When you want to romance the object of your affections, you could take your honey to a familiar restaurant or see a movie together, but how unique is that? Make your date magical with a surprise visit to the Disneyland Resort. All year long, Disneyland is ready for romance and welcomes those who are “twitterpated” to celebrate a special day.

But, Disneyland is Just For Kids…Right?

If your concept of Disneyland only conjures up images of the Matterhorn, Star Tours, Thunder Mountain and Dumbo, then you’re missing out on a whole other personality of the park and its magic. The entire Disneyland Resort is ripe with opportunities for kindling romance. Sweethearts will discover that some of the most hidden romantic spots are as plain as the nose on Pinocchio’s face!

Those Romantic Attractions

Besides those between you and your beloved, there are several romantic attractions to enjoy at the Disneyland Resort. In selecting attractions to visit, consider the time of day and when meals will fit into the itinerary to keep the romance flowing as smoothly as possible.  

In Disneyland, Fantasyland provides several fairytale experiences that are just right for grown-up sweethearts. These are best enjoyed when most everyone else is eating lunch or attending a popular parade, or, once it’s late enough that most of the younger set have gone home. This way, the little ones won’t be endangered by cooties when you and your sweetie make googlie eyes at each other. (And, the place won’t be nearly as crowded with crying babies.)

The Sleeping Beauty Walk-Through offers a quietly-lit journey through the iconic castle entrance to Fantasyland. The story of Princess Aurora unfolds in vibrantly illuminated pages on over-sized display storybooks, interspersed with scenic animated dioramas serving as illustrations of the story segments. There’s one point in the tour where you are virtually guaranteed to receive a sudden hug from your sweetie, so be prepared!

Another option is to go horseback riding with your love, right inside Disneyland. Glossy, colorful mounts await on the King Arthur Carousel. When the little ones have abandoned this attraction, it shines with romance for you and your Valentine. Climb aboard the 136-year old carousel and whisk your sweetheart away on magical steeds that gently glide up and down to enchanting calliope music. It’s the perfect opportunity for a suitor to ask her to go around with him.

A few steps away, you can climb aboard your very own ship in Peter Pan’s Flight, and Tinker Bell’s magical pixie dust will send you and your darling flying over the rooftops of London, up into a night sky where the full moon shines bright and brilliant. As your ship guides itself to the second star on the right, you’ll cross the threshold into Neverland, where mermaids and rainbows welcome your arrival.

Over in Disney’s California Adventure, take your sweetheart up to Cloud 9 and above on the floating adventure of Soarin’ Over California. You won’t really be hang gliding, but it’ll sure feel close to it! Let your hearts take wing as you zip over scenic images of rolling green hills, majestic oceans, towering mountains and other stunning locales throughout the Golden State.

In the evening, rekindle the fireworks with your spouse at the nighttime spectacle of the World of Color show, where water spray and fountains combine with bursts of light and color to paint a lively canvas above the great lagoon. Arm in arm, watch as the lagoon stirs and reflects the many colors into a liquid dance of romance.

Divine Disney Dining

You’ll never be blue, and your dreams may come true when you invite your someone special to a dinner date at the Blue Bayou restaurant. Imagine dining outdoors on a lakeside terrace on a balmy evening…even when it’s daytime and you’re actually inside a building! The Blue Bayou is the only restaurant within Disneyland that is actually also part of the set dressing for a ride. Gaze across a lagoon at the sparkle of fireflies in the distance and the romantic full moon hanging in the sky. Boats quietly drift past in the dark before you, on their way to adventure in the Caribbean where pirates’ treasure is hidden. But your adventure will be of a culinary nature, experienced at your table topped with the glow of gentle table lamp light. It’s the perfect setting for quiet whispered moments as the appetizer for any of the delicious meals on the menu of this New Orleans Square eatery.

For refined romance with top-quality food and service, make reservations at the Napa Rose restaurant in the Grand Californian Hotel at Disney’s California Adventure. In 2011, the Napa Rose celebrated ten years of distinctive dining, offering fresh food, an extensive wine list and prompt and friendly service in elegant surroundings. Crowning a decade of prestigious dining, the Napa Rose has been awarded the AAA Four-Diamond rating for 2011, an honor shared with fewer than 35 restaurants throughout all of Southern California. Special spots within the Napa Rose include the outdoor fire pit near the lounge, and the unique and very personalized dining experience at the Chef’s Counter.

Secret Spots in Plain View

After your sumptuous meal, go strolling hand-in-hand with your date. There are many beautiful paths and scenic backdrops for stealing an innocent kiss or two. In Disneyland, lushly landscaped walkways beckon lovers toward Sleeping Beauty Castle. Pause on a footbridge crossing the castle’s moat and breathe in the fairytale romance around you. One little penny could bring you the wish of your dreams at Snow White’s Wishing Well, where you’ll also hear Snow White sing her song of romance, wishing for the one she loves to find her someday. Near the castle, Carnation Plaza Gardens is a covered outdoor bandstand and dance floor. Open and available for impromptu twirling of your twinkle-toed honey, you can dance your way into your true love’s heart to music only the two of you can hear.

The twisting roads of New Orleans square are filled with charm and delight. Near the Blue Bayou restaurant is an alcove named the Royal Courtyard. Bustling during heavy shopping hours, this charming spot calms to a quiet retreat at other times of day, and serves as a memorable place for snapping that perfect picture of romance. Farther back in Critter Country is the place for nature lovers to be. As the sun descends, the lighting there becomes breathtaking. When the sun sets, glowing golden light falls just right upon your partner, accentuating the gleam in her hair, while his eyes reflect the sparkling waters of the nearby Rivers of America. If it’s not too late in the afternoon, slip off in a canoe with your love, and make believe you’re on a wilderness adventure.

The Close of the Evening

Cap off your romantic date with a stroll through Downtown Disney’s promenade, drinking in all the lights glittering in the trees and reflected in shop windows. Cozy up in the lobby of the Grand Californian Hotel, inside the fireplace alcove or tucked discreetly away in one of the corner settees. Closing your date with an overnight stay at the Grand Californian Hotel is a dreamy ending to your Disneyland Resort romance.

© M.S. Ross

Images © Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Online