If you’re like me: you love Disney and would spend every waking moment in the magic kingdom if you could. It’s the perfect escape from reality; you’re surrounded by fun, happiness, fairytale characters, and most importantly…delicious food! But soon the clock strikes midnight on your trip and it’s time to head back to the reality of every day life.
That’s the real trouble with the world. Too many people grow up.-Walt Disney
But wait. Who says the magic has to end there? Why do we have to wait for vacations to put our worries aside and have some fun? I say we don’t! You don’t need to be at Disney to experience that special magic. Here’s the secret to how my fiance and I sprinkle a little pixie dust in our everyday lives: Disney Date Nights.
My fiance and I are both huge Disney nerds. He was raised by a mom who adores Disney and his family went to Disney World semi regularly while he was growing up. I never got to experience Disney World as a child, but I grew up loving Disney and I actually got to go with my sister and her family the year my fiance and I met! Naturally, we are having a long Disney honeymoon in which we will be doing both the Disney cruise and spending a few days at the parks! We typically do a Disney inspired date about once a month but we have found ourselves doing them more frequently leading up to the wedding in anticipation for the honeymoon.
Our Disney Date Nights are exactly what they sound like! We pick a movie and create a whole date inspired by that movie. My fiance and I are not yet blessed with children but if you do have children you can easily apply this concept to a fun family night! Let’s dive in. Pun intended.
Step One: Pick a movie!
We picked The Little Mermaid, which of course is one of our favorites.
Step Two: Pick an activity inspired by the movie!
Predictably, we decided to take a trip to Ripley’s Aquarium. And of course I had to dress the part. Dressing up is not mandatory but definitely adds to the fun! I don’t do this for every date but I try to whenever I can!
We saw some beautiful sea life! Ripley’s Aquarium has some great opportunities where you can ride a glass bottom boat above a shark tank. I was not feeling particularly adventurous this day so we decided to sit that activity out. We did, however, touch jellyfish, pet stingrays, and learn quite a bit about the ocean.
A mermaid even came out to say hello!
If you don’t have a Ripley’s Aquarium in your area, or any other aquarium for that matter, there are plenty of other activities you can do. You could take a romantic boat ride or go for a walk on the beach at sunrise. If you don’t live by the beach you could try your luck with kayaking. A trip to the pool may just be the next best thing instead if that idea doesn’t appeal to you. Get creative!
Step Three: Cook a dinner together inspired by the movie!
There are so many different menu options. We had ideas that varied from everything between surf and turf to even stuffed shells. Ultimately we made sushi and scallops! For dessert, I made oyster shell cookies by taking two sugar cookies and stuffing them with frosting, sprinkles, and a white chocolate sixlet in place of a “pearl”.
Step Four: Cuddle up on the couch and watch the movie!
Sing along with the songs. Laugh and have fun with each other, knowing darn well that you are the two biggest dorks on the planet. Understand that it’s okay to embrace your inner child and be goofy. All that matters is that you’re spending time with the person you love the most in the world!
Comment below with your date ideas!