Fireworks flight

It’s practically a guaranteed “yes” on board Mauiva’s Air Tours, which takes couples on a 30-minute flight over the theme parks’ fireworks displays followed by a candlelit wine and cheese rendezvous for two on the tarmac.

Learn more: www.MauivaAirTours.com

Lake Eola swan boats

Paddle out on Lake Eola via a gondola or swan boat where the iconic Lake Eola fountain will provide the perfect backdrop to your proposal. Swans can be rented from 10am – 7pm Sunday through – Tuesday, and from 10am – 10pm Wednesday through Saturday.

Learn more: www.cityoforlando.net/fpr/html/parks/lakeeola.htm

Cinderella’s Royal Table

You won’t be the first person to think that Cinderella’s castle is the ideal spot to pop the question (engagements happen there almost daily). Nevertheless, your princess will be blown away by the fairy tale setting this one-of-a-kind dining experience provides. Keep in mind that the Glass Slipper Engagement package, which includes a personalized glass slipper for you to place the ring in, must be booked at least sevens days in advance.

Learn more: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/…/cinderella-royal-table/

Sunrise hot air balloon ride

Thanks to nearly 365 days of great flying weather, hot air balloons lift off over Central Florida most mornings as the sun rises. Outfits like Bob’s Balloons will arrange a private flight, which will conclude with a champagne brunch after the balloon has landed.

Learn more: www.bobsballoons.com

Loew’s Portofino Bay Hotel

You may not be able to fly her off to Italy for her proposal, but a visit to the Harbor Piazza at Portofino Bay Hotel will be pretty darn close. Designed to replicate a dreamy seaside Italian village, the Harbor’s romantic vibe increases exponentially at sunset each night during “Musica della Notte”, a musical show featuring opera singers that serenade from balconies high above.

Did you know that Dan Hatfield, the owner of this site, popped the big question at Portofino Bay Hotel? So he can attest that it is indeed a great location for the once-in-a-lifetime moment!

Visit this page in the OI Universal Center to learn more about the hotel.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Ideal for all romantics but especially diehard Harry Potter fans, an engagement inside Hogsmeade Village will be a memorable one. Choose from multiple locations, including Hogwarts Castle, Honeydukes Sweets, Ollivander’s Wand Shop, or maybe Three Broomsticks complete with a Butterbeer toast.

Anna, a friend of the Orlando Informer site, shared the image above and her whole Wizarding World engagement story in an OI Share post.

Visit this page in the OI Universal Center to learn more about the Harry Potter at Universal Orlando.

Do you have a special spot in Orlando that we missed? Let us know by leaving a comment below!

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The post An Orlando vacation to remember forever: Seven perfect places to pop the big question appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Magical Dining Month: September 1 – 30 *TOP RECOMMENDATION*

More than 60 restaurants across the Orlando area offer three-course prix fixe menus priced at $33 each, with $1 from each meal going toward the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida. There is no better excuse to try something new!

www.visitorlando.com/magicaldining

For guests visit Universal, you can indulge your inner gourmet with the prix fixe appetizer, entree, and dessert at a variety of restaurants located at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific, and Hard Rock Hotel. You can view the menus and make reservations by clicking here. Keep in mind you definitely do not have to be staying at these hotels to visit them and enjoy their restaurants. If you’re swinging through Universal CityWalk, Emeril’s Orlando is also participating.

Date Night at Leu Gardens: September 6

Harry P. Leu Gardens, the 50-acre botanical oasis north of downtown, hosts an outdoor film on the first Friday of each month. Admission is $5 plus tax. Blanket/chairs are recommended, you may bring a dinner picnic basket, and alcohol is permitted.

www.leugardens.org

Fashion Week at Mall at Millenia: September 12 – 19

Runways lined with models and trunks show packed with the most buzz worthy duds make up this five-day fashionista affair hosted at Orlando’s most lavish shopping locale.

www.mallatmillenia.com/mall-events

Coupled: The Game Show & Game Night: September 14 *TOP RECOMMENDATION*

Borrowing from The Newlywed Game, Coupled invites lovebirds to The Abbey (100 S Eola Drive, Orlando) where they’ll compete live on stage for fabulous prizes. Afterward, board games are set up around the venue while a series of interactive games, including Dance Freeze and Battle of the Sexes, are played on the dance floor.

www.coupled.eventbrite.com

The Color Run: September 22

During this untimed 5k fun run through downtown Orlando, runners are doused with color every kilometer before heading to the “Finish Festival,” where the color hilarity continues. Cost is $55 per runner.

www.thecolorrun.com/orlando

The Festival of Bacon: October 5 *TOP RECOMMENDATION*

Showcasing everything from bacon-infused food samplings from 30+ area restaurants to live music, this 8-hour foodie affair hosted at Festival Park in downtown Orlando will be one of the largest bacon-centric events in the country. Tickets are $35 each.

festivalofbacon.com

40th Annual Winter Park Autumn Art Festival: October 12 – 13

Central Park, the lush green space that flanks Park Avenue, overflows with artists showcasing their work at what has become the only juried art show to feature Florida artists exclusively.

www.winterpark.org/content/winter-park-autumn-art-festival

Jazz’n Blues Stroll: October 12

Couples with picnic baskets and bottles of wine flock to this beloved annual evening event, visited by spectacular jazz and blue performers who take the stage at various spots throughout the 50-acre Harry P. Leu Garden. Tickets are $17 in advance and $22 on event day.

www.leugardens.org  |  this year’s map (PDF file)

Taste of Thornton Park: October 17

This trendy downtown Orlando neighborhood highlights its finest foods during this annual fundraiser. Its Merchants come out in full force, representing themselves and the incredible “tastes” that they offer: from fantastic wines, incredible cocktails and refreshing beers, to savory entrée samples and sensational sweets – this event has it all.

www.thorntonpark.org/A_Taste_of_Thornton_Park.html

Orlando Film Festival: October 16 – 20 *TOP RECOMMENDATION*

Downtown Plaza Cinema Café screens more than 80 independent films created by filmmakers from around the world. Various prices for individual tickets and festival packages.

www.orlandofilmfest.com

The Book of Mormon: October 29 – November 10

The Broadway smash makes its much-anticipated decent on the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre for nearly two weeks worth of performances. Tickets start at $55.

orlando.broadway.com/shows/book-mormon-baa/

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We hope you enjoy exploring everything Orlando has to offer this fall! And if you enjoyed this article, I bet you’ll also like my previous OI post: Seven perfect places to pop the big question in Orlando.

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The post Unexpected Orlando: Break away from the parks and explore our city this fall appeared first on Orlando Informer.