So, you’re planning a Florida vacation but not wanting to spend every last dime in your savings account. How can you have a great time and not walk away penniless? Try one (or all!) of these suggestions to make the most of your time and money.
Take Advantage of Free Activities
Yes, there really are free things to do in Florida. Take a day at one of the amazing beaches that dot the coasts and pack a picnic lunch. Downtown Disney in Orlando has the feel of a Disney park without the steep price tag. In Daytona Beach you can visit and play at Sun Splash Park, complete with zero depth play water fountains, picnic facilities and playground. There are free parks, gardens, and museums all over the state that can be enjoyed. It’s perfectly possible to craft an entire vacation around a variety of free activities!
Visiting Theme Parks? Research and Plan
If you want to visit theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, or Busch Gardens take time ahead of your vacation to really plan where and for how long you will go. If you purchase online ahead of time you can save a significant amount of money and time. You also are less likely to impulse buy additional days or upgrades for a “great deal”. Be realistic about what you want to see at each place and how long it will take you. For example, going to the Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center, and Animal Kingdom in one day is just not feasible. Read the experiences of others online or ask others what their experiences were so that you can best plan for your family.
Where to Stay, Where to Stay…
Did you know there’s over 370,000 hotel rooms in the state of Florida? Not to mention other accommodations like timeshares, rental apartments, and houseboats. With all those choices where do you even begin? First take a hard look at what your needs are and what your budget is. Then, begin to narrow down your choices. Factor in the amenities offered for what you are paying. Some resorts are all inclusive meaning you can save a lot of money on food and drinks. But, if you’re planning to spend your days away from the resorts, this extra cost may not be worth it. Though gaining in popularity, apartment or timeshare rentals are a great option for families on a budget. Many times they are located in more residential areas, have the comforts of home (like a kitchen), and offer more space to spread out.
You might think that an out of this world Florida vacation is out of your budget but by taking advantage of a few cost saving strategies and investing some time in smart planning and budgeting you’ll be on your way to the vacation of a lifetime!
I've written several posts on Disney, including Disney planning itineraries. It breaks my heart to watch confused and frustrated families staring at park maps wondering what to do or where to go. Investing in a Disney vacation without taking the time to plan park days is a huge waste of money. And time. And fun.
Taking advantage of Free activities is the way to go. It helps with the pocket book and also provides an opportunity to catch your breath.