How to Plan an Orlando Vacation on a Budget
Orlando's primary vacation destination is Disney World. Disney World contains several family-friendly theme parks, including the Magic Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot. Orlando businesses sometimes take advantage of tourists with high price items that quickly add up. Despite the tourist traps throughout Orlando, you can still plan an enjoyable vacation without breaking the bank. Start planning early so you have more options as far as vacation packages and discounts.
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Avoid traveling to Orlando during the busiest times, when prices are higher. Orlando's busiest times are summer, late November and all of December, because kids are typically off from school during these times. Retirees and adults also tend to visit Orlando during winter months to escape cold temperatures. For less crowds and better prices, visit during fall. Spring is another good time to go, though certain weeks are crowded because of spring break.
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Watch airline prices several months in advance of your trip. Airlines frequently offer sales and specials you can take advantage of, if you are paying attention. Sign up for email alerts from multiple airlines that fly to Orlando from your home airport. You can also save money by driving if you live within a day's drive of Orlando and if your car is in good shape. Fill up your tank before you enter Florida; Florida gas prices are typically higher than other surrounding states.
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Visit the Disney website's vacation package page to look for various money-saving packages. Some packages include lodging and discounted passes to all Disney parks.
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Book a vacation home rental as opposed to hotel rooms. A vacation home rental gives you more room to spread out and often includes features like a pool or yard to play in. Vacation homes save you money because you can cook all your meals at home rather than dining out; stock up on groceries the day you arrive and you will never have to pay for a meal in a restaurant for your entire trip. Visit sites like HomeAway or VRBO to search for vacation home rentals in Orlando.
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Sign up for the Orlando Magicard, a free card that gets you discounts at many Orlando attractions and activities.
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Take advantage of free activities in Orlando. Downtown Disney and Disney Boardwalk are both free to visit, though the shops and restaurants will cost you money. However, free entertainment is often provided during the day. Disney characters often walk around and take photos with kids. Downtown Disney also has Lego Imagination Center, where kids can play with Legos for free.
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- Photo Credit Castle in the sky image by irum from Fotolia.com
