Romantic Things for Couples to Do at Disneyland
A romantic getaway at Disneyland? YES! Ditch the kids and celebrate your love at the Happiest Place on Earth. This list of the most romantic things to do at Disneyland is for couples celebrating an anniversary, honeymoon, Valentine’s Day, or any reason at all.
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1. Get pinned on Main Street.
Celebrating an anniversary, birthday, or honeymoon at Disneyland? Start your day at City Hall near the entrance. There, you can pick up pins that announce your special event. Cast members and other guests will wish you well all day long!
2. Get your hearts pumping on thrill rides.
During your romantic Disneyland vacation, get your hearts pumping with thrill rides.
Hold hands with your partner at Disneyland Park as you take off on Space Mountain, the Matterhorn Bobsleds, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Splash Mountain.
Over at Disney California Adventure, you’ll want to queue up for Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout, Incredicoaster, and Radiator Springs Racers.
Want even more excitement? Take a look at the scariest rides at Disneyland.
3. Pose for a photo together at Sleeping Beauty Castle.
The centerpiece of Disneyland is the oh-so-romantic Sleeping Beauty Castle. Pause here to take a couple’s selfie with the castle in the background.
Better yet, ask a Disney PhotoPass cast member to snap your pic. They’ll happily take your photo with your smartphone. But you might want to purchase the professional option as well.
After our couples vacation at Disneyland, I ordered a coffee mug featuring a photo of my husband and me hugging in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle as a reminder of our trip. What a sweet souvenir!
Wander through Sleeping Beauty Castle’s winding passageways, too. You’ll view the fairytale of Princess Aurora as told through magical dioramas.
Afterward, be sure to stop at the pretty Snow White Grotto in front of the castle. This is one of the most romantic spots in all of Disneyland. The fountain is surrounded by a fanciful collection of white marble statues from Italy carved to look like the princess and her seven dwarf friends.
4. Shop for souvenirs of your Disney romantic getaway.
Visiting Disneyland without kids means you can shop without fielding pleas from children asking, “Can I get this? Can I get this?” But you’re a grown-up so the answer is yes, you can get this!
When my husband and I celebrated our wedding anniversary at Disneyland, I snuck into a shop on Main Street and bought him a pair of Disney boxer shorts. Meanwhile, he surprised me with a Christmas ornament featuring Disney’s favorite couple, Mickey and Minnie Mouse. You could also purchase a pair of matching mouse ears or Disney t-shirts for couples.
Come to the parks prepared by purchasing your bride and groom goodies or other Disney-themed couple’s items in advance.
In New Orleans Square, we popped into Crystal d’Orleans. There the shopkeeper was etching a name onto a glass mug.
An older woman asked me which of two necklaces she should buy, the blue or purple. We learned that she and her husband celebrate their anniversary at Disneyland every year. This year was their 29th. When we told them it was our anniversary, too, the husband said, “May you always be as happy together as you are today.”
5. Cozy up on dark rides.
Snuggle with your sweetheart on dark rides. At Disney California Adventure, there’s Monsters Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue. And, of course, the most romantic choice of all — The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure.
In Fantasyland at Disneyland Park, act like kids again aboard rides like Peter Pan’s Flight, Alice in Wonderland, and Snow White’s Enchanted Wish (formerly Snow White’s Scary Adventures). Meanwhile, shooting marauders on Pirates of the Caribbean and “spooky” ghosts in the Haunted Mansion give couples an excuse to hold each other close.
6. Commemorate your love at Silhouette Studio.
Go to the Silhouette Studio on Main Street for a one-of-a-kind souvenir. A talented Disney cast member will cut a picture of you and your honey.
The silhouette image is made using nothing but scissors, black paper, and a bit of pixie dust. Portraits take just 60 seconds to make and are available for purchase in a picture frame.
7. Travel back in time aboard Main Street Vehicles.
Slow down and take in the sweet scenery of Main Street USA aboard one of the Main Street Vehicles. Choices include a Jitney old-fashioned automobile without a roof, an old school Fire Engine, and an open-air two-story Omnibus. The most romantic option if you ask me, though, is the Horse-Drawn Street Car.
8. Climb aboard the Disneyland Railroad.
What is it about trains that appeals to the romantic in all of us? I’m not sure, but Walt Disney definitely shared this fascination with trains.
Take a break from the bustle with a 19-minute journey aboard the Disneyland Railroad. Catch the train at one of four stations: Main Street USA, New Orleans Square, Mickey’s Toontown, or Tomorrowland.
Disembark at any of these stops or stay on board for a grand tour of the park. The best part is a “surprise” trek through the Grand Canyon and then the Primeval World, between Tomorrowland and Main Street.
9. Order a wine flight at Mendocino Wine Terrace.
Raise a glass to toast to your love at Mendocino Wine Terrace at Disney California Adventure’s Pacific Wharf. Choose a glass of red, white, rosé, or bubbly wine. To sample a few varietals, purchase a wine flight.
Pair your vino with an Italian Cold Cut Plate and the Mendocino Cheese Plate for an elegant theme park charcuterie snack.
10. Watch a Broadway-caliber show.
Couples can watch a Broadway-caliber show at Hyperion Theater in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure Park. The nearly 2,000-seat theater features live musical performances of favorite Disney stories.
Expect outstanding choreography, costumes, and special effects, as well as extremely talented artists. Past performances have included such offerings as Disney’s Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular, Beauty and the Beast, and Frozen – Live.
11. Kiss at the top of Pixar-Pal-Around Ferris wheel.
Board the 150-foot-tall Pixar-Pal-Around Ferris wheel at Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure. This is the perfect place to take in sweeping views of the amusement park. Whether you choose a swinging or steady gondola, you’ll want to share a smooch with your sweetheart at the top.
12. Enjoy a romantic meal.
Dining at Disneyland isn’t just about churros and corndogs. You can find excellent upscale cuisine at this Anaheim amusement park, too. Outside the theme parks, book a meal at one of the restaurants in Downtown Disney, or look to dining options at the three Disney hotels. For a romantic evening, be sure to make a reservation up to 60 days in advance for popular restaurants.
Carthay Circle Restaurant
At Disney California Adventure Park, the swankiest choice is Carthay Circle Restaurant. That’s where couples sip classic cocktails and dine on such offerings as filet mignon or sautéed shrimp with Manilla clams.
Napa Rose
For a decadent meal you’ll long remember, book the multi-course Chef’s Tasting Menu at Napa Rose. It’s located at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel.
That’s just what my husband and I did during our Disneyland romantic getaway. From the amuse-bouche of puréed cantaloupe and honeydew with crispy prosciutto to the tempura lobster salad served atop a bed of greens with coconut lemongrass dressing, each dish was a celebration unto itself.
Blue Bayou Restaurant
At Disneyland, the most romantic option is the Cajun/Creole-themed Blue Bayou Restaurant in New Orleans Square. It’s set “under the stars” with a view of Pirates of the Caribbean boats sailing past. If you like to have an adult beverage with your meal, however, note that alcohol is not served within Disneyland Park besides at Oga’s Cantina in Galaxy’s Edge and the exclusive Club 33.
13. Listen to live jazz in Downtown Disney.
Cuddle up while listening to sultry jazz at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney. In addition to serving delicious New Orleans Creole cuisine, this restaurant features live music performances by skilled musicians.
14. Sip tropical cocktails at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar.
Inspired by Disney’s Jungle Cruise ride, you’ll feel like you’ve arrived in Hawaii or the Caribbean at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel. Make-believe thunderstorms at this unique bar add to the allure.
Appetizers are available if you get the munchies. But the real reason to come here is for the tropical rum cocktails. Choose from such festive libations as the HippopotoMai-Tai, Mosquito Mojito, or the Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum.
Teetotalers can get in on the fun with mocktails. For example, the Skipper Sipper is made with tropical juices, agave nectar, Falernum, mint, and fresh lime juice topped with soda water.
15. Watch World of Color together.
The awesome light, water, and fire-filled World of Color feels romantic indeed. Watch a rainbow of Disney scenes displayed on walls of shooting water. It’s all set to songs familiar to Disney fans.
To view this nighttime spectacular, join the virtual queue via the Disneyland app. You could also choose from a number of packages for special World of Color seating. Or simply join the crowds at Paradise Gardens Park in Disney California Adventure.
My favorite World of Color viewing spot is Lamplight Lounge. Arrive at least an hour before showtime to order snacks and drinks. Service concludes before the show starts, but your server will ask for your last call order.
16. Ooh and ahh at fireworks.
Top off a romantic day at Disneyland with the thrill of a fireworks display. Fireworks excite and cause the release dopamine (the pleasure hormone) in watchers, two key ingredients for a romantic getaway.
Ooh and ahh at fireworks with your other half in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, along Main Street USA, between Central Plaza, or at the Main Street Train Station.
17. Book a romantic hotel stay.
A romantic getaway at Disneyland deserves a dreamy hotel stay. Any of Disney’s three onsite hotels fits the bill with incredible swimming pools, attention to magical details, and impeccable customer service.
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
The most luxurious option is the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. It offers Craftsman styling, the Tenaya Stone Spa, and a grand lobby reminiscent of National Park lodges. It’s also the only accommodation option that offers direct entry for guests to one of the theme parks, California Adventure.
Disneyland Hotel
The Disneyland Hotel offers a classic Disney vibe for couples. For a bit of magic, look for darling light-up headboards that play “When You Wish Upon a Star” at the flick of a switch. For a truly opulent experience, book one of five Signature Suites at Disneyland Hotel.
Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel
The California beach-themed Paradise Pier Hotel is only a slightly longer walk from the theme parks. Bonus: It is typically the most affordable of the three Disney-owned hotels. Plus, from Paradise Pier Hotel’s third-floor pool area, couples can watch fireworks accompanied by the theme park’s soundtrack.
Want more options? Lounging poolside with your partner is a romantic way to spend the day, especially at one of these Disney hotels with the best swimming pools. Take a look at the 10 most romantic hotels near Disneyland.
Why plan a Disneyland romantic getaway?
Disneyland is the perfect place for children. Why, then, should you choose Disney for a romantic getaway?
Sometimes it’s nice to enjoy Disney rides, eat an uninterrupted meal in a nice restaurant, and do whatever makes YOU and your partner happy. Experience all this without worrying about bedtimes and potty breaks. And, because visiting Disneyland without kids reminds parents how it feels to be a kid, rather than caring for kids.
As for my husband and me, our Disney anniversary getaway provided exactly what we needed: connection, adventure, and fun. What could be more romantic than that?
Save money on your Disneyland vacation.
Want to save money on your Disneyland romantic vacation? Of course, you do! Use discount code TravelMamas to get $10 off any two-night or longer Southern California package (hotel and two-ticket minimum) when you book through our trusted partner, Get Away Today. Find Disneyland Resort deals, including ticket discounts and discounted hotel packages!
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Keep these Disneyland romantic getaway tips.
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Would you and your partner enjoy a Disneyland romantic getaway? Let us know in the comments below!
Number four is really telling of what this blog is really about. Less about useful tips and more about how your eitthwr so brainwashed by capitalism or you work for Disney. Just take pictures people. That’s the souvenir. You’ve already spent hundreds of dollars, no reason to spend more on garbage that sits on you shelf. Take a picture and put it on a shelf. I’m not happy with having to now pay $35 for parking when just a few years ago it was only $20 and now ticket are $179! But look at that. You can get a year pass at six flags for $89 or knotts berry farms for $135. Don’t be a shill. Disney has enough money.
Udell – I literally make zero dollars from couples going souvenir shopping at Disneyland. Some people enjoy shopping for gifts for their partners. Apparently, you do not. To each their own!
I always thought that Disneyland is for family only. This is sound perfect to visit Disneyland for valentine. sneaking of from kids. LOL
Parents need some magic in their lives, too!
Damn! I strongly believe we would! There’s so much more here than is advertised!
Ha! Disneyland is not JUST for kids! 🙂
I love that Disney has something for everyone. This is an awesome list you have put together for couples.
Thanks, Ashley! So glad you like our Disneyland romantic getaway tips!
Disneyland sounds like a fantastic place to visit with your partner! Thank you for sharing. I hope I get to go someday 🙂
I hope you and your partner can visit Disneyland together someday, Sara!
I really wanna go to Disneyland someday. Being from Europe I’ve never been I just love to look at the photos for now haha
There’s always Disneyland Paris right in your backyard in Europe, Veronika!
I really love this! Everyone thinks that Disney is just for kids, but there are some lovely things to do for adults there. It’s a magical place for couples, too!
Definitely! Disneyland has such a different feel depending on your season of life and interests!
This list of romantic things to do at Disneyland is amazing. Thank you for sharing. Disney is not only for fun, it can be a wonderful place to celebrate an anniversary. great to know this.
My husband and I were surprised by how romantic Disneyland felt when we went without kids! I suppose it’s a matter of perspective and what experiences you look for.
his brings back some great memories as we actually got married in the Disneyworld site so always a fun and magical place that is for sure
What a magical place to get married!
Sipping cocktails at Tiki bar sounds like a genius idea! We visited Disney sometime back and looking at your wonderful post is giving me ideas to plan a trip again!
I love that tiki bar so much! Glad to provide some inspiration for a future Disneyland trip!
We have been to Carmel and absolutely loved it. New Orleans was terrific, except I’d skip the river tour to see alligator eating a marshmallow. Disney by ourselves when we were about 70 years old was the best. The Disney people would ask what we were celebrating and we said it was visiting by ourselves for the first time since it let us decide what to see, do, and eat whatever we wanted.
Ellen – Disneyland is so different but so magical at all life phases! How wonderful to see and do all you wanted without worrying about kids or grandkids!
I miss traveling and especially Disneyland, but I’ve only been to Paris, how great it was to discover this and make me want to come!
I love Disneyland Paris, too! All the Disney parks are so fun, and each has its own feel and unique touches!
Tomorrow morning we board our flight to Disneyland ! We are celebrating our 33rd anniversary there. Disneyland is our “happy place”, where we can be kids again, fall in love again and just have fun! Our favorite place to dine is The Blue Bayou. It is where we always share our anniversary meal. We have celebrated several anniversaries at Disneyland and hope for several more. We’ll be the big kids with the anniversary buttons on in the park Wednesday and Thursday. See you there!
My husband and I will be celebrating our one year anniversary in July. We went to Disneyland together when we were dating, for our honeymoon, and my birthday. We both love Disney everything (especially me). We recently decided to spend our anniversary in Disneyland as well, especially since we may be getting stationed further away (with him being in the Military). Doing anniversary research for Disneyland is how I came across your blog. Thanks for posting this, it gave me more of an idea of what our trip will be like!
Brook – Happy anniversary! I am sure you and your husband will have a wonderful and romantic time celebrating together at Disneyland!
Went to WDW before having our daughter two times….one for an anniversary. Loved it. Disney is so different without kiddos and very romantic. 🙂
This one is my favorite. Without keeping the spark alive and doing things for each other, there IS no travel with the kids!! If only more couples could learn this! You could be responsible for alot of “Romance at Disneyland”!
My husband and I have talked about sneaking off to Disneyland without the kids before. I think it sound perfectly fun and feels liek you are getting away with something since you are sans kids.One of these days we will do it.