As a hot tourist destination, Orlando, Florida, is a place where money can quickly disappear, but good planning can save a substantial amount of cash.
While the major attractions are the same price year-round, you can save a good deal on your accommodations by going in the off-season and avoiding holidays. The months of August through mid-December are good bets for the best hotel deals. While high rates are to be expected during the summer months, prices will also go up near Christmas, New Year's Day and Valentine's Day, and mid-March brings the beginning of the spring break season. By going in the fall, you can save a significant amount of money.
While most families visit Orlando with theme parks in mind, the mouse and Shamu are rough on the wallet. Taking some time away from the parks can help you keep your dollars without sacrificing on fun. If family fun is what you are seeking in Orlando, then there is no shortage. Go-karts and miniature golf are at every turn, or you could opt to rent bicycles for a day. If it is raining outside, head to the Orlando Science Center, where admission is relatively inexpensive. For those in town looking for more adult entertainment, hit the nightlife at Universal CityWalk or Pleasure Island. Both areas feature a host of clubs to fit a variety of personalities. If you prefer to hop from club to club, then Pleasure Island will be a more economical choice, as the admission covers entrance to all clubs and bars there. If you prefer to stay in one spot or just walk the area and feel the atmosphere, then CityWalk would be a better choice, as there is no admission price.
Knowing your theme park ticket options can make or break your finances in Orlando. This is especially true with Disney, which has enough ticketing options to make your head spin. The best way to ensure a good deal is to do your homework first. Read up on all the parks and know what you want to see most so that you can purchase options for everything you plan to visit. Purchasing a ticket with options to other parks is far less expensive than purchasing separate tickets. Purchase tickets as soon as possible. Disney, in particular, is known for frequent price hikes, so buy early to save money.
