How to do Disney, Universal, and more Orlando parks on a budget
It鈥檚 easy to think of Orlando鈥檚 theme parks and attractions as reverse-ATMs built to vacuum money from your wallet. However, that doesn鈥檛 need to be true. There are ways to enjoy the parks without throwing out dollars every time you turn around. Follow along as I provide all-encompassing tips to help you save inside the parks without diminishing the fun.
Bring the Essentials
You can easily save money by packing a few essentials in your day bag. Don鈥檛 pay double or even triple the cost inside the park on items like sunscreen. Bring a high SPF with you; your non-sunburned skin will thank you. A refillable water bottle is another must-have to avoid the high cost- of buying bottled water. One more thing鈥攕imply because this is Orlando鈥攑ack a poncho. Rain storms pop up, and you don鈥檛 want to be stuck paying $50 or more for your family to stay dry. As a bonus, they come in handy for the 鈥渨et鈥� rides such as the Kali River Rapids at Disney鈥檚 Animal Kingdom.
Buy the Disney Dining Plan
At first sight, this may not seem like a money-saver for some. And, that鈥檚 true 鈥� it doesn鈥檛 fit all families. But, for big eaters who never skip a meal, it鈥檚 a built-in budget booster.
Expect to pay $41.99 per adult and $16.99 per child for the Quick Service Plan, which includes two counter-service meals (per night), one snack (per night) and a refillable drink mug (per stay). Prices vary, depending on the plan you pick, but this one is the best value.
Enjoy the Free Things in Life
Nothing is really free inside Orlando theme parks. That said, there are a few attractions that cost next to nothing. Universal Orlando Resort鈥檚 CityWalk is a vibrant, expansive entertainment and dining complex free to the public. Bonus: Parking is discounted from $17 to $5 after 6pm and is free after 10pm. There is also no charge to ride the Monorail at聽, and you鈥檒l be rewarded with cool aerial views of the Magic Kingdom. And here鈥檚 a special secret just for you鈥攁sk a Cast Member if you can ride up front with the monorail driver for an even better vantage point.
Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is
Exploring theme parks is sure to work up an appetite. Have money-saving tips in your back pocket to avoid hunger-induced, budget-busting decisions. Each theme park has eateries that are cheaper than the rest but still totally tasty. For example, Disney World Flame Tree Barbecue (Animal Kingdom), Studio Catering Co. (Hollywood Studios), The Plaza Restaurant (Magic Kingdom) and Tangerine Caf茅 (Epcot) have some of the most delicious (and sometimes shareable) options that are all $16.99 and under.
Keep meal times in mind while inside the park too. Breakfast and lunch are cheaper times to eat at table service restaurants like Be Our Guest and Cinderella鈥檚 Royal Table. Even character meals, such as the princess-filled Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, are cheaper earlier in the day.
Bonus tip:聽Pack a few snacks so you鈥檙e not tempted by all those delicious-yet-pricey theme park treats. 聽This is especially true if you鈥檙e traveling with kiddos.
Save on Souvenirs
At Disney World,聽, and Universal Orlando Resort, you鈥檒l be bombarded with things to buy. Give yourself time to shop around and make smart shopping choices鈥攏o impulse spending allowed! Do yourself a favor and pack Disney-inspired gear too. Every little girl wants to dress up like a princess while at the Magic Kingdom. Having her princess dress with you will save a bundle. Wearing a favorite superhero shirt at Universal鈥檚 Orlando or a classic Mickey Mouse tee will make kids (and adults) feel a part of the crowd. Buy one online or at stores like聽听补苍诲听聽to save before you go.
Want one more hint to save on souvenirs? 聽Make your own autograph book (or buy one online for about $7.95) to collect signatures from characters throughout the parks. 聽Kids of all ages get ear-to-ear grins when they meet their favorite character and score their signature, making it a low-cost way to make sweet memories!
Pack Your Own Stroller
It doesn鈥檛 matter if your kid hardly ever uses it anymore; pack your own stroller. They will get tired of walking and super cranky. The stroller will be a lifesaver鈥攅specially if it鈥檚 a double stroller since you鈥檝e got extra storage capacity. At an average cost of $15 per day to rent a single stroller and $30 for a double, using your own stroller will save a lot. If you don鈥檛 think you鈥檒l use the stroller all the time, don鈥檛 worry. You can park it at one of the many, many stroller lots and come back for it later. There must be聽something truly magical about Orlando theme parks as I鈥檝e never had anything stolen聽before, so it鈥檚 not much of a gamble to leave it behind. If you鈥檙e really worried, bring a bike lock.
Ashley Dickey is聽's travel expert, visiting Orlando to find the best travel tips, money-saving deals and insider information. With over 10 years of experience in first-hand-travel adventures, she shares her stories, advice, and current events to help you stay in the know.
