Orlando offers many great date options, with a wealth of romantic things for couples to do, and most won’t break your budget. Of course, if you’re looking to go all out, there’s no shortage here either. From big thrills and outdoor adventures to intimate, upscale dinners, these ideas are all sure to spark or ignite the flames of romance.
Sunset Kayak Tour
Enjoying a sunset together is always romantic, but you’ll probably want a little more. A sunset kayak tour with Get Up and Go Kayaking will allow you to paddle around in a tandem kayak through the picturesque canals that that link Lake Osceola, Lake Virginia and Lake Maitland in the Winter Park Chain of Lakes. With small group sizes, it makes for a much more intimate experience.
Ride The Wheel at ICON Park
One of Orlando’s most exciting attractions, The Wheel at ICON park is a 400-foot tall observation wheel – a giant, even taller than the Statue of Liberty and the fifth tallest Ferris wheel in the world. On a clear day, riders in the climate-controlled capsules can see all the way out to the Atlantic coast. While each one holds more than a dozen people, the good news is that you can book a private capsule for a special romantic evening. If you want to take the romance factor up even more, perhaps for a proposal, there’s also a dedicated coordinator that can help make it happen.
Watch Disney's Fireworks Explode Over Cinderella's Castle
You can spend an entire day at Disney World, or just plan to watch the fireworks that explode over Cinderella’s Castle. In the park or not, gazing up all the color and lights is incredibly romantic, providing a fairy-tale kind of ending to “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” the 13-minute finale to end the day at EPCOT. For an especially magical experience, you might charter a yacht for two from the Grand Floridian resort for a premier spot from the Seven Seas Lagoon location.
Hot Air Balloon Tour
If you really want to impress your date, book a sunrise hot air balloon flight that will take you over lush, scenic Central Florida, Orlando, Kissimmee, and the Disney World area. Exclusive, couples-only flights are available so you can gaze down at the diverse landscape in the most romantic way possible while floating through the sky. Before you take off, the crew will capture your picture in the basket and afterward, you’ll get to celebrate the experience by sipping Champagne or sparkling cider complemented with pastries, cheese and crackers.
Stroll Through Leu Gardens
There are some beautiful botanical gardens in and around Orlando, and with all that greenery and color, strolling through can be especially romantic. Leu Gardens is a gorgeous 50-acre botanical oasis where you can walk among palms, cycads and flowering trees, enjoy the azaleas, vines, bromeliads and tropical philodendrons. The beautiful branches of camphor trees, elms and oaks are wonderful to duck under and perhaps steal a kiss.
Play the Escape Game
Bond together by testing your wits and skills, playing the Escape Game. This is a fun experience that includes trying to decode secret missions, solving million dollar heists and attempting to navigate your way through escape scenarios. Puzzle and gaming enthusiasts almost always enjoy it, so if you’re both into that, all the better – you may want to come back again and again as there are five challenges to choose from. Pick from options like “Prison Break,” Mission: Mars” and “The Heist”. You’ll have an hour to find clues, solve puzzles and find your way out before the clock runs out.
Paddle Lake Eola in a Swan Boat
While it might seem a bit cheesy, paddling around in one of the swan boats on Lake Eola is no doubt romantic, and it’s really a fun, cheap thing to do while giving you a bit of a workout too. One of the best things to do in downtown Orlando, you can paddle around the lake at sunset surrounded by glorious colors and then enjoy dinner – or, perhaps enjoy a picnic in the park before hopping in for the romantic ride, as real-life swans swim by.
Couples Massage in a Luxurious Orlando Spa
In need of a little relaxation? Head to one of the many luxurious spas in Orlando for a couples’ treatment, or spend an entire day of indulgence. You’ve got lots of options, for example, the lavish spa at Four Seasons Resort in Orlando offers couples massage, with your pick of techniques from deep tissue or Swedish to Reflexology, enjoyed in a private spa bungalow. The “Healing Honey” treatment is heavenly, using local honey that serves as the primary massage medium. You can stick around to enjoy the water slides, lazy river and adults-only pool at the resort too.
Dinner in Paris at Chez Vincent
It’s hard to beat Paris when it comes to romance. While few probably have enough extra cash to jet off to France, dining at Chez Vincent in Winter Park may be the next best thing. This cafe has a magical ambiance with lots of amour in the air. You might feel as if you’re really in Paris, with the chef creating to-die-for French dishes, including the amazing Carre D’ Agneau au Bleu – pan-seared rack of lamb with a blue cheese sauce, along with a prix fixe menu that includes salad, your choice of filet mignon and a glass of the monthly house wine.
Moonlit Cruise with St. Johns Rivership Co
If getting out on the water sounds like a great idea but you don’t want to put in the effort to paddle or pedal, a moonlit cruise might be just right. St. Johns Rivership Co offers moonlight cruises along the St. Johns River just north of Orlando in Sanford. It all begins with hors-d’oeuvres and cocktails, followed by dinner and dancing as you cruise along the tranquil water under the light of the moon.
