WWYD for a first date at WDW?

[ShadeDK]

[Reposting this here after the original thread died a quick and painless death on the Solo board - thanks to the handful that responded to that one]

There are a number of threads about planning engagements, weddings, reunions, anniversaries and all sorts of things - but one I haven't seen is this: how would someone plan a first date at the parks and what would they do? What are things that might make that magical? Attractions, rides, restaurants, activities - what would you do (or want to do) if it was you?

Here's the hypothetical (and some ground "rules") to help: it's not a blind date - let's say two people meet on the Dis and get to know each other on the phone first; they both like Disney and will be at WDW at the same time; there are no practical restrictions (assume park hoppers, no issues with ADRs or rides, any time of day is open). So let's hear it: what would you do?

 

[Hikergirl]

Fess up who is the other Diser?

 

[BrinkofSunshine]

For a first date I don't think I'd do anything overboard. I don't even know if an all-day thing would be advisable. Maybe meet up in the evening at one of the parks to have dinner, ride a couple things/see a show and watch fireworks. I think Epcot would be good for that: explore a few countries, grab a drink and then watch Illuminations.

 

[amberpi]

The possibilities are almost limitless in that scenario. Illuminations is always magical. (I believe that's correct, but doesn't 'Illuminations is" look wrong?")

Do you start with an evening date? Do you try to get fps to line up? Do you start a day fresh? Do you pick the other party up? How does that work?

 

[Disney Doll]

Epcot in the evening. I love it there. The lighting is beautiful. You can do apps in one country dinner in another. Or go from country to country getting little snacks in each.

Another idea is the wine cellar in Italy. Cozy. Rustic. A little romantic even but not over the top. Illuminations to end the evening.

Ir you could go to the Boardwalk for drinks/dining and then wander to Epcot for illuminations.

 

[BadgerGirl84]

I don't think I'd want anything "magical" planned for a first night. A plan to meet in the late afternoon, go on some rides and grab dinner at a non-deluxe TS restaurant sounds about right. If the date is going well, you can continue sightseeing after dinner, otherwise it's a good time to make an exit!

 

[Klayfish]

Wow, I don't know the exact answer, but that sounds awesome!!!

I think I'd figure out which park the two of you have most in common and start there. Love the idea of ending with Illuminations if you're in Epcot. Make dinner reservations, coordinate FP+, etc... Sounds like some heading your way...hopefully!

 

[LittleMissMagic]

I think go to Epcot, do some attractions, then get some food and drinks in World Showcase (even better if during F&W).

Other idea... go to DHS, attractions, leave when it's afternoon miserable and head over to Boardwalk for lunch and maybe a margarita at the stand or drinks at Abracadabra.

And another... MK attractions, then go monorail resort hopping for food and drinks.

Like others have said, don't go to crazy - a casual TS reservation if anything (personally I'd recommend no TS ADR and just taking your chances on CS or walk-ups, but either in World Showcase or at resorts). It will be fun!!

 

[amberpi]

Wow, I don't know the exact answer, but that sounds awesome!!!

I think I'd figure out which park the two of you have most in common and start there. Love the idea of ending with Illuminations if you're in Epcot. Make dinner reservations, coordinate FP+, etc... Sounds like some heading your way...hopefully!

Doesn't that sound awesome? I wonder if you're first date is at WDW if you're locked into a WDW engagement and wedding?

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

My vote would be EPCOT. World Showcase is the best place for just strolling along, stopping in one country to sample food, grab a drink in the next country. Dessert in Paris and end the night with Illuminations.

 

[DisneyHardin]

I would probably go to MK. I'd spend some time riding some classic rides and try to catch Festival of Fantasty and then head to a resort for dinner.

 

[ShadeDK]

For a first date I don't think I'd do anything overboard. I don't even know if an all-day thing would be advisable.

I agree with this - a first date can be too over the top. You don't want to both be left thinking: "Well that was perfect - it can only get worse from here!" I like these suggestions - and the EPCOT trend through a lot of the responses. Bonus points to all for not suggesting the "obvious" Disney first date activities like dinner at Tony's or the Magic Carpets (because, after all, they're still Tony's and the Magic Carpets - no one's trying to get left standing during the middle of the date here).

Doesn't that sound awesome? I wonder if you're first date is at WDW if you're locked into a WDW engagement and wedding?

Doesn't this sound too perfect? Disney has the market already on the kids - why not get a head start by helping the process that results in those kids? Some kind of Disney Family Planning program .... which, now that I've said it, sounds ..... all kinds of wrong. We probably don't want a singles bar/eugenics lab popping up in TomorrowLand.

Fess up who is the other Diser?

Stay tuned for the epic Trip Report. [*disclaimer: Names, characters, places, events and incidents appearing in said Trip Report may be either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual Disers, living or dead, or actual events may be purely coincidental. No animals will be harmed during the production of any such Trip Report].

 

[amberpi]

Doesn't this sound too perfect? Disney has the market already on the kids - why not get a head start by helping the process that results in those kids? Some kind of Disney Family Planning program .... which, now that I've said it, sounds ..... all kinds of wrong. We probably don't want a singles bar/eugenics lab popping up in TomorrowLand.

Stay tuned for the epic Trip Report. [*disclaimer: Names, characters, places, events and incidents appearing in said Trip Report may be either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual Disers, living or dead, or actual events may be purely coincidental. No animals will be harmed during the production of any such Trip Report].

Disney is really missing the mark by not offering a dating service when you put in the terms above. They could create more long term visitors and really increase the wedding sales. Mickey Mouse engagement rings designed by Harry Winston will be next. Maybe they could sell a "lifestyle/lifetime" program to cover all significant events for the next 20 years - like DVC for relationship milestones to should be celebrated at WDW.

Looking forward to this trip report. Your attorney hand is showing though with your disclaimer however. You might want to add a rating to it depending on how this date to end all dates goes. Maybe it'll go on all week? That's at least a dozen dates in "real life" terms, like dog years or something.

 

[MrsDuck]

EPCOT dinner followed by dessert and drinks. MK is for a second date!

 

[ShadeDK]

Disney is really missing the mark by not offering a dating service when you put in the terms above. They could create more long term visitors and really increase the wedding sales. Mickey Mouse engagement rings designed by Harry Winston will be next. Maybe they could sell a "lifestyle/lifetime" program to cover all significant events for the next 20 years - like DVC for relationship milestones to should be celebrated at WDW.

I really want to see how they allocate the points system on this one. Additionally, for those unsure about the long-term DVC model, will there be pay-as-you-go options with Value - Moderate - Deluxe levels?

EPCOT dinner followed by dessert and drinks. MK is for a second date!

There are approximately 3 million different planning guides for WDW, but not a single one for dating that I'm aware of. These are the things/strategies people need to know.

 

[amberpi]

I really want to see how they allocate the points system on this one. Additionally, for those unsure about the long-term DVC model, will there be pay-as-you-go options with Value - Moderate - Deluxe levels?

WDW couldn't do a value, moderate, deluxe could they? What is the price of WDW love? But if they DID do levels - what would the levels be? Pecos Bills/Tony's/V&A, or is V&A still excluded? You don't want to have pack a jacket just for a stupid date, right? I mean you can't try that hard.

 

[ShadeDK]

WDW couldn't do a value, moderate, deluxe could they? What is the price of WDW love? But if they DID do levels - what would the levels be? Pecos Bills/Tony's/V&A, or is V&A still excluded? You don't want to have pack a jacket just for a stupid date, right? I mean you can't try that hard.

WDW love is priceless - as long as you have the money. And if other threads on the boards are to be believed, running shorts and hoodies are acceptable attire at pretty much any event/restaurant you can think of. Trying hard = buttons and collars. With a jacket, I might as well pack my monocle, top hat and ascot, too.

 

[AppleDumpling]

You might think it's too much, but how about taking the Keys to the Kingdom tour together?

Or else, as others have said, a nice dinner at one of the countries in Epcot, some place romantic like Narcoossee's or some place fun and lively like a character meal.

 

[amberpi]

WDW love is priceless - as long as you have the money. And if other threads on the boards are to be believed, running shorts and hoodies are acceptable attire at pretty much any event/restaurant you can think of. Trying hard = buttons and collars. With a jacket, I might as well pack my monocle, top hat and ascot, too.

I've been on first dates at decent restaurants with men dressed not much nicer than running shorts and hoodies, so I guess that's a thing already.

If you have a monocle, top hat, and ascot, you have women lined up around the street, admit it.

 

[Mirielle]

My very first date ever with DH was at WDW. At the end of the date, I couldn't tell you *one single thing* about WDW, but I had a *magical* time!!! In fact, it's still going on.