With gas prices rising and our dollars shrinking, a week in Orlando can still prove to be a frugal option for vacationing families. Although I am not a native, I have been here for twenty years and have learned a few tricks to stretch your vacation budget. First, I will concede that you will probably want to go to a theme park (that is the draw for most folks). Please understand that one day at a theme park will cost the equivalent of all the other six days put together. With ticket prices hovering around $60.00 per person, plus food, souvenirs and parking, you are looking at $350.00 for a family of four. I will publish money-saving tips for theme parks in my next article.
On to the fun (and cheap) part of your vacation –
First, you have to go to Cocoa Beach! It is less than an hour drive and have the built-in fun of the ocean, as well as the following:
Ron-Jon’s Surf Shop – open 24/7 and jam-packed with everything you could want (not need, mind you) for a day at the beach. Cheap tip – do not purchase anything but a bumper sticker for each kid to put on their binders back home. Looks cool for next to nothing.
The Cocoa Beach Pier – If you are not a sun-worshiper, park yourself under the pier. You get shade while the kiddos get sun and surf. If you do not already have one, pick up a lounge chair at Wal-Mart on the way to the beach. Bring a cooler with drinks and a picnic lunch and RELAX!
The next day, stay in Orlando and go to Turkey Lake Park. The playgrounds are phenomenal and there is also a HUGE pool. As of last year around this time, there was also a working farm where the kids can pet the animals, but the lady in charge told me they were cutting the budget so ask when you get there. Again, with a well-packed cooler, you can stay all day.
If you have younger children (4 – 9), they will absolutely LOVE Downey Park in east Orlando! Not only are there playgrounds, but there is also a large, fenced splash park for only $1.00 per kid. Nearby, you will find the air-conditioned oasis that is Boardwalk Bowl. Spend the morning bowling, then the afternoon at the splash park.
So now you have four days out of seven planned. I figure you will get your bearings and stay around your hotel or vacation house on day one, and the same goes for day seven. So there is one more day to play!
Some suggestions – Gatorland (if you want to see the TRUE Florida). You will find a large splash park here, as well, along with many, many gators. Look on the internet for coupons. You can usually find buy one/get one free. Even if you don’t have coupons, though, you will spend $62.00 for a family of four if you purchase online.
If you are looking for indoor fun, try the Orlando Science Center. My kids love the place and they have IMAX films in addition to the exhibits. For little ones (3 – 6), there is a KidTown, an interactive play area designed to look like an actual town. The saddest day in my children’s lives was they day they were too big for KidTown. Again, look for deals on the ‘net but if you can’t find any, you will pay around $80.00 for a family of four.
