9 Things to Do in Orlando on a Small Budget
What are the Cheap Things to Do in Orlando?
A vacation in Orlando can cost a lot of money, but if you have your heart set on some fun in the sun there are ways to budget smartly and save yourself hundreds – sometimes even thousands – of dollars. From where to lay your head at night to nifty savings on theme park entry, and even where to fill up your car, we’ve got all the handy hints you’re looking for.
Read on to find out the best money saving ideas in Orlando, compiled by our city experts who have successfully used all of these tricks in the past and continue to use them. After all, everyone loves a bargain, no matter where they are in the world.
What are the best things to do in Orlando on a small budget?
1. Book your theme park tickets early and online
Major savings to be had
Orlando theme parks offer the option of buying tickets online, giving a discount for doing so. Universal offers discounts off the gate price, as well as combined savings which can be applied to food, merchandise, and additional park days. Disney World also offers a discount for purchasing online, as well as the option to choose a Fastpass+ in advance.
Fastpass+ is a free service which allows you to bypass the queue at three attractions of your choosing. Purchase your ticket online to select the more popular attractions, which are usually not available on the day you visit due to high demand. Avoid purchasing heavily discounted tickets off 3rd party websites, as these are often scams.
2. Visit in February or September
Low-season means less tourists
These two months of the year are the slowest for tourism in Orlando, which usually means better prices and shorter waiting times. Flight tickets and resorts are priced affordably and the theme parks don’t see nearly as many people as they do during the height of major holiday periods.
Popular attractions usually garner up to 90-minute wait times during summer and vacation times, compared to just 10 to 15 minutes during low season. There are also several deals for smaller attractions such as the Orlando Eye, Funspot, and The Holy Land Experience.
3. Buy multi-day passes
Get more bang for your buck!
Carefully consider how many days you would like to spend at each of Orlando’s theme parks, as the more days you add to your vacation package the cheaper each day becomes.
Multi-day passes are much more affordable than one-day passes (and they still allow for plenty of flexibility). These passes can be used over the span of 14 days from the first day they are activated. It is also important to note that because of this system, a 5-day pass is only a few dollars cheaper than a 7-day pass, and so forth.
4. Pack your own meals
Save money by pre-buying food
Theme park dining can be extremely overpriced, but both Disney and Universal are lenient with the amount of food you can bring in. Packing your own meals can save you hundreds of dollars in a single week, especially if you’re traveling with a larger group.
Food should be carried in a backpack, as Universal does not allow coolers. Note that bringing alcohol isn’t permitted at any of the theme parks but soft drinks and water is acceptable.
5. Make use of the parks’ dining plans
Enjoy discounts on select dishes
Available at just about every theme park in Orlando, pre-paid dining plans usually include two daily meals, a snack, and unlimited drinks. These can be purchased online, at the gate, or at any of the guest service kiosks that are found throughout the grounds.
You’ll be provided with a wristband or card that will allow you to choose from an extensive range of meals that are offered at a number of restaurants and snack bars. Your server will then give you a receipt showing your updated meal balance.
6. Pick a resort with a complimentary shuttle
For free transport across town
Staying at an Orlando resort that offers a complimentary shuttle bus service will help you avoid paying for public transportation tickets, expensive car hire, taxi fares, and daily parking fees. These shuttles often stop at smaller attractions, as well as driving up and down major tourist thoroughfares like International Drive, which always comes in handy.
Please note that complimentary resort shuttles often require reservations to be made 24 hours in advance as they are hugely popular with families and groups. Enquire about shuttle buses at your hotel’s front desk or check out the resort’s website to learn more about this service.
7. Buy souvenirs at the end of your vacation
Give yourself time to consider your purchases
Souvenirs are often one of the most expensive aspects of a theme park vacation—a sweatshirt alone can cost up to $40! Buying souvenirs towards the end of your stay can reduce the hassle of carrying them around or stowing them in paid-for lockers.
Waiting to buy souvenirs also assures you that you are getting exactly what you want, since you have the chance to check out all the different options throughout the park. It’s also a good idea to purchase souvenirs at tourist shops on International Drive, as they’re usually sold at a fraction of the price.
8. Visit free attractions
Splash your cash infrequently
Free attractions can be found at Disney Springs, Universal’s Citywalk, Harry P. Leu Gardens, and the Sunday Farmer’s Market. These attractions have no entrance fee and offer a great alternative to paid-for family outings.
Disney Springs and Universal Citywalk are the entertainment areas of each respective theme park and feature free live performances. Meanwhile, Harry P. Leu Gardens serves as an educational outing with its 1,000+ species of flowers, while the Sunday Farmer’s Market at Lake Eola offers fresh produce and gourmet goodies at a fraction of supermarket prices.
9. Avoid gas stations close to the airport and theme parks
It’s best to stay clear of gas stations near Orlando International Airport (MCO) as prices are sometimes 60% higher than at petrol pumps that are further away. If your Orlando vacation plans include renting a car, be sure to fill up at a gas station on Semoran Boulevard before driving to or from the major theme parks.
To find the cheapest gas in Orlando, download gas price apps like GasBuddy, Upside, or Waze to view real-time prices at local stations. Alternatively, check the State of Florida official website, as it lists prices at Costco and 7-Eleven which can easily be found across the greater Orlando area.
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.