In the animated film Tangled, Rapunzel and Eugene sit in a small boat together as they hold hands and look into each other’s eyes. Rapunzel’s blond hair is braided back with vibrant flowers, and she wears a purple dress with small, puffed sleeves. Eugene wears a white long-sleeved shirt with a green vest. Behind them, the night sky is lit up with hundreds of glowing lanterns that float above them and drift on the water.

Fall in Love with These 10 Disney-Inspired Date Ideas

By Jessica Benda

In a world of grand ballrooms, floating lanterns, and endless diamond skies, Disney’s first dates are often more elaborate than the typical coffee run.

Recreating such sweeping outings can be difficult without a Fairy Godmother, but it’s not impossible! We devised 10 doable itineraries inspired by cherished Disney love stories. These budget-friendly dates are the perfect setting to get to know someone better or deepen an already strong connection. Whether it’s a first date, friend date, or just an evening with someone you love, enjoy an outing inspired by your favorite Disney couples.

The animated Aladdin and Jasmine sit and talk on the edge of a wall, the orange and pink sky behind them. Jasmine wears a brown cloak and wrap, holding a red apple between her hands. Aladdin looks down at her, a red fez atop his black hair.

Try a rooftop restaurant like Jasmine and Aladdin
In Aladdin, some might mark a certain magic carpet ride as Aladdin and Jasmine’s first date, but a romantic rooftop encounter is when sparks first fly. After Jasmine (accidentally) commits theft in the marketplace, Aladdin swoops in to help her outrace the guards. They vault over rooftops and share a sweet moment at Aladdin’s home set against the backdrop of an Agrabah sunset.

We don’t condone stealing, but a sunset stroll is a perfect way to spend the evening. For views that rival riding a magic carpet, next up is finding your local (and legal) rooftop. Aladdin and Jasmine would adore a rooftop restaurant, but if there’s none near you, no problem! Anywhere with a large window and stellar view will do.

The animated Belle and Beast sit side-by-side in large green floral chairs, four books on the table in front of them. Beast looks nervously down at the open book he holds as Belle smiles at him. Beast wears a blue cloak while Belle dons a pink dress, her brown hair pulled back in a pink bow.

Read together like Belle and Beast
Beast gave Belle a library, but she helped him relearn how to read the books within it. In Beauty and the Beast, the couple bonded over their shared love of stories, particularly Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. If books are your love language, bring your special someone to a bookstore. Try picking out a book for each other—either something you think they’d like or a plot that reminded you of them. Then swap! If you’d rather read the same story and talk about it after, try something from our romance reading list.

A shot of Peter and Gamora standing by a railing, a brilliant starry galaxy behind them. Gamora’s back is to the camera, but she looks to her right at Peter. Peter leans sideways against the railing, staring at Gamora with his headphones around his neck.

Listen to music like Peter and Gamora
Peter and Gamora have an unspoken thing, but the music chosen to reflect their feelings speaks volumes. In a romantic Guardians of the Galaxy moment, Peter lends Gamora his headphones so she can listen to Elvin Bishop croon Fooled Around and Fell in Love, and they almost kiss just before she abruptly puts a knife to his throat. Minus the weaponry, it’s a perfect moment to recreate. Music can be paired with any activity, but, for a personal touch, why not create playlists inspired by one another? Then take a scenic drive or walk while grooving to songs made with each other in mind. Be sure to add a Kevin Bacon track, per Peter’s wishes.

In the animated film The Princess and the Frog, Tiana and Naveen dance on the gold balcony of Tiana’s Palace. Tiana wears a green dress, gloves, and a gold tiara, while Naveen wears a white suit with black pants. They grin at each other.

Practice cooking like Tiana and Naveen
If one of you knows how to cook, teach the other just like Tiana taught Naveen in The Princess and the Frog. If neither of you know how to cook, even better. Few things are more fun than two people in a kitchen who don’t know what they’re doing. Find a recipe you’d like to try, divvy up tasks as you practice teamwork, and then enjoy a good meal—or order takeout as a backup plan. If you’re feeling ambitious, try gumbo for dinner and beignets for dessert. Who knows? You might have the makings of a decent mushroom mincer.

In the animated film Tangled, Rapunzel and Eugene dance in the town with blurry onlookers behind them. They face each other hand-in-hand and look into each other’s eyes.

Explore the town like Rapunzel and Eugene
Recreating a boat ride through hundreds of floating lanterns requires some serious Disney magic, but Rapunzel and Eugene’s day in town in Tangled seems just as fun. They spend their time in Corona snacking on local treats, reading books in shops, drawing in chalk, and dancing in the street. Toss out the map and explore somewhere new with your person or keep an open mind while wandering a familiar spot in your area. Embrace Rapunzel’s free spirit by letting spontaneity lead your day, and, if you do end up in a boat, bonus points. (Ariel and Eric can vouch for a day in the city and nighttime boat ride too.)

In the animated film Hercules, Hercules and Pegasus are back-to-back, peeking toward each other. Meg leans up against Hercules, hands clasped together by her face. Hercules wears a tan tunic and blue cape, red hair held up by a headband. Meg wears a purple dress and ponytail. Pegasus has blue eyes and a blue mane.

Stroll through a garden like Meg and Hercules
It was something close to love at first sight for Hercules when he first saw Meg, but it took her a bit longer to feel the same way. Herc and Meg visit a restaurant by the bay, the theater, then stroll through a statue garden under a starry sky. If there are sprawling botanical gardens near you (or just some low-hanging trees), consider a stroll for your next date. You might not be in Ancient Greece, but it’s a perfect way to end up in someone’s arms. Blame it on the weak ankles.

At night, the animated Anna and Kristoff ride together in a sled, a glowing lantern beside them. Kristoff holds the reins and looks down at her, clad in gray winterwear. Anna’s red hair is split into two braids under a pink cap and matching cape.

Hike through the wilderness like Anna and Kristoff
Adventurers should consider following in Anna and Kristoff’s footsteps by trying a hike. In Frozen, the pair started their trek in a freshly lacquered sled, but they continued on foot to the North Mountain after it promptly went over a cliff. If you’re prepared, hiking up a mountain can be a superb bonding experienced, evidenced by Anna and Kristoff’s engagement which followed. As seen in Frozen 2, exploring forests is an excellent alternative (as long as you don’t get lost in the woods).

At night, Mia and Nicholas sit crisscross on the grass facing each other under a tree. Blankets lie over their laps as they have a thumb war, staring into each other’s eyes.

Enjoy a night outdoors like Mia and Nicholas
There’s nothing extravagant here, just exchanging secrets over lakeside thumb wars. In Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, Mia and Nicholas dance in the darkness until they fall asleep in each other’s arms. Bring snacks, blankets, and a small speaker for a perfect evening of getting to know each other better. The lake isn’t mandatory; find any large tree or grassy field to spend a few hours together.

In the animated film Up, Carl and Ellie lie on their backs on a picnic blanket in the grass. Ellie wears a yellow picnic dress and points at a cloud in the sky as she holds Carl’s hand. Carl looks up, matching Ellie in a yellow suit and blue tie. An old camera lies on the blanket, and a basket of bread, two apples, a cheese wheel, and a bottle are assembled on the grass.

Picnic like Carl and Ellie
Pack a blanket and a basket of bread, apples, and cheese for the perfect picnic. In Up, Ellie and Carl loved laying in the sun throughout the decades, relaxing on their favorite grassy hilltop to watch the clouds. They always wore their best clothes, so feel free to wear a spiffy tie or day dress to match the occasion. While smartphone photos get the job done, try a Polaroid camera to create a tangible, sweet keepsake of the day.

Entering the animated dream house dressing room, Barbie looks amazed at the racks of clothes. Ken smiles behind her as he leans against the door frame. Barbie wears her teal jumpsuit and pink belt, while Ken wears a striped button-down and blue bathrobe. A gold “K” is embroidered on the front.

Put on a fashion show like Ken and Barbie
In Toy Story 3, Ken’s idea of a perfect date is modeling outfits for Barbie, and he has the right idea. Sure, it ended with Barbie body-slamming Ken and ruining his beloved glitter tux, but there was surely some bonding during the date’s first half. If you are like Barbie and Ken who love shopping dates, grab your person and head to your local mall. Try picking an outfit from shirts to shoes for each other and see how it turns out. If you see a 1967 Nehru jacket, grab it!