I am starting to plan a trip to Orlando for my children in the fall (any tips would be appreciated). My husband and I have not been to Disney since either of us were children so it will be a real treat for us as well. While we plan to pay for a day or maybe two at Disney (ouch, the price), I am all about having fun as frugally as possible for the remaining time there. Here is a great tip that I used last year at Myrtle Beach. Always check out the local libraries for story times and arts and crafts. Last year we took our children to the local library where they got to make paper owls and see many stuffed creatures including a full size alligator and several bears. They still talk about it. And best of all, it was free. We then walked a few blocks to a very nice cafe where I had previously purchased a $25 gift certificate online for $2 at Restaurant.com. It takes a little strategic planning but you can save a ton and still have fun.So far I have found the library system in Orlando and they do have story times and arts and crafts. There are also local restaurants that offer gift certificates which I will purchase when they are 80% off with a coupon code.
Here is another tip for those who may be traveling to Orlando this year. If you are a member of your local zoo, check and see if they have a reciprocal program with the Central Florida Zoo. The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere does (see list of reciprocal zoos at website). The Central Florida Zoo is in Sanford, FL which is about 45 minutes from Orlando. You can get in for free if you are a member of a reciprocal zoo. This zoo has holiday events for kids as well. HERE is also a list of reciprocal children's museums that may be useful.
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I do not have children, but when we went to Disney, we took a camelback with us. Filled it up with ice at the hotel in the morning. Then we had something cool on our backs (ours was the deluxe, so it carried snacks and everything else we needed, but was still lightweight) and we had something cool to drink all day. I also took wet washcloths at night and froze them in a ziplock bag. Placed those beside the beverage dispenser bag. Saved our lives towards the end of the day. When they got warm, put them back in the ziplock rinsed them and did the same thing that night.
Maybe this would be helpful for someone :) We went in early August/late July. It was soooo hot!
I'm a local to Orlando so I would love to give you cheap tips. Email me sometime and I will give you a list (it might take me a day or two to compile) off the top of my head I believe Leu Gardens is free on Monday mornings. It is absolutely a beautiful place to walk around and totally unexpected in the middle of Orlando. It's so pretty that I got married there, also Lake Eola is a nice place to walk around and see the swans on Sunday mornings they have a small Farmer's Market.
I live in Brevard County, which is east of Orlando. We have a zoo, which in the past has had reciprocal entrance privileges. It is also about 45 mins from Orlando. You can check it out at www.brevardzoo.org. Some of the highlights include a wonderful tower where you can interact with giraffes, a train ride, and kayaking tours. We visited often when my kids were younger.
We just returned from Orlando on business. You might want to look into the Hiton Grand Vacation Club on International Blvd (I think). It's beyond words, we both commented that we would go back to Orlando just to stay there. Lots to do with the kiddos too.
We booked through travelocity and got a king size studio for $81 a night. I couldn't believe it. Seriously, I've never experienced customer service on that level before. I believe they even have shuttles to the parks.
I also live in Orlando, so I can also give you some ideas. Off the top of my head, Dowtown Disney, Pony Rides/Picnic/Playground at Wilderness, Cocoa Beach.
You have quite a readership in FL hehe! The insider scoop is awesome. Your trip sounds like it will be a blast, and you have some great ideas for being frugal while on vacation... Hope the planning is still going well! :)
Thanks for all the tips and ideas! Please feel free to add some more! All ideas are welcome. I am so looking forward to going on vacation! We got an Orlando Event Guide in the mail yesterday and the kids have been studying it intently, especially the photos of the Disney characters.
Great ideas! We are getting ready to visit Ohio so I need to research the area for stuff like this.
:)
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