Yacht rides & fireworks: A Disney vacation for Valentines

Skip the chocolates — sprinkle spontaneity into your Valentine’s Day celebration with a Disney vacation.

By Jill E. Cooper

Ah, love. Some say “it makes the world go round,” while others insist that it is “what makes the ride worthwhile.” In either case, Valentine’s Day gives us the chance to celebrate those who bring love into our lives. If you and your loved one are fortunate enough to spend Valentine’s Day this year at Walt Disney World, you’llfind a full range of ways to make your day extra sweet.

Consider making your way to Downtown Disney, where at Goofy’s Candy Company you can custom-design an inexpensive treat for your sweetheart. Start with your choice of caramel apple, pretzel rods, marshmallow, gingerbread cookie, fudge cookie, or Mickey-shaped rice krispy treat and then drench your selection with your choice of white, dark, or milk chocolate. Roll that masterpiece in one or more of your sweetheart’s favorite toppings (crushed Butterfingers anyone?) and then drizzle another layer of chocolate on top of that. With all those choices, no two treats are alike. Who wouldn’t want such a thoughtful and decadent Valentine surprise?

If something more exotic strikes your sweetheart’s fancy, treat him or her to one of the alluring creations found in the Epcot World Showcase pavilions. A perennial favorite in my family is the Kaki Gori shaved ice in Japan. Revel in a cozy moment on a bench along World ShowcaseLagoon while enjoying your tangerine, melon, or strawberry ice. And there’s more to share: buttery caramel popcorn, chocolate and caramel-dipped strawberries, or rocky road apples at Karamell Küche in the Germany Pavilion. Save the best for last — dreamy layered Napoleon pastries served at the France Pavilion’s Boulangerie Patisserie.

If you decide to splash out at Walt Disney World’s flagship resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, call the chefs at the private dining line. As part of the romance package, have rooms delivered to your suite from one of the resort’s six restaurants or better yet, sail on the Grand One Yacht as it departs the resort’s dock for a magical fireworks cruise on the Seven Seas Lagoon. And the memory of sipping champagne and nibbling on strawberries during fireworks over Cinderella’s Castle will last longer than a dozen long-stems.

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Jill E. Cooper has been an aficionado of the Disney theme parks since age seven. One of her fondest dreams came true when she was invited to join the Walt Disney World Moms Panel in 2011. She and her small familyhave recently added Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney vacations to their portfolio of magical Disney travel experiences.

Tagged: Disney, Florida