Visit Orlando: Biggest bang for your buck
The Coca-Cola Orlando Eye (Courtesy: VisitOrlando.com)
Special to The Weather Network
Sunday, January 21, 2018, 8:00 AM - A family trip to Orlando is the vacation of a lifetime! Kids dream about it, parents carefully plan it, and the magic happens. But is it an affordable dream for families?
Yes it’s easily a dream come true! Small budgets can deliver big memories. If there’s one place that is particularly budget-friendly for everyone, it’s Orlando. Actually Forbes Magazine named Orlando the most affordable destination in the U.S. in 2016 – and nothing has changed. The deals continue to be amazing, and so too the thrills.
Before you even breath a word to the kids, check out VisitOrlando.com: “We offer discounts from some of the area’s most popular theme parks, including SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World Resort and LEGOLAND Florida Resort,” says George Aguel, President and CEO of Visit Orlando. VisitOrlando.com/deals also offer big-time savings on attractions, hotels, restaurants, shopping and lots more.
The magic to saving money is setting a budget is long before you leave home, says Heather Greenwood Davis, contributing editor at National Geographic Traveler. Pack along some flexibility but try to make plans that allow you to stick to the budget.
“Make sure you share that information with the kids before you set out,” adds Davis, founder of Globetrottingmama.com. “The details can vary depending on their age but it will give them a sense that Mom’s wallet isn’t a money tree. Also involve them in the itinerary choices.” That way they’ll be less likely to resent having to make a choice between what they want and what you can afford, if they’ve had input into it ahead of time.
Check out these tips to make your Canadian dollars stretch in Orlando while still feeling like you’ve had a five-star vacation:
MORE VISIT ORLANDO: Check out more feature content on why to Visit Orlando this year. Already Published: What's New in 2018 | Special Events in 2018 | Bang For Your Buck
• Book early and buy early: Feel like a king on a pauper’s budget by traveling in the off-season - May and September. You’ll not spend less money, but spend less time in lineups too. If you must travel during peak times, be sure to stay during the week. Hotel rates and travel packages are typically higher on weekends.
• Purchase theme park and attraction tickets before leaving home – check out theme park websites and, travel agencies and the VisitOrlando.com website for discounts. The longer you stay, the less you pay per day. The best deals start at four-day tickets and up. For example, a one-day ticket to Disney runs about US$100, while a six- or seven-day base ticket works out to about US$40 per person per day.
• Spend money to save money! Staying at one of the theme park’s on-site properties has invaluable perks, including early admission and extended hours, complimentary transportation, front-of-the-line access, and other special discounts.
• Look for bundle deals such as the one offered at OfficialOrlandoEye.com, which saves you a ton of cash when you bundle tickets to The Eye, Madame Tussauds, Sea Life Orlando Aquarium, and LEGOLAND Florida, advises Kristen Manieri, Orlando expert and author.
• Spend a few days by the hotel pool or explore the area’s free or very inexpensive options such as state parks, botanical gardens, museums or nearby beaches. From free to $25, recommendations from Visit Orlando include The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, Kings Bowl Orlando, SAK Comedy Lab, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, Orlando Odditorium, Madame Tussauds and The Coca-Cola Orlando Eye.
• Souvenir pleas can end up breaking down any parent – and busting every budget. Consider pre-purchasing a few character-related souvenirs and surprising your children on their vacation. Add to the fun by creating an autograph book at home and collecting character autographs as a souvenir.
• Pay attention to three magic words: “Kids Eat Free.” Children can dine free with a paying adult at many restaurants, including The Coop in Winter Park, Monday through Wednesday, or Kobe Japanese Steakhouse on Tuesdays. The theme parks also offer special dining packages, with meals and snacks included in one deal. Save even more by ordering water at your meals and even sharing meals.
• Kids will likely beg to be part of a Character Meal at Disney World but these can be expensive. Booking your character meals for breakfast or lunch can lead to sizeable cost savings, over pricier dinners, especially for a family.
• Download the free Visit Orlando App, featuring augmented reality experiences for visitors to explore, have fun and earn savings throughout the destination; available in Apple App and Google Play stores.
• It’s those last-minute hotel and park purchases that really add up – be sure to pack sunscreen, reusable water bottles and rain ponchos from home, and buy things like snacks and breakfast items off-park.
The Visit Orlando App features augmented reality experiences for visitors to explore, have fun and earn savings throughout the destination. It can be downloaded in Apple App and Google Play stores.
