An Orlando vacation can quickly become expensive. From flights and accommodations, to theme park passes, dining, souvenirs and special shows – costs can quickly add up.
However, there are ways to save money and still have an enjoyable Orlando experience. Here are a few tips: 1. Plan Early.
Book Early
Planning an Orlando vacation requires purchasing flights, theme park tickets and other essential travel necessities early. Booking restaurants and shows in advance is also advantageous when travelling during high traffic periods such as Christmas, Valentine’s Day or summer travel seasons.
Purchase of combo tickets that include both Disney and Universal parks can often save money compared to buying individual park tickets directly, online, or directly at parks themselves. Discount tickets may also be available through third-party travel companies and retailers.
Booking accommodations early is another surefire way to save money, in addition to buying tickets early. By booking early you will increase the likelihood of finding a deal and choosing accommodation that meets all your needs – consider villa or apartment over hotel room as they usually come equipped with kitchens so you can prepare your own meals and save on dining costs!
Consider staying at a Universal Resort hotel as this can offer many great advantages such as early entry to Volcano Bay and complimentary transportation between parks. Plus, when purchasing tickets and hotels through their website you’ll benefit from their Best Price Guarantee promotion!
Orlando vacations should always include at least one beach day to provide relaxation and rejuvenation from all the excitement of theme parks and other activities. Cocoa Beach, Canaveral National Seashore and Daytona Beach offer incredible beaches to choose from that are sure to meet everyone’s needs and provide ample relaxation opportunities for everyone in your party.
Don’t Forget the Non-Theme Park Days
Orlando may be known for its theme parks and International Drive, but there’s so much more to discover here than just that! On your next trip, take time out to visit Winter Park; its cool northern suburb boasts an authentic local flair in terms of quirky shops, restaurants, parks, museums and much more!
Visit the Kennedy Space Center for an unforgettable day trip! This iconic attraction is perfect for science-minded kids and adults who want to learn about space exploration’s history, offering exhibits such as touching real space shuttles or riding an authentic launch pad ride.
If you’re traveling to Orlando for the first time, you may be surprised to discover all of its other attractions besides theme parks. Museums, zoos and gardens allow visitors to experience Orlando’s rich culture and history.
As it would take longer than one week to visit all the attractions in Orlando, be sure to prioritize your must-see list. Spring (March through May) offers the ideal conditions for touring Orlando – lower temperatures and humidity than summer seasons while still affording discounts from peak tourist times.
Stay in the Right Location
No matter the purpose of your trip, finding an excellent hotel can make or break your experience in Orlando. The city boasts numerous lodging options that span from budget-friendly to high-end luxury.
If you’re planning a visit to one of Disney or Universal’s theme parks, staying on-site could offer several advantages. Complimentary transportation to and from their parks could save on parking costs while on-site hotels often provide special perks like extended park hours and fast-track passes for their guests.
Stay at a family-friendly hotel in Orlando to ensure the best possible stay for both parents and kids alike. Some of the top hotels for kids offer activities designed to keep them engaged such as splash zones, kid-friendly restaurants and swimming pools, plus special amenities like spa services or adult-only pools – ideal if traveling with young ones!
Luxury hotels in Orlando are an attractive option for visitors looking to relax between their theme park adventures. Many boast celebrity chef-helmed restaurants, world-class golfing facilities and sprawling oases featuring adults-only pools as well as fun, kid-friendly water parks for children of all ages.
Some visitors to Orlando choose more residential areas like South Eola or Downtown Orlando for a break from the main attractions, like South Eola or Downtown Orlando, offering respite from its hustle and bustle. Downtown Orlando features charming tree-lined streets ideal for strolling, while I-Ride Trolley or bike rental companies such as West Orange Trail Bikes & Blades provide convenient rides around town and access to shops and sights. Or alternatively you could book an apartment or villa which provide more space and come equipped with fully equipped kitchens which save both money on dining out and groceries costs!
Take Frequent Breaks
Orlando is an enormous tourist destination, so the crowds may become overwhelming. To maximize your enjoyment of everything this area has to offer, be sure to set aside time for relaxation and unwinding; spending an afternoon lounging around on a beach can provide the ideal setting to recharge, providing much-needed respite from its hectic theme park atmosphere and massive crowds.
Although not always possible, try to visit the city outside peak season – such as school holidays (spring break, summer vacation and Christmas) as well as national holidays such as Easter and half term. it would also help to know your trip’s pricing details on Orlando’s Best Vacation. Because during these times you should expect long wait times at attractions as well as steep prices for airfare, hotel rooms, and theme park tickets.
Shoulder season (February to September) offers more affordable pricing on most things, particularly theme park tickets. Temperatures tend to remain mild while humidity remains at manageable levels; this makes for ideal conditions to experience special events like Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival or Pins Around the World at Epcot.
Dependent upon your planned activities during your trip, it may be more economical to opt for free transportation offered by many hotels rather than renting a vehicle. Utilizing hotel shuttle service from the airport will save money by eliminating vehicle rental, fuel, and parking fees during your stay. Alternatively, Lyft or Uber could provide one-way rides so as to split costs among multiple people travelling together.
Explore Beyond the Parks
As it can be easy to forget when traveling with children to an area renowned for its theme parks, Orlando provides more than its shopping streets and golf resorts.
Visitors looking to escape into nature will appreciate Leu Gardens, featuring rose gardens, butterfly gardens and citrus groves – perfect for an escape from theme park noise! Additionally, this park also hosts events such as live music concerts and holiday lights shows!
Water enthusiasts will relish Wekiva Springs State Park’s natural springs for swimming or tubing fun, featuring 72 degree waters year-round that remain crystal clear. Plus there’s walking trails, picnic areas and canoe rentals too – not forgetting Gatorland nearby to see some Florida alligators!
Families looking to discover something new while on vacation should visit the Orlando Science Center. Boasting four floors of interactive exhibits, guest exhibits, labs and lab facilities with plenty of learning experiences for everyone in the family to discover, this museum provides something fun for every member of your group to do and see. Kids will especially love exploring dinosaurs in Discovery Gallery while adults can investigate everything from outer space to car manufacturing facilities within Kids Town.
Indoor entertainment options at Orlando Science Center include Omnimax Theater. Situated within the building of Orlando Science Museum, this 3-D experience allows visitors to see the world from an entirely different angle. Ideal when rain is falling or exploring outdoors isn’t possible, this attraction also serves as an excellent indoor activity when rainy days or poor weather prevails. Other indoor options include visiting Orlando Reptile Zoo or ICEBAR Orlando; both offer world-class experiences!