Take That Orlando Vacation On A Budget

One of Florida's jewels is one of the most budget-friendly destinations in the US

Author Photo of Wayne Bean By: Wayne Bean / Twitter @BeanWayne
Contributing Writer
Published: 7/26/11 | Updated: 10/19/17

Laying out the paperwork with a calculator to evaluate some budget possibilities.

Laying out the paperwork with a calculator to evaluate some budget possibilities. |Image provided by Pexels

Are you finally ready to see Mickey? Adrenaline-inducing attractions. Eye-catching shops. Mouth-watering restaurants. Fun times are bound to be had when visiting Orlando. As happy as you'll be during your time in Central Florida, your wallet will be sad the moment you get back home. So if you're going to this bustling metropolis, you need a plan to make sure that you stay within budget.

Quick history

According to the Orlando City Clerk, Orlando was originally a small community created in 1840 next to Fort Gatlin, a U.S. Army built during the Seminole Wars. It was then known as Jernigan, after the first family who established the settlement. It wasn't until 1857 that the name change happened, and surprisingly, there's no factual proof as to where the name Orlando originated from. The most common story involves an Orlando Reeves, a sentinel for a company of soldiers, who was killed right after he fired his gun to warn his fellow soldiers about an ambush.

Hotel Accommodations

Choosing a hotel that's farthest from the epicenter may not necessarily be the cheapest way to go - there are many factors to consider. For instance, staying at a hotel that's owned by one of the major theme parks can give you several perks including discounts and "quick passes" to rides. Additionally, a hotel that farther away means you have to commute to reach the recreational areas, and renting a car or taking a taxi can eventually add up. To make sure that you're getting the most out of your money, check out a Best of Orlando Promotion Code.

Dining

Eating in Orlando can be cheap if you know where to go and when to eat. Purchasing meals in the theme parks, for instance, can be costly. For an affordable alternative, why not eat a substantial breakfast and dinner in one of the many available national franchises in the area. That way, you won't be craving a $20 burger after riding that rollercoaster.

Go online for comparisons and discounts

Plenty of websites offer discount prices for bulk purchases, so if you're with a group of people, it may be wise to check out these sites and see how much you can save. Additionally going online will allow you to compare prices of different theme parks so you can get the most bang out of your buck.

Wayne Bean, Contributing Writer

Wayne is a personal finance expert and former financial planner. He contributes knowledge gleaned from his time at AMB and a lifetime of frugal living. Not much of a Twitter user.