Why Kissimmee is the Perfect Pre-Honeymoon Destination

If there’s one thing brides and grooms look forward to almost as much as their wedding day, it’s their honeymoon. There’s nothing better than leaving all of the stress of wedding planning behind and enjoying some much-needed one-on-one time. But there’s no reason a celebratory vacation can’t happen before the “I dos.” In fact, more and more couples are now adding a pre-honeymoon, or "earlymoon," to their wedding plans. 

For many couples, carving out time together for a short trip can be just what they need to let go of any wedding-planning worry and allow them to refocus on what the wedding day is truly about—their love for each other. 

Here are just some of the reasons Kissimmee is the perfect place for your pre-honeymoon.
 

Romantic Getaway

Not to be outdone by southern cities, Kissimmee has a charm all its own. Swap out Spanish moss for towering palms and Lowcountry bogs for the endless headwaters of the Florida Everglades, and you've got a romantic and rustic side of Central Florida you haven’t yet discovered.

Begin your pre-honeymoon bliss by booking a stay at The Inn at Celebration. This lakeside boutique hotel invites couples to settle in for one-on-one time in a setting that combines classic elegance with turn-of-the-century charm, all set in downtown Celebration.

In between terrace drinks and live entertainment in the lobby, you’ll want to plan a few outings. Well, nothing says romance more than raising a glass from 1,000 feet above the ground. Schedule a breathtaking flight in a hot-air balloon over Central Florida with Bob’s Balloon Rides. Greet the sunrise and toast your upcoming nuptials while drifting over Walt Disney World, Kissimmee, and Orlando’s skyline.

Though your head might still be in the clouds, you’ll want your feet on the ground as you explore the area by bike. Just minutes from The Inn at Celebration, head to Celebration Bike Rental for a ride to explore the quaint streets of Celebration, discover picturesque neighborhoods, and wind around the waterfront on scenic trails.

We’d be remiss if we didn't suggest a romantic horseback ride for two at Lazy H Ranch. Journey across the Kissimmee Valley along the stunning Lake Toho and under 100-year-old oaks, stopping to hear about the region’s history and meet local ranchers.

All the stunning views and romantic escapades are sure to leave you heart full and your stomach hungry. Whet your appetite with a fine selection of wines at The Wine Imperium on the shoppable Market Street in downtown Celebration. Work your way through a carefully curated wine list, sip on local craft brews, and savor gourmet cheeses expertly paired with your beverage of choice.

For more carnal appetites, indulge in an intimate dinner for two at STK Orlando, where a contemporary club atmosphere meets a classic steakhouse. Enjoy aged steaks, oysters, and bespoke cocktails—all complemented by lively beats and engaging service. As the night grows darker, pack into the House of Blues Orlando to sway together to the sultry sounds of the evening’s headliner.

Outdoor Adventure

Take a break from wedding planning and the everyday grind by getting back to nature and each other.

Spend a few days soaking up Central Florida’s beauty with a stay at Lake Marian Paradise Marina & RV Resort. You don’t need a boat or a rig to stay; there are plenty of options for the non-RV set. The park has several cabins and mobile homes to rent, all complete with kitchenettes, grills, and a patio to take in the sunset over stunning Lake Marian. To make your stay even more convenient, amenities include a general store, games room, laundry, and clubhouse. Spend your getaway boating, fishing, and grilling the catch of the day.

There are more outdoor adventures to discover just a short drive away. Get up early and pack a picnic lunch for a day out on the water with The Paddling Center at Shingle Creek. Rent a kayak for two and explore the long, pine-lined waterways of Central Florida. Head out on your own adventure or choose a guided tour to learn about the area’s history and surrounding ecosystem.

After working up a sweat, take a breather at the designated picnic area, where you can rent a grill to have a fantastic barbecue in the woods. Explore the surrounding trails on foot with an invigorating hike and even opt to partake in a “Catered Camping” excursion overnight on Makinson Island. They’ll provide all the gear; all you have to do is take in the beauty of this 132-acre conservation area.

Of course, you can’t come to Florida and not meet its most famous resident: the alligator. Go searching for gators aboard an exciting airboat ride through the Everglades at Wild Florida Adventure Park. Get an up-close look at gators, eagles, and native plants as you cruise through 100,000 acres of wetlands. Your tour includes access to the wildlife park featuring exotic animals such as zebra, emu, lemurs, and more. Cap off your day with a barbecue meal at the Chomp House Grill, where more adventurous palates have the option of trying Everglades favorites like alligator, turtle, and frog legs.

After a couple of days on the water, take to the trees with Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park. Fly through tall pine forests on Tarzan ropes, glide across the forest canopy by zip line, and test your balance on a series of obstacles—all from high up in the trees. With seven acres of park to explore, including varying elevations and skill demands, there’s a course for everyone. Test your strength and limits, and maybe even challenge your fiancé to a friendly competition.

For a low-key night, head to Big John’s Rockin’ BBQ to grab some authentic Southern-style barbecue takeout for a night by the fire back at camp. After all, disconnecting from the world and reconnecting with each other is what your pre-honeymoon is all about.

Rest And Relaxation

Live the life of leisure at the sprawling Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate resort that includes championship golf courses, 15 acres of pools and recreation, and seven on-site restaurants. Greet the morning with golf and rejuvenate your weary bones at the spa, or lounge in the 850-foot lazy river, drink in hand. Enjoy a couple’s massage and order dinner in—you might never want to leave.

If nothing relaxes you more than a good retail therapy session, then you’ve come to the right place. St. Cloud, Kissimmee, and Orlando boast a number of upscale malls including The Loop open-air shopping center and the Mall at Millenia, while Disney Springs and Celebration Town Center offer a collection of boutiques nestled among restaurants and other entertainment. Last-minute wedding party gifts? No problem, with two Orlando Premium Outlets locations and the Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, you can get high-quality goods from the likes of Michael Kors, Kate Spade, and J. Crew at bargain prices.

For simplicity's sake, pick one area packed full of entertainment for a night out. Disney Springs should do nicely. Watch the sun set over the lake with a tequila-infused beverage at Dockside Margaritas. Then cozy up in a sleek booth and savor modern Pan-Asian cuisine at Morimoto Asia for an intimate dinner in an upscale setting. If the last few days of relaxing haven’t lulled you to an early slumber, grab  tickets for an opportunity to see Cirque de Soleil’s latest show. Enter the big top of the custom-designed theater to watch acrobats, contortionists, and entertainers perform a contemporary circus.

Feeling inspired to get away before your big day? Start planning your pre-honeymoon to Kissimmee, where getting away as a couple doesn’t have to mean traveling a long distance or breaking the budget. Check out our travel tips and special offers!