January is ticking along and many Brits are no doubt considering where to go on holiday this summer – or next if you like to plan ahead – with so many destinations to consider. While you can use tools like the Skyscanner anywhere search or TripAdvisor's top 10 list there's one hotspot that beckons thousands of us every year.
Orlando, Florida, is one of the UK's favourite destinations within the United States thanks to its glorious sunny weather, beaches and, of course, access to some of the world's best theme parks. Orlando is home to Walt Disney World which has five incredible parks as well as Universal Studios Orlando – perfect for Harry Potter fans – and water parks, Busch Gardens and more.
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However, while most UK residents would love to jet off to Orlando it can be expensive – especially when compared to some closer European destinations and theme parks. While you can get flights to Orlando from £338 according to Skyscanner there are also other things you can do to save cash on your big holiday.
Abby Dunn, Marketing Manager at holiday provider Ocean Florida and Florida has visited Orlando a massive 42 times. So she knows a thing or two about where to stay, when to book and how to save money on parks, food and merchandise.
If you want to spend a week or two in the sunshine-laden state visiting Mickey Mouse, riding rollercoasters, shopping at the malls and eating as many pancakes as possible it might not cost as much as you think. Check out Abby's tips below...
Book ahead
The expert commented: "With any large trips it’s always smart to book as far ahead as you can. This will get you better prices for your travel and allow you to spread the cost of the trip over many months. With Ocean Florida for example, you can book up to three years in advance to help with this.
"Same goes for your theme park experiences as well. It's always best to book ahead where possible. For example, reservations for table-service restaurants at Disney open a full 60 days in advance of the booking, giving you plenty of time to grab cheaper packages or opt for a ‘character dining experience’ before they sell out.
"If you can, try to book the breakfast character experiences, as these can be up to 40% cheaper than lunch or dinner time bookings! Opting into the restaurant mailing lists can also allow you to get free discount codes up to two weeks before your arrival."
Save on merch
Abby recommends: "Resisting the urge to buy merch while you're in the park can be a tricky feat, especially if you have young kids. However, setting aside a day to visit the Orlando Premium Outlets instead could save you a lot of money. This hidden gem has everything you could dream of, including Spirit Jerseys, seasonal products, high-end fashion, jewellery, and even items sourced from various Disney parks across the globe, all available at substantial discounts."
Stay at a villa and make your own food
The Orlando obsessive explained: "While the food at Disney is a source of entertainment in and of itself, it can be quite pricey, especially if you’re buying several meals a day. By considering a villa stay as opposed to a hotel, allows you to save by making breakfast and other meals at home where possible. If your preference is still a hotel, some, such as Drury Plaza Orlando, also offer complimentary dining packages should you prefer.
"Disney even allows visitors to bring snacks into the park, in case you or your children need a little boost of energy to get you through the day."
Park for free after 6pm
Abby claims that you can save a fortune on parking if you're willing to change your schedule. She said: "Most people don’t realise that you can actually park for free at Universal if you arrive after 6pm, excluding Halloween Horror nights. This is not only a cheaper way to visit the park, but it can often be much more pleasant as crowds die down and wait time is reduced - plus the weather becomes cooler.
"In addition, visiting the park at night can allow you to experience it from a whole new perspective, whether you’re up for the bars and nightclubs at Universal CityWalk, or are keen or riding your favourite coasters as the sun sets."
Bonus Tip: "Some visitors say that if you approach the parking booths at Disney during the day whilst singing your favourite Disney tune, you may be granted free parking for getting into the spirit!"
Spend some time outside the theme parks
Abby explained: "While this may sound counterintuitive, try spending some time outside of the theme parks and by the pool or around Orlando itself. Orlando is home to a wealth of museums, parks, attractions and culture, many of which are free. Not only will you need those more restful days to recharge but doing this will save you a lot of money. There are so many wonderful things to see and do that it would be a shame to miss out."
“If you’re not sure where to go, consider a package that includes access to several of Orlando’s best attractions, such as Gatorland, Wild Florida Safari or Old Town Kissimmee. Those who book a Florida package holiday with Ocean Florida are able to pick one of five free attraction packages, worth up to £433."
Explore your airport arrival options
Abby said: "While you might think it makes most sense to fly straight into the Orlando International Airport (MCO), you can often find cheaper flights to other airports within the area. Tampa, for example, is just a 90-minute drive away from the parks and offers a much wider range of transatlantic flight options. Depending on where you’re flying from, this could be a huge money saver.
"If you’re planning on hiring a car regardless, flying into Tampa is especially convenient as you can collect your rental straight from the airport. For those looking to explore the Gulf Coast beaches as well as the thrills of Orlando, this is a great option."
Order from the kids menu
It's not just kids who can get overwhelmed by the portion sizes in the US. Opting for a smaller meal can save you fair whack. She noted: "All of the theme parks in Orlando will usually provide a kids menu, but don’t be fooled – the portion sizes are actually fairly regular and can be purchased by anyone, not just children. Ordering off the kids menu is a great way to save some extra cash and make sure you don’t waste any food.
"For saving on general dining costs, Ocean Florida provides a VIP Shop & Dine4Less card and a Kids Eat Free card with every booking, which can help you save up to 25% on 40 restaurants across Florida, and includes shopping and attraction discounts too."
Looking at the restaurants in Magic Kingdom an adult meal can cost $12 (£9.47) at a quick serve spot while kids meals cost just $7 (£5.52) on average. Meanwhile table service adult meals range from about $15 (£11.83) to $30 (£23.66) while a child's meal ranges from $10 (£10.89) to $15 (£11.83), according to magicguides.
Consider booking a multi-centre trip
The money saving pro said: "Not many people are aware that if you stay onsite at a Premier Plus hotel at Universal Resort Orlando, even if only for a few nights, you are entitled to the highest tier, two park Express Pass all within the price of your stay. Not only does this pass allow you to cut wait times in half when queueing for rides, but getting a complimentary pass means that you could be saving up to £379.99 per person!
"Hotel Express Passes are available to use on all days within the hotel booking, including check-in and check-out days. Therefore, combining a short stay at a Premier Plus hotel with a longer stay outside the park area is a great budget-friendly option if you still want to get the full Universal experience."
