Mickey and Minnie are the most inspirational Disney couple we know (and we know A LOT of Disney couples!). They even have their own RIDE!
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
But if you’re thinking about asking out that certain-someone who’s slid into your DMs or caught your attention IRL, there are a few things you should know before taking them on a date to Disney World!
From “Who’s Paying?” to “How to Recover From Looking Like You Just Peed Your Pants on Splash Mountain” (actually, on second thought — you’re on your own with that last one!), we’re going to cover all the bases of why Disney World is a great place to get to know someone on a first date — as well as reasons why it might not be a good fit!
YES!!! Disney World is a Great First Date IF:
You’re Both Big Disney Nerds — Or at Least Seem to Have an Equal Appreciation for All Things Disney
Odds are you have something in common with this person you’ve got designs on, otherwise, you probably wouldn’t be embarking on a first date! But Disney World as a FIRST date could be potentially hazardous if one of you is a bigger fan than the other! Think about it this way — is your date going to understand waiting in a loooong line to hug Buzz Lightyear? What if you always cry during the Happily Ever After fireworks show at Magic Kingdom. Is that going to make it weird?
Don’t Forget to Ask Your Date a Few Screener Questions First, Like “What Are Your Thoughts on it’s a small world?”
What if they — GASP! — don’t like Pineapple Dole Whip? Would you turn and walk away right then and there? Or what if that person refuses to go on “it’s a small world” and keeps calling it the creepy doll ride? Your love might not survive a first date to Disney World! 😉
Many New Relationships Have Started and Ended Over Pineapple Dole Whip!
You’ll have to figure out if you’re park-hopping compatible before making a big commitment to spend your first date at Disney World as a couple! If you still have to hide your “Disney crazy” with this one, though, best NOT to choose Disney World as that first day together.
You Both Have Tickets Already Or Are Cool With Splitting Costs
Disney World is a pretty expensive first date — it costs right up there with going to a major sporting event! That’s a pretty big financial burden to put on someone who doesn’t know you’re totally worth it yet (and you thought deciding if you should split the check at a normal dinner was a tough decision!).
Snack Money Pouch
If you aren’t planning on going dutch, it would be a lot easier on your date if you both had Annual Passes or park tickets already! If not, maybe consider going to Disney Springs instead! You don’t need a costly ticket and you can avoid some of the potentially awkward situations of going halfsies while still getting a healthy dose of Disney! That way, your date only has to spring for a movie or dinner — which sounds much more chill and flexible as well!
You’re Not Weirded Out By Linking Your My Disney Experience Accounts Or are Fine with Doing Disney World More Spontaneously
Going to Disney World can require quite a bit of forethought — some people set aside a full year for planning for their perfect trip to Disney World! Chances are, your date doesn’t want to wait around that long, so if you can make up your mind about the stuff you want to do together spur of the moment (which might not include some of Disney World’s most-popular restaurants and attractions since they probably booked up months ago), no problemo!
You could, however, rope drop Hollywood Studios to get a Rise of the Resistance boarding group (maybe you’re both morning people?)!
Rope Dropping Hollywood Studios for Rise of the Resistance Boarding Groups on a First Date Would Be TOTALLY INSANE, But We’re Totally Down!
And if you want to make FastPass reservations together, then you’ll both have to link your accounts on the My Disney Experience app. Maybe this sounds like a BIG step in your relationship and more commitment than getting down on one knee at this early stage! 😉
With this Mickey and Minnie’s Railway MagicBand, I Thee Wed — Don’t Worry! It’s Not Legally Binding!
Either way, you can always just have a fun, light-hearted, and more spontaneous day at the parks than you’re probably used to by just walking around talking, seeing shows, jumping in shorter lines, taking photos, and eating lots of SNACKS!
You Want to Go with a Group
Scared of going it alone? Disney World is a great spot for a group date! You can bring your friends along and make it seem totally natural! Also, if you’re planning on spending the ENTIRE day at Disney World, that’s a very LONG first date! You might need some reinforcements to help you get through it!
Squad Leader Shirt
During the day, you can vibe off your buddies and let them do some of the conversational heavy-lifting. Then later in the day, maybe go off and do your own thing! Go have a nice, private dinner somewhere and then watch the fireworks afterward — without your friends staring at you making kissy faces. Ah yes, but they mean well!
Happily Ever After
If that all sounds like a dream come true, enjoy your perfect (and possibly exhausting!) first date!
But now, you sweet little lovebirds, you, let’s examine a few reasons why maybe you should AVOID Disney World as a first date spot AT ALL COSTS!
NO!!! Disney World is NOT a Good First Date IF:
The Weather Isn’t Looking Too Good
Florida’s weather can be really unpredictable and a little too much to handle sometimes! Although you’ll be inside buildings for rides, meals, and shopping, most of your first date will be spent hoofing it outdoors! You don’t want to get caught in a downpour over in Epcot’s World Showcase or in the back of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge running for shelter!
Will Your Love Survive Hurricane-Like Winds and Storm Clouds??? Better Not Chance It!
When the day finally comes and you know what the weather is supposed to be like, ask yourself — is this really a good idea? A not-too-hot, not-too-cold day that’s partially cloudy would be ideal, but let’s be honest — that’s rarely in the cards. More likely it will be a bajillion degrees Fahrenheit and your make-up will be melting off your face not to mention sweat will be pouring from every inch of your body!
If you want to show your new love interest the REAL you, Disney could be a good trial by fire!
Do You Like the Idea of Sweating in Front of Each Other ALL DAY in the Magic Kingdom?
A cloud burst could also have disastrous consequences on your budding romance. We like piña coladas, but NOT getting caught in the rain! Rain in the forecast can mean a deal-breaker day for many, but maybe you’re inclined to think something magical might happen! It’s possible some folks just don’t appreciate what a good frolic in the rain can do for a relationship! 😉
You’re Not 100% Really Sold on This Person
More than likely, you’ve only just met this person, and there’s no quick ‘n easy escape if the two of you aren’t really working out. You don’t want to be stuck waiting in a 2-hour line for Peter Pan’s Flight when you suddenly get the feeling things are going a little pear-shaped!
If You’re Looking to Jump Ship on This Relationship During Peter Pan’s Flight, You’re Outta Luck!
Our best Disney World relationship advice? Save the parks for someone who’s really special — and who you know you’re gonna want to spend A LOT of time with! I didn’t go on my first date to Disney World until my honeymoon! You DON’T have to wait THAT long, but still — Disney World is a special place, so make sure you visit it with special people!
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Disney World was our first vacation as a couple. Twenty two years and twenty visits later…
I look at it the other way: if a Disney visit isn’t a good first date option, then this is the *wrong* person to be dating! 🙂