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10 Money-Saving Secrets for an Orlando/Disney Vacation
By
Nigel G. Worrall
With
theme parks like Disney World and Universal in town and great
beaches just an hour away, it’s no wonder Orlando, Florida is one of
America’s most popular vacation destinations. But just because you
want to go where everyone else does doesn’t mean you need to
spend as much money as everyone else will be spending. Follow these
secret tips, and you’re bound to save hundreds – even thousands – of
dollars on your dream trip.
1. Start with a budget
Plan
in advance how much money you’ll need to spend on transportation,
accommodation, meals and entertainment – including those
all-important theme park tickets. The total price may shock you,
but better to experience sticker shock now than when you’re already
there and it’s too late to rethink your plans. Knowing how much
things cost in advance will not only prepare you for the worst, it
will also show you where you should be looking for places to save
money.
2. Book in advance
This
is a no-brainer. Book your airline tickets a few weeks before
departure, and you’re likely to pay through the nose. Book months
in advance and you’ll take advantage of the best possible deals.
3. Travel during off periods
Most
people like to travel when the kids are out of school for summer –
and especially when they are off work for holidays like Memorial
Day, Labor Day and the Fourth of July. This is exactly when you
should NOT be traveling, because that’s when everyone charges the
highest rates. Florida is warm, so consider traveling earlier or
later – or if you must take your trip in summer, avoid the holiday
weekends!
4. Use bonus points, miles and discounts
This
is the time to check your balance on the credit card that gives you
frequent flier miles, not to mention your frequent flier accounts.
Try to plan your air travel early so you can avoid blackout dates.
Check for rental car discounts as well.
5. Use coupons!
When
you arrive at the airport, there will be a display filled with
different brochures filled with coupons and special offers. Take
them and use them! You can find deals on everything from rental
cars to meals to attractions. If you have any difficulty finding
them, call into our office and collect them.
6. Buy theme park tickets in advance
Did
you know you can save money buying theme park tickets online in
advance rather than at the gate? In some cases, seven-day passes
can be bought for less online than a single entry pass at the park
entrance. So don’t just plan ahead, check out the website for every
park you plan to visit buy ahead – and save some serious cash in the
process.
7. Check out the Orlando Visitor Center
Another great place to score theme park discounts is at the Orlando
visitor’s center, located at 8723 International Drive. The Orlando
CVB also offers the Orlando Preferred Visitor Magicard™, which
offers significant discounts at 97 area establishments. The card is
available at the website Orlandoinfo.com. Other websites like
VisitOrlando.com offer discounts and deals that can lead to huge
savings.
8. Buy your souvenirs out of the park!
Passing by all the shops and displays at the various theme parks can
be tough. But the rewards can be huge. Schedule a special visit to
local outlet stores like Orlando Premium Outlets, where much of the
merchandise you see at the theme parks is available at serious
discounts.
9. Eat major meals outside the theme parks
Theme park food can be expensive, unhealthy, and sometimes both! So
grab a light lunch at the park if you must, but try to save money on
breakfast and dinner. There are plenty of restaurants in the
vicinity of the theme parks, including several all-you-can-eat
buffets that will fill you up even after the longest day of riding
rides and seeing shows. Or better yet, find an accommodation like a
vacation home that provides a full kitchen. Then you can shop for
the foods your family likes at regular grocery stores and use the
money you’d spend on restaurants for more exciting activities.
10. Stay in a vacation home instead of a hotel
Vacation homes are probably the best-kept secret when it comes to
saving money on an Orlando vacation. Located in upscale, safe
neighborhoods just minutes from all the major attractions, these
homes offer full kitchens where you can cook your own meals, private
swimming pools and living rooms for relaxation, and space to
accommodate even a large family or group for the price of an
ordinary hotel room. Vacation homes range from the clean and
comfortable to the downright luxurious – meaning there’s something
for every family and every budget!
Follow these ten tips, and your trip to Orlando/Disney will be
exciting, memorable AND affordable.For more information on the services we provide and prices please
call:
1-800-880-6693
