. This vacation needs to be a vacation with Adventures by Disney!
Your Adventure begins when you are picked up at the Los Angeles International Airport. You will board a private motor coach to the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel. There you will meet your fellow Adventurers! You will enjoy Hollywood Tour seeing landmarks, restaurants, shopping and entertainment centers you have seen in pictures and movies. After your first amazing day, you go back to the Renaissance Hotel in Hollywood for the Welcome Dinner.
Your second day is filled with several private tours you will remember for a lifetime! You will see The Jim Henson Company Lot Tour, where you will enjoy a privately guided VIP Tour of the historic studio. How about lunch at Tam O' Shanter? One of Walt Disney's favorite "hangouts" and one of Los Angeles' oldest restaurants. You will also tour the Walt Disney Studios. You will do all of your touring of "Old Hollywood" aboard an open-air vehicle.
On your third day, you will arrive at the Disneyland Resort. Where you will be staying at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa.
While you are at the Disneyland Resort, you will experience VIP Custom Tours of Disneyland Park. You will visit areas that are off limits to other park guests, learn the history of Walt Disney, see Walt Disney's personal apartment, reserved seating for the afternoon parade, and special Disney FASTPASS service.
At Disney's California Adventure, you will have a privately guided VIP experince. Your adventure begins before the park opens to regular guests. You will have a behind-the-scenes look at the workings of the park. You will also experience the World of Color at a VIP Viewing Area.
During your Adventure, you will enjoy Character Dining, Breakfast inside Disneyland Park, several lunches, Welcome Dinner and Farewell Dinner. You will have the services of two Adventure Guides, accommodations, luggage service, transportation within your adventure, VIP access, exclusive activities, special fun for the kids, and surprises along the way.
Let me help you plan your next adventure with an Adventures by Disney vacation for your family!

Not Your Parent’s Epcot Anymore!

The first time I went to Epcot, in April of 1989, I was 8 years old. I don’t remember a lot of things from my first trip… But I do remember a few things from Epcot…Such as Kitchen Cabaret, which we called the veggie, veggie, fruit, fruit show; some lady making candy animals in the Japan pavilion; the squirting water outside of Journey into Imagination; and the fuzz ball guy from Captain EO. Other than that, I remember it being a very long day for not only me and my siblings, but also for my parents who had to listen to us beg to go back to the Magic Kingdom. I remember our parents telling us it was there day to enjoy and we needed to be patient. Back in 1989, there wasn’t too much for a kid to do… We then went back, 21 years later, and I wasn’t sure what to expect… Boy have things changed!

I remember seeing Minnie all dressed up in traditional Asian clothing, and how all the kids pushed and parents pulled, to make sure their child got their picture taken with her. Me and my sister were somehow thrown in the mix. Now, there is a designated area to meet and greet your favorite Fab Five characters at Epcot’s Character Spot, near the Innoventions West exhibit in Future World. In this air conditioned building, which is open from 9am-9pm, you get to take your picture and have autographs signed by Mickey and pals with a normally very short wait time. There are larger than life cut outs behind the photo spots, making each picture a bright, fun memory. Be sure to have your photo pass and cameras ready, along with your autograph books!

Caption for Picture (Here we met Mickey at Epcot’s Character Spot. We had him sign a glow in the dark 9” Vinylmation)

As a kid from the 80s, back in Epcot, I remember coloring in menus and park maps when we would take a break or grab a bite to eat. Now there is a whole new experience for your child to enjoy! Kidcot Fun Spots are craft stations for younger kids to enjoy and “travel the world” with. Located “around the world” in the World Showcase, these spots boast activities such as coloring a Duffy on a stick, to decorating masks, to stamping and creating a take home souvenir! These spots do not cost you anything more than maybe helping with some coloring. And your child is kept busy, entertained, and happy with their take home handmade souvenir! Also, this is a great chance for you and your child to meet some amazing Cast Members for all over the world! Be sure to take the time to talk to them, they LOVE questions about their home.

Hurry!!! Kim Possible needs your help! Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure is an ultra-interactive quest at Epcot based on the Disney Channel’s, Kim Possible series. Kids and adults of all ages are welcomed to become secret agents and assist Kim, with help from a Kimmunicator, a cell-phone like device that helps you through your mission, to save the world! Missions can last anywhere from 30-45 minutes, and span 7 different World Showcase Pavilions. Each Pavilion holds different missions, so you can go back over and over again. Need some secret mission recharging fuel, AKA, a Mickey ice cream bar? No problem! You can take a break, and your Kimmunicator will pick up right where you left. Recruitment centers are located at Innoventiones: The Road to Tomorrow, on the Odyssey Bridge, and near the International Gateway, as well as locations throughout World Showcase. Be sure to stop by to find out your secret mission, and hurry to help Kim!

There are so many more fun adventures for kids at Epcot, such as meeting Duffy and finding out his story, to many street performers throughout world showcase, to interactive stations at the Innoventions stations. Be sure to take the time to look around every corner, and stop at the interactive stations. Here you can send post cards back home, creating your very own figment of your imagination, at Journey to Imagination, and making a cool video featuring you and your child right inside Spaceship Earth.

Caption for Photo (Here I created Esmerelda, the Figment of my imagination!)


Caption for Photo to left (me, my sister, and fuzz ball,
 all grown up!)

Caption for Photo to right (see, there she is, and there are the candy animals!)

Chef Mickey's

Looking for a great restaurant where you can celebrate your Disney adventure with your family?  Just hop on the monorail and head over to Chef Mickey's at Disney's Contemporary Resort.  Chef Mickey's is one of Walt Disney World's most popular restaurants for many reasons.  First, there's the food.  Chef Mickey's is an all you can eat buffet, with a myriad of food choices including omelettes, pastries, and pancakes for breakfast, as well as  fish, chicken, and pasta dishes for dinner.  Chef Mickey's also offers a a buffet designed especially for smaller diners that includes kid favorites like chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese, and pizza.  The wide variety of desserts availabe are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.  Breakfast and dinner are both available at Chef Mickey's, making it a great place to either start or finish an amazing day at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Another reason that Chef Mickey's is so popular is that it is a character dining experience.  Is your little one hoping to meet Mickey Mouse?  He will come visit with you right at your table at Chef Mickey's!  Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and friends will also visit with you, sign autographs, and pose for a picture or two during your dinner.  Disney fans both young and old will enjoy the quality time with the characters at Chef Mickey's.

Are you celebrating a birthday or special event?  Chef Mickey's is a great place to dine because every day is a celebration there.  Every half hour, a restaurant-wide celebration is held that includes singing, dancing cast members and characters, and lots of napkin waving.  Your whole family will enjoy the opportunity to cut loose and celebrate with Mickey and friends at Chef Mickey's.  All of these reasons make Chef Mickey's a great place to "celebrate today" at Walt Disney World.  One important tip - Chef Mickey's is VERY popular, so advanced dining reservations are highly recommended.  Call early to secure this exciting and fun-filled dining experience for your family.