All photos courtesy Disney Parks BlogThis past weekend Disney Parks Blog shared the following story. I thought that I’d add it today. I know Carolina, she’s a true gem of a human being. She’s just as sweet as she looks in her pictures. Enjoy, and Happy Valentine’s Day!
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Pro Tips for a Disney Springs Valentine’s Weekend
by Emma Martin, Digital Marketing & Social Media Manager, Disney Springs
There is always something to celebrate at Disney Springs, and this weekend we’re celebrating all things love for Valentine’s Day. Since I will be spending my Valentine’s weekend with me, myself and some Dole Whip Nachos from Marketplace Snacks, I’m letting an expert take the reins on this one. Local influencer and frequent Disney Springs visitor Carolina Grabova has one of my favorite Disney Springs stories, and I’m so excited to share it with all of you – along with some of her favorite ways to spend Valentine’s weekend at Disney Springs.
I’ve heard you and your husband have a Disney Springs “meet cute” story, can you tell us how you two met?
We met in 2003 while I was here on vacation. I had gone to Cirque du Soleil to meet up with a friend of mine that used to be a performer. I was just hanging out near Cirque du Soleil with my friends and my future husband happened to also be there with some of his friends. So we met through mutual Cirque du Soleil connection on that day and we hit it off immediately. Two kids and two dogs later, we’ve been together now for almost 20 years and hold Cirque du Soleil, and Disney Springs, very near and dear to our hearts.
Do you have a favorite date night restaurant?
We have a couple. Disney Springs is hard because there are plenty of romantic options, so I feel like we are spoiled with so many date night opportunities! Two of my favorites are Wine Bar George and Jaleo by Jose Andres. My husband’s favorite is the outdoor patio at The Boathouse for sunset – I totally agree with him there. The rooftop bar at Paddlefish is another go-to spot for us. Those are our usual places, but it’s so hard to pick just one!
What are some of your favorite Valentine’s gift ideas from Disney Springs?
For the past three years my husband has gotten me the same gift, a ring from Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories. I love my Mickey and Disney jewelry! I always have dainty rings and jewelry that I can wear to meetings, while still sporting my love for the mouse. And I always get him chocolate from The Ganachery. Our favorite treat is their hot chocolate – which you can find year-round. It’s the best thing ever.
If you’re planning a Valentine’s outing to Disney Springs, what is on your must-do list?
A Valentine’s outing at Disney Springs is good because you can pick a bunch of things to build your evening. I would do one entertainment option, a restaurant and then go out for a treat. For entertainment, I would choose either the Aerophile balloon, which is really fun, especially at sunset because it’s so beautiful, or Cirque du Soleil is always a great option and is very sentimental for us. Also, the vintage Amphicars at Boathouse are so romantic, it’s such a special thing and it’s something that you can only do at Disney Springs! There’s nowhere else in the world that you can tour on an Amphicar. Plus, you can get a discount if you dine at The Boathouse too. For restaurants, any of our date night restaurants would be perfect for any couple! And a lot of the Disney Springs restaurants will have special Valentine’s menus; it’s always fun to see what they are doing. For treats, I would get my Valentine’s treat from The Ganachery or Amorette’s Patisserie because they have the prettiest sweets.
I’d love to hear your own Disney Springs date night favorites, share them in the comments below!