Hey, Valentine: Disney Date Ideas

Here at Touring Plans, we are all about data-driven Disney vacations. We love looking at wait times and satisfaction surveys and prices and availability and doing all of the math to figure out how you can save time and money on your next trip to Walt Disney World. But sometimes, as the kids say, “the math ain’t mathing”. And that brings us to today’s article.

I thought to myself, you know what would be great? A Disney date. You know what would be even better? A data-driven Disney date. Let’s find all of the restaurants where couples rate the restaurant higher than any other party type. Surely these would be romantic locations for your next Disney date night. Right?

Explain the Math

When Walt Disney World visitors return from their vacations, they can fill out our post-visit survey. It asks them for a bunch of information, including which restaurants they visited and enjoyed, and some demographic information. First, I pulled party types that looked like couples. This involved some trial and error because all I have is genders and ages. And that means the data is dirty. At first I accidentally included what later turned out to be very clear mother/son combos, for example.

Once I had the best-I-can-get separate populations of couples and not-couples, I pulled their satisfaction scores for every Disney dining location in the past two years. For each one, I calculated the percentage of surveys that gave the location a thumbs up. Then, I narrowed in on the restaurants where couples had the highest satisfaction when compared to the general population.

The results were … unexpected … and that brings us to today’s topic:

Data-Driven Disney Dates

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey like no other, where we’ll uncover hidden gems and unconventional date spots that promise to ignite sparks of romance during the exhilarating chaos of a theme park vacation. Each location featured here offers a unique backdrop for couples to indulge in delectable delights and create lasting memories.

We’ll venture into the heart of Disney magic, where love blossoms among the clatter of cutlery and the laughter of fellow adventurers. There’s no shortage of enchanting experiences awaiting lovebirds within the confines of Walt Disney World. So, hold onto your Mickey ears and prepare to tantalize your taste buds as we explore the most unforgettable Disney date spots.

Disney Date #1: Catalina Eddies

Nestled away in the bustling streets of Disney’s Hollywood Studios lies Catalina Eddie’s, a charming little pizza joint that promises a taste of amore amidst the chaos of theme park adventures. Picture this: you and your significant other team up to create the perfect meal time. You team up by … splitting up. One of you waits in line with the masses to order your food, and the other hovers over the other couples and families like a vulture, waiting for them to finish their meal so you can scoop their table from them. The adrenaline rush of your shared success will create an unbreakable bond and an unforgettable meal.

The cafeteria-style picnic tables create an ambiance that whispers of old-world romance. The distant screams of thrill-seekers on nearby attractions only add to the excitement, reminding you that love can bloom even in the most unexpected places. As you savor your generic Disney pizza, you can’t help but smile at the absurdity of it all – the juxtaposition of classic romance against the backdrop of a bustling theme park. Yet somehow, it works.

Disney Date #2: Dockside Diner

Ahoy, lovebirds! Prepare to set sail on a culinary adventure at Dockside Diner, a unique eatery tucked beside Echo Lake in Hollywood Studios. Here, romance takes on a nautical twist as you dine beside a stationary boat, the gentle sway of the waves replaced by the bustling footsteps of passersby. It may not be the most conventional date spot, but that’s the charm of the place. You’re transported to a land where boats rest on lakeshores and serve up hot dogs to hungry guests.

You can’t help but feel a sense of camaraderie with your fellow diners as together you fend off the birds waiting for unguarded bits of bun. After all, what good are tablecloths when compared to large sun-shading umbrellas anyway?  So “seas” the opportunity, pick a few wieners to share, and let the waves of whimsy wash over you.

Disney Date #3: Riverside Mill Food Court

Who needs candlelit dinners when you can have the fluorescent glow of a food court? Welcome to Riverside Mill Food Court, the default dining choice for almost everyone staying at Port Orleans Resort – Riverside. Here, romance takes on a casual flair as you peruse the diverse culinary offerings, from pizza to po’ boys (just kidding – those are only burgers), all served with a side of communal seating and the dulcet tones of children at play. It may not be the most intimate setting, but there’s something to be said for a wide variety of options for both you and your date to choose from.

As you take a seat and dig into your meal, you can’t help but marvel at the slow and steady turning of the working mill wheel. It serves as a fitting reminder to slow things down in the middle of a bustling vacation and appreciate the details with your significant other. And as you bask in the glow of plastic cutlery and soft drink dispensers, you’ll find that romance comes in many forms – even forays to food courts.

Disney Date #4: Restaurantosaurus

Dinosaurs and romance may not seem like a natural pairing, but at Restaurantosaurus in Animal Kingdom, they collide in a most delightful way. Step back in time together to the prehistoric era and dine among the fossils in this charmingly kitschy eatery. With its faint rumble of distant attractions and dusty dinosaur-themed decor, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more romantic spot to share a meal… or fend off a hungry T-Rex.

As you peruse the menu, you’ll find a variety of hearty fare to satisfy carnivores (salad with chicken) or herbivores (salad without chicken). There’s something for everyone at Restaurantosaurus. And as you “dig” into your food beneath the large dinosaur skeletons, you’ll certainly unearth new discoveries about one another, and be transported to a world where love knows no bounds. Not even extinction can dampen the romance of a Disney date night.

Disney Date #5: Round-Up Rodeo BBQ

Saddle up, partners, and get ready for a rootin’ tootin’ good time at Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Hollywood Studios. Inspired by the beloved Toy Story franchise, this Western-themed eatery offers a taste of frontier flavor amidst a flurry of Pixar animation. The romance kicks off as you both mount toy horses and giddy up to your table. Once seated, you’ll be treated to an almost overwhelming cacophony of sound from other diners – perfect for holding conversations that no one else can hear. Then, when the humans are coming and all diners are asked to freeze, you’ll have the perfect excuse for a prolonged kiss!

As you tuck into your plate of unlimited barbecue fare, including date night classics like Slinky Dog Mac and Potato Barrels, you can’t help but feel a sense of childlike wonder wash over you. And like my husband pointed out, nothing says romance like unlimited beans. Wow your date by ordering the salmon – it’s included in the price of the meal, but only available by request. There’s no bigger “I love you” than springing for the included salmon. At Roundup Rodeo BBQ, love is playful, adventurous, and fraught with the danger of upcoming gas attacks. So grab your cowboy hat, round up your partner, and get ready for a date night that’s sure to be a rodeo of fun. Yee-haw!

What Does This Mean For You?

1. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to plan the “perfect” Disney date (or Disney day in general). While the results are unconventional, and the explanations are silly, the truth is this – anywhere at Disney is a great place to connect and have fun with friends, family, and significant others.
2. Don’t always trust the data. Know when the math ain’t mathing and sprinkle a little common sense on top of the numbers. Every step on the path from data to information to knowledge requires human intelligence to make sense.

What’s your best Disney date idea (ironic or otherwise)? Share it in the comments!