5 Non-Theme Park Activities for Surviving a Breakup in Orlando

Welcome to Orlando, where friendships and relationships grow and fade as quickly as a Florida thunderstorm. It's no secret that the go-to date spots here are theme parks, but what happens when your significant other is more interested in riding roller coasters than working on your relationship?

Maybe it started with a first date at the parks that was intended to last only a few hours, but you ended up spending the entire day together. Perhaps, caught up in the ecstasy of spending the day in the most magical place on earth, you closed the night with a first kiss and blurted out the “L” word. Yet, that fantastical three-word expression is repeated back to you. Somehow, neither of you saw that as a red flag. Before you know it, you’ve been sucked into what feels like a 10-year-long rom-com multiverse of sequel and spin-off dates that seem to be headed nowhere in phase 4.

Suddenly, it’s over. Maybe the princess ran off with both slippers intact to chase after the next frog prince or a beast to change. Perhaps you learn that in the real world, a princess would never marry a street rat. Or maybe your prince decided to climb up someone else’s tower. Or you discover no matter how many you kiss a slimy amphibian, he just won’t magically transform into the rich young ruler you desire.

Either way, you're stuck in a city filled with all the date spots that remind you of the person who broke your heart. But fear not, because I'm here to help you move on and discover new, exciting places in Orlando to heal your broken heart without ever stepping foot in a theme park.

1. Stroll Down Park Avenue in Winter Park

Explore the charming town of Winter Park and stroll down Park Avenue. Enjoy the beautiful architecture, boutique shops, and delicious restaurants. Check out all the neat nooks and crannies, like the Hidden Garden alley, where the restaurant Gary & Fuss is tucked away. Spend an hour finding your next book at The Writer’s Block Bookstore. Flip through your new book in the Rose Garden in Central Park or on the quad of the Rollins College campus. And at the end of the day, stop by the Rocket Fizz candy store or Kilwin’s ice cream shop and treat yo’ self!

2. Experience Orlando’s Natural Parks

Get some fresh air and exercise in nature by hiking in one of Orlando's natural parks. Catch a sunrise while hiking the many trails of Split Oak or hammock in the shade of pine trees by the lake. Explore Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve and stop at Osprey Overlook to listen to the frogs and crickets. Take a break from hiking and biking at Wekiwa Springs State Park by kayaking or snorkeling in the springs, which are a perfect 72 degrees all year round. Savor the best sunset view over the lake at Kraft Azalea Park.

3. Wander through the Orlando Museum of Art

Get swept away by the beauty of the Orlando Museum of Art. You’ll find inspiration from the creativity of global artists and enjoy a peaceful escape from reality. Grab a coffee from Downtown Credo, down the street, and drift from gallery to gallery with headphones in, listening to classical music. May I suggest my favorite Art Gallery Strolling Playlist on Spotify? For the artistically inclined, bring a sketchbook with you in case you collide with the desire to create your own artwork. The museum even hosts monthly events like Art Night Out or Studio One, where you can take a themed art class.

4. Cruise Along Disney's Boardwalk

Enjoy a leisurely walk along Disney's Boardwalk after hopping on a bus from Disney Springs. Remember, while wandering laps around the Boardwalk Resorts, resist the urge to travel to Epcot, even though it has an entrance between the Beach Club and the Boardwalk Resort. The goal is to enjoy the Disney atmosphere without stepping into the parks. Stop by Boardwalk Ice Cream or the Ale & Compass Lounge for refreshments. Once you’ve walked a few laps around the lake, through all the boardwalk resorts and the Swan and Dolphin, hop on the Skyline to visit resorts like The Riviera or Caribbean Beach Resort.

5. Escape to a Beach

Take a day trip to one of the beautiful beaches within an hour’s drive from Orlando: Cocoa Beach, New Smyrna Beach, or Canaveral National Seashore) You could catch a gorgeous sunrise or sunset, depending on how you time your visit. You may also see a shuttle launch, since these beaches are on the Space Coast, near Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center. Pack your own little picnic. Bring that book you’ve wanted to read. (Might I suggest How to Get a Date Worth Keeping, Boundaries, or Necessary Endings by Henry Cloud?) Relax, unwind, and soak up the sun. Nothing much more to it, unless you want to hop in the water.

When recovering from a breakup in Orlando, remember to take care of yourself first and foremost. Don't make the mistake of trying to stay friends with your ex so soon. Healing will take distance. Avoid hitting up the bar scene. You may end up right back where you started. Resist the urge to visit the theme parks to resentfully people watch, hating every couple you see expressing affection publicly. Jumping into a new relationship before you're ready or staying home to binge-watch rom-coms won't do you any favors either.

Instead, try not to dwell on the past or worry too much about the future. Don't torture yourself with happy memories of “the good times” or thoughts of what could have been. Otherwise, you might find yourself at a friend's wedding, brooding in the corner about how today could have been your day too.

Getting caught up in the "whys" of a breakup is easy, but ultimately, focusing on the present and taking care of yourself will help you move on faster. Seek support from your friends and family, consider counseling, and take it one day at a time. Before you know it, you'll be ready to move forward, and after exploring all the fantastic things Orlando has to offer, you’ll have better ideas of dates for the next relationship.