Orlando: How to have a cheaper holiday

Orlando lays claim to being one of the happiest places on earth; but it can also be one of the priciest.

With so many world-class attractions on offer, paying for it all may seem a daunting prospect – especially when you’ve got a couple of demanding kids in tow.

But fear not, there are ways to keep costs down and still make it a magical family holiday to remember.

It just takes a bit of planning.

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1. Buy your park tickets in advance

Tickets online are always cheaper than on the gates and it will also save you precious time. It’s best to steer clear of park-hopper tickets at Disney as they are more expensive. It’s also worth bearing in mind the longer you stay the cheaper the day rate is, but also that a 14-day Disney pass is unrealistic if you are in town for a two-week holiday and also want to explore the other parks on offer. Undercovertourist.com is a great reliable website with tickets that are even cheaper than buying direct online from Disney and Universal.

It might also be worth following each theme park on social media so you keep an eye on any deals which may become available.

2. Get a Flex

If you’re planning on doing all of the theme parks, in addition to Disney, it’s best to buy a Flex ticket which incorporates six parks including the two at Universal, Wet N Wild, Sea World, Aquatica and Busch Gardens in Tampa.  

3. Go out of season

The summer/Christmas holidays are very popular with September and November typically slower months when lower rate deals will be available. The lines will be shorter too so don’t feel the need to fork out for special queue-jump ‘Express Passes’ at the Universal parks!

4. Stay off-site from the Disney and Universal parks

Sure, they come with heaps of benefits like accessing the park before the public and free transportation to the parks within their resort, but if you’re wanting to keep things seriously cheap it’s best to stay around International Drive, Kissimmee’s Highway 192 or Lake Buena Vista in a hotel that also offers a bus service to the parks (this way you won’t need to pay for £11.50 daily parking fees at the park if you have hired a car). The Galleria Palms Hotel and the Howard Johnson are good value for money suggestions. If you want to save money by cooking for yourself, it’s worth plumping for a room with a kitchen. Alternatively you could organise a house swap with a local in Orlando to save even more.  

5. Pick up a discount book

You’ll find them at the airport/local shopping mall/supermarket for deals on local restaurants, shops and smaller attractions or look online in advance for coupons.

6. Take your own drinks and snacks into the park

Carry a water bottle with you at all times as you can fill it up around the park for free at various water spots rather than paying £2 plus for soft drinks. Seek out your local Wal-Mart, Walgreens or Publix supermarket in advance.  

7. When dining out, sharing meals is a good and thrifty option

The portions are MASSIVE. A lot of places also offer a free soup or salad with an entrée. There are a lot of good options along International Drive or in Kissimmee such as Denny’s, Del Taco and Checkers.

Don’t be afraid to ask for your food to-go if you’ve not finished it either. Many places offer ‘doggy bags’ so you can finish off your food later on.

8. Take EVERYTHING you need with you into the park

This includes a lightweight poncho, sunscreen, fan, comfy shoes, hats, sunglasses. If you forget something then it’s expensive to stock up in the parks. If you have children that will require a pushchair (Orlando is a very tiring holiday!) then it’s well worth taking your own to save on the £10 hire rate per day.  

9. If it’s your birthday/anniversary/honeymoon broadcast it!

Make sure you wear a badge or hat to say so as sometimes ‘Mickey’ will treat you to a free drink or ice-cream!

10. Take advantage of Orlando’s free sights too

There are also tons of cool places to visit which won’t cost you a penny, including Disney’s Boardwalk Hotel which has nightly street performers including comedians and jazz music, there is also Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort where you can watch animals including giraffes roaming around. Downtown Disney also has a 4,400-square foot Lego Imagination Centre which is great for kids. The Disney Wilderness Reserve in Kissimmee which is home to more than 1,000 species of plants and animals is also worth a visit. Disney aside, there is also a weekly Farmers Market at Eola Park, The Peabody Hotel’s daily red-carpet duck march, a vintage car parade every Saturday in Kissimmee’s Old Town and a number of museums to visit.  

(Feature image: DeusXFlorida (7,110,780 views) – thanks guys!)