For the price of admission, you can celebrate your anniversary in any Disney theme park. Take the time to enjoy the ambiance that's often overlooked when rushing from one attraction to another. The Rose Garden between Cinderella Castle and Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom has a beautiful view of the castle and attracts few guests. Main Street U.S.A. has side streets with benches for relaxing and people-watching. World Showcase in Epcot features stunning architecture and landscaping. The waterfall in Canada, tea garden in England, fountain in France and torii gate in Japan are peaceful spots. In Animal Kingdom, Discovery Island Trails wind around the base of the Tree of Life. The quiet paths offer lush foliage and exotic wildlife.
Disney resorts have unique activities that appeal to couples. The beach along the edge of the Polynesian Resort has hammocks and chairs with a view of the Seven Seas Lagoon and the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom. Fort Wilderness and Port Orleans-Riverside offer 25-minute carriage rides through each resort. At the Grand Floridian, you can be entertained by a tuxedoed piano player while you relax on sofas and chairs in the five-story lobby. The Garden View Tea Room serves afternoon tea in the English tradition. You can also treat yourself to a couples massage at the Grand Floridian Spa.
Many restaurants around Disney World have a romantic setting, world-class menus and not a character in sight. You can find the Bistro de Paris, Le Cellier and Restaurant Marrakesh at Epcot and the Hollywood Brown Derby at Hollywood Studios. Reservations can be difficult to obtain and should be made as far in advance as possible -- up to 180 days prior to your trip. However, any table service experience can be turned into a romantic evening by planning ahead. Disney Dining can take special orders for specialty cakes and other items to be delivered to your table while you dine.
Disney's deluxe resorts have many possibilities for romantic dining. Victoria & Albert's at the Grand Floridian, Jiko at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, California Grill at the Contemporary Resort, Artist Point at the Wilderness Lodge and the Flying Fish Café at the Boardwalk Resort can add a distinctive charm to your anniversary dinner. Victoria & Albert's merits special mention. This fine-dining establishment has received numerous awards from leading culinary organizations and experts. There are three fixed-price menus, one for the dining room, one for Queen Victoria's Room and one for the Chef's Table. Proper attire is required.
Some couples may wish to celebrate an anniversary with a unique, but expensive, experience. Animal Kingdom Sweetheart Safari includes limousine service to Animal Kingdom, a private safari for two and champagne. Magic Kingdom After Hours is offered after the evening parades and fireworks. Couples arrive in the breezeway of Cinderella Castle in a horse-drawn carriage and are taken to a table-for-two, complete with a string ensemble.
In-room celebrations can be arranged through Disney Florist. Stuffed animals, flowers and decorations will be set up at a time of your choosing. You can also plan a character meet-and-greet in your Disney hotel room through Disney Character Events. The Grand 1 is a 52-foot Sea Raycer yacht that sails around the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. You can customize the experience with food, champagne, flowers and even a butler. Other boating options are offered at the Magic Kingdom hotels and in the Boardwalk area near Epcot. Cruises can be timed to coincide with the fireworks display at the Magic Kingdom.
Going on a Disney vacation without children might not be an option for many families. If you bring kids on your anniversary trip, you're in luck. All Disney resorts offer in-room babysitting, called Kids' Night Out, and select resorts have supervised child activity centers that include meals. The centers are located at the Grand Floridian, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Polynesian Resort, Yacht and Beach Club Resort, Dolphin Resort and Wilderness Lodge. You don't have to stay at one of these hotels to make reservations for your children.
