Top Travel Tips to Enjoy Orlando On a Budget
Been planning to visit Orlando, Florida but traveling on a budget? No worries! Now, explore all that Orlando has to offer without spending a bomb
Orlando on a Budget Tips
1. Focus Area: Orlando is a big place. Trying to cover all places will only tire you and you will not be able to enjoy the city. So instead we focus on the stretch between Walt Disney World Resort and Orlando Science Center. This distance is about 19 miles but has some of the most famous tourist attractions in Orlando.
2. Where to Stay in Orlando – hotel stays can be a significant expense when planning a vacation, especially if you are traveling to a popular destination like Orlando. However, we help you with choosing a great hotel which is less expensive.
List of budget friendly hotels in Orlando:
1) Maingate Lakeside Resort
Good location, close to Disney World, walkable to restaurants and stores
Price US$47 +US$28
2. Best Western Orlando Gateway Hotel
Superb location, located near to Disney and universal studios. Clean swimming pool. Great value for money.
Price US$92 +US$27 taxes and charges for 4 guests in one room.
3. Fairfield Inn & Suites
Good location, clean and good helpful staff.
Price US$93+US$17 for 4 guests in one room.
4. Quality Inn & Suites By the Parks
Good location- close to Disney parks. pleasant staff. Good room, The pool and cafeteria is also really nice
Price US$93+US$13 taxes and charges Breakfast Included
5. SPOT X by Red Collection
This is a new property and is very clean. Great location!
Double bed US$89+US$26 taxes and charges
6. Crowne Plaza Orlando
Guests love the Balcony with a great view. There are a lot of food options. Located close to Starbucks and Domino’s. Breakfast and pool are both awesome.
Price US$93+US$28 for 4 guests one room with two double beds
There are many more options for a budget friendly stay – though may not be on our focus area route:
Red Roof Inn Orlando South – This hotel is located south of the city, and offers comfortable rooms at a budget-friendly price. It also offers a free continental breakfast, an outdoor pool, and free WiFi.
Quality Inn & Suites Universal Studios Area – This hotel is located near Universal Studios and offers comfortable rooms at a budget-friendly price. It also offers a free continental breakfast, an outdoor pool, and free WiFi.
Clarion Inn & Suites at International Drive – This hotel is located on International Drive, which is known for its many restaurants and shops, and offers comfortable rooms at a budget-friendly price. It also offers a free continental breakfast, an outdoor pool, and free WiFi.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Orlando Universal – This hotel is located near Universal Studios, and offers comfortable rooms at a budget-friendly price. It also offers a free continental breakfast, an outdoor pool, and free WiFi.
Best Western Plus Universal Inn – This hotel is located near Universal Studios and offers comfortable rooms at a budget-friendly price. It also offers a free continental breakfast, an outdoor pool, and free WiFi.
Motel 6 Orlando – This hotel is located near Universal Studios and offers comfortable rooms at a budget-friendly price. It also offers free WiFi, coin laundry and vending machines.
Continuing on our Orlando on a Budget Tips..
3. Where to EAT in Orlando – Orlando is on the costlier bracket when it comes to holiday destinations. So a little help from us in finding restaurants which are low cost yet serve yummy food. Actually eating in these places give you a taste of local flavor which itself is an unmatched experience!
A few yummy and budget friendly restaurants in Orlando:
1. Hot Krust Panini Kitchen
It is a popular restaurant known for its delicious sandwiches made with fresh ingredients and homemade sauces in Orlando, Florida that specializes in very popular panini sandwiches, Burgers, Desserts and much more. Sandwiches and Burgers are priced at about $10. Other popular menu items include the Hot Krust Classic, made with grilled chicken, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, and Hot Krust sauce, and the Cuban, made with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. They also offer salads, soups and pasta dishes, and a range of vegetarian options.
2. Aloha Isle
A popular quick-service restaurant located in the Magic Kingdom theme park in Orlando, Florida. The restaurant is known for its delicious Dole Whip, a soft-serve frozen dessert made with pineapple juice. Aloha Isle serves the classic pineapple flavor as well as several other variations like vanilla, raspberry and orange. The restaurant also serves a variety of other tropical drinks and snacks. Dole Whip is a non-dairy, gluten-free and vegan treat that is a must-have for many visitors to the Magic Kingdom. In addition, Aloha Isle is a perfect place to cool off and relax on a hot day in the park. The restaurant is open during park hours and it is recommended to check the park’s schedule or website before your visit to confirm hours of operation.
3. The Mexican Camel
Great place for Mexican and Mediterranean-style food. Their specialties include Classic Mexican bowls $13, Tacos and Churros $5.50. You can also get a yummy vegan Baklava Pitas, Burritos $13, Gyro and much more. Expect little crowd at peak hours. Overall, very good value for money.
To add to the list a few more popular and value for money restaurants. May not be exactly on our focus area. But do try out if possible
- Black Bean Deli – A Cuban restaurant which is a local favorite, known for its authentic Cuban sandwiches for $8, Empanadas $2.50, and Yucca fries $3.25.
- The Coop – This casual southern-style restaurant serves up classic comfort foods such as fried chicken, mac and cheese, and collard greens.
- Hawkers Asian Street Fare – A casual Asian street food restaurant that serves up a variety of dishes from different Asian countries such as China, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, all at a very affordable price.
- Dixie Dharma – A vegan restaurant that serves up southern-style comfort foods such as BBQ jackfruit sandwiches and seitan fried “chicken”.
- The Falafel Guys – This Mediterranean food truck serves up delicious falafel sandwiches and other Mediterranean favorites.
- Taqueria El Ranchito – A casual Mexican restaurant that serves up traditional favorites such as tacos, burritos, and quesadillas at very affordable prices.
- Bosphorus Turkish Cuisine – This Turkish restaurant serves up delicious and authentic dishes such as kebabs, falafel, and baklava at reasonable prices
Finding free or low-cost activities in Orlando
4. Fun activities – Orlando offers a range of low cost activities which as a tourist you will relish.
A list of activities in Orlando that are free or don't cost much but you will relish for a long time
- Visit the parks: Orlando is home to many beautiful parks, such as Lake Eola Park, which is free to visit and offers a walking path, playgrounds, and a weekly farmers market. Visitors can also explore the many lakes and parks in the area, such as Lake Baldwin Park and Harry P. Leu Gardens.
- Take a stroll on International Drive: This is a popular tourist area with a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Visitors can take a walk and explore the area.
- Visit the Orange County Regional History Center: This museum tells the story of Central Florida’s history, from the early days of the Seminole tribe to the present and it is free to visit.
- Take a bike ride on the West Orange Trail: This trail is a 22 miles paved trail that winds through the suburban and rural areas of west Orange County. It’s a great way to explore the natural beauty of the area.
- Explore the ICON Park: This outdoor shopping and entertainment complex features attractions like The Wheel observation wheel and SEA LIFE Aquarium, visitors can take a walk and explore the area.
- Visit the Holy Land Experience: This attraction is a theme park that recreates biblical-era Jerusalem and offers visitors the chance to see live shows and exhibits depicting scenes from the Bible. Admission is free on certain days of the year.
- Take a stroll around the neighborhoods: Orlando has many beautiful neighborhoods with tree-lined streets, historic homes, and well-manicured gardens. Visitors can take a walk and explore the area.
- Visit the free exhibits at the Mennello Museum of American Art: The museum features a collection of American folk art, including works by Earl Cunningham, as well as contemporary art exhibitions.
- Visit the free exhibits at the Orlando Museum of Art: This museum features American and African art, as well as contemporary art exhibitions.
- Take a Sunset sail on a catamaran: Visitors can take a sunset sail on a catamaran to see the sunset and the beautiful Orlando skyline.
Travel in Orlando
5. Travel with in Orlando – If you have your own car, nothing like it.
Our area of focus here is the International Drive Area which has I-Ride Trolley facility connecting many tourist spots. Purchase a pass for I-Ride Trolley.
Use public transportation: The Lynx bus system provides transportation throughout the city, and it is a cost-effective way to get around.
Rent a bike or scooter: Bike-sharing and scooter-sharing services like Lime, Bird, and JUMP are available in Orlando, and it’s a great way to explore the city at a low cost.