5 Ways to Save Money with Kids in Orlando
Last Updated on January 22, 2024 by Allison Lancaster
Taking a trip to the sunny city of Orlando and the Happiest Place on Earth doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little strategic planning and following some of these tips, you can enjoy a budget-friendly vacation with the kids that will be both memorable and cost-effective! Below you will find my favorite ways to save money with kids in Orlando.
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Timing is everything
My number one tip to save money on an Orlando trip is to go during the off-season. This would be mid-January to early March or September to early December (not including Thanksgiving week). If missing school isn’t an option for the kids, the cheapest time during the summer would be late July to early-mid August.
Not only are flights and accommodations cheaper, but lines are shorter for rides and parks are emptier, which is just another added bonus. Another thing to consider is the timing of your flight. Flights midweek can often be cheaper than the weekend, so if your dates are flexible then try flying out and coming back midweek.
Plan Ahead
The sooner you book your Orlando vacation, the better. Experts usually recommend booking your vacation at least 4 to 6 months in advance. This way you are getting the best deals on hotels before occupancy and room rates rise and car rental rates are cheaper earlier too.
Plus, you’ll have all of your initial deposits paid for and even more time to save money and budget for your upcoming trip!
Rent a Vacation Home
I highly recommend renting a home on Airbnb or VRBO, just like we did for our most recent stay. This is definitely the best option for families – not only do most homes have a swimming pool, but they also include a spacious living room, full kitchen, and large bedrooms for kids to take their naps.
The full kitchen is the real money-saving advantage to a vacation home as you can prepare most, if not all, of your meals, which really cuts down on food and snack costs.
Look for Discounted Tickets
You can easily buy discounted tickets for the parks online when purchasing through different websites. Also, when you purchase a multi-day ticket, prices go way down. Consider this option if you think you’ll be visiting Disney World or Universal Studios longer than 4 days.
Another tip: skip the park hopper pass. It may sound convenient, but most kids can only handle one park a day anyway. You can save $25 to $33 when you don’t purchase the park hopper option for single-day tickets.
Check out Free Activities
There are actually a ton of free things to do in and around Orlando that your kids will love! The most popular free attraction is Disney Springs, which boasts over 70 unique shopping, dining, and entertainment options, such as the LEGO Imagination Center and Sprinkles Cupcakes.
Disney’s Boardwalk is another great free spot where you can watch street performers, grab some ice cream, and watch the sunset over the water. We also love hitting the outlet stores in Orlando when we are having a rest day or the kids are tired of the parks.
Taking a vacation to Orlando with the kids doesn’t have to drain your bank account. With a little extra planning and research, you can really save some cash. One thing is for certain though – you will always leave Orlando with amazing family memories, no matter the price tag.
