It's hard for me to imagine going on a holiday that doesn't have some Disney magic involved and at the same time I feel very fortunate to have been able to experience Walt Disney World. There are families out there who dream for years about going on a Disney vacation and we were that family once. We would save for years just to be able to go to Orlando and when we were there we were very conscious of our money. So here is some of my tips on saving money on an Orlando vacation!
Go Off-Season
This may seem like a no-brainer but visiting Orlando during non-peak times is often the cheapest and emptiest time to visit the parks. I found at the end of August/ beginning of September when the American students go back to school is the quietest time the parks are dead! I know some schools can be awkward when it comes to taking kids out of school for holidays, I know mine was the worst, so maybe try late July -mid August. Mid January to early March is supposed to be really quiet and cheap as well however I've not personally visited during these months, I tend to go for the warmer seasons.
Book Early
By booking your vacation early you get access to cheaper hotel rates, a wider range of options with Disney Dining and not to mention cheaper flights. You also get to eliminate the risk of your favourite hotel/resort being completely booked.
Stay closer to Disney
You may be surprised to hear this bus you'll find the best hotel deals and rates are closer to Disney World than Universal Orlando. You can even get some great deals near Sea World. So whenever you are browsing, be sure to check these areas for a great bargain.
Buy Discounted park tickets
This one again may be obvious, but to first timers to the sunshine state, they might not know you can get discounted park tickets. Check these websites for some of the best park deals.
Undercover Tourist
Park Savers
Official Ticket Center
When you book through Undercover Tourist, you get 1 day free when you buy a 4 day park ticket. Don't get caught out paying gate prices, you could save an average of $50 per person!
Eat off property
You may want to soak up all the Disney you can get, however eating in the parks is generally more expensive than eating off property. Luckily Orlando is home to some fantastic restaurants, whatever you are in the mood for, they have it! Check out my list of Top 10 Orlando restaurants for more tips.
Buy souvenirs out of the parks
One of the most expensive parts of an Orlando holiday is the merchandise. You can end up coming home with things you don't even remember buying. This can be dangerous to your bank account if you buy all your gifts in the parks. Check out the outlets to find some authentic Disney merchandise for a discounted price. The Character Warehouse at the Orlando Premium Outlets is my favourite and places like Wal-Mart sell great stuff too.
Pack food for the parks
Walking 30,000 steps a day around the parks can make you peckish, a by buying a hotdog here and some coke there, it can add up to $20 a day. Disney may be getting stricter on security but there is nothing stopping you from taking food into the parks. Make some pack lunches and bring in your own snacks to save a few bucks, alcohol is not allowed however but bring as much food and as many drinks as you'd like.
Disney Springs
There are plenty of ways to have the Disney experience without having to buy a Disney park ticket. If you have an extra day at the end of your trip and no more tickets left you can always head to Disney Springs for a fun day out, not to mention free parking! With over 70 unique shopping, dining and entertainment options, I can't guarantee you won't come out a little lighter in your pocket.
Monorail Crawl
This is something I have always wanted to do, take a chill day away from the parks, but not too far, by visiting different resorts. Try the monorail crawl and visit some of the best Disney Resorts on property. You can hop off at the Polynesian and enjoy a Dole Whip, explore the beautiful lobby of the Grand Floridian or try the unique cupcakes at the Contemporary. You can always venture out further by visiting the giraffes and zebras at The Animal Kingdom Lodge or go horseback riding at the Fort Wilderness Lodge.
Disney Boardwalk
Aside from Disney Springs you can also have a low budget night at Disney's Boardwalk, you can watch street performers, enjoy a variety of restaurants and watch the sunset and Epcot fireworks over the water. One of the most popular things to do at the Boardwalk is heading to the Beach Club and grabbing delicious ice cream from Beaches and Cream. You can even watch a movie under the stars on the beach what's not to love!
Watch fireworks from the Polynesian Resort
Magic Kingdom can be overcrowded when it comes to fireworks, so why not sit on the beach at the Polynesian Resort for a great view. It may not be the same experience now as the Wishes fireworks has ended and is now focused on castle projections, but it could still make for a lovely night.
Celebration
Take a couple hours out of your busy day to visit a beautiful little town built by non other than Disney where you can admire everyday life with Disney magic infused. It’s a great way to spend a couple hours exploring this little town, just minutes outside of Disney World.
Chip 'N Dale's Campfire Sing-A-Long
For a chill evening head to Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort where you can join Chip 'N Dale for a nightly campfire singalong celebration followed by a classic Disney movie under the stars. Sing songs whilst you roast marshmallows and eat delicious s'mores.
Universal CityWalk
You don't need to just head to Disney to have a good budget day out, stop by Universal CityWalk and visit the multi-level entertainment complex that features shopping, restaurants and great nightlife including Margaritaville. While your there walk across the water and visit the world's largest Hard Rock Cafe that is home to some of the most iconic rock n roll memorabillia. If you want an even cheaper night, opt for an Uber instead of paying for parking.
Outlets
Now my favourite kind of day away from the parks is by far visiting the Orlando outlets, maybe not the cheapest as you will always come away with something but definitely worth it. You can get great stuff at both the Orlando Premium Outlets and the Vineland Outlets for amazing discounts. There also have a great choice of food (always go for the chinese and try the bourbon chicken it's insane!).
I-Drive
Now there aren't too many things to do on the I-Drive that are free, but it still makes for a nice evening. You can listen to live music, gaze at the Orlando Eye, chill on the grass people watching, plus you can head over to the Yard house or Shake Shack if you get hungry. And to top it all off, the parking is free!
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