Turns out, you don’t need a park ticket to have a great Disney date. My husband and I are annual pass holders, but we skipped the parks in favor of a magical date night that featured a dragon, a boat ride and enchanting music -- without getting It’s a Small World stuck in our heads.

Movie First… Then Dinner

Conventional dating wisdom says to have dinner-and-a-movie, but I’d like to throw that in the trash forever. From first dates to seasoned marriages, every date night benefits from doing things the other way around.

When you take in the movie first, you’ve got guaranteed dinner conversation. And for those that have drinks with their meal, the later hours after showtime are much more appropriate for sipping… plus, no sobering up for a couple hours in the dark. Say it with me: watch then sip.

Catch a Flick at AMC Theaters

Park in the surface parking lot at Downtown Disney… your corresponding fruits are strawberry, watermelon and grapefruit. The surface parking is located right by the theater, so it’s ideal for this date. If you’ve hit the Lime Garage, you’ve gone too far.

Schedule a showtime that will end shortly after sunset. This way, you’ve got a fresh evening ahead of you to enjoy after the movie. This date is all about keeping it fun and light, so choose a film that sparks conversation, but doesn’t require an “Inception” depth of deconstruction over fries.

Take a Brief Walk Through Disney Springs

Your next destination is the northernmost boat launch in the Marketplace area of Disney Springs. It’s about a 15 minute walk from the theater, just perfect for recapping the movie and doing a bit of window shopping along the way. Put a pin in those purchases, though, because you’ve got dinner to catch.

Ride the Ferry to Port Orleans French Quarter

Your boat will be carrying about 25 of your fellow Disney friends, but it’s still a good opportunity for some hand-holding in the dark as you peek (in the windows, if you’re me) at the Saratoga Springs treehouses and wave to other ferry boats passing by.

One of the best parts of the ferry is that it usually plays music… and if you’re visiting after October, you’ll be treated to some festive holiday favorites.

Stroll Through the French Quarter

You could take the ferry all the way to the Riverside area of Port Orleans, but if you hop off on the first stop, you’ll be treated to a twinkling stroll through the soft piping of Dixieland jazz and past beautiful wrought iron-trimmed buildings.

You can peer across the river at the Southern mansions with their hulking columns and witness dancing crocodiles and a giant Mardi Gras parade dragon, steered by King Triton.

Dinner at Boatwright’s Dining House

I chose Boatwrights for this date night because it doesn’t take itself too seriously, while seriously delivering on the food. Ask for a table near The Roost bar so you can take in the legendary antics of Yehaa Bob Jackson on the piano.

The menu here is perfect for thrifty eaters and seafood lovers, which is always a tough combination to find. It’s also great for die-hard carnivores, with prime rib and pork chops on the menu.

Boatwright’s is the only place I’ve had whole fried okra. My Kentucky family are avid okra growers that always sliced the okra up before frying. I had just finished smugly telling my husband it was only served that way when here came our waitress with a plate of whole fried okra. I have been converted. This may be the only way to eat fried okra.

I had the Deep South Shrimp & Grits and my husband indulged in a meaty all-you-care-to-eat option that was available on Thanksgiving Day (it was his birthday, he is a real-life turkey).

Entree prices range from $15 to $35, placing Boatwrights a bit above your typical casual dining price, but nowhere near what you’d pay at The Boathouse in Disney Springs.

Save room for dessert.. I recommend the Joie de Vivre Peanut Butter Mousse Cake with warm ganache ($8), but if you’re full, hold off for another possible dessert opportunity back at Disney Springs.

Take an After-Dinner Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

If you’re up for a little more romantic adventure, your carriage awaits just outside Boatwright’s. The ride is about 25 minutes long and costs $55. Okay, not your usual dating expense, but a fair deal if you break that down per minute and factor in the major dating bonus points earned via this unique excursion.

You’ll likely have some sparkling conversation with the Cast Member steering your steed, so if this date suddenly needs a buffer, here’s your new wingman.

Ride the Ferry Back to Disney Springs

Que up for the ferry back to Disney Springs at the dock located behind the Riverside surrey bike rentals.

As you approach Disney Springs, get ready for sudden sweeping views of the entire Disney Springs area lit up against the night, and maybe even the Characters in Flight balloon glowing in the sky.

Upon disembarking, you’ll notice that the street entertainment has heated up while you were gone, and the guests are much tipsier, so enjoy the music and choice people watching on your way back through.

A Nightcap at The Edison

To round out the night, you’ll be strolling back toward the parking lot. Now’s your chance to pop into any shops you may have skipped in the interest of making your dinner reservations. It’s also a good time to stop for drinks and dessert if you opted out at Boatwright’s.

Beer Battered Fish & Chips at The Edison in Disney Springs

I suggest getting a table for two and the Black Cream Cherry Shake ($16) at The Edison. The atmosphere there is curious and upbeat… but maybe too crazy to sit through for a whole dinner. It’s the perfect spot for drinks, sweets and maybe even a cabaret act.

We opted to nibble on an order of the Beer Battered Fish & Chips, too.

Of course, there are a few extra activities in my itinerary that you can toss out if you’re not up for the extra walking or if you stuff yourselves silly at dinner and simply make a beeline for the car (me after most dates). However you choose to navigate it, this plan is sure to be a magical Disney date night—without even glimpsing the castle.