#5: Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House
Animal Kingdom Lodge Lobby
As a popular favortie to most Disney fans for hotel choice, Animal Kindom Lodge Jambo House sports some very interesting artwork and very exquisite theming and decorating. The lobby is the main jaw-dropper as you are immediately greeted by a grand room with a ceiling to wall window that gazes out to the savannah.
Although the decorations do enhance the experience and immerses you into a very specific environment of Africa, I can't help but be lured into the beauty of the lodge and how relaxed you feel when you stay in this particular hotel. Just a stroll down the hallways seem to be peaceful from the hustle and bustle of the parks as this particular hotel doesn't harbor as many wild children as other hotels. Animal Kingdom Lodge still continues its theming with all the decor throughout the hotel including the wall sconces and carpeting. It also features artwork and artifacts at certain pause points for your enjoyment as well. It's like a private museum for you and your partner to tour to your leisure after you visit Victoria Falls for your cocktail of choice (which normally is super calm).
#4: Port Orleans
Port Orleans: French Quarter Courtyard
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Although this isn't the most elaborate hotel, Port Orleans does sport a mean theming of the French Quarter in New Orleans as well as the countryside at Riverside. Really though, the key to this area would be the river walkway that connects both the hotels. This stretch of walkway is perfect for an evening stroll to relax and take in the atmosphere with a river to one side, and New Orleans to the other. Benches decorate the walkway so there are plenty of places to have a seat and relax as boats pass by or to observe some wildlife (there are lot's of bunnies!).
Another gem of this hotel would be the carriage ride that takes you around both hotel grounds. Drawn by a perfectly groomed horse, a carriage that seats up to 4 will give you a stroll under the streetlights to take in the atmosphere. Now I am deathly afraid of horses (mainly because I think they can eat your face), but the carriage ride is at a distance enough from the horse for me to enjoy the time with a loved one. A bit old fashioned, I know, but I do think it's a great thought to impress that special person.
#3: The Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights
Streets of America, Hollywood Studios
Impressive, vibrant, innovative, and super adorable are just a few words to describe this event that happens for a quarter of the year at Hollywood Studios. Set on the Streets of America, lights deck all aspects of this small area to show off holidays from around the world, and the lights dance to the music that they play, too!
It is a very neat show and I love the idea of grabbing a cup of hot cocoa (even if it is a warmer night) and just standing in the center of the streets to enjoy the ballet of LED (ish) lights. Even after the show is over, just walking around the streets prove to be exciting as every crook and cranny shows some type of display of lights and small surprises decorate every window on the streets as well. Plus, it even snows during and after the show, too!
Really, it is hard to explain and the best way to feel the excitement is to actually experience the light spectacle (but if you can't here is a short video I found on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etSxNAbGmNY)
#2: Top of Contemporary Resort
Contemporary Resort
Although I have not experienced California Grill, the restaurant that sits at the top of the Contemporary Hotel, I have seen the fireworks from the top of the very now-retro monument. Although the viewing deck can get a bit crowded as more people are catching on to this location, a spot lower than the restaurant would be a sufficient spot to cuddle while you watch the fireworks behind Cinderella castle. Imagine a bench decked out with rose petals and a blanket covering a bench with a bottle of champagne waiting for you as you walk towards the gigantic window. Or, if you're lucky, maybe that date of yours will take you to that restaurant beforehand, too! Did I mention that it has a wonderful view of the castle? I just get excited when I think about it.
And now the number one spot........ Drumroll!
#1: The Boardwalk (and surrounding beaches)
The Romantic Lake by the Boardwalk Inn
Sometimes I just get flustered every time I set my eyes on this particular stretch. It has a bit of an old-world feel as it's meant to resemble the 1920's - 1940's. It is always super cute, especially after the sun goes down and the stars come out to shine. The strip actually makes a full circle around the lake and includes the International Gateway into EPCOT as well as the Yacht and Beach Club hotels.
Close your eyes and imagine this: You are holding hands with your spouse on a nice stretch of sandy beach and just happen to stumble onto a swinging bench close by the lake. Sitting down with your loved one, you notice how bright the stars shine here away from most of the park lights. You can see the big dipper, orion, and other constellations as you lay your head on their shoulder. Swinging softly, you feel so relaxed and so into the moment that you don't even realize that it is almost midnight and that you've been embracing each other and chatting away the night for nearly two hours. Heading to the walkway, you head towards the Boardwalk Inn hotel and pass a dainty lighthouse and decide to go see what is inside. Walking along, you notice that really, there isn't anything there but yet another spot to sit and enjoy the waves slowly caressing the sides of the port. It makes you feel like you are in a nautical world, full of romance and beauty that makes you never want to leave.......
That pretty much sums up how I feel about the Boardwalk and the surrounding area. I can't help but to fall in love again even when I just think about this area. It is definitely a hidden gem for Disney as this area is an extremely low traffic area (probably because the surrounding hotels are for Vacation Club members or you would pay an equivalent amount that you would for the Grand Floridian). If you ever have a free night and just want to go and explore something new, this area is a perfect place and even has a few boardwalk-style games that you can play and win prizes for your partner. Oh, did I mention that this place is free and open to the public? Win!
So what is your most beloved romantic place in Disney World? Love it and leave it!
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