Don't let that last petal fall!

While Valentine’s Day is all about romance, that doesn’t mean that you can’t celebrate with the whole family.  Little known fact, kids like candy, too.

Nobody knows this better than the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, and the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, their cupid has arrows for everybody. Also, churros, which are like nature’s candy, where nature is a hot oven parked on Main Street.

Many of the restaurants in both locations have special menus for the day, specifically those in one of the many resort hotels. The hotels also allow their guests an opportunity that a lot of parents may not know about: privacy.  Yes, privacy in the form of Disney’s activity centers for kids (reservations are strongly encouraged), which are found in a handful of Disney World Resorts as well as the Grand Californian Resort and Spa at Disneyland.

Another romantic idea, which at this time is only available at the Walt Disney World Resort hotels, is a “Beauty and the Beast meets Tinkerbell” Disney floral arrangement that you can have delivered right to your room. That’s right, tell her you’d trap her in a castle all over again.

So, you may ask, this Disney romance is sounding a lot like regular romance, but with mice. Where do the family activities come into play? How does one combine a date with a playdate?  To which I respond: Duh? Did you see the rides and the parades and the characters and the stuff? That’s where families play. That’s where hands are held. There’s a lot of love in the park(s).

But don’t take my word for it:

This one is probably fake, but it’s still awesome:

Photo from the Disney Parks Blog

Valentine’s Day is on a Saturday this year (February 14th for those of you living under an anti-Hallmark rock).  I believe that is a sign that the most perfect Valentine’s Day gift must be a romantic weekend away.

And where better to get away in February than the Sunshine State of Florida?

Of course, Florida is a big state, teeming with romantic beaches, secluded Bed N’ Breakfasts and luxurious spas that would make a perfect setting for any romantic surprise.  In the interest of making your life easier (and putting my favorite ideas in writing for my own husband), I’ve narrowed down the possibilities to Five of my favorite romantic weekend vacations in Central Florida (also known as in and around Orlando).

5. Seven Sisters Inn in Ocala, Florida.

Paris Apartment at Seven Sisters Inn

I’ll admit, Ocala, Florida is not the first place I would send someone for a romantic weekend.  But this infamous bed and breakfast is a rare treat – especially if you’re into ghost stories.  Known as “Florida’s most haunted Bed and Breakfast” (which suggests there is competition for the title), the Seven Sisters Inn has been featured on national “ghost hunting” television shows.  Past guests are encouraged to share their supernatural experiences in public journals, so even if nothing happens during you’re visit you should find plenty of ways to freak yourself out.

Why run away to a haunted bed and breakfast for Valentine’s Day?  Think clinging together during scary movies – times ten.

4. A Beach Retreat at Flagler Beach, Florida.

Again, most people would ask themselves why Flagler Beach?  It’s not quite Daytona Beach.  It’s not quite St. Augustine.  It’s just about half way in between and appears to offer absolutely nothing to tourists.

And that, my friends, is the appeal.

Dusk at Snack Jack

For about $100 per night, rent a private villa on the beach at the Island Cottage By The Sea.  Spend your days enjoying nothing but each other and the sound of the ocean.  The beaches here, while public, are quiet and uncrowded.  For a casual yet romantic dinner, you can eat indoors or out at Snack Jack’s and enjoy fresh seafood overlooking the water at sunset.

Of course, if you do decide you need more visual stimulation during the day than the ocean and boutique shopping can provide, you’re just a short drive up the coast to the infamous lighthouses of St. Augustine.

3. Be Grown Ups at Universal Studios Orlando and City Walk

Many people don’t think about amusement parks when they are planning a romantic weekend.  After all, places like Universal Studios were made for kids, right?

Universal Studios Orlando

Universal Studios becomes a completely different experience when you go without children.  And when you stay in one of the on site hotels, you’ll receive free fast passes for all of the rides – which means no kids and no waiting in lines! My favorite on site resort is the Loews Royal Pacific Resort, but you have three to choose from.

When you’re done screaming and giggling like kids on the roller coasters, spend the night at City Walk.  You have dozens of restaurants and clubs to choose from – from a Latin dance club to a popular piano bar.  Again, staying on site means convenient transportation to and from the restaurants and clubs, as well as well lit paths for a late night walk back to your hotel.

2. Shop Until You Drop at The Florida Mall in Orlando

Mall at Millenia in Orlando

Maybe you don’t think shopping is romantic.  Maybe the idea of sleeping in a mall doesn’t send chills down your spine and a smile across your face.  Maybe it’s a good thing you’re not married to me.

If your Valentine loves to shop, you can spend the entire weekend doing what she (or he) loves.  The luxurious Mall at Millenia and the cult favorite IKEA practically share a parking lot.  There are two upscale outlet malls within 10 minutes of one another (Prime Outlets and Premium Outlets – because we wouldn’t want to confuse the tourists with similar sounding names).  And you can finish the day and spend the night at The Florida Mall, a sprawling complex that houses a Sephora and it’s own hotel!

If your Valentine doesn’t love to shop, the two of you can read this and have a good laugh together at the crazy lady who considers a really good mall a romantic date.

1. The Spa at The Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grand Lakes

Yes, it’s The Ritz.  No, this won’t be a cheap weekend.

But it will absolutely be worth every single penny you spend if you decide to splurge on a trip to The Ritz Carlton Spa.

You can get pampered individually, or enjoy special spa treatments together like a couple’s massage.  Of course their treatments are first class, but my absolute favorite part about this place is what happens between the treatments.

The co-ed lounge area is heave on earth.  You’ll ooze out of there at the end of the day, more relaxed than either of you have been since you were old enough to understand the difference between a workday and a weekend.

It doesn’t get much more romantic than a night at The Ritz Carlton with a deep tissue massage, a soak in a jacuzzi, and a long, hot sweat in the steam room.

Of course, if you’re married to me, you already know this.  Right? Right?

Photos courtesy of Seven Sisters Inn, Joe Shlabotnik, and Britt Reints