Celebrating your anniversary at Disney World might seem unconventional, but it’s become one of my favorite ways to reconnect with my wife, Jaimie. We’ve done it twice: once when we were newly married and eager to experience everything, and again years later when we left our kids, Ben and Ava, with their grandparents for a true adults-only getaway.
Both trips were magical in completely different ways, proving that there’s no one “right” way to celebrate a Disney anniversary. Whether you’re splurging on once-in-a-lifetime experiences or planning a romantic getaway on a budget, Disney offers options for every couple.
Here are ten ways to make your Disney World anniversary as magical and memorable as possible.
1. Choose Your Anniversary Style and Timing
Before booking anything, decide what kind of celebration you want to have.
- Luxury anniversaries mean choosing the best Signature Dining restaurant, Disney Deluxe Resorts, and VIP experiences.
- Balanced approaches mix splurges with savings – perhaps an upscale resort, but with a focus on mostly casual dining (or vice versa).
- Budget-conscious celebrations prove romance doesn’t require massive spending when Disney’s magical atmosphere does half the work.
Timing matters significantly. Check our Disney World crowd calendar to choose dates matching your style.
Quieter periods, such as late January, early May, or September, offer more intimate experiences and easier reservations. Peak times bring festival energy but crowds and higher prices. For more on planning and timing, see our Planning Guide for Disney World Vacations and Best Time to Visit Disney World guide.
2. Select the Perfect Romantic Resort
Your resort sets the foundation for your entire anniversary experience.
Luxury splurges: Disney’s Grand Floridian delivers Victorian elegance with spa services and live lobby music. The Polynesian Village offers tropical paradise vibes with spectacular Magic Kingdom fireworks views from the beach – where Jaimie and I spent one magical anniversary evening watching fireworks over Cinderella Castle. Animal Kingdom Lodge provides an exotic ambiance with savanna views from your balcony.
Budget picks: Port Orleans – Riverside and Port Orleans – French Quarter deliver Southern charm at moderate prices, with carriage rides available. Caribbean Beach offers tropical theming and Skyliner access. Coronado Springs offers Spanish colonial elegance, complemented by a spectacular rooftop restaurant, Toledo (Jaimie and I love this place!).
Always note “anniversary celebration” when booking. While Disney makes no guarantees, we’ve received room upgrades, congratulatory notes, and even chocolate-covered strawberries once.
Explore our guides to Best Disney Resorts for Honeymoons and Best Disney Hotels for Adults for detailed recommendations.
3. Indulge in Romantic Dining Experiences
Disney’s dining scene rivals that of any major city, offering experiences ranging from Michelin-quality fine dining to charming, hidden gems.
Signature restaurants require two dining plan credits, business casual dress, and 60-day advance reservations:
Victoria & Albert’s at Grand Floridian is Disney’s crown jewel – AAA Five Diamond dining with seven-course tasting menus starting at $295 per person. Book exactly at your 60-day window; it sells out within hours.
California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort combines innovative cuisine with 15th-floor views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. The restaurant dims the lights during fireworks, creating an incredibly romantic atmosphere. Jaimie and I always request window tables when we arrive. It’s not always guaranteed, but if we’re not in a rush, it’s worth waiting.
Narcoossee’s at Grand Floridian offers lakefront views, fresh seafood, and an intimate atmosphere perfect for lingering conversations.
Budget-friendly romance: The Plaza Restaurant on Main Street offers booth seating and entrees around $20. Beaches & Cream delivers old-fashioned charm with shareable desserts. Satu’li Canteen in Pandora offers elevated quick service in a peaceful setting. Geyser Point at Wilderness Lodge offers lakeside dining without signature pricing.
Hidden tip: Order custom anniversary cakes through Disney Floral & Gifts (72 hours’ advance notice) for delivery to any restaurant table.
4. Experience Fireworks Together
Few things capture Disney romance like watching fireworks while holding hands with the person you love.
Premium options: Dessert parties ($99-129 per person) offer reserved viewing and treats. Fireworks cruises ($435-695) provide exclusive waterfront viewing from private boats – perfect for milestone anniversaries.
Budget viewing: Polynesian Resort beach provides free Magic Kingdom fireworks viewing. The TTC ferry dock offers unobstructed views. World Showcase Lagoon walkway around Epcot has numerous free spots.
Hidden gem: Evening boat rides from Epcot to Hollywood Studios create peaceful, romantic moments while offering glimpses of fireworks from both parks.
5. Consider VIP and Private Experiences
For milestone celebrations, such as anniversaries, Disney’s premium experiences create once-in-a-lifetime memories.
Private VIP Tours ($450-$ 900 per hour, 7-hour minimum) offer dedicated guides who navigate backstage routes, dramatically reducing wait times. Behind-the-scenes tours (like Keys to the Kingdom) offer fascinating glimpses into operational aspects. Private fireworks cruises offer the opportunity to bring champagne for anniversary celebrations on the water.
Avoid booking VIP tours during periods of very low crowds – regular touring already means minimal waits then.
Read our Guide to Disney VIP Tours and Luxury Disney World Vacations for comprehensive details.
6. Relax with Spa Time
After a couple of days touring the parks, spa experiences are the perfect way to help you reconnect and recharge together during your Disney World anniversary vacation.
Senses Spa at the Grand Floridian and Saratoga Springs offers couples’ massages ($340-$ 360 for 50 minutes). The tranquil atmospheres and skilled therapists rival any urban day spa. Book well in advance, as popular slots fill up quickly.
Budget relaxation: Resort pool time costs nothing beyond room rates but provides genuine value. Quiet Epcot corners like the Japan Pavilion gardens offer peaceful respites.
Hidden gem: Poolside cabanas ($300-$ 400 daily) at select resorts include loungers, fans, refrigerators, and dedicated service – a luxurious option that’s more affordable than spa treatments when used all day.
7. Capture Anniversary Memories
While having your phone for quick snapshots is convenient, professional photography will capture your anniversary memories beautifully for years to come.
Memory Maker ($169 when purchased in advance) provides unlimited downloads of all PhotoPass photos. During our adults-only anniversary trip, Jaimie and I stopped at every photographer and ended up with dozens of beautiful couple photos now framed in our home.
Capture Your Moment ($99 for 20 minutes) offers private photography sessions at park locations – increasingly popular with anniversary couples.
Budget tip: PhotoPass photographers are happy to use your phone for free pictures at iconic locations.
Hidden gem: Resort photography at BoardWalk, Polynesian gardens, or Grand Floridian lobby provides stunning backgrounds with fewer crowds than park locations. Golden hour (before sunset) offers the most flattering light.
8. Try Unique Couple Activities
Disney World provides an unexpected range of anniversary activities that go beyond the typical theme park attractions.
Horse-drawn carriage rides at Port Orleans Riverside ($55 per carriage, 25 minutes) offer Southern charm, especially when paired with beignets afterward at Scat Cat’s Club.
Surrey bike rentals at BoardWalk ($32-$ 42 per half hour) allow you to explore scenic lakefront paths together.
Romantic lounges like AbracadaBar at BoardWalk, Enchanted Rose at Grand Floridian, and Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Polynesian offer late-night entertainment specifically for adults. There are also excellent nightclubs at Disney World if you’re seeking more excitement.
Hidden romantic moments: Ride Prince Charming Regal Carrousel at night when crowds thin. Watch the vintage Electrical Water Pageant from resort beaches (9-10 PM, free). Pack treats from home to enjoy on your balcony under Florida stars.
Avoid water parks for anniversary days – they lack the romantic atmosphere most couples seek.
See our Guide to Disney World for Adults and Walt Disney World for Couples for comprehensive planning tailored to adults and couples.
9. Claim Free Celebration Perks
During anniversary vacations, small gestures can create meaningful moments. These simple acts may seem insignificant, but they can hold great significance.
“I’m Celebrating” buttons are free at Guest Services. While they don’t guarantee special treatment, Cast Members regularly offer surprise touches – we’ve received complimentary desserts, front-row parade seating, and extra magic simply because Cast Members noticed our buttons.
Disney Floral & Gifts delivers flowers, champagne, and gift baskets to resort rooms (order 72 hours in advance, $50-200+).
Don’t expect guaranteed freebies – appreciate surprises when they happen, but the real magic is celebrating together.
10. Plan Adults-Only Time
If you are visiting Disney World with kids during your anniversary trip, strategic planning allows for a couple of times, even during family vacations.
When we visited near our anniversary with Ben and Ava, we arranged an afternoon for them with grandparents while we escaped to Epcot for wine tasting and dinner at Monsieur Paul. The kids had a blast while we spent some precious quality time together.
Evening outings are perfect – after the kids are asleep with family, sneak out for nightcaps at nearby lounges accessible via walking or a quick boat ride.
Avoid overplanning every minute; leave gaps for spontaneous wandering through World Showcase, lingering over drinks, or simply sitting together on your balcony. Some of our best moments occurred because we weren’t rushing to the next reservation.
Budget-Friendly Anniversary Magic at Disney World
Creating romantic memories doesn’t require massive spending:
- Share Mickey pretzels or Dole Whip while people-watching on Main Street
- Ride the Skyliner at sunset for gorgeous aerial views in private gondolas
- DIY resort crawl visiting Grand Floridian, Polynesian, and Wilderness Lodge via free Disney transportation
- World Showcase progressive dining – appetizers in Mexico, entrees in France, dessert in Germany
These prove the magic isn’t in spending, but in slowing down to appreciate being together in Disney’s enchanting environment.
For budget details, see How Much Does Disney World Cost and How Much Does a Disney Honeymoon Cost? to get an idea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Disney World good for anniversaries? Absolutely. Beyond family attractions, Disney offers sophisticated experiences – Michelin-quality dining, luxury spas, elegant resorts, and adult venues. Strategic planning helps you experience romantic Disney rather than just family-friendly areas.
What are the most romantic Disney restaurants? Victoria & Albert’s (AAA Five Diamond), California Grill (fireworks views), Narcoossee’s (lakefront), and Monsieur Paul (French cuisine). Budget options include The Plaza and Beaches & Cream.
Will Disney do anything special for my anniversary? Noting your celebration when booking often results in surprises – room upgrades, congratulatory notes, complimentary treats. No guarantees, but Cast Members genuinely love celebrating milestones.
Can you renew vows at Disney World? Yes, through Disney’s Fairytale Weddings & Honeymoons, though it requires special booking and premium pricing.
How much should we budget? Value resorts with quick-service dining: $2,000-3,000 for three nights. Moderate resorts with signature dinners: $3,500-5,500. Luxury experiences with VIP tours and spa treatments: $7,000-10,000+.
Make Your Anniversary Dreams Come True
The most important lesson we learned from our Disney World anniversary celebrations is that magic comes from being fully present with each other. It’s essential to put down our phones, stop worrying about maximizing every moment in the park, and simply enjoy each other’s company in a place designed to feel enchanted.
Jaimie and I cherish our Disney anniversaries not for how much we spent or how many attractions we visited, but because Disney allowed us to focus entirely on one another. The parks, resorts, and entertainment all worked together to create space for us to celebrate our love.
Your anniversary deserves that same kind of magic.
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