When you think of spending a romantic getaway with your other half, destinations like Paris and Venice probably spring to mind. But have you ever thought about a visit to DisneyWorld in Florida?

My boyfriend Mike and I were determined to have some time away together after a few hectic months at work. So when I got offered a break to DisneyWorld and was allowed to take someone along, we jumped at the chance. But would it really turn out to be the romantic break I'd hoped for?

Staying there

We were going to be staying in log cabins at Fort Wilderness, one of the largest resorts in the incredible, sprawling 23-square mile space that is Disneyworld. The thought half excited me and half filled me with dread. I loved the idea of log cabins being quaint and romantic, but I've never been what you'd call a 'back to nature' kind of girl so I was worried that I'd be stepping over huge spiders and waking up to find lizards sleeping on my bed.

Thankfully, when we got to the resort I soon realised that neither of those things were likely to happen and, in fact, the large, comfy cabins housed a kitchen, comfortable big bathroom and enough beds for six people. Everything was on offer, from a coffee pot to a hairdryer, and even Mickey Mouse shampoo, and we soon felt at home. In fact, as the week went on, some of the nicest times we had were in the log cabin waiting to get ready for a night out with the rain beating outside (and you thought it only rained in England!) and a glass of wine in our hands.

Getting scared

Disney always conjures up images of mice in brightly coloured clothes and princess castles. But we were pleased to discover that there is also plenty for adults to do at the parks. Fast Passes soon became our best friends and enabled us to get on rides with minimal queuing. The idea is that you get your Fast Passes for certain rides by collecting them from a machine using your park ticket, and then you return at the time stated and join the 'Fast Pass' line which means that you're generally waiting about ten minutes for your go on the most popular rides.

Our favourites included the genuinely scary Tower Of Terror, the Rock 'n' roll Rollercoaster, the Magic Kingdom's Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Epcot's Mission space and Text Track and Animal Kingdom's Dinosaur, Expedition Everest and Kali river Rapids (expect to get very wet!).

Although some of the parks are geared towards kids, you get swept away in the fun atmosphere and there are plenty of places you can go if you want some quiet time. Epcot is the most grown-up of the parks and is surprisingly educational as well as fun.

Getting about

It's really easy to flit between the parks as there are numerous free buses, shuttles and boats, and there's so much to pack in we didn't even have time to visit the two water parks or have a go on the miniature golf.

If you want to take a trip off campus, there are two large and temptingly cheap outlet malls a short car ride away, as well as the Florida Mall and Mall at Millennia close by for some posher shopping. Needless to say, we managed to do a bit of both!

Getting away from it

There are loads of places away from the main parks where you can have some proper 'us' time. There are two spas on site, and we visited the swish Grand Floridian Spa where Mike and I each had an amazing Swedish massage. And just to make it that bit more special, a door was opened up between our massage rooms so we could chat to each other while we relaxed.

There are loads of treatments on offer, from facials to reflexology, and also a sauna, steam room Jacuzzi and health club which visitors can use, and not a cuddly character in sight. For big kids there are also lots of adult experiences to try out, like body boarding, paragliding, award-winning golf courses, the Richard Petty Driving Experience - where you can get to drive your own racing car - and the Sea Raycers, which allow you to zoom freely around the Disney waters.

DownTown Disney also offers loads of adult entertainment in the form of numerous bars, restaurants, shops and clubs (including comedy clubs and Mannequins, which boasts a revolving dance floor). And if you fancy a bit of culture, you can pop along to see Cirque De Soleil's La Nouba, which is truly breathtaking.

Getting fed

If you're a food fan, DisneyWorld will seem like heaven. The park's cafes offer a lot of the expected burgers and salads, but there are also sit-down restaurants, which have great menus. And if you have a sweet tooth, you're never far away from a cake shop or ice-cream stand. The resorts also have a huge selection of swisher restaurants, our favourites being Narcussi's and Citrico's, which both feel more like fancy West End London venues than cheery Disney.

However, by far our best experience of the entire trip was our visit to Victoria and Albert's at the Grand Floridian Resort. It's without a doubt the swankiest of the Disney restaurants and you won't find any kids running about the low-lit, romantic room. Men are required to wear a suit, while women generally wear smart dresses and the place just oozes glamour.

The six-course dinner, which is accompanied by a different wine for each course, is nothing short of incredible. And even notoriously difficult to please, food-loving Mike admitted that it was one of the best meals he'd ever had. The atmosphere was pure old-fashioned romance, and staff treated us like royalty, which meant that by the end of the evening I quite literally felt like Cinderella!

To summarise

Can you have a romantic time in Disney? Without a doubt. From the bonding with your beau on the scary rides to the non-stop laughs and gorgeous restaurants and fun clubs, there's a whole new side to Disney just waiting to be discovered. Would we go back? In the words of Mickey Mouse himself, 'You betcha!'

Need to know

Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground - Florida

• Seven nights in Orlando with Virgin Holidays, staying at the 4V Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground starts from £939
• Prices include Virgin Atlantic flights from London Gatwick to Orlando, transfers and accommodation on a self-catering basis
• Prices are per adult, based on two adults travelling and sharing a room, for departures between 01 January 2008 - 31 December 2008
• Child prices for under 12s start from £229
• Prices may be subject to a fuel surcharge and an increase in Air Passenger Duty

To book call 0871 222 1232 or visit www.virginholidays.com

7-Day Premium ticket allows unlimited access to all of the Disney parks and six additional admissions to other Walt Disney World attractions (including the two Disney Water Parks, Downtown Disney Pleasure Island and DisneyQuest). Prices from £177 per adult and £155 per child.

14-Day Ultimate ticket provides unlimited admission to all four Disney Theme Parks (Magic Kingdom, Disney-MGM Studios, Epcot and Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Parks), the two Disney Water Parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon) and other Disney attractions including Downtown Disney Pleasure Island and DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme Park. Prices start from £191 per adult and £165 per child.