How to Save Money on Your Orlando Vacation

Orlando is one of my favorite travel destinations, but let’s be honest—vacationing in the City Beautiful can get expensive fast. Between theme parks, dining, and transportation, costs can quickly add up.

However, after several trips to Orlando, I’ve discovered that with the right strategies, you can experience the magic without draining your bank account. Whether you’re visiting for a week of theme park fun or just looking for free things to do in Orlando, I’ve got you covered.

In this guide, I’ll share practical tips on saving money when booking flights and accommodations and finding cheap food, as well as how many days to spend in Orlando to make the most of your trip without overspending.

How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Trip to Orlando

Planning an Orlando vacation can be both thrilling and financially daunting. However, with strategic planning and insider tips, you can experience the magic of Orlando without breaking the bank. Drawing from personal experiences and extensive research, I've compiled a comprehensive guide to help you save money on your Orlando getaway.

Plus, I’ll include some of my favorite hidden gems for budget-friendly adventures. Let’s dive in!

When to Visit: Affordable Times

One of the best ways to save money on an Orlando vacation is to plan your visit during the right time of year. Orlando is a year-round destination, but some months are much cheaper than others.

• Best Months to Visit: January to mid-March and mid-September to mid-November offer lower prices on flights and hotels. Plus, theme parks are less crowded, meaning you can enjoy more rides without purchasing costly skip-the-line passes. Not to mention that the weather stays warm for most of the year, so you can still hit Orlando beaches well into late October and enjoy plenty of fun in the sun.

• Avoid Peak Seasons: Summer and major holidays (Christmas, New Year’s, Spring Break) bring higher prices and crowds. I made the mistake of visiting during a peak summer week once—never again! Not only did I spend more on accommodations, but I also wasted hours in long lines.

• Score Off-Peak Deals: Look for discounted vacation packages and promo codes during shoulder seasons. Many hotels and attractions offer deals to entice visitors when crowds are lower.

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Where to Stay: Budget-Friendly Accommodations

Finding an affordable yet comfortable place to stay is crucial. Here’s what I’ve learned from my experiences:

• Stay at an Inclusive Resort: Inclusive resorts, such as Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa, offer budget-friendly options with amenities like full kitchens, saving you money on dining. Plus, they provide easy access to theme parks and transportation around Orlando.

• Consider Vacation Rentals: Home vacation rentals can be excellent choices, especially for families or groups splitting costs.

• Choose Hotels with Free Perks: Some hotels offer free breakfast, shuttle services and parking, or loyalty programs, which can add up to big savings. World of Westgate (WOW) is a free loyalty program that offers exclusive discounts as well as perks like mobile check-in.

How to Travel: Cost-Effective Transportation

Getting around efficiently and affordably is easier than you might think. With so many options for transportation around Orlando available, I found several ways to avoid having to spend a fortune to explore the city. Whether you're navigating to and from theme parks, heading to the beach, or visiting local attractions, there are budget-friendly ways to get around.

• Use Public Transit: The Lynx bus system is an affordable way to get around. A day pass costs just $4.50.

• Skip the Rental Car: Unless you’re planning day trips outside of Orlando, Uber and Lyft are often cheaper than renting a car and paying for parking.

• Stay at a Hotel with Free Shuttle Service: Many resorts offer complimentary shuttles to major attractions.

• Consider Biking or Walking in Certain Areas: If you’re staying in areas like International Drive, Disney Springs, or Lake Buena Vista, many attractions, restaurants, and entertainment within walking or biking distance. Renting a bike for a day can be a fun and economical way to explore.

• Try the I-Ride Trolley: If you’re staying near International Drive, the I-Ride Trolley is an inexpensive way to explore the area. It costs just a few dollars for a day pass and stops at numerous attractions, restaurants, and hotels.

Where to Eat: How to Find Cheap Food

I love trying new food, but eating out in Orlando can add up quickly. However, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice delicious meals to stay within budget. With a little planning, you can find plenty of affordable dining options that don’t skimp on quality or flavor.

From food trucks to farmers markets, there are hidden gems all over the city that offer great food at great prices. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy Orlando’s culinary scene without overspending:

• Visit One of the Many Farmers Markets: The Central Florida Farmers Market is one of my favorite places to grab fresh produce and delicious local eats at a fraction of restaurant prices.

• Try Local Food Trucks: Orlando has a thriving food truck scene offering everything from tacos to barbecue at affordable prices. You won’t have any trouble finding some delicious local delicacies at popular drink and entertainment venues all around the city. But if you’re really looking to try a variety, consider checking out one of the events that happens around town, like downtown Sanford’s monthly Food Truck Festival which takes place the first Sunday of each month.

• Dine at Quick-Service Restaurants: Many casual spots offer generous portions for under $15. Viet-Nomz, located in Winter Park, is a personal favorite for a filling meal on a budget.

• Cook Some Meals: If your hotel or vacation rental has a kitchen, cooking a few meals will save you a significant amount of money.

Other Money-Saving Tips

Saving money in Orlando goes beyond just where you stay and what you eat. There are plenty of additional ways to cut costs without sacrificing the quality of your trip. Whether it’s finding free attractions, scoring discounts on theme park tickets, or sticking to a budget, a little planning goes a long way. Here are some extra tips to help you make the most of your Orlando vacation without breaking the bank:

• Find Free Activities: Besides theme parks, Orlando has tons of free things to do. Visit Lake Eola Park, explore Disney Springs, or relax at nearby beaches.

• Check Out Upick Farms: A great family-friendly and budget-friendly activity is visiting upick farms, where you can pick fresh fruits and vegetables at low prices.

• Buy Discounted Theme Park Tickets: There are several ways to get discounted theme park tickets. Many parks offer discounts for military & veterans, state residents, AARP members, and more. Several resorts and hotels also offer vacation packages or discounted tickets when you purchase them as part of your stay.

• Set a Daily Budget: Before your trip, decide how much you want to spend each day to avoid unnecessary splurges.

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Enjoying The City Beautiful on a Budget

After many trips to Orlando, I’ve learned that a magical vacation doesn’t have to cost a fortune. From visiting during off-peak seasons to finding affordable accommodations and delicious cheap food, there are plenty of ways to stretch your budget.

Some of my best memories in Orlando aren’t from expensive attractions but from exploring hidden gems in Downtown Orlando and unwinding at the beach.

If you plan wisely and take advantage of these money-saving tips, you can have an unforgettable Orlando vacation without financial stress. For more insider tips and travel inspiration, check out the Westgate Resorts Travel Blog.

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* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.