A Magical and Romantic Disney Honeymoon

And so they lived happily ever after.
Panoramic view of Disney Springs and water taxi on colorful sunset background at Lake Buena Vista area
VIAVAL TOURS / Shutterstock,Location: Disney Springs, Orlando, Florida
Jessica Estrada - The Knot Contributor.
by
Jessica Estrada
Jessica Estrada - The Knot Contributor.
Jessica Estrada
The Knot Contributor
  • Jessica contributes wedding planning, wedding etiquette and relationship content to The Knot.
  • She also covers lifestyle and wellness topics for print and digital publications such Refinery29, Bustle, Well + Good, Cosmopolitan, Byrdie, The Zoe Report, The Cut and more.
  • Jessica has a journalism degree from Cal State University, Northridge and is certified as a life and success coach.
Updated Dec 29, 2021

There is an abundance of beautiful, awe-inspiring honeymoon destinations around the globe. However, there is only one place where you can experience a taste of all the world has to offer sprinkled with some Disney magic, and that's Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. A Disney honeymoon is a great option for honeymooners who are young at heart and want a romantic and fun-filled way to celebrate their marriage, says Ari Kim-Kaminski, a Reco trip designer and Disney travel expert.

If that sounds like you and your new spouse, here's what you need to know about planning a Disney honeymoon (a.k.a. Disneymoon), including the pros and cons, the best things to see and do, and what to pack. Your fairy-tale honeymoon awaits at the happiest place on Earth.

Is Disney World Good for a Honeymoon?

Pros of a Disney Honeymoon

"It's a very sweet way to continue the magical celebration of your wedding," Kim-Kaminski says. For couples who reside in the United States, she adds that one of the pros of having a Disney destination honeymoon is that there is no passport required, though you can still "travel the world" at Epcot's World Showcase. Plus, no matter where you're traveling from in the country, you're only a drive or short flight away.

That being said, Kim-Kaminski notes that the biggest pro of having a Disney honeymoon, besides adorable Mickey Mouse ears and all that Disney magic, is that it's one of the few places in the US where you can have an all-inclusive vacation. With a Disney honeymoon package, you have entertainment, dining and lodging all in one place (and all for one price), which makes the planning so much easier.

Cons of a Disney Honeymoon

For couples who are craving a quiet, laid-back honeymoon with lots of rest and relaxation, a Disney honeymoon may not be the best option. After all, Kim-Kaminski points out that you'll be surrounded by thousands of people every day at the theme parks. So keep that in mind as you're deciding on whether a Disney honeymoon is the right option for you.

Another potential challenge of booking a Disney honeymoon is their new system to book and schedule attractions for your stay. "You will have to wake up early to set your schedule and possibly pay for the more popular attractions if you don't want to wait in a longer standby line," Kim-Kaminski says, which is not ideal when you're in a full honeymooning vibe. However, working with a travel agent to help plan your trip can be super helpful.

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The Best Times of Year to Go on a Disney Honeymoon for Good Weather

While Florida tends to have beautiful weather year-round, Kim-Kaminski advises planning your Disney honeymoon at the beginning of the year between January and March or September to early November before the holiday season kicks off. "Most of the families that travel with kids will be back in school and the weather is typically milder than your average sweltering Florida summer day," she says.

Things to Do During a Disney Honeymoon

Visit the Theme Parks

No Disney vacation is complete without visits to the Disney parks. There are four theme parks: Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom Park and Epcot. Each park features so many things to see and do. Our best tip: Before heading out on your Disneymoon, plan out which parks you'd like to visit and write a list of things that you really want to see and do at each of them while you're there to ensure you don't miss a thing.

Enjoy Signature Dining Experiences

If you're booking a Disney honeymoon, Kim-Kaminski recommends not missing out on the signature dining experiences available at the Walt Disney World Resort, which always feature some magical Disney touches that make for a memorable experience.

"A romantic dinner at Monsieur Paul's in Epcot's France Pavilion overlooking the World Showcase or a prix-fixe private dinner at Victoria & Albert's inside Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa are memorable splurges," she says. "Something casual yet different I planned for clients was to arrange for the Dreamboat to take them on a cruise around Disney Springs before their dinner at the Boathouse—not too fancy, but lots of fun." Just be sure to make dining reservations so you're not waiting for a table for hours.

Sit Back and Relax

One of the perks of Orlando is that the city has warm weather year-round. After a day or two spent getting your steps in at the theme parks, relax poolside. You'll appreciate taking a break from the activity of Disney to reminisce over your wedding and plan for your future together as a married couple.

Best Hotels and Resorts in Disney for Honeymoon

Another perk of a Disney honeymoon? The resorts. Walt Disney World features many resort hotels, including the Animal Kingdom Lodge, the Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels and the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Below are two spots Kim-Kaminski recommends.

Epcot Resorts

To add an elevated feel to your Disney honeymoon, Kim-Kaminski loves the Epcot area resorts, such as the Caribbean Beach Resort, the Beach Club Resort, the Yacht Club Resort and Disney's Boardwalk Villas. "It's so close to all the action," she says. "Epcot and Hollywood Studios are within walking distance, and yet the upscale resorts here will definitely make you feel like you're on a special getaway."

Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

If you're envisioning island-inspired accommodations for your Disney World honeymoon, Kim-Kaminski points you to the bungalows at the Polynesian Resort. It's an overwater spot on the Seven Seas Lagoon that has a wonderful view of the fireworks at night. We'd call that pretty romantic.

What to Pack for a Disney Honeymoon

Since every Disney honeymoon experience will be different depending on what fun activities you and your new spouse have planned, packing lists will differ as well. Generally speaking, Kim-Kaminski says comfortable shoes and lots of socks should be at the top of your packing list. Your feet will thank you.

Given that you'll also be taking lots of pictures throughout your Disney honeymoon, she recommends packing a portable battery pack that you can keep in your backpack or purse so your phone is always juiced up and ready to capture all of the memories.

Other outdoor essentials include sunscreen to protect your skin while you're out in the sunshine all day, clothing you can layer because it may be warm during the day but chillier in the morning and at night, and a poncho to shield you from random Florida showers.

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