The Disney Honeymoon Guide for a Magical Newlywed Vacation

If a trip filled with lots of romance, high-quality cuisine and Disney magic is what you seek during your first trip as a married couple, a Disney honeymoon is a great option. Whether you want to soak up some sun at Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort's themed hotels, or spend your time perusing the award-winning theme parks, water parks, shopping centers and on-site restaurants, you'll find no shortage of things to do on your honeymoon. Read on for our guide you can use to plan your honeymoon at the most magical (or happiest) place on earth.

Disney honeymoon tips in this article:

• Is a Disney Honeymoon a Good Idea?
• The Best Time for a Disney Honeymoon
• Disney Honeymoon Planning Tips
• Best Disney World Honeymoon Hotels and Suites
• Best Disneyland Honeymoon Hotels and Suites
• Disney Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas
• What to Pack for a Disney Honeymoon

Is a Disney Honeymoon a Good Idea?

Are you trying to decide whether or not embarking on a Disney honeymoon is a good idea? Read on for pros and cons to consider before making your decision.

Pros of a Disney Honeymoon

Since Disney's guest service is exceptional, you can expect to be well taken care of by the cast members during your Disneymoon. Stay on-site at one of the Disney hotels or Disney resorts during your Disney World honeymoon or Disneyland honeymoon. You'll have access to a variety of transportation options, including buses, monorails, boats and a Skyliner (all complimentary) to get you to and from the theme parks, water parks, other resorts and destinations on property. There are plenty of viewing locations where you can watch the fireworks across Walt Disney World Resort (many of which don't require a park ticket) and other activities to participate in at Downtown Disney and Disney Springs to maximize the magic on days when you may not be visiting the theme parks.

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Cons of a Disney Honeymoon

Since Walt Disney World and Disneyland offer so much, they attract many guests (which often include children), which might not be the best fit if you're seeking a honeymoon in a quiet place with limited additional company. That said, ensuring you're staying on top of reservation windows for dining reservations and other specialty experiences is crucial, as these offerings are generally in high demand and sell out quickly. Lastly, a Disney honeymoon can be expensive, which might not make it the best pick if you're on a tight budget.

The Best Time for a Disney Honeymoon

The best times to embark on a Disney honeymoon depend on the type of experience you want and whether you visit Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, or the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. While there's no bad time to take a Disney honeymoon, knowing what you can expect as far as weather and crowds can help. As far as the weather goes, you can generally expect Walt Disney World to experience warm temperatures and rain for most months of the year. Disneyland, on the other hand, experiences weather that more drastically fluctuates seasonally. Regardless of when you opt to take your Disneyland or Walt Disney World honeymoon, you should do a quick search online to rule out any conventions or special events, such as runDisney (unless you plan on participating), cheerleading competitions or the like, as these months generally see an uptick in park attendance and crowds across the property in general.

If you want to experience even more magic, planning your Disneymoon during the Halloween or holiday season is a great way to experience the magic with more comfortable temperatures. You can even opt to add on a ticket to Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party or Disney Jollywood Nights to delight in the themed holiday offerings even further.

Disney Honeymoon Planning Tips

While you may want to see every detail of Walt Disney World or Disneyland on your honeymoon, that might cause some unnecessary stress (and is nearly impossible to do). Prioritize the activities and experiences that are important to you and your partner and book them early. "There are all kinds of activities that couples can enjoy at Walt Disney World Resort, including specialty firework cruises, carriage rides, biking, kayaking and fishing," says Korri McFann, marketing director at Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings and Honeymoons. "We recommend couples create a Disney honeymoon registry and let family and friends give them the honeymoon getaway they've always dreamed of," she adds.

If you plan on visiting the theme parks, check their hours of operation ahead of your trip and schedule any must-do attractions and those you'd like to secure a Lightning Lane for—remember, you must reserve your Lightning Lane selections at 7 a.m. ET a week before your stay (if you're staying on-site). While you can stay off-site, there are many perks to staying on-site, including complimentary transportation, earlier access to dining reservations, Lightning Lane purchases and early park entry at Walt Disney World.

A honeymoon planner can help you secure your must-have experiences for your vacation and lock in any Disney honeymoon packages or Disney honeymoon deals that may be available during the time of your trip. Find a honeymoon planner on The Knot Vendor Marketplace.

Best Disney World Honeymoon Hotels and Suites

Whether you're seeking a hotel a short distance away from one of the Disney Parks or one with a Michelin-starred restaurant, read on for Disney resorts you can book for your honeymoon at Disney World.

Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

Located in the Magic Kingdom Park area, Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Villas and Bungalows is a suitable option for couples looking to maximize their relaxation time with a short commute to the theme parks. "It is an ideal spot for honeymooners to stay and enjoy the many resort amenities such as a serene pool, delicious outdoor dining (Wailulu Bar and Grill) and fireworks views from the terrace gardens reserved exclusively for guests staying at the tower," McFann says.

4601 Floridian Way, Winter Garden, FL 34787

4.1 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Located one monorail stop away from Magic Kingdom Park, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is one of the most popular Disney World resorts for a honeymoon at Disney World. When you reserve a room at this Victorian-inspired hotel, you can look forward to a plethora of details nodding to the popular Mary Poppins film. Begin each day of your Disney honeymoon with breakfast at the Grand Floridian Cafe before visiting the theme parks and returning for a full-service dinner at Victoria and Albert's, Narcoossee's or Cítricos. We can't forget to mention that the spa offers several couples treatments, including the Grand Romantic Evening and Couples Instructional Massage.

4401 Floridian Way, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

4.3 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Four Seasons Resort Orlando

Located in Disney's private Golden Oak community, Four Seasons Resort Orlando is a luxurious Disney resort featuring a Michelin-starred restaurant, Capa and an adults-only (21+) pool. As far as honeymoon suites go, the hotel's Park View Suites are popular among honeymooners for the fireworks views on the terrace. You and your partner can enhance your trip with a spa treatment in one of the spa's couples' suites, too.

10100 Dream Tree Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32836

4.8 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Swan Reserve

For an elevated Disney honeymoon experience that exudes luxury, consider Walt Disney World Swan Reserve. In addition to its elevated guest rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, the hotel and its surrounding hotels are home to several full-service restaurants, including Amare, Todd English's Bluezoo, Kimonos and Il Mulino New York Trattoria. While this hotel is within walking distance of Disney's EPCOT theme park, some rooms at the hotel (along with other common areas on the property) offer fireworks views.

1255 Epcot Resorts Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

4.1 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Best Disneyland Honeymoon Hotels and Suites

Disneyland Resort is home to hotels that can set the scene for your Disney honeymoon. Continue reading to learn more about the three hotels that currently sit on the property (some of which can provide you with direct access to the theme parks).

Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

McFann notes that Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa is a solid choice for Disney honeymooners to book, due to its premium accommodations and on-site dining options, including GCH Craftsman Grill, Napa Rose, Hearthstone Lounge and Storytellers Café. The hotel connects to one of Disney California Adventure Park's in-park entrances. After a long day in the parks, you can unwind in one of the rocking chairs in front of the fireplace in the hotel's lobby—you might even have the opportunity to listen to some live music, too.

1600 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, CA 92802

4.1 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Disneyland Hotel

Disneyland Hotel is perfect for couples seeking a Disney hotel that pays homage to Disneyland and Disney magic at every corner, with its light-up headboard serving as one of the rooms' standout features. The hotel is a short walk away from Downtown Disney, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. It is also home to several restaurants, including Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar, Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar and Grill, Goofy's Kitchen, Broken Spell Lounge and Palm Breeze Bar at The Villas at Disneyland Hotel.

1150 West Magic Way, Anaheim, CA 92802

4.2 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Pixar Place Hotel

If you and your partner are Pixar fans, it's hard to go wrong with the Pixar Place Hotel for your Disney honeymoon. While you can stay in one of the hotel's standard rooms or those with a premium view, you can reserve a one-bedroom suite for additional space with views of Disney California Adventure Park. You may even run into Bing Bong from Inside Out or Joe Gardner from Soul.

1717 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, CA 92802

3.9 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Disney Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas

From live shows to adults-only lounges, read on for some staple experiences to consider adding to your Disney honeymoon itinerary.

See Drawn to Life Presented by Cirque du Soleil & Disney

Disney offers high-quality live entertainment across its properties, including Drawn to Life at Disney Springs. If you're looking to enjoy dinner before or after your performance, the show partners with several Disney Springs restaurants, which can include The Edison, Maria and Enzo's Ristorante and Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant on "Animated Evening" prix fixe menus, which you can reserve after purchasing your tickets to the show.

4.6 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Visit Magic Kingdom Park

A honeymoon at Disney World wouldn't be complete without a visit to Magic Kingdom Park. You can start your park day with breakfast at The Crystal Palace before enjoying the park's more than 20 rides and attractions. Although you can head back to your resort for dinner, Be Our Guest Restaurant inside the park is another great option if you're able to snag a reservation ahead of the new Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away nighttime parade.

4.4 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Embark on a Fireworks Cruise

Reserving a fireworks cruise for viewing of Magic Kingdom's Happily Ever After or EPCOT's Luminous: The Symphony of Us is a great way to enjoy these nighttime spectaculars in a romantic setting while avoiding crowds. Book your reservation 60 days before your visit.

Dine at Victoria & Albert's

One of the reasons Disney is a popular honeymoon destination is because of its top-tier restaurants, including Victoria and Albert's at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. Whether you opt to dine in The Dining Room, Queen Victoria's Room or at The Chef's Table is up to you—either way, you can look forward to a Michelin-starred meal in an elegant setting.

4.8 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Visit GEO-82 Bar & Lounge

If EPCOT is on your agenda, make a reservation at the adults-only GEO-82 Bar and Lounge. While you can enjoy a selection of small bites such as the funghi flatbread and cannellini hummus during the day, as well as cocktails including Electron and Clarified New York Sour, you can book the GEO-82 fireworks experience to enhance your meal. This $179 per person package includes champagne or event-exclusive cocktails, light bites and an array of desserts in addition to premium viewing of Luminous: The Symphony of Us.

What to Pack for a Disney Honeymoon

Packing correctly for a Disney honeymoon is a non-negotiable to ensure your trip is executed as seamlessly as possible. The theme parks often require a lot of time spent walking or transporting around in the heat, which means you'll more than likely sweat a lot. That said, having a bottle of mineral sunscreen and a cooling towel on standby can be a great investment. You'll also want to ensure you pack a blend of comfortable and stylish footwear for your park time and dining reservations.

Although the amount of rain you'll experience on your trip depends on the month, it's always a good idea to have an umbrella in your bag (we like to pack a compact umbrella inside a cute Loungefly backpack). As far as attire goes, we recommend having a couple of casual outfits for the parks (with a blend of shorts, T-shirts and athletic wear) as well as some more formal attire. If you're dining at any signature restaurants, verify the dress code to ensure you wear the proper attire. Lastly, you'll want to have a camera at the ready to capture those magical moments with your partner.