Orlando is known for it's rollercoaster rides, fabulous water slides, and all round family fun.
Even if you're planning your holiday around a trip to Walt Disney World Resort or Universal Orlando Resort, you don't have to stay on-site at the theme parks to make the most of them. Actually, sometimes it can work out for the better...
Staying off-site means you've got a wider choice of hotels to pick from to suit your budget. Lots of our off-site hotels have added benefits such as free parking, transport to the parks, or complimentary breakfast!
Lots of the off-site hotels provide shuttle services to both Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, and sometimes it's even included in your stay - so you'll be at the parks in no time! This is great if you want to stay off-site but don't fancy hiring a car.
You can often get bigger rooms for families when staying off-site, which is great for keeping the cost down if you're travelling with a larger group. We've even got 11 and 12 bedroom villas!
There's so much more to Orlando than the theme parks. And staying off-site in the heart of International Drive or Kissimmee old town can put you in a fantastic position to enjoy everything else on offer.
Staying away from the heart of the parks can help you to relax on your holiday too - which is definitely important! Days in the parks are full-on, so taking a day to spend around the pool can be needed.
Whether it's popping to the local Denny's or cooking your own dinners in your villa kitchen, your location and hotel type can provide you with a wider choice of dinner options that can help save you money!
You don't just have to stay on-site to be able to secure your Walt Disney World park tickets on deposit - you can now do this wherever you're staying! Pay the standard deposit and then your ticket will be confirmed once full payment of the total holiday is made (usually 12 weeks prior to departure, but can sometimes be earlier/later).
There's no time like the present to get away and make some family memories, right?! Spring into summer with a fun-filled holiday with all the thrills and spills - you'll be on your way before you know it!
Enjoy exclusive savings of £60 per adult and £45 per child on Orlando package holidays when you fly with Virgin Atlantic.
We've got a huge selection of hotels to choose from across International Drive, Kissimmee and Lake Buena Vista. And many of them include added benefits that aren't available on-site, and offer great value for money!
Food in America can be expensive, so picking a self-catering option will allow you to save money by eating in where possible. Pop to Walmart and stock up on breakfast options, snacks, and you could even enjoy dinner together back at your base after a long day!
Carousel of hotel options for self-catering
Need a bit more space than a hotel apartment or suite? Fancy enjoying home cooked BBQ's on your patio by your private pool? We've got a huge range of villas to suit all requirements. With great locations to enjoy everything Orlando has to offer, combined with the space and freedom of your own place, a villa is great for familie and groups of all sizes - and the larger the group, the better value for money!
Need a bit more space than a hotel apartment or suite? Fancy enjoying home cooked BBQ's on your patio by your private pool? We've got a huge range of villas to suit all requirements. With great locations to enjoy everything Orlando has to offer, combined with the space and freedom of your own place, a villa is great for familie and groups of all sizes - and the larger the group, the better value for money!
Need help planning your trip?
Organising your trip to Orlando can be a little overwhelming when it comes to fitting everything in. And you can still enjoy the best that Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World Resort have to offer whilst staying off-site.
Here’s our recommended itinerary to enjoy the thrills of the rides coupled with other Orlando attractions, and some important relaxation time too!
Need some more inspiration? Here are some of our favourite things to do when you're not on the coasters...
Experience a different kind of thrill and watch Orlando Magic take on the biggest teams in the NBA. You don't have to be a sports enthusiast to enjoy the basketball action - with half time entertainment, interactive fan areas, and a children's play zone, it's fun for all the family!
Get ready to make a splash at this thrilling aquapark featuring a 1000ft floating inflateable obstacle course, 60ft climbing tower/ropes course and wake boarding cable park, making for a fun-filled action-packed day.
An experience like nowhere else on Earth... Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex brings to life the epic story of the U.S. space program, offering a full day or more of awe and excitement for the whole family.
A 20-acre, walkable entertainment destination in the heart of International Drive. A perfect place to ride, dine, drink and explore, ICON Park has more than 40 amazing restaurants, funky bars, boutique shops and can’t-miss attractions, all anchored by The Wheel - a must-do, 400-foot observation wheel.
When you're driving around Orlando you'll spot themed mini golf courses all over - most famous is Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf on International Drive. But there's plenty of other options too, all of which offer a great family activity that doesn't break the bank. Who will come out top?!
With outlets located in Lake Buena Vista and International Drive, wherever you choose to stay you won't be far from the bargains. Featuring a host of designer brands all in one place, you'll be spoilt for choice - so make sure you leave some space in your case!
Old Town recreates the look and feel of a classic Florida Town, and there's a whole host of entertainment and attractions to enjoy. Weekly events such as classic car shows and live music are free to enjoy, and there are numerous rides to enjoy at an affodable cost. Fun Spot is next door too, if you fancy the thrills of big rides without the big price tag.
Whilst it's not essential to have a car when staying off-site in Orlando, we'd definitely recommend it - especially with the number of hotels that we've secured free parking with! We’ve partnered with the best of the best car hire companies around the world to ensure your trip (and your car) runs smoothly.
Lots of our hotels include complimentary shuttle service to Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando, and even some of the outlets. Rosen Shingle Creek and Lake Buena Vista Village Resort & Spa are two great examples.
Both Uber and Lyft are available readily in Orlando, so it's easy to book yourself a trip to wherever you want to go, straight from your phone. You can even get them from the airport to your hotel!
Covenient and affordable, this is a great way to travel if you're staying on International Drive. From ICON park to the outlets, and all sorts of restaurants, attractions and shops in between, this can take you to plenty of hot spots in Orlando. We offer 1, 3, 5, 7 & 14 day passes to purchase with your Orlando holiday.
View the I-RIDE map here
Did you know?
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.
You might also be interested in...
While Orlando is renowned for its extraordinary theme parks that transport you to another world, your holiday doesn't have to revolve solely around roller coasters and princess encounters. While the theme parks are undeniably incredible, there's a whole world of exciting adventures awaiting you in Orlando, extending far beyond the park gates.
A holiday is like a dream come true, and the best part is, it doesn't have to break the bank. By taking advantage of our fantastic hotel offers and a few insider tips, you can fully immerse yourself in your holiday and leave all your worries behind. There's a whole world of experiences waiting for you, catering to different budgets and interests.
