Romantic/Fun Trip Advice and Suggestions- Help Greatly Appreciated!

Login to post comments
26 posts / 0 new
Meg
Offline
Joined: 06/28/2012
Posts: 30
Romantic/Fun Trip Advice and Suggestions- Help Greatly Appreciated!

Hi everyone! I'm new to the forum and I have really enjoyed reading through posts. I hope it is okay to ask for personal advice.

I am planning a trip the last week of July/First of August with my boyfriend after we take the bar exam! I have been to Disney at least 10 times but always with my family, who are DVC members. My family LOVES Disney but we have a very set schedule we usually stick to. We tend to always eat at the same places and do the same activities. My boyfriend has been to Disney maybe twice as a kid and is definitely not a Disney nerd like me but he seems excited.

I am hoping for some advice or tips or any suggestions that any of you have on making it a fun and romantic grown-up trip and fun for grown men. Especially on dining or other experiences!

I would really appreciate it! Thank you so much in advance!

Current Details:
-7 nights at Beach Club Villas
- Taking the Magical Express (VERY NERVOUS about this as I have never done it before!)
- Current Dining Plans: (Advice needed)
Liberty Tree
Yachtsman Steakhouse
Teppan Edo
Rose & Crown
Tusker House Breakfast (never been!)
Wolfgang Puck Cafe
Sci Fi Dine In (never been!)
Coral Reef (never been!)
California Grill (never been!)

Thanks everyone!

__________________

MrHub's picture
Offline
Joined: 10/29/2009
Posts: 9503

Hi Meg & welcome . Don't worry about Magical Express, never used it ourselves, we don't fly, but I never heard a bad thing about it here, only good things. Your meals all look great, not a bad thing there either. Wife Scrappy and I have been to the world many times as grownups, without the kids! Its a great time. He will love it. awesome Just one thing, DON'T OVER PLAN, meaning don't try and schedule every minute of your day, it won't work, it won't happen, and you'll never do it all in one trip, just enjoy! mickey biggrin

Oh! and don't forget to Introduce Yourself! and then put you vacation dates on the "Who's going" thread

ATLDawg's picture
Offline
Joined: 04/06/2011
Posts: 34

Hi Meg. First, Magical Express is great. No need to be nervous about that. And I'm sure your boyfriend will have a great time. My wife and I went alone earlier this year and had a blast. Here are just a few suggestions...

For a little romance, be sure to catch the fireworks shows at the parks at night.
If you like adult beverages, drink your way around the world at epcot.
Catch the live band at the epcot Canada pavilion. They're tons of fun.
Call the red phone booths at epcot Great Britain pavilion and see who picks up. The # is somewhere on this forum.
While in lines at the parks, make a contest out of who can spot the most hidden mickeys.
Check out the scene at DTD at night... great people watching.
Before riding Toy Story Mania, make a bet on who gets the highest score and stick to it.
Before riding Small World at Magic Kingdom, give your boyfriend earplugs.
Your dining choices look fine to me. I also like Jiko. The biggest hidden mickey on Disney property is there.

Mrhub's advice above is spot on. He's absolutely right... don't over plan. Don't try to be in too many places in one day. Disney is so much more fun when you just go with the flow and let the day come to you.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

The Cookie Crumbler's picture
Offline
Joined: 06/10/2012
Posts: 750

ATLDawg wrote:
Before riding Small World at Magic Kingdom, give your boyfriend earplugs.

This comment made my day! laugh

Hi Meg! For romantic and fun things to do as a couple, I think it really depends on your personality. My spouse and I are really looking forward to Star Tours, Indiana Jones, and the stunt show where they have cars driving through fire. That's about as romantic as we get.

I also suggest Jellyrolls one night, especially since you're near the Boardwalk to begin with. And like the others said, take it at a relaxed pace.

So enjoy it, and best of luck on the bar exam!

__________________

Fellow Americans, I hear your tambourines inside my head and that's no lie!

TTFN_71's picture
Offline
Joined: 03/28/2012
Posts: 177

Hi Meg! The Magical Express is super easy and relaxing. Me and DW always use it and it is well worth staying on property to get that transportation feature to and from our resort. Like others have said, mrhub is spot on with not trying to over do it. Relax and have fun because your going to Disney World. We really enjoy firework shows and find that experiencing those togeather makes it a fantastic time. Whishes at MK, Fantasmic at HS and Illuminations at Epcot seem to have a special memory for me spending time with her. We also enjoy walking around WL late when hardly anyone is around. Stop and smell the roses kind of thing. WL late at night without many guest around just seems like a different place. I would imagine looking around the BC late after the parks close would be enjoyable too. Good luck with the bar exam.

__________________

Life is a journey not a destination.

JoAnn C's picture
Offline
Joined: 05/20/2011
Posts: 6757

Welcome Meg! You have nothing to worry about with Magical Epxress. It's great not having to pick up luggage at baggage claim. If you are using the bag service, just make sure you take anything you may need when you arrive in your carry-on. It will take a few hours for your luggage to make it to your room.

Your dining plans sound great. I love Tusker House breakfast. Liberty Tree Tavern is one my favorites.

Good luck with the bar exam!

__________________

Spook's picture
Offline
Joined: 04/27/2012
Posts: 2786

welcome I've taken the Magical Express 3 times and never had a problem. I love the music they play on it! It's super nice to just get off the plane and just head right to the bus, no waiting around for luggage!
As for dining, I've actually never eaten at any of those places. I'm going to Tusker House for lunch when I'm there in November. We've always just stuck to quick service places but we're slowly changing that biggrin
For romance I like to watch the fireworks or stroll around Epcot at night. The British Revolution at the UK pavillion is a must see as well.

JoAnn C's picture
Offline
Joined: 05/20/2011
Posts: 6757

ATLDawg wrote:
Call the red phone booths at epcot Great Britain pavilion and see who picks up. The # is somewhere on this forum.

Here is the link with the numbers.

http://www.wdwforgrownups.com/forum/calling-uk-red-telephone-booth

__________________

dontthrowsand's picture
Offline
Joined: 05/28/2012
Posts: 359

We're going to tour the other resorts, go on a carriage ride and explore Epcot. We also are going to go for walks and make sure we watch the fireworks!

drj898's picture
Offline
Joined: 03/01/2012
Posts: 261

Well Meg...I'll be there in a couple weeks with my girlfriend...romantic trip..same sorta thing. lol She saw the menu for cali grill and didn't like it..so we're doing Artist Point instead. I think you should consider it! It looks really nice!

I'm sure if it were my girlfriend, she'd be apprehensive and nervous about magical express too! But luckily for her, I'm doing all the leg work and effort with planning and stuff so she just has to sorta sit and enjoy the ride.

We have Artist Point, Mama Melrose in DHS with the Fantasmic package, Tusker House (like you guys), Crystal Palace nice and early for breakfast before our MK day, Tutto Italia in Epcot, and Sanaa & Boma in AKL (we're staying there). So we'll let ya know if theres anything you should or shouldnt do to make a successful romantic trip!

Good luck!

drj898's picture
Offline
Joined: 03/01/2012
Posts: 261

ATLDawg wrote:
Hi Meg. First, Magical Express is great. No need to be nervous about that. And I'm sure your boyfriend will have a great time. My wife and I went alone earlier this year and had a blast. Here are just a few suggestions...

For a little romance, be sure to catch the fireworks shows at the parks at night.
If you like adult beverages, drink your way around the world at epcot.
Catch the live band at the epcot Canada pavilion. They're tons of fun.
Call the red phone booths at epcot Great Britain pavilion and see who picks up. The # is somewhere on this forum.
While in lines at the parks, make a contest out of who can spot the most hidden mickeys.
Check out the scene at DTD at night... great people watching.
Before riding Toy Story Mania, make a bet on who gets the highest score and stick to it.
Before riding Small World at Magic Kingdom, give your boyfriend earplugs.
Your dining choices look fine to me. I also like Jiko. The biggest hidden mickey on Disney property is there.

Mrhub's advice above is spot on. He's absolutely right... don't over plan. Don't try to be in too many places in one day. Disney is so much more fun when you just go with the flow and let the day come to you.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Sheesh...why didn't I get this advice?!? lol jk...I just hope Meg has an amazing trip with her dude. awesome

The Cookie Crumbler's picture
Offline
Joined: 06/10/2012
Posts: 750

I'm going to add that the Magical Express was wonderful. It was waiting for us at the airport, and once it was fully loaded (about 15 minutes) we were on our way. They played some videos, it was confortable and air conditioned and drops you right off at your resort. My only compliant is that they only do it at the airport. We're taking the train down in January so we'll need to take a cab from there. yuck

__________________

Fellow Americans, I hear your tambourines inside my head and that's no lie!

Kris1971's picture
Offline
Joined: 08/10/2011
Posts: 2350

Your dinner at the California Grill will certainly be romantic. Its the best view in the world, the food is fantastic and the service is beyond compare. As I tell everybody....if you like sushi...definitely try the Spicy Kazan Roll. YUM!

__________________

MrHub's picture
Offline
Joined: 10/29/2009
Posts: 9503

Meg definitely keep the California Grill on your list! It will be one of your most magical dining experiences on your trip I'm sure.

ChipnDaleFan's picture
Offline
Joined: 05/02/2010
Posts: 882

I have never personally taken magical express because I haven't heard the best. We took a van/cab. I have heard that Magical Express waits for multiple flights to land and you can wind up waiting an hour before you leave the airport but again this is a RUMOR and I have never taken the service! Maybe some one else here who has can confirm or buff this out?

__________________

Grovesnor offsite '93 ~ Port Orleans '94 ~ Port Orleans '95 ~ Caribbean Beach '97~ Carribbean Beach '99 ~ Caribbean Beach '00 ~ Offsite '02~ Caribbean Beach '08 ~ Port Orleans French Quarter '10 ~ Dolphin/Hilton '12-~All Star Sports '16

finngirl's picture
Offline
Joined: 04/11/2012
Posts: 1072

ChipnDaleFan wrote:
I have never personally taken magical express because I haven't heard the best. We took a van/cab. I have heard that Magical Express waits for multiple flights to land and you can wind up waiting an hour before you leave the airport but again this is a RUMOR and I have never taken the service! Maybe some one else here who has can confirm or buff this out?

We used ME for the first time in May. NO problems at all, except for the fact that it's a long walk through the airport to get there! laugh We waited only about 10 minutes, and we were the first resort to be dropped off. It seemed like the driver was gauging how many people were going to each resort on his route, so when he asks you to cheer for your place, be very loud! silly

The buses are very nice, at least there's music and a video to watch, and we couldn't have arrived any sooner if we'd taken a cab.

__________________

Diana

Time marches on. Eventually you realize it's doing it across your face.

The Cookie Crumbler's picture
Offline
Joined: 06/10/2012
Posts: 750

ChipnDaleFan wrote:
I have never personally taken magical express because I haven't heard the best. We took a van/cab. I have heard that Magical Express waits for multiple flights to land and you can wind up waiting an hour before you leave the airport but again this is a RUMOR and I have never taken the service! Maybe some one else here who has can confirm or buff this out?

I could see that being an issue. For the sake of transparency, the one time I flew and took it was during a trip that was organized by my college for students who had just graduated. We were pretty much the entire plane, so we were the only plane this specific bus was waiting for. That probably helped a lot.

__________________

Fellow Americans, I hear your tambourines inside my head and that's no lie!

TroyW's picture
Offline
Joined: 06/21/2012
Posts: 247

My daughter and I used ME a few years ago. Line was longer for us Value Resort people..lol but they had enough buses that we didnt wait 10mins. Our driver was wonderful, who announced as we neared the "Walt Disney World" sign that we were about to enter the greatest place on earth. Everyone was clapping...It was a wonderful ride and knowing you dont have to get your bags is worth it for us. We will be using it again in Oct. Smile

__________________

Meg
Offline
Joined: 06/28/2012
Posts: 30

Thank you all so much!!! I really appreciate all the tips and the reassurance. I think that we will keep most of our reservations but we may cancel some as we go depending on how the day is going. I will definitely take the advice about not over planning. Your responses made men even more excited!

Two follow up questions if anyone has a moment:

1. How do you get the fantastic package? I previously had a reservation at Mama Melrosas and I could not figure out how to make it the dining package online.
2. Does anyone know if you can actually hear wishes from the California Grill? My boyfriend really loves Sushi and wants to go there but I really think a night watching and hearing wishes would be a great memory. I'm just trying to gauge if we should go over to MK in the evening one night to actually see it.

Thanks you! It has been so great to have so many helpful responses!

__________________

Kris1971's picture
Offline
Joined: 08/10/2011
Posts: 2350

Meg wrote:
2. Does anyone know if you can actually hear wishes from the California Grill? My boyfriend really loves Sushi and wants to go there but I really think a night watching and hearing wishes would be a great memory. I'm just trying to gauge if we should go over to MK in the evening one night to actually see it.

Anyone who dines at the California Grill is welcome to watch wishes from the observation deck a top of the Contemporary...not only do you get an awesome view of the fireworks, but they pipe in the audio from inside the park so that you are seeing and hearing everything the folks in the park are seeing and hearing. They also pipe the audio into the restaurant as well, so if you have a tablel by the window and want to stay seated inside, you're all set too. Plus, even if your ADR is for a time too early for the fireworks, you are allowed to go back up to the restaurant/observation deck to see the show. If your boyfriend really loves sushi, DO NOT skip the California Grill!!! Just my opinion, but I'm sure MrHub will chime in too! awesome

__________________

JoAnn C's picture
Offline
Joined: 05/20/2011
Posts: 6757

Meg wrote:
1. How do you get the fantastic package? I previously had a reservation at Mama Melrosas and I could not figure out how to make it the dining package online.

Click on Dining Event and select Fantasmic Dining Experiences.

__________________

MrHub's picture
Offline
Joined: 10/29/2009
Posts: 9503

Kris1971 wrote:
Meg wrote:
2. Does anyone know if you can actually hear wishes from the California Grill? My boyfriend really loves Sushi and wants to go there but I really think a night watching and hearing wishes would be a great memory. I'm just trying to gauge if we should go over to MK in the evening one night to actually see it.

Anyone who dines at the California Grill is welcome to watch wishes from the observation deck a top of the Contemporary...not only do you get an awesome view of the fireworks, but they pipe in the audio from inside the park so that you are seeing and hearing everything the folks in the park are seeing and hearing. They also pipe the audio into the restaurant as well, so if you have a tablel by the window and want to stay seated inside, you're all set too. Plus, even if your ADR is for a time too early for the fireworks, you are allowed to go back up to the restaurant/observation deck to see the show. If your boyfriend really loves sushi, DO NOT skip the California Grill!!! Just my opinion, but I'm sure MrHub will chime in too! awesome

awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome All that needs to be said!

Kristen K.'s picture
Offline
Joined: 09/01/2011
Posts: 23803

Hi Meg! I agree with Kris, Meg and Mr Hub, California Grill is not to be missed! Check out these date night posts that ran on our blog too!

Date Night Mexico - http://www.wdwforgrownups.com/articles/date-night-epcots-mexico-pavilion

Low Cost Disney Date Nights - http://www.wdwforgrownups.com/articles/low-cost-disney-date-nights

Date Night at the Polynesian - http://www.wdwforgrownups.com/articles/date-night-disneys-polynesian-resort

Romance in Epcot's France - http://www.wdwforgrownups.com/articles/romance-epcots-france

Facebook Fans Perfect Disney Date Night - http://www.wdwforgrownups.com/articles/perfect-disney-date-night-facebook-fans

Favorite Activities for Arrival Night - http://www.wdwforgrownups.com/articles/favorite-activites-your-arrival-night

Offline
Joined: 07/05/2012
Posts: 5

Years ago in a book they recommended doing a Wine Flight at Martha's Vineyard at Yacht Club. A nice break from the parks. I think you can also do these at Victoria Falls at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

I also like the tasting rooms at France, Italy, and Germany in Epcot. You can do a tasting flight at each of them, or you can buy a ticket to give you two samples of wine from France, Germany, and Italy. You don't have to do it all in one day...just keep the card w/ the receipt.

The Cookie Crumbler's picture
Offline
Joined: 06/10/2012
Posts: 750

DISLVR1025 wrote:
Years ago in a book they recommended doing a Wine Flight at Martha's Vineyard at Yacht Club. A nice break from the parks. I think you can also do these at Victoria Falls at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

I also like the tasting rooms at France, Italy, and Germany in Epcot. You can do a tasting flight at each of them, or you can buy a ticket to give you two samples of wine from France, Germany, and Italy. You don't have to do it all in one day...just keep the card w/ the receipt.

Germany's wine flight is tasty! And they have several dessert wine options, so my spouse is bound to enjoy it as well! muchlove

__________________

Fellow Americans, I hear your tambourines inside my head and that's no lie!

DisneyDee27's picture
Offline
Joined: 04/02/2012
Posts: 1600

As usual the WDWFG crew knows their stuff. I always take ME and have never waited an hour. your items won't get to your room instantly however you get tothe resorts rather quickly...WDW is 30-40 minutes away from mco. Save the carfare for wine flights or a behind the scenes tour.
Don't over plan your day is the best advice ever. You can't see and do it all in trip. Just let the magic happen and enjoy each other. mickey mickey

__________________

Member of the 6 castle club and working to pay for my next Disney vacations: 1/5-10/18, September 2018 for my 50th and 2018 the year of Disney cruising.