From the Disney Parks Blog and written by: Michelle Senter
While Valentine’s Day’s is almost here, love is always in season at Walt Disney World Resort with cast members at the ready to play Cupid and create magical moments that will be cherished for a lifetime. From rooftop dining service under a starlit sky to romantic horse-drawn carriage rides along the scenic Sassagoula River banks, there are countless ways to celebrate and express your love at Disney and plenty of cast members who take pride and joy in making those experiences special.
Check out these cast members who love
being part of special celebrations through some of the unique experiences
offered across our parks and resorts:
Picture-Perfect Memories
A perfect way to capture your day of romance and celebration is to bring home some one-of-a-kind keepsakes. Our photographers are dedicated to capturing the magic and love in the air across our parks and resorts. With Capture Your Moment, you can book a personalized 20-minute photo session with one of our Disney Photopass photographers at Magic Kingdom Park, or take a trip to the wild side and Capture Your Moment at Animal Kingdom. And coming soon, you can Capture Your Moment at all Walt Disney World Theme Parks!
“I am one of those fortunate people who can say ‘I love what I do’. But I’m even luckier to say it’s still true almost 12 years later,” Disney PhotoPass Photographer Peter Royland shared. “I love being in the moment with guests and capturing these special memories for them – it makes me proud to say I still have that magic in my heart each time.”
Peter has even
developed lasting lifetime relationships with some families during his time as
a Disney PhotoPass photographer.
“I have some
families who started off with a proposal photoshoot and have kept coming back
to celebrate other life events like their honeymoon, anniversary, pregnancy
announcements, gender reveals, and of course, their children’s first trip to
Disney. It’s amazing when that happens and I love being able to be a part of
it.”
Love
at First Bite
Alexis “Lexy” Ross, Pastry Chef at Disney’s Riviera Resort, enjoys being able to put “extra care and affection” into her delectable desserts around Valentine’s Day. “I always like to challenge myself to come up with something brand new each season or holiday,” she shared. Some of her most recent lovingly designed desserts include a bee-utiful “bee mine” dessert as well as a mini dessert chocolate box complete with a delicious brownie bite, macaron and chocolate-covered strawberry, all delicately placed in an edible chocolate shell.
Lexy’s background and education in art helps her design
unique dishes that are signature to Disney dining. “I always like to take my
desserts to the next level visually and it’s really exciting to see guests’
first reactions to them.”
Be sure to stop by Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera this Valentine’s Day for some romantic rooftop views and “bee” on the lookout for the larger-than-life chocolate art showpiece Chef Lexy created to go along with her “bee-mine” specialty dessert. Or stop by Le Petit Café to pick up one of her specialty mini dessert chocolate boxes.
ChEARs to You
Whether you’re in the mood for custom-blended dark and milk chocolate ganache or you’re looking for an extra sparkling way to cheer your special someone, cast members at The Ganachery at Disney Springs love to help you indulge.
Sheila Molten,
expert Chocolatier at the Ganachery, says she’s poured her fair share of
engagement, birthday, first trip to Disney, and anniversary toasts. “I love
interacting with our guests and making this experience one where they’ll want
to come back,” she shared. “I like to ask guests where they’re from, what
they’re celebrating and how they’re celebrating to see if I can make it extra
special. And they really enjoy hearing the story behind how each chocolate
piece was made or where each sparkling wine came from and why it was hand-picked
with love.”
A Ride to Remember
If you’re searching for romance or an adventurous ride out on the trail with loved ones, look no further than the horse-drawn carriage rides at Disney’s Fort Wilderness and Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts. From the sound of hoof steps clicking on the ground to the cozy carriage gliding across the winding trails, carriage rides are such a magical experience. “They’re a great way for our guests to unplug and enjoy the beautiful scenery,” Sarah Toth, Ranch Hand at Tri-Circle-D-Ranch, says, “I love being part of our guest’s special moments and seeing the smiles on their faces when I recommend fun things for them to do in the parks and resorts or educate them on our amazing horses.”
Once
Upon a Celebration
Cast members at Disney Floral & Gifts love adding the finishing touches to your special occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a first visit, birthday, romantic moment or holiday, our Dream Makers are there to bring the magic to any special moment. “When you show a guest their surprise or gift, they get so excited – those are the really fun and rewarding moments,” Laura Kidd, Disney Floral Event Manager, said. “And knowing it’s the whole team, not just any one of us that helped make this special moment happen makes it even sweeter.”
Be on the lookout for these cast members and many more who truly enjoy their unique opportunity to sprinkle some pixie dust and create magical moments each and every day.
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