10 Best Date Ideas in Orlando
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
Orlando is no longer just a destination for families and kids (and really never has been!). The theme parks are great for both the young and young at heart. In fact, during Disney’s dedication ceremony, Walt famously said that it was a place “where the young at heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn together.” I always see people upset about all the adults at Disney, but really all the theme parks truly offer something for everyone. As a couple, Mike and I have enjoyed activities both at the theme parks and around the city.
Universal/Islands of Adventure is more aimed towards adults with plenty of thrill rides, nostalgia overload, fun annual events (Halloween Horror Nights!), and a gorgeous & very accurate section devoted to Harry Potter. Mike and I have been visiting both Disney & Universal parks for over 15 years now, planning a trip every few years to experience the newest attractions and relive the oldies. It’s a fun place to kick back and enjoy some time together after a hectic work schedule.
Whether you are leaving the kids at home or simply seeking a romantic couple’s getaway, this city delivers for couples. Living in Tampa for many years, Mike and I enjoyed many weekend roadtrips to explore both the parks as well as other fun attractions not associated with the theme parks. This guide will focus on our favorite date destinations in the theme parks as well as around the metro.
1. Dine or stay at a Disney resort
The world-class Disney resorts are not just for kids. These gorgeous properties (ranging from budget-friendly to luxurious) offer a bit of something for everyone. From fine dining, to world-class spas, these resorts offer a spectacular setting for a fancy couple’s getaway. Whether you are celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or special birthday, these resorts really do offer a beautiful ambiance to do so, plus great dining options and extravagant pools. They are pricey for a reason – you get what you pay for.
The Grand Floridian is one of the best choices for couples without kids due to the lovely Victorian architecture, fancy restaurants, and 5 star amenities. The pools are beautiful and the spa rated amongst the best in the city. The Enchanted Rose is a gorgeous Beauty and the Beast themed lounge. Best of all, the resort is connected to the Magic Kingdom via a walking path or monorail ride. Note: you can visit any Disney resort just to dine even if you are not a guest!
Resort restaurants to check out:
- Grand Floridian: Victoria & Alberts, Narcoossee’s
- Animal Kingdom Lodge: Sanaa, Jiko
- Contemporary: California Grill
2. Take a chocolate tasting tour
A chocolate tasting tour at World of Chocolate is the perfect date destination for any couples with a sweet tooth. I am not a huge fan of sweets, but I do love dark chocolate and we got to sample plenty! On this 45 min tour, you will learn more about the history of chocolate, view 25 beautiful chocolate sculptures of famous monuments, and of course, get to taste all types of wonderful fine chocolates.
For a more romantic experience, add on a fondue experience for 2 or a wine and chocolate tasting. For even more chocolate deliciousness, enjoy delicious cocoa drinks, gelato, truffles, and various baked goods at the on-site cafe. This is one of my favorite places to visit away from the parks – a little hidden gem tucked away in a strip mall.
3. Stroll around Lake Eola Park
This beautiful city park is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing stroll. Get in a light workout, soak in some sunshine, bird watch: it’s the perfect day out in natural surroundings. And it’s super quiet too as it is more of a local’s hangout, not a tourist destination.
For a few extra bucks, I recommend renting a swan paddleboat and enjoying an up close look at the many species of birds that inhabit the park. Florida in general is such an amazing state for birdwatching. I’ve lived and visited parks and hiking trails in so many areas and never seen so many exotic birds. It’s always exciting to visit new parks and preserves and see new birds.
Or simply take a walk around the 1 mile nature path and enjoy gorgeous views of the skyline. To beat the crowds, I recommend setting the alarm early in the morning, and grabbing a coffee from a local roaster. I really love CFS and fortunately there is a cafe not too far from this park. Their coffee and breakfast are both great, plus they offer a number of healthy entrees and smoothies. I absolutely love the relaxed vibe and colorful presentation.
4. Take a scenic boat ride in Winter Park
Winter Park is a gorgeous high end suburb, known for its’ many quaint parks, lakes (6 connected via canals) and tree-lined downtown. It’s become more of a popular tourist destination in recent years. It’s an affluent area home to the prestigious Rollins College. Many celebrities own grandiose homes along the waterfront.
The Scenic Boat Tour will take you on a narrated journey on the Chain of Lakes past many of these mansions (our tour guide pointed out the summer home of Mr. Rogers). The setting is romantic as you travel underneath canals and through lush canopies of Spanish moss trees.
Coming in under 20 bucks, this boat ride is a wonderful budget-friendly date idea. After your tour, I recommend a gorgeous sidewalk patio dining experience on Park Ave. This is the city’s beautiful Main Street district which is loaded with local cafes and shops. A few upscale date destinations include: Boca, Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine, and Georgie’s Cafe. If you are looking for a great coffee spot before your boat ride, I recommend Barnie’s (a long running local staple since 1980). Also, I’ve never personally tried it out, but the Glass Knife is supposedly a wonderful local bakery and dessert shop.
5. Stroll the Disney boardwalk
Even if you are not staying at the resort, The Disney Boardwalk is open to the public (free of charge). The colorful quarter mile promenade is modeled after East Coast piers like Coney Island. The vibe is old-fashioned, charming, and romantic. There are a number of bakeries and dessert shops to enjoy and shops to browse. We like to take a stroll and just enjoy the colorful architecture and relaxing views of Crescent Lake.
I love looking at the incredible Disney paintings at Wyland art gallery. One nice restaurants you can check out here is Trattoria al Forno (a casual Italian joint).
Best of all, you can enjoy fantastic views of the Magic Kingdom’s Wishes and Epcot’s Illuminations firework show (near the Villas side) if you time your visit just right.
6. Get back to nature at a local garden
Winter Park is home to a number of lovely gardens. Mead Botanical Garden is a free gem featuring several small hiking trails, a butterfly garden, ponds, and tall pine trees. I love birdwatching here. Kraft Azalea, a popular wedding destination, is a small, yet pretty park surrounded by cypress trees.
If you are into art, I recommend checking out The Morse Museum featuring the largest collection of works by Louis Tiffany (I love the stained glass collection here!). This museum is a real gem worth going out of your way for especially if you like Tiffany lamps. Admission is only a few bucks, so a park followed by a stroll around this museum is the perfect budget friendly date.
7. Be a kid again at the Magic Kingdom
Relieve all your favorite Disney classics again at the nostalgic Magic Kingdom, a trip down memory lane for all adults. There are plenty of romantic dining options including Be Our Guest restaurant, an elegant Beauty and the Beast themed restaurant.
A few fun couple date ideas: Buy matching mouse ears (available in all sorts of colorful styles), enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride down Main St, take pics by Cinderella’s beautiful castle (the back shot shown above is never crowded!), watch the fireworks show, and enjoy dozens of classic Disney rides and shows.
8. Explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter & more at Universal Studios
Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure is definitely the best park for couples imo. First off, the majority of rides are more catered towards teens and adults. There are many thrill rides, rides based off popular movies (lots of nostalgia for 80’s and 90’s kids!), coasters, 3D and 4D rides, entertaining shows, bars, and a wonderful section devoted to Harry Potter (the Wizarding World).
Must do’s at The Wizarding World include: Enjoying a butterbeer, seeing the Nighttime lights show over Hogwarts Castle, riding all the fabulous Harry Potter rides especially Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure, and strolling through the wonderful recreations of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. There would be way too much to list here, so I’ll refer you to my Harry Potter post for the full details on this incredible park.
Don’t forget about the newest Ministry of Magic ride at Epic Universe. You can read about my experience visiting Epic 2 weeks after opening (it was crazy!).
A park-to-park pass allows you to explore both parks and also take the Hogwarts Express between the 2. Keep in mind that staying at a Universal resort will enable you to enjoy complimentary shuttle transport and hour early admission to the parks (when you can explore in peace before the big crowds arrive!). Loews Royal Pacific is one of the more upscale options if you are looking to avoid a rowdy kids scene.
Also be sure to check out my comprehensive park guide to make sure you don’t miss out on anything!
9. Spend the night shopping & dining at City Walk
City Walk is my favorite entertainment destination when I am not at the parks. Mike and I love coming here to dine or even just walk around and people watch. It’s a fun place to be after the parks close or even on an off day. There are so many fun themed restaurants and activities to enjoy.
From standard vacation favorites like Hard Rock Cafe, to new additions like the super popular VooDoo Donuts, you won’t go hungry. If you are looking for a more romantic dining experience, I recommend Vivo Italian. Their homemade pasta is delicious and the dining room is really incredible. Toothsome is a trendy choice where you can split a massive sundae or over-the-top milkshake. If you love dessert, I recommend not missing out on this local gem.
Shops, bars, mini golf, and a Cinemark theater give you plenty of options to keep the fun going all night. Bonus: Parking is free after 6pm or with 2 matinee movie tickets.
Check out my favorite things to do to plan your night out.
Alternative: If you are looking to keep it more local, there are many great restaurants on Park Ave. in Winter Park as I mentioned earlier. Some of the top rated fancy choices in the city include: Amare (Mediterranean), Sear and Sea Woodfired Grill (Steakhouse), and Mama Della’s (Italian).
One place we tried out recently and really enjoyed was a Greek place called Taverna Opa. The dining room was really beautiful and the food excellent. They also offer live belly dancing performances at 7 each night!
10. Relax at a local coffee shop
The indie coffee scene is constantly expanding. There is no need to rush through the Starbucks drive-thru with so many exciting local options. With all the great local coffeehouses, some which offer quaint outdoor patios, and others a colorful and unique indoor setting, you will want to take your time and enjoy a nice coffee date.
CFS in Dr. Phillips offers an eclectic colorful dining space, unique mugs, and a great seating area where you can linger with your date for a while. Le Cafe de Paris offers a beautiful covered patio and serves delicious French pastries. They also serve omelets, Quiche, and traditional French entrees like Croque Madame and Croque Monsieur. It’s one of my favorite places for a morning date in the city.
More fun for couples!
- Bowling: Splitsville Luxury Lanes at Disney Springs is a fun modern bowling alley. They serve great food!
- Tibet Butler Nature Preserve: Get back to nature, wildlife watch, and enjoy local plant life. You will find a number of short, easy nature trails to enjoy, plus it’s a great place to see an armadillo or tortoise. Located super close to Disney.
- Themed mini golf: The courses here are so fun and colorful. Pirate’s Cove is my personal favorite.
- Spa treatments: Most resorts offer luxury spas. All Disney/Universal resort spas are gorgeous. You can also opt for a cheaper experience at a chain like Hand and Stone or Massage Envy.
- Epcot: Eat and drink your way through the best Disney park for adults.
- Soar high above Orlando on the Icon: Take a ride on one of the country’s tallest Ferris Wheel at Icon Park. You can also buy a combo pack which includes admission to the wax museum. Check out my Icon attraction guide for further details.
- Take a safari ride: Kilimanjaro safari at Animal Kingdom is one of the gems of Disney.
- A Romantic dinner: There are dozens of great choices in the metro. Victoria & Albert’s tasting menu is top notch.
- Disney Springs: Home to themed restaurants and shops. Take a look at my guide for more details.
