13 July 2012 12:30 Meghan Hayden
Avoid paying top dollar for items that ordinarily will not enhance your trip. Save money and systemize your budget towards more lasting memories with these budgeting tips!
Know Before You Go:
Book your vacation early
The earlier you book your vacation the better price you are going to receive. As hotel occupancy rates rise so will the prices. Booking 4 to 6 months in advance should be plenty of time to guarantee the best prices.
Hotels are not always practical
Depending on the size of your group or family, a hotel may not be the most logical accommodation. Vacation homes and condos are recommended for larger families and can be rented on a weekly or monthly basis with search options including condos, villas and townhomes in the area.
Create a structured budget
Determine what overall finances are available to spend on the trip and what splurges you can live without to save money.
Make an Orlando “Bucket List”
Orlando has 52 different theme parks! Write down a tentative schedule of all activities, attractions and restaurants you, your family or friends plan to visit while in the area. Try prioritizing activities by category headings such as: theme park rides, family fun, water parks, music, cinema, sightseeing, shopping etc.
Write out a Daily Spending Plan
Total the costs of all the predetermined information listed above. Don’t forget to include admission fees, estimated food costs, gas or transportation and of course extra spending money for souvenirs etc. Keep the budgeting information with you to combat excess spending and serve as an itinerary.
Bring All Convenience Goods From Home
Pack all necessary products or first-aid materials before you depart on your theme-park paradise. Do not forget first aid materials and sunscreen!
During Your Orlando Theme Park Stay
Avoid overpaying for food
Plan to consume larger meals away from the parks. Take advantage of your hotel’s continental breakfast (if available) during allotted morning hours.
Eat at a large breakfast before the park and do not forget to grab fruit, yogurt or a snack-sized box of cereal from the buffet before departing for the day for a midday snack. Minimizing large afternoon meals can do wonders for your budget.
Lunch can either be split between two or enjoyed as a medium snack inside the park. Not only does this allow more time to experience more of the parks but it also provides leeway for your group to indulge in a large dinner outside in the surrounding area like CityWalk.®
Utilize the monorail to travel to and from parks
Avoid parking at Disney World for $14 a day and walking across hot parking lots at each park destination. Use the complimentary monorail service instead! This free aboveground transportation takes you to all the major Disney resorts and theme parks within minutes and is air-conditioned so you can cool off on the ride over.
Save on Shopping with Outlet Malls Galore!
Orlando has three huge outlet centers and many great malls near Disney World with brand names such as: Coach, Nike, DKNY, Brooks Brothers, Gucci, Polo, and more. Most factory outlet items area originally discounted 35% to 65% and offer fabulous sales!
Buy Souvenirs at the end of your Orlando vacation
Do your wallet a favor and buy your souvenirs at the end of your vacation. By the end you and your family should be able to narrow down exactly what you want. Majority of stores are happy to ship items out for a small fee whereas airline checked baggage prices are sky high!