February has plenty of excuses to get romantic… it’s Valentines Day this weekend, then later this month we get that extra day… (it is a leap year ladies!)
Hopefully, your Valentines preparations are done and dusted now, but if you are in full-on panic mode, worry not… Central Florida is the perfect place to make that big romantic gesture. Here are our suggestions.
1. A Disney Date
Perhaps the most iconic image of an evening in Orlando is that of the amazing fireworks over the Disney castle. But just because it is obvious doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be done!
Stop to choose a valentine chocolate treat from the selection of hand-crafted chocolates at the new Ganachery at Disney Springs on your way in, then head to the Magic Kingdom. Its Disney Wishes fireworks show is great finale to the day. You’ll need to check with the park for timings on the day you’re going, but in February expect Magic Kingdom’s Disney Wishes lightshow to start at 8pm or 9pm in the week or 10pm at weekends. It will be later in peak season, but it is 10pm this Valentine’s Day.
I also love the fireworks at Epcot (this month 9pm at the weekends) and Epcot probably makes for a more sedate day out (depending what vibe you and your date would prefer!).
Afterwards, head back to Disney Springs to treat yourselves to a hot chocolate at the Ghirardelli store or, if you’re out to impress, how about champagne and Oysters at the Boathouse on Disney Springs’ new Landing development?
2. A Lazy Sunday Afternoon Date
Since Valentines Day falls on a Sunday this year, it’s the perfect opportunity to take a more relaxed approach to your date. I know Celebration isn’t for everyone – some of my guests have told me they think it is “a little Stepford” – but I love this picture-perfect town. I can’t think of many better ways to spend a pleasant Sunday afternoon than strolling around the lake, browsing the little boutiques and gift shops and staying for an early evening meal as the sun sets over the lake. I love Thai food, so Thai Thani is one of my favourite places to eat out in Celebration – particularly if my date orders the Chilli Jam Curry for me! The atmosphere and décor inside have a lovely welcoming ambience, perfect for a special but informal occasion.
3. A Date with a Conscience
If your date might appreciate something a little more thoughtful and original, how about an hour of volunteering before dinner? I think many of us would like to also find a bit more time in our lives to give back and make a difference in our communities and Florida event company, Do Good Date Night, promises to do just that. It organises nights where couples can get stuck in to an activity to help one of the company’s non-profit partners before enjoying a meal and an hour’s entertainment together.
Valentines day is about making time to spend with your partner – something that often falls too low on our priority list in our busy lives – and what’s great about this initiative is it offers an opportunity to make a positive difference and to share that experience with our partners: a great way to reconnect while doing something worthwhile.
4. A Date with a View
The Orlando Eye rises 400 feet above International Drive to offer some stunning views out across the theme parks, Orlando and Central Florida. It status as a romantic destination is already well established. It is not even a year old and it has already seen its fair share of engagements and marriages. You can up the ante with a glass of champagne or even your own private capsule , but the stunning views are probably impressive enough for any date.
Pre-book online or through our discounted ticket service to save yourselves from queueing.
5. A Retro 90s Date
It seems we’re experiencing a bit of a 90s revival. This is bad news for those of us old enough to remember it the first time around; when kids start calling the decade you grew up in “retro” you are officially old! But it is the perfect excuse for me to revive the classic 1990 romantic movie, Ghost (link here for those of you not old enough to remember it! ).
Just north of the Rollins college campus in Winter Park, you’ll find All Fired Up. This pottery studio is open late in the evenings (Tuesday to Thursday 11 am – 11 pm; Friday and Saturday 11 am until midnight; and Sunday noon until 6 pm; closed Mondays) and you can take your own wine along. Although you won’t get to recreate the famous scene over the potter’s wheel, you do get an opportunity to chat, connect with your creative side, and do something a little outside the ordinary together.
6. A High-Flying Date
For something really special, a hot air balloon ride is a stunning way to see the sunrise over Kissimmee. There are a variety of operators in the local area, with options to add a champagne toast to your package or even get hitched in the basket! You need to be prepared for an early start to get the best views (or, alternatively, fly at dusk) and to wear sensible clothes (it will be colder than on the ground and you will have to climb in and out of the basket which can be difficult to achieve elegantly if you’re not in suitable attire).
If the thrill of a hot air balloon ride is something you’d like to experience, contact us and we can arrange a booking with a trusted local hot air balloon operator at a specially discounted rate.
7. A Date that Hits the Right Note
Just thirty minutes from Orlando “Florida’s best garden” is home to a unique singing tower. These romantic gardens are perfect for a Valentine’s day out. The 60 bells of Bok Tower ring every half hour and during daily concerts at 1 and 3 p.m. Special events run throughout the year and if you’re lucky to be in the area, it’s definitely worth making the effort to attend one of its evening Carillons (the next is February 19th at 7.30pm ).
The romance of your visit begins on your approach as you wind your way up the orange-blossom-lined drive. The gardens are a beautiful place for a romantic stroll – perfect for a romantic winter picnic à deux. We’re now approaching Peak Bloom (officially Feb 24 – Mar 18) and, during this annual rite of spring, visitors are treated to an explosion of colour throughout the gardens. More than 150 varieties of camellias and hundreds of azaleas along with nun’s orchids, irises, coral bean, Mexican flame vine, all compete for attention.
There are some works going on onsite at present but, even so, Bok Tower gardens are a perfect for a romantic day out.
8. An Active Date
If your loved one enjoys a slightly more active vibe, then the Central Florida area offers plenty of options for you too. Perhaps one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of this waterway-rich state is by kayak. Taking time out to spend a day paddling through one of Central Florida’s wonderful local state parks or local waterways creates an ideal experience to spend some real quality time together.
Whether it is peace and tranquillity you’re after, a little history, a view of Florida’s abundant wildlife or something a little more social there is a tour or location to suit everyone. One local operator even offers an opportunity to paddle by moonlight as part of a group – an amazing adventure for any couple who are little wild at heart.
9. An Art-House Date
The movies are always a good standby for date night, but for something with a little more atmosphere try Orlando’s Enzian theatre in Maitland. A fair drive north of the city, this one-screen cinema shows indie releases and cult classics. What makes this cinema different is its choice of dining options: forget tortilla chips smothered in plastic yellow gunk, here you can pause for a cocktail in the attractive al fresco Eden bar then head inside to dine while you watch the movie.
On Valentine’s day there is a special matinee showing of An Officer and a Gentleman. If you’re a cheap date, wait until Wednesday when at the Enzian’s Wednesday Night Pitcher Show you can enjoy an outdoor movie on the lawn for free.
10. A Date with a Not-So-Hidden Message
Two and a half hours west of Orlando, on Florida’s Gulf coast you’ll find one of Florida’s most romantically named state parks. Honeymoon Island’s pristine silver beaches look out over the Gulf of Mexico and are perfect for snorkelling or simply kicking back and enjoying the Floridian sunshine. Ospreys nest here, as well as a wide range of sea birds and you may even see a gopher tortoise or armadillo. The island’s many trails are perfect for exploring on foot or by bicycle (which can be hired from the South Beach Pavilion by the hour or the day).
It’s a great place for a romantic meander along the beach, collecting shells and listening to the waves gently breaking on the shore and with a name like Honeymoon Island who can’t but feel romantic? It might not be bikini weather in February but grab a warm sweater, pack a winter picnic and claim a stretch of pristine white beach for yourselves.
Of course, these activities are available to enjoy year round. If you’re staying with us any time this year and you’d like more information, or you would like to book tickets for Disney World, the Orlando Eye, Bok Tower Gardens, Hot Air Ballooning or a kayak adventure, please call us on the usual numbers:
321 710 8779 (from the USA) Or: 0333 332 1411 (from the UK).
