9 February 2023
Orlando not only offers visitors unique experiences to create lasting memories, but also options to help them save money and bring more value to their holiday. From complimentary holiday planning services to free attractions, Orlando can be both memorable and value packed.
“Now more than ever we recognise the need for travellers to get the most value for their money,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO for Visit Orlando. “Resources like our new free Vacation Planning Service help holidaymakers find affordability throughout their holiday – from accommodations with complimentary meals to attractions under £20 and free transportation to theme parks.”
Top Money Saving Tips
- Schedule a complimentary holiday planning session – Before or after arrival, visitors can make an appointment for a complimentary, personalised one-on-one Vacation Planning Service session with one of Visit Orlando’s holiday planning experts for advice and guidance on building the perfect itinerary with anything from hotel options within a certain price point to budget-friendly attractions and dining options.
- Enjoy extra perks – Staying at one of the theme park’s on-site properties has major advantages, such as early admission and extended hours and convenient childcare services such as in-room babysitting and children’s activity centers. New for 2023, the Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando — Disney Springs® Area offers guests complimentary hot breakfast, shuttle service to all four Walt Disney World® Resort theme parks and heavy evening snacks and beverages.
- Purchase tickets in advance – Buying tickets online ahead of time can be a big-time money saver. Many of Orlando’s popular attractions and theme parks offer approved discount tickets through Visit Orlando powered by BestofOrlando.com.
- Snag top-notch brands at the best prices – Orlando’s diverse shopping scene offers bargain-hunters great value with outstanding outlet centres featuring discounted designer brands and exclusive merchandise, all within a 15-mile radius of the main tourism corridor.
- Take advantage of free and ride-share transportation. Many resort hotels, theme park properties and tour operators provide complimentary transportation to and from major Orlando destinations, including Orlando International Airport. Taxis, shuttle vans, private car pick-ups and ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft are available at both Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). This interactive map of Orlando can help visitors easily plan their trip around the destination.
EXPERIENCE UNIQUE ATTRACTIONS UNDER $30
- From brain-bending experiences to outdoor adventures, Orlando offers one-of-a-kind experiences that are as memorable as they are value-packed. One of Orlando’s newest budget-friendly entertainment centers, Max Action Arena at ICON Park, features cutting-edge virtual reality technology, adventure rooms, axe throwing and more.
- You can also take advantage of combo packages with other attractions at ICON Park ®, which is on International Drive, aka I-Drive, in the heart of the tourism districts. Providing a 20-minute, air-conditioned ride with spectacular views from 400 feet up, The Wheel is considered an Insta-worthy rite of passage for many visitors: Don’t miss this prime selfie opportunity.
- A world of aquatic wonders awaits at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, one of many can’t-miss attractions beyond The Wheel at ICON Park. Step beneath the waves courtesy of a 360-degree ocean tunnel, and come face-to-fin with sharks, stingrays, sea turtles and other amazing creatures.
- Interactive exhibits and artifacts can be discovered at this famous I-Drive attraction, which celebrates oddities from around the world … and appears to be falling into a massive sinkhole. (Don’t worry, it’s not actually going anywhere.)
EXPERIENCE UNIQUE ATTRACTIONS UNDER $25
- One of Orlando’s premier STEM attractions, Orlando Science Centre (OSC) offers 11,000 square feet of hands-on educational fun for kids and their families in Loch Haven Park, just north of downtown Orlando. Exhibits include the chance to turn ideas into reality at The Hive: A Makerspace, finding fossils at DinoDigs, KidsTown for younger explorers, and much more.
- Located at The Florida Mall ®, the 2-story, 70,000-square-foot Crayola Experience provides a full day of creative, colourful fun with dozens of hands-on activities, including drip art, a colour playground and much more.
- New to ICON Park, Museum of Illusions is a brain-bending “edutainment” experience with more than 50 incredible exhibits that are guaranteed to trick your eyes and blow your mind.
EXPERIENCE UNIQUE ATTRACTIONS UNDER $20
- Founded in 1949, Gatorland is one of Orlando’s longest-running, most iconic attractions — and one of our most affordable, with their Gator Night Shine tour. The park features 110 acres with thousands of alligators and crocodiles, plus a flight aviary, petting zoo, nature walk, splash pad play area, Bobcat Bayou and much more. Special combo packages that pair general daytime admission with the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line and Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure are also available.
- Featuring multi-level indoor karting just off I-Drive, Andretti Indoor Karting & Games also has bowling, a ropes course, laser tag, video games, gourmet food, two bars and other reasons to visit. Most activities are well under $20 with adult races costing $19.99 when purchased from Visit Orlando powered by BestofOrlando.com.
- See more than 500 animals, including rare and endangered species, as well as 23 acres of lush natural beauty at Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Sanford, about 35 minutes north of our tourism districts.
- The waterfront mansions you’ll see cost considerably more than the narrated Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour itself, which is $16 for adults and $8 for kids ages 2 – 12, with group rates available. You can also learn about the area’s history from the passionate, friendly tour guides while witnessing the waterways, natural scenery and wildlife of this charming city, located about 25 minutes north of our tourism districts
- On select nights, laugh at improvisational comedy sketches, scenes and songs at SAK Comedy Lab in downtown Orlando, where most performances are family friendly. (Check with their website to see if an event has any recommended age restrictions.) You might even get invited to be an active participant in the fun!
EXPERIENCE UNIQUE ATTRACTIONS UNDER $10
- Looking for a really wild time? Dive into the natural world of Central Florida’s gorgeous, crystal-blue, freshwater springs, where swimming, hiking, and amazing flora and fauna — including manatees — await. Standouts such as Blue Spring State Park, De Leon Springs State Park, Rock Springs Run State Preserve at Kelly Park, and Wekiwa Springs State Park are within an hour north of Orlando’s core.
- Meet the cattle barons, citrus farmers, gunslingers and NASA engineers who put Orlando on the map long before Walt Disney came to town. Orlando’s Historical Highlights Walking Tour takes about an hour to complete. It will guide you past established landmarks such as the Orlando Public Library, Lake Eola Park and Church Street Station, as well as numerous downtown restaurants and bars — feel free to take as many breaks as you wish along the way.
- You won’t find a more comprehensive collection of works by American artist Louis Comfort Tiffany than at The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in the heart of Winter Park. In addition to Tiffany’s signature glasswork, exhibits include his pottery, jewellery and even paintings.
EXPERIENCE UNIQUE ATTRACTIONS FOR FREE!
- Enjoy free fun – In addition to the low-cost attractions and experiences, Orlando offers even more fun, no-cost activities for all ages, including a wealth of museums and galleries with no-cost or donation-based admission. At the theme parks, Disney Springs, the open-air dining, shopping and entertainment district at Walt Disney World, features free admission and free, covered parking, along with live performances and entertaining interludes at no-cost. Beyond the parks, guests can explore the Lake Nona Sculpture Garden, a 50,000-square-foot outdoor space featuring a collection of world-renowned sculptures including one of the most recognised in the world, the Charging Bull by Arturo di Modica.
