Orlando is home to the greatest theme parks in the world, but tickets for those attractions can be pricey. Fortunately, there’s a way to get admission to your family’s favorite park included in your accommodations. But that’s not where the savings end!
The city has tons of affordable options to keep your vacation budget low! If you want to give your family the vacation they deserve on a budget, then check out how you can reduce your overall expenses in the information below.
Affordable Theme Park Prices
How could you not go to one of the famous theme parks in Orlando? Especially with the low-cost mini-vacation packages that give you free admission tickets! The most affordable bundles include the following:
· $199 – 4 days/3 nights and 2 Disney or Universal Studios Florida™ theme park tickets
· $299 – 5 days/4 nights and 2 Disney or Universal Studios Florida™ theme park tickets
· $399 – 6 days/5 nights and 2 Disney or Universal Studios Florida™ theme park tickets
· $399 – 6 days/5 nights and 4 SeaWorld® Orlando theme park tickets
Each of these vacation deals include accommodations at a preferred hotel, but you do have the option of upgrading to a 1-bedroom suite at Vacation Village at Parkway. Vacation Village at Parkway is a condominium-style resort that keeps your expenses to a minimum. In addition to getting free tickets with your booking, the resort has complimentary amenities and onsite entertainment.
The resort has everything to keep your family entertained without adding expense from free shuttles to nearby theme parks to a children’s playground. Soak up the sun and enjoy the poolside activities at Vacation Village at Parkway. For little swimmers, head to one of their two children’s pool and water play areas. Gamers will love the arcade classics in their game rooms.
Having all the amenities of home keeps your costs low by avoiding many of the typical vacation expenses, like expensive restaurants. With the in-room kitchen, you can avoid high food bills and prepare a meal in your suite, which is great for little, picky eaters.
Cheap Theme Park Entertainment
With so many days to enjoy Orlando, you’ll be able to visit other low-cost attractions to make your trip memorable for all the right reasons! If you want to keep enjoying your favorite theme parks, then you can check out their separate entertainment areas that are free to explore.
Universal CityWalk
In the evening, head to Universal CityWalk for all the wow factors and spectacular lights you would expect to see in Las Vegas. It’s jammed-pack with shopping, restaurants, and entertainment, like the Hollywood-themed mini-golf course.
It’s completely free to walk around, and window-shopping won’t cost you a dime. However, if you want to pick up souvenirs to take back home, then you have quite a selection from name-brand apparel to theme park merchandise to a permanent keepsake, a tattoo!
Disney’s Boardwalk
Scroll down Disney’s Boardwalk for a jump back in time to the 1920s on Coney Island. The waterfront center is filled with shops and restaurants. The promenade also has a lively nightlife, making it a perfect stop for families and couples.
Just a quarter-mile long, your family will be wide-eyed as you pass street performers in the evenings. It’s also a great spot to check out Disney’s nightly firework show. The Boardwalk is located between Epcot® and Disney’s Hollywood Studios® and does not require an attraction ticket.
Food, Fun, and Financially Savvy
By having a kitchen in your suite, you can prepare meals in-suite and cut your food budget in half. The cost of breakfast for a family of four at dinner can run $30 to $40, but that same amount in groceries covers the whole trip. Check out where you can pick up produce and goods while keeping the family entertained.
Winter Park Farmers’ Market – 200 West New England Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Locals and visitors head to the farmers’ market in Winter Park to sample the wares of dozens of vendors. Located in the historic train depot, the Winter Park Farmers’ Market is a popular tourist attraction.
Your family will love walking the produce and plant market as well as the smells coming from freshly baked goods. The market is free, but you’ll want to pick up some of the delicious treats. The market is open almost every Saturday from 7 am to 1 pm.
Lake Eola – 512 E Washington St, Orlando, FL 32801
On Sundays, you can check out the farmers’ market just downtown for food and entertainment. The park has concerts in its amphitheater as well as big swans and a light fountain in the lake. During the holidays, there are different family-friendly events available.
Nearby Budget-Friendly Attractions
South Florida is home to tropical flora and fauna, and parks are cost-efficient attractions.
Blue Spring State Park – 2100 W French Avenue Orange City FL 32763
For just $6 per vehicle (not person), your family can take advantage of all the amenities at Blue Spring State Park, a dedicated manatee refuge. In addition to being on the lookout for manatees and other wildlife watching, you can go swimming, fishing, and hiking.
The park’s concessionaire rents inflatable tubes, canoes, and kayaks. You can also book a two-hour boat cruise along the St. Johns River from the state park.
Harry P. Leu Gardens – 1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
Admission to this beautiful garden and preserve is less than $5 for children and $10 for adults. You can pick and choose or check out all 14 gardens. Ask the Garden House Welcome Center which flowers are in bloom since they change during the year.
Since the park does not have dining options, visitors are encouraged to bring their own lunch. It’s a beautiful place to set up a picnic lunch. Talk about lunch with a view!
