When to Visit
The crowds in Orlando cannot be avoided completely, but there are some times of the year when the crowds are less intense. Disney World has a history of offering discount packages after late August and the start of school in most areas to keep the trams full of passengers. In the summer months, theme parks are most crowded, making them the worst times to visit. Remember to pack sunscreen and patience in equal measure. The lines will be shorter if you avoid times when schools are out in addition to booking a flight to Orlando.
Choosing a Restaurant
Several major U.S. restaurant chains have locations in the Orlando area. There is a tendency for food budgets to go haywire at theme parks, where captive audiences are willing to pay high prices for food that is generally of ordinary quality. Plan to eat larger meals outside of the parks if you are unable to avoid some of these purchases. Consider eating a large breakfast and a large dinner, but make lunch a snack. Your budget will benefit greatly from this practice.
Accommodations
Time is saved by on-site resorts; however, money is not necessarily saved. Even during peak season, you can find a budget-friendly hotel. Even Disney recognizes the need for lower room rates and offers on-site rooms at reduced rates after school begins in August. The Monumental Hotel on International Drive offers four-star accommodations for less than $100 per night. What is the distance between your "bargain" room and the attractions you intend to visit? Visiting Universal or Walt Disney World each day from Apopka is not feasible. You may want to consider hotels in greater Orlando if you are willing to travel a bit further.
Navigating The City
Orlando, Daytona Beach, and Sanford are three of the region's busiest airports. Many travelers find that Tampa's airport is more convenient or more affordable. It is important to shop around for an Orlando car rental if you intend to visit major attractions. There is fierce competition here. Orlando is Florida's capital of toll roads, so beware of the booths.
Visit Orlando's Attractions
The Walt Disney World Resort is located 30 minutes southwest of downtown Orlando. Originally, it was intended as a destination where construction would never be completed, a place where people would have to return frequently to see the latest developments. Universal Studios Orlando is part of a vast entertainment complex in which visitors can view working film sets. Sample world-renowned chefs' cuisine and enjoy rides that transport them to the movies. See how you can save money at Disney World by following our step-by-step guide.
Theme Parks and Beyond
Orlando's phenomenal growth can be attributed to its location in central Florida. A variety of Gulf and Atlantic beaches, the Kennedy Space Center, Ocala's horse farm country, and some excellent bass fishing can all be found within 60 miles.
More tips about Orlando
Take advantage of the GO Orlando Card. It is a card that you purchase in advance of your trip and then activate upon arrival. Many local attractions offer free admission for a period of one to seven days with the purchase of a card. To determine whether a Go Orlando purchase will save you money on admissions, plan your itinerary before you consider a purchase.
Be prepared for admission prices. Those who fail to do their homework usually experience "sticker shock" when they learn how much admission will cost. Before you travel, check out Web sites and look for discounts.
Don't be fooled by the word "discount". There are a number of offers for "deep discounts" and "cheap rooms." Sometimes these offers can save you money, but many come with conditions. Make sure you do not fall victim to scams.
Cape Canaveral's Kennedy Space Center is a must-see experience for visitors to Central Florida. Winter Park is an upscale, trendy alternative to Orlando's theme parks.
It is possible to get sunburned while on vacation. The advice may seem obvious, but countless individuals plan and save for a Florida vacation, only to lose most of the enjoyment of their vacation due to sunburns. Invest in good sunblock and use it regularly. Think of it as cheap travel insurance.
Make an effort to blend in. Tourists are targeted by criminals. Avoid stacking luggage in your car so that it is visible through the windows. Make sure that you keep large bills safely tucked away in a money belt.
Be careful not to exceed the speed limit on Interstate 4. There is a well-patrolled highway that connects Tampa with Disney, Orlando, and Daytona, particularly in the vicinity of Disney. There are few warnings, and tickets are expensive. While there are other areas where radar-enforced tickets are common, I-4 is probably the most common place where speeders are ticketed.
