Valentine’s Day weekend is a chance to step away from everyday routines and focus on each other. In Orlando, International Drive features a mix of attractions, entertainment, and seasonal experiences that make it easy to spend meaningful time together. From iconic attractions to evening outings, the area provides plenty of ways to enjoy the weekend.
Located in the heart of International Drive, Avanti International Resort serves as a comfortable and centrally located home base for Valentine’s weekend. With walkable attractions nearby, on-site amenities, and convenient access to Orlando’s most popular experiences, the resort allows couples to balance time exploring the city with time to relax.
This three-day itinerary highlights seasonal Valentine’s experiences, nearby attractions, and moments designed for connection.
Friday: Arrival, Settling In, and a Night on I-Drive
Arrive Friday afternoon and check in at Avanti International Resort. Take time to get settled in, then stop by The BARista, the resort’s lobby bar, for a cocktail or glass of wine before heading out for the evening.
Pro Tip: Arrange a romantic in-room amenity ahead of arrival to surprise your partner. A bottle of wine, chocolates, or a personalized touch waiting in the room is a simple way to set the tone for the weekend.
Friday night is the perfect time to step out and start exploring International Drive. Here are some popular experiences you can visit to kick off the weekend:
- The Orlando Eye at ICON Park offers a romantic nighttime ride with panoramic views of the city. For a special touch, the “Sips in the Sky” experience includes a private capsule, champagne, and a digital photo keepsake.
- ICON Park is a walkable entertainment plaza where you can explore thrilling rides, landmark attractions, shopping, and live entertainment all in one central location.
- Universal CityWalk is a lively entertainment district known for live music, waterfront strolls, and nightlife, all without the need for a theme park ticket.
With so much nearby, you can enjoy the evening at your own pace and return to Avanti International Resort when you’re ready to unwind.
Saturday: Valentine’s Experiences by Day, Romance by Night
Morning: Coffee and Planning the Day
Start Saturday morning with Starbucks® coffee and breakfast at the Café and Marketplace. From here, you can decide whether to spend the day at popular attractions on International Drive or head out for a full theme park experience.
Option One: Exploring International Drive
This option is ideal if you enjoy spending the day exploring International Drive together and mixing a variety of experiences without a set schedule.
- Madame Tussauds Orlando offers an interactive exhibit where you can mold your hands in wax, plus photo opportunities with celebrity likenesses that make for a fun, lighthearted stop.
- SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium provides multiple exhibits including a mesmerizing wall of illuminated jellyfish and a 360-degree tunnel where you can explore marine life side by side at a relaxed pace.
- Museum of Illusions Orlando has optical illusion rooms that defy gravity and bend your perceptions of reality, perfect for shared moments and memorable photos.
As part of your day along I-Drive, consider a sweet break at JoJo's ShakeBAR for their seasonal "Fond-Of-U" experience, featuring a shared dessert fondue for two.
Option Two: A Theme Park Valentine’s Day
If you enjoy full-day adventures, spending Saturday at a theme park can be the highlight of the weekend. Many parks offer seasonal entertainment and evening shows.
- Universal Orlando Resort delivers immersive attractions, live shows, and a high-energy atmosphere that carries into the evening.
- Walt Disney World® Theme Parks are known for romantic settings, nighttime entertainment, and fireworks, which feel especially fitting during Valentine’s weekend.
- SeaWorld® Orlando offers distinctive attractions and seasonal experiences including a memorable dining moment, the Sharks Underwater Grill, where you can dine alongside aquarium views in a unique setting.
Returning to the Resort to Recharge
After exploring nearby or a full day at the parks, hope on the shuttle and return to Avanti International Resort. Enjoy light bites or drinks from the Pool Bar, relax poolside, or take time to recharge before heading out again for the evening.
Saturday Evening: Valentine’s Night on International Drive
Saturday night is when International Drive truly comes alive. With entertainment districts, attractions, and nightlife spread throughout the area, it’s the perfect time to head back out and experience Orlando after dark.
Dive into the energy of Pointe Orlando, known for its mix of bars, dining, and entertainment. This area is a 5-minute walk from the resort and serves as the primary hub for the Cupid Cocktail Crawl, a popular event where couples sample themed drinks at various stops along the I-Drive corridor. The crawl kicks off at Blue Martini, leading into highlights like the immersive ICEBAR Orlando, where you can cozy up in an ice-carved setting and enjoy themed cocktails served in glasses made of ice.
Light up the night at Mango’s Tropical Cafe Orlando, less than 1 mile away. Similar to their Miami Beach location, this multi-venue club offers a high energy dinner show, themed DJ nights, live entertainment, Latin and Caribbean music, dining, bottle service, and an ultra-lounge.
With so many options across International Drive, Saturday night is best spent exploring the energy of the area before returning to Avanti International Resort when the night winds down.
Sunday: A Slow and Easy Send-Off
Sunday morning is best kept unhurried. Enjoy breakfast and Starbucks® coffee at the resort, take a final walk along International Drive, or fit in some light shopping at the nearby Orlando International Premium Outlets for a post-holiday "treat yourself" moment before heading home.
To cap off the weekend, consider booking a relaxing couple's massage at one of many day spas nearby or the unique My Beer Spa, an unconventional beer-focused spa right here on I-Drive.
Your Valentine’s Home Base on International Drive
A Valentine’s Day getaway is most enjoyable when everything feels close and easy to navigate. With its central location on International Drive, on-site dining and Starbucks®, poolside amenities, and convenient access to Orlando’s attractions and seasonal events, Avanti International Resort offers a comfortable and flexible place to stay.
