Orlando, Theme Park Capital of the World, not only offers unique experiences to help visitors create lasting memories, but also options to save money and bring more value to their holiday. Visit Orlando, the Official Tourism Association® for the most visited destination in the United States, provides access to an on-demand, complimentary trip-planning team, who are available for free phone appointments and via email and WhatsApp to give expert guidance on building the perfect Orlando itinerary.

Below a member of their Vacation Planner team shares some top tips for making your money further with your next trip.

Accommodation & Dining

  • Choosing the Right Hotel: One of the best ways to save money is to dig deeper into what the hotel offers beyond the overnight stay. For example, many hotels will offer free breakfast, free shuttles into downtown Orlando or the theme parks, as well as free parking. Some hotels will also offer happy hours and afternoon socials with food and drink included.

Just one example of a great value for money hotel is the Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando - Disney Springs Area. Perfectly located within walking distance of the free to enter Disney Springs Complex, an outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment hub at the Walt Disney World Resort, the hotel offers a free hot breakfast buffet daily from 6 -10am and a free ‘Kickback’ served from 5:30–7:30 pm daily, featuring a rotating menu of fresh, hot dinnertime snacks, beer, wine, mixed drinks and soft drinks.

  • Hotel Alternatives: Consider staying in a vacation home – which includes a full-size kitchen - to save money on meals. A good example is the new Villatel Orlando Resort, situated within the International Drive area, offers private villa rentals with hotel-style standards and amenities.
     
  • Eat and Play Card: The Eat and Play Card is a great deal for families and friends looking to dine in some of Orlando’s most popular restaurants, explore amazing attractions and indulge in a spot of retail therapy across the city’s expansive shopping scene. One card provides a group of up to four people with huge savings at over 150 Orlando restaurants, from upscale to quick-serve locations. The card can be used throughout Orlando’s main tourist areas of International Drive, Kissimmee and Lake Buena Vista. The best part? It can be used as often as you like, even at the same place every day and is valid for 6 months from activation.

 

Theme Parks

  • Food and Drink: Purchase refillable popcorn buckets for an affordable snack at Walt Disney World and purchase Universal’s refillable cups to take advantage of their Freestyle Coke machines. It’s also a good idea to bring a refillable bottle from home, as all parks have water refill stations.
     
  • Special Event Tickets: Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party allows entrance as early as 4pm.
     
  • Hotel Hack: Stay at a Universal Premium Hotel to get complimentary express passes, which provides front-of-line access to some of the theme parks’ most popular rides.
     
  • Parking and Transportation: Disney Springs has free parking, free admission and a program of live music, with a calendar available on the website. You can also go ‘resort hopping’ by parking at Disney Springs and taking the free transportation to check out nearby hotels. The monorail loop and Skyliner routes are great, free ways to explore Walt Disney World Resort. Universal CityWalk offers free parking after 6pm.
     
  • Celebration Freebies: Stop by any merchandise location at Disney for a free button to celebrate special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, first visits and so on. Universal offer a button from Guest Services to celebrate celebrations.

 

Orlando Outside the Parks

  • Nature: Explore free nature spots such as the Mead Botanical Gardens and Tibet-Butler Preserve. Visit a natural spring such as Wekiwa Springs or Blue Springs with access at only $6 per vehicle.
     
  • Art: The thriving art scene in Orlando is a great way to marvel at wonderful pieces of work without spending too much. Museums like Cityarts, Snap! Orlando, or Mennello Museum of American Art offer free or inexpensive admission.
     
  • Getting around:
    • Cruising through International Drive on a rented Lime Scooter is not only invigorating but also a convenient budget option. Alternatively, grab a multi-day pass with the I-RIDE Trolley, a bus service through the International Drive area with day passes starting as little as $6.
    • Look out for the Lynx bus for an affordable mode of transport.
    • Pick up the Visitor Toll Pass for cars rented from Orlando International Airport and decline your more costly rental car toll coverage.
    • For those planning a twin-centre trip to a destination, such as Miami, the affordable Brightline train route has transformed transport opportunities across the state.