Holidays in Orlando - budget-friendly fun beyond the theme parks

Entry requirements

While you won’t need a visa to enter the USA, you will need to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) before your holiday. You can register through the ESTA website. Vaccination proof is no longer required since May 2023.

Getting around Orlando

You'll most likely arrive at one of Orlando's three airports: Orlando International Airport (MCO) around 20 minutes to downtown, Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) about 40 minutes from the main tourism districts, or Melbourne Airport (MLB) around 1 hour south of Orlando. All three of the airports offer easy access to the main tourist districts in Orlando either by taxi or ride-shares.

While most cities in the US are difficult to get around without a rental car, many hotels and parks offer free shuttle services that are available to everyone in Orlando. There's also the I-Ride Trolley, which runs between hotels and attractions in the International Drive area. However, if you are planning to explore areas beyond the touristic areas and the theme parks a rental car is recommended.

🏴‍☠️ Pirate Tip: A single ride on the I-Ride Trolley costs $2, but you can save quite a bit of money by buying a day or multi-day pass if you plan to use it to get around Orlando. A one-day pass is $6, while a three-day pass is $8 and a seven-day pass is $16. Find out where it goes here.

Where should I stay?

There are so many options when it comes to places to stay in Orlando that it can be overwhelming when you first start looking. The type of holiday you're looking for will help you narrow down where to stay in Orlando.

If you're interested in a theme park-centric holiday, staying in Orlando's main tourist districts might make the most sense. Those planning to visit Universal Orlando and/or SeaWorld should choose a hotel on or near International Drive, while those planning to visit the Disney parks should stay somewhere near Lake Buena Vista.

If you're looking for a place to stay outside the theme park area, we recommend focusing your search on downtown Orlando, Lake Nona or Winter Park. It's also worth remembering that the further away from the tourist areas you stay, the cheaper your accommodation will be. You can also choose to stay near Orlando International Airport (MCO), where you'll often find cheaper hotel rates.

1. Orlando has more to offer than just its many theme parks

Most of you probably associate Orlando with theme parks, and rightly so! But while Orlando is known for its theme parks, that's not all the city has to offer. There are lots of things to see and do outside of the theme parks, including both indoor and outdoor activities, from eco-friendly activities like kayaking, swimming and hiking, to fun indoor activities like go-karting or arcade games. There are also plenty of places to shop and eat!

2. Orlando is easy to reach

There are several airlines flying direct to Orlando from the UK throughout the year. From Manchester, you can fly with Virgin and Aer Lingus; from London, you can fly with Virgin, Norse and British Airways; and from Edinburgh, you can fly with Virgin. TUI also services eight regional airports around the UK and flies into Melbourne, which is located on Florida’s Space Coast, just 60 minutes south of Orlando.

3. Orlando is affordable

Believe it or not, Orlando is a budget-friendly destination. You can often find direct flights from £390 return during the low season, which runs from January to mid-February. You'll also be able to find cheaper accommodation during this time. And once you're in Orlando, there are plenty of activities that cost $29 or less.

4. Orlando is a great family-friendly destination

Orlando has plenty to do for both kids and adults, alike. Lake Eola Park is a beautiful spot in the city centre for a stroll or a picnic lunch, families love the Orlando Science Centre and the Crayola Experience is a must for those with younger children.

Visit Orlando offers free holiday planning services using local experts.

5. Orlando is a foodie's paradise

If you're anything like us, you'll be making a list of restaurants and bars to visit before you go on holiday. Orlando is one of those places that has a little bit of everything for every budget and taste, from fine dining in Michelin-starred restaurants to food trucks, the options are almost endless. If you're a foodie on a budget, then we recommend heading to the Plant Street Market in historic downtown Winter Garden, where you can choose from 20 different food vendors. Be sure to stop for a cold pint at the award-winning Crooked Can Brewing Company.

🏴‍☠️ Pirate tip: Another budget-friendly dining option: do as the locals do and go to Publix, a local supermarket-chain that has fresh takeaway food.