Visiting Orlando, Florida on a Budget
You plan to travel to Orlando, Florida but does not want to spend a lot of time and money on your trip. In that case, this is the right place for you. In this article, you can find out some fantastic tips on how you can get around the city and have fun exploring it while saving money. Check out below what ways will help you visit Orlando on a budget.
Find the Right Time to Visit
First, you need to know the best time to visit the city. If you want to save money and avoid crowds, you can visit at certain times of the year when it has less visitors and smaller crowds. Orlando’s usual non-peak seasons fall on late August and the beginning of the school year. At around this time, you can take advantage of some discount packages that attractions offer.
If you go during the summer, know that it is the worst time you could pick to visit a theme park. If going to Disney World or Universal Studios is one of the spots in your itinerary, try to avoid going when school is out. If you do, you may see some shorter lines. That means you can enjoy your time much better while riding thrill rides and more.
Book Affordable Accommodations
If theme parks are at the top of the places you want to hit, try to book at a hotel that offers ticket packages. You may also want to check into hotels that offer priority park access, which will make life a lot more convenient for you. The great news here is that Orlando has a lot of family-friendly and wallet-friendly options. You can easily find resorts with an affordable price ideal for the entire family.
Staying at an on-site hotel helps you save time. However, it does not necessarily mean that you can save on money as well. If you want to explore the city without spending a lot, it is possible to book at a budget-friendly hotel even if it is peak season. Try doing it well ahead of your visit. If you do not mind being a bit farther from the attractions, you may try staying at hotels in Greater Orlando, which is often considerably cheaper.
Save on Food
Besides choosing a place to stay that has a lower price, finding a place where you can eat on a budget is also something to keep in mind. How can you save on food if you are heading to a theme park? The food served on-site theme parks are usually overpriced. You can avoid buying from them by bringing your own food and drinks. However, make sure you do not carry any alcohol or food that needs reheating. Bringing your own food also means saving you from tantrums when your kids start looking for food and wanting it that very instant.
If you want to eat in restaurants, check the dining plans that they offer first. This way, you can be sure that you can buy something within your budget. On that note, Disney Resort Hotels are known to provide dining plans that are suitable for all budgets. You may want to check with other theme parks if they have the same scheme.
In terms of saving for food, do not just check with restaurants near to your hotel. It will help you a lot if you eat at family-friendly areas where the food and drinks are often less costly than those near famous attractions. Be sure to take the time to research online and ask in review sites. From there, you can find plenty of information that can help you find the best places to eat delicious food at lower prices.
How to Get Around
This region of Florida has three airports in Orlando, Sanford, and Daytona Beach. All of them are busy all year round. Some people can save money by coming through Tampa’s airport. You are going to need a car rental if you want to visit the major attractions in Orlando, which also pays when it comes to convenience. Take the time to shop around to find the best rental for you. Pay attention to whether they provide car seats for your kids.
Always ask if your hotel provides a complimentary shuttle service to nearby theme parks and attractions. You never know, but your hotel might offer this, which helps you save on transportation fare. If you plan to explore Downtown Orlando, make sure to take advantage of the complimentary LYMMO service or the I-Ride on International Drive.
Include Budget-Friendly Orlando Activities
Orlando is famous for its theme parks, especially the Disney World and Universal Studios. You can save on going to these places if you stay in hotels near them. You can also save by planning out your theme park adventure to make the most of your day. Besides theme parks, Orlando has plenty of other attractions and vacations spots where you can enjoy doing activities at a budget price.
For instance, you can go to Winter Park, which is a beautiful town filled with galleries, museums, as well as farmer’s markets. Moreover, you can find stunning cafés and fabulous boutiques there where you can get fantastic souvenirs.
You may also want to head to Lake Eola Park, a gorgeous landscaped area perfect for the whole family. Here, you can go for a picnic and ride in pedaloes or have a relaxing day while feeding ducks. You can also go for a walk around the lake and enjoy the magnificent Orlando sights.
If you want another place to explore where it will not be too costly, there is the Harry P. Leu Gardens. At certain times of the year, this site offers free admission, which you might be able to take advantage.
Other Tips to Save on Visiting Orlando
Besides those mentioned above, other suggestions include getting a GO Orlando Card. You can get this card to use for free admission at plenty of local attractions in the city. Before buying one though, make sure to have a planned itinerary first to make sure that this card can help you cut down on cost.
In looking to save money, you might easily get duped when you hear “discounts.” Some of them might truly help you not spend as much on your trip, but a lot of them come with strings attached. On that note, make sure that you are not getting deceived in the discount you obtained. Be careful, or you might end up spending more money instead.
