In a place famous for a talking mouse, mountain-themed thrill rides and a kid-centered atmosphere, it might be hard to believe that an educated adult can actually find a place for a nice – even romantic – meal at Walt Disney World. Like Walt Disney hoped children would do when they passed through the gates of his original Disneyland park, you should believe.
Disney World boasts quite a few spots to find even elegant fare – enough that it would take several weeks to take them all in at one per night. Most are scattered around the property’s resort hotels and are themed to fit each. However, they don’t sacrifice elegance for spectacle.
The big daddy of romantic Disney World dining is Victoria and Albert’s, which is located at the Grand Floridian. The big hit on this one-of-a-kind experience is the price – often well over $100 per diner. The pluses, however, make that price tag seem pretty reasonable. Not only do you get incomparable privacy and a personalized meal cooked by a top-notch chef – and served by your own (unshared) waiter, but you get a spectacular leather-bound, engraved menu of your meal to take home as a very different Disney World keepsake.
Two fine restaurants are found at the spectacular Animal Kingdom Lodge, which boasts an African Savannah view for many of its more select rooms. The first, Boma, is a buffet of African-inspired food that is both adult and kid friendly. The other, just across the hall, is Jiko: The Cooking Place. If you’re looking for romance, this is the better option. Soft lighting, eye-catching but not distracting decor and an attentive waitstaff – many who have actually come from Africa – make Jiko a perfect atmosphere for an “adults only” outing. But the food makes it a perfect evening. Don’t overlook the flatbread section of the appetizers. Among its many famous African dishes, Jiko’s flatbread is known around the world in Disney World traveler circles.
Disney World’s Contemporary Resort, which is the giant triangular building you shoot through on your monorail journey, features a romantic restaurant with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Magic Kingdom as its penthouse. The California Grill’s golden state-inspired cuisine is delicious, but the real magic isn’t on the plate. At night, during the park’s beautiful “Wishes” fireworks show, the restaurant dims the lights and pipes in the park music. Watching Walt Disney World’s most well-crafted show from high above the Contemporary is a romantic highlight that any couple will remember forever.
The Grand Floridian might be Disney World’s most elegant resort, and it also offers its most elegant place to dine – Citrico’s. Themed to fit the hotel’s early-1900s atmosphere, Citrico’s offers both food and service that is second to none. It’s quite comparable to the California Grill, but often without the same wait or crowd noise. If it were not for the incredible panorama at the California Grill, Citrico’s would be a preferable spot to dine. Disney World dreamers looking for a romantic daytime meal should definitely call early to book a seating.
One romantic option inside of Disney World’s actual theme parks is Le Cellier Steakhouse, located in EPCOT’s Canada area. However, it can be a hit-and-miss, as some tables for two are squeezed uncomfortably close to the couple at the next table. On our honeymoon, my wife and I swore to never dine there again after hearing more of the honeymooners next to us as they quietly bickered than we did from one another. Their table was literally five inches from ours. But on a more recent trip, we gave it another shot and found it to be exceptionally romantic. Perhaps making a request for a quiet table will be helpful, as cast members at Disney World really do tend to go above and beyond to accommodate.
Other romantic restaurants at Disney World include the Polynesian Resort’s Ohana, the Yacht Club, L’ Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante in EPCOT’s Italy and Artist Point at the Wilderness Lodge. If you happen to be celebrating something – a honeymoon or anniversary, for example – make note of it when you make your phone reservations at 407-939-3463 (WDW-DINE). Most Disney World dining spots will do their best to make the experience even more memorable.
