Top 10 Ways to Celebrate Your Anniversary at Disney
Walt Disney World is for couples! During that past year, I have been asked by several couples to help them plan their anniversary celebrations at Disney. These couples were celebrating anniversaries from their 1st anniversary as a married couple to my last couple was celebrating 35 years together.
What I discovered from planning these anniversaries was that couples were looking for unique experiences or at least a way to commemorate their milestone in a special way. By searching for these creative ways to celebrate, I found that some ways can be completely free, while other celebrations might cost a little extra, but were worth the money spent.
This is my list of the top 10 ways for couples to celebrate their anniversaries at Disney.
1. Anniversary Buttons
Did you know that Disney gives celebration buttons away for free? This is a very easy and simple way to display to others that you are celebrating your anniversary. You can pick these buttons up at a Walt Disney World Resort, guest services at any of the parks or at Disney Springs.
Photo credit: http://hotelsneardisneyworld.blogspot.com/
Bring a Sharpie Pen with you and personalize these buttons with your names and maybe how many years you are celebrating being together. When you wear these buttons, cast members will pay special attention to you. You might be surprised by the reactions that you get from the buttons, such as a free dessert, an extra fast pass or calling attention to you during a parade.
2. Splurge on a Disney Resort Upgrade
If you normally stay at the Value Resorts, look at the Moderate Resorts. If you typically stay at a Moderate Resort, take a look at the upgrade to a Deluxe Disney Resort. I recommend the Deluxe Resorts, particularly if you are wanting to relax and take in more of Disney than just going non-stop at the parks.
With the upgrade to the Deluxe Resorts comes some additional perks, better and often larger rooms, amazing pools, various forms of transportation, additional dining options. Three of the deluxe resorts are located on the Monorail system, which is always a fun way to get around Disney.
3. Spa Day!
Senses Spa has locations at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, as well as Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. Senses Spa has many different treatments for you and your better half to enjoy. They have services that range from massages, facials, body wraps, aromatherapy and even a couples massage.
Reservations are recommended for these services and can be made 180 days in advance. Senses Spa is an oasis of relaxation and pampering that is ideal for a couple celebrating their anniversary.
4. In Room Celebrations
These special celebrations in your Disney Resort room can be something that you plan yourself or you can ask for the assistance of Disney Floral and gifts. This team of experts can help you plan as much or as little as you would like. They can sneak into your room and transform your room into a romantic fairy tale.
They can spread rose petals, lit candles, champagne or apple cider, a signed “Congratulations” photo customized from Mickey and Minnie, chocolates, jewelry and so much more. The attention to detail will be impressive and sure to make any couple feel special.
5. Fireworks Cruises
The fireworks cruises are one of my favorite events to plan for couples on their anniversaries, wanting to propose or just to add some magic to a trip. There are two fireworks cruises to choose from: Happily Ever After and Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. You will set sail in a chartered boat to watch the incredible fireworks show.
Each of the boats will play the synchronized audio to the fireworks show, so that you feel like you are right there. Each cruise has a captain and will include snacks and soft drinks. Celebration banners and balloons can also be requested.
The prices of these unique fireworks cruises: Happily Ever After has 2 sizes of boats. 1) 21-foot pontoon boat starts at $299 plus tax (seats 8) 2) 25-foot pontoon boat starts at $349 plus tax (seats 10). For the Illuminations Fireworks tour, the boat offer is the Grand Yacht and it starts at $399 plus tax (Seats 18). Reservations can be made 180 days in advance and payment is expected in full at the time of booking.
6. Vow Renewals
This can be as little or as big as you want it to be. I have a couple that has gone every year to Disney and “it’s a small world” is their favorite ride. For their vow renewal, they just prepared something to say to each other, found a place next to the ride to have their own “moment” together and then went on the ride.
However, you can make your vow renewal at Disney as big as a wedding, with a ceremony and reception. At Disney, there are essentially 3 vow renewal packages: Memories, Escape and Wishes. The first package has a starting price of $3,500, while the largest package starts at $12,000.
7. Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
There is just something romantic about a horse-drawn carriage ride and this special experience is not going to cost too much. At Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Area you can take a carriage ride along the paths of the Sassagoula River. The carriage can fit 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 small children.
The ride will last approximately 25 minutes and you can board at the Riverside Levee Marina. The cost is $55 and reservations can be made for this special event 180 days in advance.
8. Romantic Dinner for Two
Here are my two favorite suggestions, although there are many more you from which to choose: California Grill is located in Disney’s Contemporary Resort up on the top. The views from this location are spectacular. There is also a bar for cocktails. The bonus to this meal is that you can also view the fireworks.
If you eat breakfast, lunch or dinner at the California Grill, save your receipt. You can bring your receipt back in the evening and it will allow you to go up to the outdoor terrace and watch the fireworks over the Magic Kingdom. Victoria and Albert’s is located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. It is amazing!
It is the only AAA 5-Diamond restaurant at Walt Disney World. This is a perfect romantic dinner setting for a couple celebrating their anniversary. Reservations can be made 180 days in advance for both of these locations and are highly recommended.
9. Fireworks Dessert Parties
The most romantic Fireworks Dessert Party is held in the Magic Kingdom with viewing from the Tomorrowland Terrace. Advance reservations are highly recommended for this special event and can be made 180 days in advance. The price is $84 per adult and $50 per child (ages 3-9). As you sit with your “better half” you can toast with the following:
Sparkling cider, hot chocolate, Signature Lemonades, coffee or tea. The dessert buffet may include: Chocolate-dipped strawberries, Disney character theme desserts, ice cream, cookies, cupcakes and much more. This is a very romantic way to end your special day together.
10. Pictures
You can never have too many pictures. A simple way to remember your special anniversary trip together is to purchase Disney’s Memory Maker. If you purchase in advance and at least 3 days from your travel, the cost is $169. If you decide this is something that you would like to add to your trip once you are at Disney, the price will be $199.
Memory Maker includes unlimited downloads of photos and videos from rides, attractions and character dining. Another option is Disney Fine Art Photography. This is a professional photographer who will capture those special moments for you. They offer a variety of package options that are customized to fit your needs.
My name is Lisa George and I am a Disney Travel Planner with MickeyTravels (a Platinum Earmarked Agency). As a Disney Planner, I can help you with all of the details of the Disney Planning process, such as resort rooms, fast pass selections, dining reservations and much more.
I work with all Disney Destinations and my planning services are completely free for you to use. Let me help take the stress away from planning a Disney Vacation. You can contact me through email: lgeorge@mickeytravels.com or through my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/mickeytravelslisageorge. Let’s get started planning a magical Disney vacation!
