Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and if you’re like us, you aren’t doing the traditional “roses and a quiet table for two” thing. This year, we’re going to be at Epic Universe with our kids and some of our favorite family friends. So, while a formal date night isn’t on the menu, I’m still bringing the romance in my own way—starting with my amazing Love Potion pullover.
If you are looking for a place to feel the love (or just escape the crowds), here is my very particular agenda for Valentine’s Day at Universal.
The “Fancy” Date Night Shortlist
If we were doing a proper, adults-only date night, these are the places I’d consider:
- The Atlantic (Epic Universe): It’s stunning, undersea-themed, and feels incredibly upscale.
- The Blue Dragon (Epic Universe): This is where we’re actually eating this year! The atmosphere is incredible—think glowing lanterns and a bustling Pan-Asian courtyard. It’s perfect for a date, even if you have the kids in tow.
- The Classics: You can’t go wrong with Mythos (Islands of Adventure) for the view or Lombard’s (Universal Studios) for that waterfront charm.
If you want to head to the resorts (which you know I love), The Palm at Hard Rock is a powerhouse, and Bice Ristorante at Portofino Bay is about as romantic as it gets.
In CityWalk, Big Fire Grill was great for a fancy date night!
The “Scavenger Hunt” Strategy: Posing for the Kids
Since we know exactly where the cameras are, we’ve turned the Photo Pass into our own personal scavenger hunt. On our last trip without the girls, we spent the entire time taking “romantic” photos to send home—mostly just to be embarrassing.
If you want to try our Romantic Scavenger Hunt, here are the “Must-Haves”:
- The Dragon Smooch: A kissing photo in Diagon Alley right as the dragon breathes fire. (Timing is everything, but it’s iconic).
- The Mid-Air Kiss: Pick a ride like VelociCoaster or Hulk and try to time a romantic pose for the camera. Trust me, it’s much harder than it looks when you’re going 70mph.
- The “6 or 7” Photo: This is our favorite. When we’re at a character meet-and-greet or a park entrance, we take a photo and hold up 6 or 7 fingers to text to the kids. It’s our way of saying, “We can still be embarrassing even when we aren’t even near you”
The Champagne Struggle is Real
Let’s talk about my drink of choice: Champagne. Finding actual champagne in the parks is a challenge. Most places will try to hand you a sweet Prosecco, and while that’s fine for some, it’s not my favorite. You can find some at Hogshead!
Pro Tip: If you want the good stuff, head to the Loews hotels. My absolute favorite is the Rose Prosecco which is much drier than normal prosecco they seem to have at almost all the on-property resorts (especially the Orchid Court at Royal Pacific). It’s the perfect “treat yourself” moment after a long day of wandering.
Jewelry for the Discerning Fangirl
While you won’t find a Tiffany’s next to the Jurassic Park lockers, there are some surprisingly great spots to find jewelry if you know where to look:
- The Islands of Adventure Trading Company (Port of Entry): This is the massive explorer-themed shop right at the front of the park. They actually have a decent selection of jewelry that ranges from fun character-themed charms to more “wearable in the real world” silver and gold pieces. It’s my go-to when I want a souvenir that doesn’t scream “I was at a theme park.”
- The Rock Shop (CityWalk): Located inside Hard Rock, this is the place for more “edgy” or music-inspired jewelry. If your style leans a bit more toward black leather and sterling silver than robes and wands, check here.
- Any gift shop: Most often have jewelry that best expresses your love for your favorite fandom. My girls have adorable Nintendo earrings and I love my time turner earrings.
Beyond the Jewelry Box
If jewelry isn’t the vibe, here are some other “Rebecca-approved” gift ideas:
- The Love Potion Accessories: Skip the liquid sugar treat, but the Love Potion Purse is a total win. I’ve also seen Love Potion-themed pins and stationery that are much more “grown-up” than a stuffed Minion.
- Custom Stationery at the Owl Post: If your husband is looking for something romantic, he can get a leather-bound journal or a beautiful quill set from the Owl Post in Hogsmeade. Pro Tip: Have them wrap it there—they use actual wax seals and string, and it looks like it was delivered by owl.
- Personalized “Engraved” Gifts: There are kiosks throughout CityWalk and the parks where you can get leather bracelets or metal tags engraved. It’s a bit old-school, but getting your anniversary date or a favorite “inside joke” quote is a sweet, low-key gesture.
For the Tech & Gaming Nerd
- Power-Up Bands (Epic Universe): If he’s even a remote fan of Nintendo, this is the move. They are about $45 and essential for playing the interactive games in Super Nintendo World. Plus, they look cool on a desk back home.
- 2nd Generation Interactive Wands: Does he want a wand too? Get him the 2nd Gen version of that wand so he can finally stop watching the kids have all the fun and actually battle the Dementor himself.
- The “Dark Universe” Vinyl (Epic Universe): This is a total deep-cut for the park nerds. They released a vinyl record with the ambient soundtracks and music from Darkmoor (the land in Epic). It’s incredibly atmospheric and feels like a “grown-up” collectible.
For the Guy with a “Particular Agenda” (Collectibles)
- Retro Merch: Universal has been killing it lately with the “Throwback” collections. Look for the Back to the Future or Jaws gear at the Universal Studios Store in CityWalk. It’s nostalgic without being “childish.”
- Custom Gear (Universal Studios Florida): Near the Fast & Furious ride (I know, I said don’t stop there, but for this, you can), there is a shop called Custom Gear. You can actually build your own miniature cars—you pick the chassis, the fender, the hood, etc. It’s a fun, hands-on gift if he likes mechanical stuff.
The “Secret” Valentine’s Escape
Since Valentine’s Day usually falls during Mardi Gras season, I highly recommend skipping the ride counts and doing a “tasting day” around the food booths.
When you need a break from the “spirited gatherings,” head to my favorite hidden spot: behind the pavilion near the lake (between Transformers and Central Park in Universal Studios). It’s the best place in the park to relax, people-watch, and actually hear yourself think.
Whether you’re going as a couple or sharing a potstickers with your family at the Blue Dragon, remember: the best part of Universal is just being away from it all with the people you love. Even if those people are currently begging you to buy them ice cream for the tenth time.
