Orlando, Florida: Affordable Adventures for All Vacationers

Enjoy theme park ambience without the ticket prices. Disney Springs is a walkable entertainment district located next to Walt Disney World Resort. Take advantage of free admission and parking, and spend a fun-filled afternoon strolling the lakefront, window shopping immersive retail spaces and enjoying exciting live performances. Over at Universal Orlando, CityWalk is a free-to-enter hub for vibrant entertainment, from dance parties and splash pads for the little ones to live music in a plethora of richly themed lounges and restaurants. Parking is free after 6 p.m. (barring special event days), and complimentary water taxis offer connections to Universal Orlando resorts for even more scenic exploration.

You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy exhilarating rides in Orlando. Head to ICON Park, where you can pay per-ride for iconic attractions like The Orlando Eye and Orlando StarFlyer. If you’d like to continue your day at the park with visits to on-site attractions like Madame Tussauds Orlando and SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, combination ticket packages offer discounted admission prices. At Fun Spot America, take advantage of free parking and admission and enjoy a budget-friendly theme park experience. A-la-carte pricing is available for rides, and single-day passes offer a full day of unlimited thrills at a much lower cost than other nearby theme parks. Fun Spot America has two Orlando-area locations, one on International Drive and one in Kissimmee. Spend all day at one or purchase a single-day pass and park hop between the two.

You’ll find plenty of budget-friendly ways to get out and explore Orlando’s rich cultural scene. The Lake Nona neighborhood is home to world-class public art. Admire incredible pieces for free with a stroll through the Lake Nona Sculpture Garden, where curiosities include the iconic “Charging Bull” by Arturo Di Modica, a sister installation to the statue of the same name that famously resides near Wall Street in New York City. Continue your inspiring walk around the neighborhood to spot the colorful panes of “Glass House” by Tom Fruin in Laureate Park and the whimsical “Disco Dog” by local artist JEFRE at Lake Nona Town Center. Nearby, set off on a guided tour of one of Orlando’s most scenic municipalities aboard the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour. On this inexpensive voyage, knowledgeable local experts take you along the lakes of historic Winter Park for views of wildlife, local flora and the incredible mansions of this ritzy but friendly community.

Make lifelong memories at little-to-no cost in some of Orlando’s outdoor gems. Downtown, Lake Eola Park offers scenic views of the city skyline. For a small fee, rent a swan boat for a peaceful paddle on the water. On Sundays, the park comes alive with music and local vendors at the free Orlando Farmers Market. Just down the road in the Audubon Park Garden District, explore more than 40 cultivated plant collections at one of Orlando’s signature outdoor experiences, Harry P. Leu Gardens. For a small ticket price (admission is free for children under 4), you can wander the colorful paths and enjoy seasonal programming on select days.

Head to Loch Haven Park and dive into a world of exploration at the Orlando Science Center, an interactive and educational attraction that won’t break the bank. Exhibits like DinoDigs and KidsTown offer hands-on learning for little ones, while the immersive ecosystems of Life and The Hive: A Makerspace will entertain older kids and adults. Just down the road in Winter Park, admire the world’s most comprehensive collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s lamps, glasswork, jewelry and more at The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art. While the museum, which is open from November through April, charges a small fee for visitors over 12 years old, free admission is available on Friday evenings from 4 to 8 p.m.

Several airports serve Central Florida. Fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO), Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) or Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) and rent a car to explore the area. Within Orlando, the SunRail commuter train provides public ground transportation. The Brightline train connects Orlando to other major Florida cities.