Need some suggestions to assist my wife in planning a romantic 40th birthday celebration for me. Need once in a lifetime lodging recommendation, same for dining and finally a romantic spot for dancing or drinks. Thanks

Shirley you jest. Orlando romantic? If my husband took me there for a romantic vacation I'd have to seriously question what on earth I ever saw in the man.

No, I don't jest. We intend to celebrate Turkey day with my family in FL and wanted to find a place away from them but convenient for them to get to so they can enjoy the celebration with us. If you don't have anything nice to say, then stay off the net....

No, I don't jest. We intend to celebrate Turkey day with my family in FL and wanted to find a place away from them but convenient for them to get to so they can enjoy the celebration with us. If you don't have anything nice to say, then stay off the net....

Go, You ignorant slut. If you would stay somewhere other than the Econolodge and eat somewhere other than Micky D's, you might realize that there are some great places to stay and eat in Orlando. It has become one of the most popular honeymoon spots in the country. And don't call me shirley.

BG, After reading Go's ridiculous rant, I forgot that you asked for advice. At universal there are the Hard Rock hotel and the Portofino. The Portofino is more romantic, and there are supposed to be some really good restaurants there (I havn't actually tried them though). There is the Wyndham palace in LBV that has a great restaurant on the 28th floor called Arthurs. The Grand Floridian at disney is the nicest and has a few good restaurants. There are way to many hotels and restaurants to list here, just let me say that the choices are endless and you could definitely find something regardless of idiots like Go.

BG,
I spent my honeymoon there last year and loved it. WDW isn't just for tots, anymore. We stayed at the new Animal Kingdom Lodge and it was so cool to wake up in the mornings, peek off my balcony and see a giraffe staring at me. Our favorite onsite restaurant was "Jiko", at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. It's South African inspired food, the waitstaff is wonderful, the appetizers (particularly the ahi) worth buckets of druel, and the collection of wine is excellent. And I'm considering trading my firstborn for their desserts. We also liked "Artist's Point" at the Wilderness Lodge. Our room was a Kingsized basic room. If you're looking for something more extravagant, ask about their concierge rooms, or see about the Grand Floridian or the Boardwalk. We also stayed, once, at Coronado Springs resort onsite, and enjoyed it - best hot tub so far. And our last trip did Travelodge offsite. Not doing that again - it's worth the $$ to have the disneyfolk fawn all over you. The "Maya Grill" at Coronado Springs is nice. However avoid at all costs the restaurant at Cinderella's castle - the "Golden Apple", I think it is. It's totally for the kiddoes, the food is Chili's quality and you can't snag a drink there. Pleasure Island has most of the dancing stuff cornered. Mostly high energy from the clubs we went to. It also has a comedy club and an interactive show at the "Adventurer's Club" that we like to check out at every visit.

If your idea of "romantic" is laying around for several days doing nothing but sipping mint julips and watching the sunset, then WDW isn't your place. But I find it a very romantic place because there's always something to do or ride or see.

Can't speak for Universal, as it rained all day we were there, last. The service there is good, but totally not Disney quality.

As usual, people are "answering" things that weren't asked. If they don't like Disney, then they should not answer this question- simple, right?
Now, there are many spots to stay at WDW that are romantic, Grand Floridian, Yacht/Beach Club, Animal Kingdom Lodge and Polynesian(which I don't care for). One could vacation at any of these and never go to a park if desired. They have much more to offer than any regular hotel, beauty and quality are everywhere. The fireworks from EPCOT reflect on the water of the canal and lake that connects Y/B Clubs to EPCOT. It is very romantic there, have a glass of wine, sit in the hot tub and relax.

For romance go with the Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal. In addition to a beautiful Loew's hotel, you get automatic express line access to all the attractions at Universal and Islands of Adventure. There is Emeril's restaurant right in City Walk which is in between the two parks. Also Mythos in Islands of Adventure is a FANTASTIC restaurant. For loads of info go to
www.disboards.com

I would be delighted to be taken to the Grand Cypress Hyatt. Although not a Disney property, they provide frequently scheduled "free" transports. I believe they also have transportation to Universal, but that may cost. The pool is a free form with grottos and waterfalls.
I'd also love a concierge level room at the Grand Floridian!
Romantic restaurants: Hemmingway's at GCH, Arthur's at Wyndham Palace, California Grill at Contemp.

I'm ingnorant? BG asked for somewhere ROMANTIC. He did not ask for a nice place to stay while having fun in Orlando. I love Disney and have visited many times, with my kids. On our last trip, we stayed at the Boardwalk Inn and the Hard Rock Hotel, sorry George, no Econolodge. I think you actually recommended some of these hotels. As someone who has recently returned, let me assure you that neither of these places is romantic. Both places were crawling with kids, as is the case in most Orlando hotels, even the Portofino, where we stayed last year. While these are nice hotels, they are far from romantic.

Also George, we did not eat at Micky D's, but did try Emeril's and the Flying Fish, which are also recommended. Again, both restaurants were full of kids, and adults in t-shirts. Nothing wrong with this, as that's the atmosphere in Orlando, but still, most definitely not romantic.

If you're in Florida and want romance, go to Little Palm Island, The Tides in Miami, Casa YBel in Sanibel, a luxurious Inn in St. Augustine. Do not go to Orlando.

If your idea of romance includes hordes of active children, crowds and noisy dinners, then you're all set. Silly me, I must have a warped sense of what a romantic destination is. On the contrary, I'm the only poster who did answer the question.

Evidently Disney is a cult see above thread...

Thanks all, including Go. I know you are trying to give me ideas to give to my wife. Ultimately we are using Orlando as a gathering point. Really appreciate the hotel and dining ideas. I realize Orlando may not be really romantic, but figured there should be a spot or two to dance and just enjoy being a couple w/o kids, dogs, and the job. Thanks again everyone.

My wife and I purposefully went to WDW in the ealry fall, 1997 for our 25th. We had been there several times with family. Stayed on site but had rental auto so we could get around at leisure. Had a great time. Romantic yes! The two of us were alone having a great time, spending time here and there, taking in shows (yes, even at WDW), lounging on a tube at Typhoon Lagoon, and eating where we wanted to. In fact, we have a favorite Italian place on the west side of route 191 out past most of the motels etc. Never could remember the name of it but the food was excellent. And, it wasn't touristy. Guess it all depends on what a person desires for the event of a lifetime. For us WDW made it happen for our 25th. Now for our 30th (the Good Lord willing) we are taking each other and our youngest daughter to Tanzania in June. Where ever you go the fact that the 2 of you are doing something special together should provide firm footing for a great time.

Go, I have re-read your first post and for the life of me I could not find your so called answer to BG's question huh! All I could see is a stupid comment about your husband. If you will read all the other posts you will notice that many people have managed to find some nice romantic spots in Orlando. But I guess your opinion is the only one that counts. If you would read BG's post you will notice that he asked for information about orlando, not some snide remark from a snob like you. If you do not have anything usefull to post don't post at all!!!!!