By Joanna Tweedy
Florida's theme park capital is dedicated to fun with a capital F. So, how can you get the best value from Orlando's famous attractions without burning a hole in your wallet? The key is all in the planning...
Affordable accommodation: where to stay
Orlando’s seemingly endless array of activities ensures that your hotel is likely to be more of a base than a major attraction. With this in mind, it’s worth opting for a less expensive hotel. There's plenty of good quality budget accommodation on offer and guests are rewarded for staying on-site.
Pop Century and All-Star resorts at Walt Disney World® both offer excellent value for visitors watching their pennies with early park entrance times, free transport and free car parking included in the price. Elsewhere, the nearby Lake Buena Vista area is awash with good-value hotels, many of which offer a free shuttle service to the parks. Travelling out of season is another sure-fire way to keep costs down. Head to Florida between October and December and you’ll find cheaper prices and fewer crowds. Keep an eye on US public holiday dates though, when the parks can be particularly busy.
Dine like a king on a shoestring: eating
Book self-catering accommodation and such is the variety of cuisine available in Orlando’s supermarkets that you’ll find it easy to cook up a storm for a fraction of the price that it costs to eat out. Americans have a love affair with money-off coupons and visitors can join in the fun by looking out for free coupon books in restaurants, petrol stations and supermarkets.
Choosing a hotel that offers free buffet breakfasts is another option; often their morning offering is so generous that a snack will suffice at lunchtime. It’s also worth investing in a mini polystyrene cool box (around $5 from supermarkets) and taking sandwiches and drinks with you to the parks - there are plenty of water fountains for re-filling empty bottles. When you do eat out, bear in mind that US portion-sizes tend to be of the belt-busting variety - there is no shame in sharing portions or asking for a doggy bag to take home, it's common practice across the Pond.
Book ahead for bargains: tickets
Buy tickets at the park kiosk on the day of your visit at your peril! You’ll save significantly by purchasing in advance and opting for multi-day tickets. Be realistic about what you'll actually have time to see and take into account the fact that you'll need some ‘shoulder’ days in between park visits. Cram too much in and risk being exhausted and out of pocket. Orlando boasts a wealth of free shows, many of which go untapped by visiting tourists. Among the best no-cost attractions are park parades, firework displays, light and sound shows, and live entertainment. If your hotel isn't far from the parks then get your hand stamped and head off for a siesta/swim before returning to the park in the evening for more fun at no extra cost.
Leave the limo behind: getting around
Flying into Orlando with the right airline will ensure your holiday gets off to the best possible start. Virgin Atlantic's award-winning in-flight entertainment remains unrivalled and children are particularly well catered for. Don't waste money at the airport on comics and sweets, there will be more than enough to keep young travellers happy on board. There are plenty of free transport options in Orlando.
Most hotels will offer a park shuttle service, saving you money on car parks. Stay in a hotel at Walt Disney World® Resort and you can use the parks’ parking facilities for free. When you arrive at parks, get the best value from your trip by doing the opposite of what everyone else does. Pick up a map and plan a route that takes you anti-clockwise around the attractions - you'll cut down on queuing times and have the chance to experience more rides.
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Joanna Tweedy is a freelance travel journalist. She regularly writes for The Daily Mail's travel website Travelmail.