Five Great (and Free) Date Ideas in Orlando

Orlando, Florida is home to some world famous attractions such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World, all of which are great places for a date. But in this economy, taking a date to a The Magic Kingdom or Island's of Adventure might not be possible. But don't worry, there are some other great ways to spend a day or night out in Orlando (including a few at Walt Disney World) that don't cost a dime.

Watch a Movie under the Starts
On the second Thursday of each month, Enzian Theater presents Popcorn Flicks in Winter Park. Grab a blanket, pack a picnic dinner, and enjoy a free movie under the stars. And don't worry about the popcorn, it's provided for free, too, courtesy of the Enzian Theater. Check the Enzian's website for the schedule http://www.enzian.org/film/popcorn_flicks.

Spend an afternoon at Downtown Disney Marketplace
You don't need a ticket to get into Downtown Disney Marketplace (and parking is free, too). Enjoy looking around Downtown Disney Marketplace's shops, boutiques, and eateries (there are places to eat for every budget). Kids can play in the LEGO Imagination Center (just look for the 12 foot tall T-Rex!) or head over to the Ghirardelli store for a free sample of their world-famous chocolate.

Enjoy an afternoon strolling down Park Avenue in Winter Park
The exclusive enclave of Winter Park has long been the home of many of the Orlando areas wealthy and notable residents (Mr. Rodgers of Mr. Rodger's Neighbor fame lived here). The main street through downtown Winter Park is Park Avenue. This tree-lined street's retail area is about 10 blocks long and contains many small, exclusive shops, cafés, and eateries. Also along the avenue is small park that hosts a myriad of events throughout the year. Once year, the whole area hosts the Winter Park Art Festival, a show featuring artists from around the world.

Watch the "floating" version of the Main Street Electrical Parade
The Electrical Water Pageant is a nightly floating parade around the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake at Walt Disney World. Passing by the beaches of the Polynesian Resort, Grand Floridian Resort, Wideness Lodge, Ft. Wilderness and Contemporary Resort,The Electrical Water Pagent is a free evently nightly at Walt Disney World. The pageant usually starts at 9pm and features dancing lights on the water set to music. Each of the pageant's 14 floats consist of 25 foot high screens at are decorated with lights depicting sea dragons, King Triton, and other creatures of the sea. The pageant's ends with a salute to America featuring the Stars and Stripes.

Spend the evening on the Boardwalk.
Walt Disney World is home to an old fashion Atlantic City style boardwalk. While there are restaurants, shops, and even a dueling piano bar on the Disney's Boardwalk, there's plenty to see and do on the boardwalk for free. You can watch the jugglers, mimes, musicians, and even fire eaters as they entertain at various points on the boardwalk. End you night at Atlantic Dance, and large dance hall with live music or a DJ spinning Top 40 music that usually has no cover charge.