Orlando is known for many things, but being an inexpensive place to visit is not one of them. And yet, the number one question I get from family, friends and random strangers planning a visit to the area is “what are some cheap things to do in Orlando?“
First of all, “cheap” doesn’t mean the same thing to everyone. Cheap to someone who lives in Orlando is definitely different than cheap to someone who is here on vacation. I am probably not spending hundreds of dollars a weekend to entertain my children, and you probably aren’t either – unless you’re on vacation. But, I get it. What most people mean is “what can I do in Orlando that is cheaper than Disney World?”
6 Things To Do In Orlando That Are Cheap(er Than Disney World)
1. Downtown Disney
"To infinity, and beyond!!"
If you’re visiting the area and want a taste of Disney without paying for the whole experience, Downtown Disney is a great option. It’s basically a shopping, dining and bar district, but it’s Disney, so there’s plenty to see without spending a dime. Your kids can play at LEGO Imagination Center without technically buying anything. You can take pictures with Buzz and Mr. Potato Head and Disney Princesses without technically buying anything. And if you do buy something, you’ll probably find it slightly less expensive here than at the parks. Pro tip: if you do eat while you’re here, Earl of Sandwich is the best bang for your buck with $6 really good sandwiches.
2. Swim at your hotel
Lazy River - cheap entertainment at Orlando hotel
To put it mildly, there is a lot of competition among hotels in the Orlando area. And many hotels here have become places of amusement in their own right. The Hilton Bonnett Creek, which is very reasonably priced and not over-the-top themed at all, has a lazy river! Other hotels feature full-scale water parks, multiple pools and man-made beaches. I am the last person to advocate spending your vacation inside a hotel room, but, well, the hotel rooms here are different.
3. Hit the beach
It amazes me how many people forget that Florida is surrounded on three sides by beaches. Yes, Orlando is pretty much dead smack in the middle of the state, but there are still beaches relatively close by. Cocoa Beach and Daytona Beach are about an hour drive from Orlando, and even the Gulf of Mexico is only about an hour and a half from the Disney area. This is inexpensive and something that definitely falls in the “things we can’t do at home” category for many visitors. If you’ve never seen the ocean, make this a priority on your trip to Orlando.
4. SeaWorld, Aquatica, Busch Gardens
elephants at Busch Gardens
OK, going to an amusement park is not cheap. But going to SeaWorld, Aquatica and Busch Gardens is cheaper than buying 3 days admission to Disney World. For about $110 per person, you can visit all three parks as much as you want during your vacation (or rather, for 2 weeks beginning the first day you use it). This includes a free shuttle to take you between the Orlando area and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. That’s a little less than half of what you’d pay for a three day ticket to Disney without a park hopper option.
5. Gatorland
Gatorland best way to see lots of gators in Orlando
If you want an up close and personal look at gators (and really, you shouldn’t come to Florida and not see gators!), Gatorland is your best bet. Tickets are about $20 for entrance into this cheesy but gator and croc-filled park. While you might see alligators elsewhere, you’re guaranteed a photo opp here.
6. Visit a state park
Orlando State Parks - yes, there are gators in that water
Most locals will tell you that Gatorland is an overpriced tourist trap (but locals are cranky, so take what we say with a grain of salt). That’s mainly because you can see gators in just about every body of water in Florida. A cheaper and more authentic way to see alligators is to visit one of the local state parks, like Wekiva Springs State Park in Apopka (about 30 minutes north of Orlando proper). In addition to possibly seeing alligators, you can also experience the natural springs, one of Florida’s coolest natural resources.
Florida is a great place to visit (and live, in my opinion), even if you find yourself (and your wallet) needing a break from all things Disney. Take advantage of our weather and general obsession with entertaining tourists and you may even have a little money left over to buy souvenirs!
All photos by Britt Reints
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11 Responses
I actually have a list of some cheap things I want to do around town… I’ll have to add some from this too!
http://steenface.tumblr.com/post/632154412/central-florida-to-do-list
I’d suggest a few cheaper alternatives:
1. Alligator Farm in Saint Augustine – it’s much cheaper than Gatorland and much more organic feeling.
2. Wild Waters/Silver Spring in Ocala – so much more reasonably priced than the water parks and theme parks in Orlando.
3. Go to a spring – most of the springs only charge an entry fee, and you can swim for free or canoe or kayak for a marginal additional cost.
Harry p leu gardens, walk through downtown Orlando (lake eola, Thornton park etc), museums (science center, Oma, historical center – all really cheap compared to Seaworld), Sanford Zoo, Disney minigolf courses, citywalk, old Spanish sugar mill @ ponce de Leon state springs (make your own pancakes)… Just “some” ideas
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Wekiva Springs is a lovely park – thanks for mentioning it!
As a former Florida resident, I’d also recommend the Gulf of Mexico beaches over the Atlantic side, if you only have time for one. Gulf side is prettier, with calmer waves for little ones.
[...] Six Cheap Things to Do in Orlando Other Than Disney at Uptake Vacations [...]
[...] When you’ve finished up at EPCOT, head on over to Downtown Disney for more child-friendly, line-free entertainment and an inexpensive meal at Earl of Sandwich. [...]
These are excellent ideas.
Here are a few more things to consider:
Wet and Wild park
Wet and wild is great to take a day away from the other amusement parks. Float along leisurely in an inner tube, or race down the water slides enjoy the sun and exciting, but relaxing day at this man made water park. Wet and wild is a part of the Universal Orlando complex.
Richard Petty Driving Experience
Once you put your hands on the wheel and your foot on the gas you feel the awesome power of a NASCAR. You will experience the thrill, the sounds and the adrenaline rush of driving this 600 horse power monster.
The program lasts three hours but the memories will last you a lifetime. You have the option of a Rookie Driving Experience or a ride along (much less expensive). The Rookie Driving Experience is not inexpensive, but if this is one of your life goals, the cost per payback is quite high for many people.
Forever Florida wildlife conservation area
This is a 4,700 acre wildlife conservation area. It has nine distinct ecosystems. You can see alligators, white-tail deer, back bears and more.
Best,
Chuck
[...] doesn’t matter if you’re a fan of the mouse or not, Orlando is a no-brainer when it comes to pleasing the whole family. This kid-centric city makes little ones [...]
Seaworld’s a tourist trap. The animal exhibits are pathetic and you can’t help but feel bad for the elephants that are made to do tricks for tourists. You can see the misery in their eyes, not exactly the nicest thing to take your kids to see.
The beaches are great and not often packed, since most people flock to the theme parks. Most of the patrons of the beach are locals, who can point out other non-Disney places to see and experience.
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