How to Plan a Disney Honeymoon
After your dream wedding it’s time for a dreamy honeymoon, and what better place than one known for its magic: Disney. With countless resorts to choose from, a “Disneymoon” offers excitement, romance, adventure, world-class dining, and extra helpings of pixie dust. We turned to experts Rebecca Martens, Karen Shelton, and Nikki Miller to learn how to plan a happy honeymoon at the happiest place on Earth.
Meet the Expert
Read on for Disney honeymoon packages, costs, planning tips, and the best Disney resorts to live out your romantic daydreams.
Disney Honeymoon Cost
According to Martens, a Disney honeymoon can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000 depending on how long you stay, what type of park tickets you want to buy, if you want to stay in a deluxe resort versus a value resort and your mode of transportation, among other things. “Disney does accommodate all honeymooners regardless of what you want to spend,” she shares. You can have an all-out, over-the-top trip or you can keep it simple and stay in a value resort where you will pay around $200 a night plus resort fees.”
Budget-friendly rooms tend to be more pared-back and cater to families with children.“The moderate resorts are nicer and have fewer guests overall than the value resorts, but you still aren’t going to get that luxury experience for a honeymoon. For that, you have to stay in one of the deluxe resorts which have sprawling lobbies, nicer restaurants, better views, better beds and linens, and overall higher-end amenities.”
Staying at a deluxe resort can range from $700 to $1,500 a night according to Martens, and this does not include park tickets or food. She adds that “park tickets will cost around $150 per person per day and I would budget at least $300 per day for all the Mickey waffles, ice cream bars, and rice crispy treats you can eat.”
Disney Honeymoon Planning Tips
Hire a Disney Travel Agent
Working with an authorized Disney vacation planner is essential, says Shelton. “Weddings are stressful enough so work with an expert travel advisor specializing in Disney destinations who knows the tips and tricks to make every honeymoon unique and hassle-free”, she says. Martens agrees, saying, “Don’t call the mainline and book on your own; hire an expert. A Disney certified travel agent can help you find the right fit for you and your special person.”
Agents can suggest so many unique activities like renting a private yacht to watch fireworks on the Seven Seas Lagoon, getting a private chef’s table at your favorite Disney restaurant, or hiring your very own private Disney VIP guide to tour the parks.
Book Early
Since Disney vacations are so popular, it is essential to plan ahead and make bookings well in advance. “Many of the most romantic activities at Disney World require advance reservations. No one wants to show up for a carriage ride one night just to realize that they are all booked and the same goes for dining,” suggests romance travel specialist Nikki Miller. If your dream is to recreate the famous spaghetti kiss from Lady and the Tramp, you need to plan ahead and make a reservation at Tony’s in the Magic Kingdom. “Currently, dining reservations are being accepted 60 days in advance. Pre-COVID they were accepted 180 days in advance”, she adds.
Create a ‘Must-Do’ List
Disneymooners shouldn’t try to pack too much into their vacation either, as the world of Disney is big with so many activities and attractions to choose from. Miller says, “Pick one or two ‘must-dos’ per day even if that must-do is staying in your room and taking a bubble bath. You will feel so much more accomplished if you have your must-do list created in advance.”
Flaunt Your Newlywed Status
On arrival, honeymooners are advised to pick up a complimentary celebratory button from any cast member, Disney Guest Services location, or at check-in. Per Miller, “The more you let cast members know you are celebrating your honeymoon, the more ‘pixie dust’ and special attention you will get. This can range from complimentary Mickey ears to being asked to open a park or even a private ride on Kilimanjaro Safaris.”
You never know what extra perks will come your way at dinner either, so Miller encourages couples to mention their honeymoon when making all reservations. “Sometimes you get access to the best tables at the restaurant—such as tank side at Coral Reef, or lakeside at Rose and Crown Pub—and occasionally a complimentary beverage or dessert.”
Disney Honeymoon Packages
Disney doesn’t offer pre-built honeymoon packages per se but together with your agent, you can build your own customized honeymoon package combining all your desired wants. You can also set up a honeymoon registry directly through Disney so your friends and family can pay for your dream experiences. They can buy MagicBands, meals, theme park tickets, souvenirs, photo packages, special tours, and sweet surprises.
Disney Honeymoon Resorts
Now, here are some of the most magical Disney resorts to let love (and fun!) flourish during your honeymoon.
Disney’s Riviera Resort
“With 27 themed resorts on Walt Disney World Resort property, there is something to fit every couple’s needs,” says Miller. “Feeling like exploring the European Riviera? You’ll want a villa at Disney’s Riviera Resort and Spa. This brand new deluxe resort has a blend of modern and classic touches and an amazing art collection.” She adds that it has an exclusive stop on the new Skyliner aerial gondola system that will take you directly to Epcot, and it’s just a short transfer station away from Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Spa
“For the full princess treatment, head to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa which is located just steps from Magic Kingdom,” Miller suggests. “You can have a view of Cinderella’s Castle every day right from your room. Lovers of haute cuisine are in for a treat at the Grand Floridian, a deluxe resort that’s home to Victoria and Albert’s, the AAA Five Diamond adults-only culinary experience.
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
Treat yourself to the only Five Diamond resort in Central Florida located on Disney property. With gourmet restaurants, an adult-only pool (the only one in Disney!), one of the best spas in Orlando, a relaxing lazy river, a sleek rooftop lounge, and large rooms with spacious terraces, this is the ultimate luxurious Disney honeymoon. Couples-only activities the resort can arrange include tennis, cooking and golf lessons.
Be sure to take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary transportation in a luxury motorcoach when heading to the Disney parks!
Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge
Look giraffes in the eye from your balcony and feast on otherworldly views at Animal Kingdom. In one day you can paint the Savannah, splash around in an 11-square-foot pool, taste flavors of Africa and watch movies under the stars, all with your dearly beloved by your side.
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Disney’s Beach Club Resort is conveniently located a short walking distance from the Epcot World Showcase. Here, couples may live their bucket lists with no passport required and drink, dine and dart between 11 countries including France, Italy, Japan, Morocco and Germany. The resort has one of Walt Disney World Resort’s highest hotel waterslides, countless restaurants and a plethora of adventures around Stormalong Bay.
Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa
A “Disneymoon” is the perfect beginning of happily-ever-after and Hawaii is an opulent sanctuary for romance so check into Disney’s Aulani Resort in Ko Olina for your most important vacation as a couple. You’ll enjoy scintillating sunsets over the Pacific, luxury luaus, and awe-inspiring outdoor adventures around the beautiful island of Oahu.
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