A trip to Orlando doesn't need to cost the earth...
A holiday is the stuff of dreams, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. You can find cracking deals on fantastic Orlando holidays and still be close to all the fun. Combining a fantastic hotel deal with a few insider tips will allow you to fully enjoy your holiday without a worry.
Orlando isn't just about spending two weeks walking around theme parks, there's plenty to enjoy at all costs. Most of all, a holiday is about relaxing and making memories - whatever it is you're doing!
Hotels
When picking your Orlando hotel, it's a great idea to look for ones that offer great value for money. Whether it's complimentary breakfast, or free transport to the parks - these added extras can help to save money to spend elsewhere!
Universal's Endless Summer Resort
With a chilled beach vibe and a lakefront setting, Universal's Endless Summer resorts boasts rates for even the most budget-conscious guests. There's two resorts to choose from, with complimentary transport to the parks and early admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and Universal's Volcano Bay - so you're getting plenty for your money!
It's easy to look at staying offsite to save money, but staying on site at Disney offers exclusive benefits that can outweigh other options and provide better value for money. Disney's All Star Resorts are a great option to include these added extras without blowing your budget. And what could be better than three resorts in one? The hotel has 3 sections - movies, music and sports, so there really is something for everyone!
Rosen have some great hotels dotted around the centre of Orlando, and this one is a particular hit. With complimentary parking, and free transport to Universal Orlando, you'll save time and money when visiting those parks. It's easy to explore International Drive on foot, and it's next to the world's largest McDonalds if you have that cheesburger craving!
The B Resort & Spa is just a short shuttle ride away from all the fun and adventure of World Disney Resort, so you'll find yourselves right in the heart of the action - and it's even better when these regular shuttle buses are included in your stay! The resort fee is waived at this hotel, and along with reduced parking rates and a delicious restaurant in the lobby, what more could you need.
Not only does CoCo Key offer great family rooms with plenty of space in the heart of Orlando, it boasts it's own water park too - so there's plenty to keep the whole family busy on site without having to visit other attractions every day! Children 2-10 years eat free breakfast from the children's menu when accompanied by a paying adult, whilst the resort fee is waived and there's complimentary transport to Universal Orlando.
Staying in a villa in Orlando can be very cost effective, and the bigger the group, the better! Enjoy BBQ's in the backyard, your own private pool, and complimentary parking to start. There's plenty to choose from to suit your needs and be in the perfect location for your plans...
You can also reach Orlando easily by flying into Tampa, direct with Virgin Atlantic!
Not finding flights to suit your dates or budget? Tampa is just 90 minutes drive from Orlando so it's a great alternative to think about.
When checking your flights, make sure you filter to direct and you should see a Tampa alternative that could be just right for you! Add on your hire car and you'll be in Orlando in no time.
Book today. Pay it your way
Holidays are a big deal. But they can also make a big dent in your pay cheque – especially right now. Booking your trip with plenty of time to spare allows you to spread the cost and keep those monthly payments to a minimum. And if you set up a direct debit, there’ll be no hefty bill when the final payment is due. Lock in your price today. You’ll be surprised how quickly that holiday comes around.
Payment plan for families
Representative example:
Family holiday to Orlando (travelling in 21 Months)
£2,990
Deposit £175 pp
£700
Balance due 12 weeks prior to departure
£2,290
16 months direct debit (per booking)
£134
1 final instalment of
£146
Orlando from £2990
Price based on two adults & 2 children (aged under 9 years) travelling on the 14-Nov-25, staying at the Coco Key Hotel and Water Park on Room Only and sharing a Standard Room for 14 nights. Price includes return Economy Classic flights from London Heathrow to Orlando and include all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges which are correct at time of publishing (date 21 Feb '24) and are subject to change. Bookings are subject to availability and standard terms and conditions apply. Virgin Atlantic Holidays reserves the right to (i) withdraw the promoted price (ii) cancel or change the advertised price, (iii) amend these terms and conditions at any time if circumstances make this necessary and without further notice. For full Virgin Atlantic Standard Terms and Conditions please visit https://www.virginholidays.co.uk/customer-support/terms-and-conditions
Tips and Tricks
Make the most of any added benefits at the hotel: Whether it's filling up on complimentary breakfast so that you can purchase a smaller lunch whilst out and about, or leaving the car behind to save on parking - make sure you're aware of any added benefits that are included in your stay.
Sometimes a little extra can be worth it: Don't be put off with the thought of staying on site at the parks. The extra money on the hotel may be worth it if it includes benefits that will save you money once you're on holiday. And you can spread the cost out with direct debit so it's paid for in advance!
Choose the right room type: Booking an apartment or villa can be better value when split between a large group, and if you go for one that has a kitchen/kitchenette could allow you to prepare lunches for your days out, and eat in for less in the evenings. Popping to Walmart isn't only cheaper than eating out, it's an experience everyone has to do at least once in the USA - you can get some fab souveniers to bring home too!
Buy your tickets in advance: Whatever parks you do decide to visit, we recommend you purchase these at the time of booking your trip, as they are better value than at-the-gate tickets, and come with a whole host of incredible benefits that offer added flexibility.
Take a refillable water bottle with you: Costs can add up when you're in the parks, and you're sure to be needing plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. The parks have water fountains placed all over, so this is a great way to save some pennies.
Transportation: Whether you are staying on International Drive in Orlando or not, using the i-Ride Trolley can be a great way to get around on the cheap. You don’t have to spend the money to rent a car or pay for an Uber/Lyft/taxi to take you everywhere. And there’s something else you want to consider: does your hotel have a shuttle to the parks you plan on visiting? By picking one that does offer the shuttle service, you will save some time and money on transportation.
Don't be afraid to go further out: Restaurants and shops further afield from International Drive will be significantly cheaper, and you can find some true individual gems too.
Be a savvy shopper: If you sign up for the VIP club at Orlando premium outlets, you can get a book of discount coupons to use.
Travel off-peak: It's not always possible, but if you can, try to travel in those times of year that are less in demand. The parks will be less manic, saving the need for fast track purchases, and you will get better rates on your package.
I-RIDE Trolley
This nifty and cost-saving service is your holiday superhero, swooping in to save the day! The International Drive Resort Area is yours to discover, one delightful stop at a time. With 1, 3, 5, 7 & 14 day passes available to buy when you book your Florida holiday, you can say goodbye to the stress of parking and the headache of driving.
They might not meet the height requirements for the biggest rollercoasters, but there's plenty of thrills available for the little ones to enjoy too...
Plenty of hotels in Orlando will have coupon booklets available with restaurant discounts galore - so don't miss out! From complimentary kids meals, to percentage discounts, there's always offers available so make sure to keep an eye out for those leaflet stands.
Happy Hours
There's plenty of happy hours to be had in Orlando, inside and outside the parks so do your research, they even pop up where you least expect them. For example, the highly rated steakhouse chain STK offers a large selection of plates for $3-9 from 3.30-6pm, as well as reduced drinks!
Olive Garden
There's plenty of chains with multiple restaurants in Orlando that offer great value meals, and Olive Garden is a particular favourite. They offer unlimited breadsticks and salad with your meal, so it's a great way to load up without buying additional starters and sides!
'All you can eat' buffets
Buffets can be a great way to get value for money. Cici's Pizza is famous for it's all-you-can-eat pizza and pasta at low prices, and whilst some of the ones at the Disney or Universal hotels might be slightly more money, you get a lot for your buck!
Food Courts
Whilst in the shopping malls or the parks, if you're looking to save the pennies at lunch then head for the food court rather than sit down restaurants. Not only do they provide choice whatever you're in the mood for, they are significantly more expensive.