Have you dreamed of taking a romantic trip around the world? Wondered what it would be like to have dinner in Paris and then a moonlit stroll along a sandy beach? Who hasn’t?
Well, if a trip around the world is not in the budget, consider finding romance at Orlando’s Disney World. Yes, I wrote Disney World and romance in the same sentence. It’s not just for kids anymore. Though I was skeptical at first, I found that it’s true: romance abounds in Disney World.
So pack your fairy dust and some walking shoes, we’re off to the land of smiles. Oh, and bring a pedometer. You’ll be amazed at how many miles you walk in a day at Disney World. We averaged 13 miles per day. So eat whatever you want. How’s that for fairyland?

After a long flight from Seattle, we arrived at Disney’s Beach Club Resort in the late afternoon. The hotel looks like an oversized 1930’s New England mansion. The lobby was fashioned after a more romantic time, the Gatsby era when people spent summers by the lake.I pictured children in little white sailor suits running up and down the halls with huge lollipops.

When we reached our floor, the concierge floor, we were greeted by the cheeriest person on earth, or so we thought until we met the other five or so concierge hosts and hostesses. One woman had been there for thirty years making people smile. As aging Mouseketeers go, she was adorable.

“What can I do to make your stay here absolutely perfect?” she asked as we stepped off the elevator looking like the forgotten dwarves Prickly and Petulant. “I haven’t had a good cup of coffee since we left Seattle.” I grumbled. “A latte would be nice.” “Your room is at the end of the hall. I’ll have your latte to you in no time.”

We schlepped down the hall behind the bellman. He opened the door to our room, the Nantucket Suite, with a big smile. We were amazed. There were a magnificently decorated entryway, living room, and a dining room with a deck overlooking the courtyard and beach. The large paintings adorning the walls were reminiscent of Renoir and Monet. In the bedroom was a four-poster bed suggesting romance next to a balcony overlooking Lake Buena Vista, the boardwalk, beach, water taxis, and the interconnecting sandy-bottom pools.

On our first night we had reservations (a must) at the Bistro de Paris. We walked from our hotel across the arched stone bridge and headed toward the “Eiffel Tower” as the sun set. This gourmet restaurant, with French cuisine and a romantic ambience, features flavorful sensations and impeccable service. Our waiter was a student from France. As we indulged in luscious wine and mouth-watering appetizers that I cannot pronounce, he indulged us with answers about his homeland.

My husband and I are lovers of great food and wine. This restaurant has wine and food pairing down to an art form. It was an amazing ”light” six-course meal with a stunning selection of wines per course. With a view of Epcot from our window table, we held hands, sipped dessert wine, and watched the fireworks display from Disney World fill the night sky. Finding romance in this Paris was an evening to remember.

The next day we reluctantly left our lavish room in search of adventure. I believe that laughter, unusual escapades, and any bonding experience build a stronger relationship and certainly improve one’s love life. So, we headed for the rides to scream our heads off!

We took the water taxi to Disney World and entered the gates of the Magical Kingdom. Like two big kids we found our way around the park in record time, to Magic Mountain, Splash Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Space Mountain. We were wet, hot, and ready to go back to Epcot for the afternoon and the one thing we were willing to stand a long line for: Disney’s new exhibit ”Soaring.” Wow! That was amazing.

The enchanting gates to Epcot were a short walk from our hotel. The dazzling countries re-created there are captivating. In Epcot’s ”England” we found the popular English Pub where we sat on the deck overlooking the lake and watched water taxis come and go. We enjoyed a Heferviezen, fish-n-chips with vinegar, conversation with a family from the real England, and a Japanese couple on their honeymoon. Refreshed by the long rest, fresh air and beer, we were ready to travel the world. We were off to Japan, Morocco and Italy to find more romance.

The Japan pavilion is a serene place with rock gardens, Koi-filled ponds, a striking pagoda and a dramatic Torii gate. We were lucky to catch a performance by the wonderful Taiko drummers.

Morocco is divided into two intriguing sections; the Ville Nouvelle (new city) and the Medina (old city). We saw gorgeous belly dancers and shopped in the bustling plaza where you can buy a carpet and a fez, if the mood strikes. We felt that we had been swept off to a far-away land in another time.

Then the alluring Italian pavilion called to us. The architecture is reminiscent of Venice, as well as a stunning version of the Campanile (bell tower) of St. Mark's Square, complete with bridges, gondolas and colorful barber poles. And don’t miss out on dinner at L'Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante. Magnifico! Have the fettuccini. (This is why I was happy to learn we were walking 13 miles a day.) This is a cheerful place with great food. Everyone waves their cloth napkins in the air and sings old Italian songs to the tunes of the musicians. Lots of calories and lots of laughter. I advise making reservations here also.

After a jubilant, napkin-waving dinner my wine-happy husband, Joe, finished my wine for me. We walked under the stars through the enchanting parks, over stone bridges and back to our hotel. I finally got him to stop singing his version of Italian love songs. There are no words to describe how unromantic his singing was.

Romance was everywhere (after he stopped singing). The air was sultry and warm, the night sky looked as if diamonds had been scattered to light our way. We sat on Adirondack chairs next to the shore in front of our hotel and listened to the gentle waves caress the beach. We watched the 1950’s dance club on the boardwalk across the waterway light up for the night’s activities. It’s a special world where everything is perfect. As we left the elevator the cheery host greeted us with a snifter of brandy to take to our room for a nightcap. It was wonderful to be king and queen in a magical kingdom.

The next morning we watched an incredible wedding taking place on the veranda of the Magical Kingdom’s castle. Cinderella and her Prince Charming were being wed. Disney World weddings are something to behold. If you can afford it, you too can be prince and princess for the day, complete with the carriage and silver slippers. We saw several weddings taking place throughout the kingdom, including a vintage wedding at MGM’s Hollywood, and a Safari-theme wedding in the Animal Kingdom amidst the African animals that freely roam through the acres of savannah, rivers and rocky hills.

Surrounded by weddings, lovers and hand-holding couples, it’s hard not to feel romantic all day long in the world Disney created. Apparently, Disney World is a highly ranked honeymoon destination and I can see why. One really can forget the world outside the kingdom’s gates and just focus on the other. Where else can one visit 11 nations, see a Broadway show, the Eiffel Tower, and go on a safari in 24 hours? The romance and magic of Disney is as contagious as a child’s laughter.

Now, twinkling stars, blue lagoons, and soft guitars are nice, sure. But all romance requires is two people in love, connecting in a way different from their everyday lives. Time away is an everlasting gift we can give ourselves and our relationships. So start saving for that trip to the beach, country, or around the world.

Disney Weddings start at $3000. Rooms at the various properties start at $139.