February is a month of many celebrations, and among the most cherished is the holiday of love and romance — Valentine’s Day. Orlando offers many options for residents and visitors to choose from, and Universal Orlando Resort is no different. The choices are seemingly endless, ranging from a vibrant entertainment district and award-winning theme parks to the luxurious resort hotels.
This begs the question of how one makes a perfect Valentine’s Day at Universal Orlando. You’re always welcome to explore at your own pace here. However, if you’re looking for inspiration, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite activities and destinations throughout Universal Orlando Resort to help guide your Valentine’s Day celebration. Starting, of course, at the epicenter of awesome – Universal CityWalk.
Celebrating Valentine’s Day at Universal CityWalk
Universal CityWalk has plenty of ways to enjoy Valentine’s Day, with several savory restaurants and nightlife activities to entertain you and yours. The best part? Parking is free after 6 PM on most evenings!
The classic dinner and a movie date
What’s more classically romantic than a meal and a movie? Our suggestion here would be Antojito’s Authentic Mexican Food since they have an exceptional menu and some of our favorite drinks.
Afterward, you can catch the latest flick at Universal Cinemark. Their plush luxury loungers and spacious theaters provide an outstanding viewing experience, making it an ideal choice if you’re looking to impress your date. Opting for Cinemark’s XD auditorium enhances your movie further with wall-to-wall screens, premium sound, and state-of-the-art projectors.
Split a milkshake at Toothsome’s Chocolate Emporium or Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
Florida has warm, sunny days aplenty, and few things compliment them like a creamy milkshake. Universal CityWalk offers two excellent choices to grab a seat and a shake with your beau.
The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar isn’t just about their infamous burger and sushi fusions (or “burgushi” for those unfamiliar). They also offer premium spiked milkshakes like The King Lives, an alcohol-infused peanut banana shake that is delightful and worth a try.
Of course, you can’t talk about milkshakes at Universal CityWalk and leave out The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen. The restaurant is renowned for its delightful dinner offerings, yet Jacques’ Specialty Milkshakes are a popular choice, generous enough for sharing. With 13 unique and equally impressive flavors available, our top recommendation is the Espresso Buzzzz.
Take your date out for the nightlife at CityWalk
Dining and shopping are only a portion of what Universal CityWalk is known for. The entertainment complex also offers a slew of nightlife activities.
Playing a round of putt-putt at Hollywood Drive-In Golf is always a fun and cute suggestion, inviting you and your partner to navigate an 18-hole mini-golf course inspired by cinema. Choose from an epic sci-fi adventure in Invaders From Planet Putt, or opt for The Haunting of Ghostly Greens, which offers an eerie stroll through a haunted mansion’s garden cemetery. Tackle both courses for a full double-feature film scenario!
Additionally, Universal’s Rising Star offers a memorable opportunity to sing your heart out alongside a live band, dedicating your performance to your date.
If you’re a geeky couple like this writer and his wife, you can opt for Universal’s Great Movie Escape, an escape room like no other! CityWalk’s latest addition features two adventure rooms to test your mettle based on popular Universal intellectual properties: Jurassic World: Escape and Back to the Future: OUTATIME.
Celebrating Valentine’s Day at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure
If you want to make a memorable impact with your date, a day at Universal Orlando Resort’s world-class theme parks is the way to go. The way you explore and enjoy the parks can differ based on your personality or even your Hogwarts House, like your Ravenclaw alumnus writer. Below are several suggestions tailored to cater to these diverse preferences.
Sweep your sweetheart off their feet with a visit to Universal Orlando Resort’s theme parks, offering the gift of joy and togetherness at a fraction of the cost. Take advantage of discounted admission from Orlando Informer to create unforgettable memories this Valentine’s Day.
The relaxed and easy date
A date at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure isn’t limited to just adrenaline-pumping rides and heart-pounding thrills. Engaging in one of Universal Orlando Resort’s interactive experiences stands out as a uniquely enjoyable option.
MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack is a classic in this regard, allowing you and your partner to join the ranks of MIB agents and battle the alien forces invading one of their rigorous training sessions.
Alternatively, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast offers an innovative experience to keep your date interesting. Before entering the attraction, guests can collaborate to create their Minion profiles and customize their blasters via the Universal Orlando app. Once they have, they can select a mission or compete to see who can get the highest score and the most collectibles throughout the ride. As Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast is part of Illumination’s Minion Land, you and your date can also enjoy a meal at Illumination’s Minion Cafe, rounding off the experience with a shared bite.
Finding romance through thrills and excitement
Indulging in a few rides is a must when you’re at one of Universal Orlando’s world-class theme parks. Following this writer’s favorite selections is highly recommended to impress your significant other or create lasting memories. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is a top contender. Few things are cuter than sharing a motorcycle and sidecar as you go on an academic monster hunt with your date.
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man is another excellent selection. After transporting into the comic book adventures of everyone’s favorite wall-crawler, grab hold of one another for an edge-of-your-seat thrill ride as Spidey battles the Sinister Syndicate.
Bond over a show and find a quiet moment
Some of the best opportunities for romance come from the smaller moments, and Universal Orlando Resort offers more than you may realize. Simple things like seeing Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show or The Bourne Stuntacular can provide the perfect bonding material.
Universal Studios Florida’s Central Park is perfect for enjoying the skyline, featuring lakeside seating away from the usual bustle of park traffic. Likewise, Islands of Adventure boasts picturesque spots, including panoramic views at Marvel Super Hero Island and the tranquil walkways near Me Ship, the Olive in Toon Lagoon. These locations provide perfect opportunities to relax and take in the scenery together.
Celebrating Valentine’s Day at the Lowes’ Universal Orlando Resort Hotels
While enjoying a date at CityWalk and the Universal Orlando theme parks, a visit to one of the Universal Orlando Hotels is highly recommended. The garden walk that connects Universal CityWalk to Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and Hard Rock Hotel is both leisurely and romantic. This path allows you to enjoy the beauty of floral greenery, bamboo stalks, and waterfront views, providing a serene backdrop for conversation as you stroll.
Enjoy Valentine’s Day dinner at one of the resort hotels
Impressing your date can be as simple as sharing an excellent meal together. Mama Della’s Ristorante is ideal, evoking the warmth and comfort of a home-cooked meal like Nona would prepare. Patrons may even be serenaded by their strolling musicians, adding to the overall ambiance.
If a lunch date is more your style, Sal’s Market Deli offers some unique options like their ratatouille calzone, which is enough for two to enjoy.
Jake’s American Bar at Loews Royal Pacific Resort offers a splendid dinner experience, blending a menu of classic American cuisine within the ambiance of a Pacific island setting. Jake’s adventurous theming is complemented by exceptional service and homemade pretzel rods, burgers, and other delicious offerings.
Make the night special at a seasonal event
If you want to go the extra mile this Valentine’s Day, the resort hotels have several culinary experiences and other seasonal events. Our favorite is Harbor Nights at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. It’s a night of jazz, wine, and delicious food pairings. Similarly, Jake’s Beer Dinner at Loews Royal Pacific Resort offers local craft beer pairings with gourmet dishes. Both events happen several times a year and have varying dates, so you’ll want to watch our Universal Orlando Snapshot for when the next event occurs.
The Wantilan Luau at Loews Royal Pacific Resort is an exciting dinner show perfect for a special evening with your significant other. This tropical dinner show transports you on a journey through the cuisine of the Polynesian islands, featuring island music, knife twirlers, and hula and fire dancers. Meanwhile, guests can indulge in an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet filled with Polynesian specialties, creating a memorable and immersive dining experience.
This separately ticketed event takes place every Saturday, with registration starting at 5:30 PM and seating beginning at 6 PM. Prices can vary with regular seating starting at $45 plus taxes and fees for children ages three to nine and $99 plus taxes and fees for adults. The premium seating option brings you closer to the performance and grants you a souvenir tiki mug. These rates start at $65 plus taxes and fees for children and $119 plus taxes and fees for adults.
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