We're going to Orlando, Florida! Advice please!

This Thursday morning my Fiancee and I will be leaving for Orlando, Florida for nine days.  We are going for a family wedding on Sunday, and staying through the next week to make a vacation out of it.  If you have been there or are from the area, any advice that you can offer us in terms of how to save money, what is worth spending some money on, and must see/take a pass things to do, would be very appreciated.

Our itinerary at this point is pretty straightforward.  We're getting in on Thursday and staying at one of the Disney property hotels through Tuesday.  During that time we will be getting a two day park hopper to hit all of the Disney parks.  We will also have wedding stuff during that time.  On Tuesday, we will be heading over to the Hilton Grand Vacation Club closer to Universal Studios.  We got a great deal, and will be staying there until Saturday morning.  We plan on spending a day or two at Universal Studios and the wild animal park.

We plan to go to the Kennedy Space Center at some point as well.  We are only planning on renting a car for that one day.  In a tribute to Rachael Ray, we will attempt to operate on a $50 a day budget for food.  Believe me we'll be spending enough on park passes that we'll need to find ways to save on food.

So, any great hidden gems?  Hole in the wall places?  Anything we should pass on?

Comments

[D]

We don't take a lot of vacations, but to Orlando we did go. Out of all the things we did going to the Slueths Mystery Dinner Theater was the best!!

Schedule online and use the discounts. There is also 1 ride on the main drag, where they have an outdoor mall, I wish I could remember.....They have a ride, worth your time and money (it does cost). It's called the G-Force (the sling shot looked fun too).

Then one more thing we enjoyed was the minature golf through mountains (pretend). It was tricky and fun.

Have a safe trip.

[HC]

I haven't been to WDW since my senior year of college, so take this with grains of salt.

We had a lot of fun going to Pleasure Island one night. $20 for six or eight clubs is really not that bad a deal.

I went to Universal Studios even longer ago than that. The only things I really remember are the Hard Rock shaped like a guitar and the Hitchcock showcase (which Wikipedia informs me was replaced by Shrek 4-D).

[Michael]

Save money at Disney and Universal by packing some waters/drinks/snacks to take with you. Those add up super fact at 5-7 bucks a pop. Also, its probably not a bad idea to head to the grocery store when you get there to buy drinks and things for breakfast, in the event that you have a fridge in your room.

The one ride at Disney that I wouldn't miss would be Soaring at Epcot. If you're staying in a Disney property, you also get extended hours at the parks after all of the other schlubs leave. Be sure to take advantage of that.

Have fun.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

I don't know if $50 a day for two people is reasonable. It'll be really hard. Anywhere pretty much traveling for $50/day for 2 people is tough. Unless you really like fast food, what are you going to do not tip the waiter?

That being said I usually pack a lot of snacks and soda. But it's not as easy anymore because a lot of parks do not allow drinks in I think.

[Bobby]

Orlando resident here. Some things to keep in mind most people don't realize.

1. We have lots of toll roads. So either plan on carrying a bunch of change or get a map and use local roads. Local roads will take more time but should allow you to get closer to $50/day.
2. If you haven't been, Sea World is actually very enjoyable and comparatively inexpensive. You may be theme-parked out though based on what you referenced in your post.
3. Other tidbit for those who may come during March: spring training is here if you are a baseball fan. You can see big-name & up-and-coming players relatively cheaply.

Hope you enjoy your time.

[bluntmoney]

My advice is to stay someplace that has a hot tub. Your feet will thank you after all the walking you're likely to do.

[JT]

Another Orlando resident here.
Anything you purchase to eat in the Disney area is going to be expensive. If you would like a break from the typical tourist thing, try walking around Winter Park, on Fairbanks Ave. Lots of great restaurants and shopping outside. There is also the Winter Park Boat Tour that takes you through the scenic and historical areas of Winter Park. It's a little secrete that is inexpensive and fun. If you want to go for an inexpensive burger and cheap beer there is also the Ale House which is located on Kirkman Rd across from Universal. There is also one near Disney.
I believe Universal is also having their Marti Gras celebration, so there will be some fun concerts in the evening.
Have a great time!

[lamoneyguy]

Awesome! Thanks for the advice everyone. The "bring your own snacks" advice is so critical. This was an important reminder. We will probably bring some stuff from home, but I hope we are able to find a store in Orlando where we can get things like breakfast foods.

[Cheryl]

There is a "Goodings" grocery right off the interstate (I-4) by the Disney exits, you can stock up on your snacks/bottled water/bread/lunchmeat. They will let you bring backpacks or softside coolers into the parks, so just pack your food and your good to go! At Disney hotel, ask for a fridge in room, it's an xtra $10 - but worth the savings in your meals! Also, at WDW resort hotel, buy the "hotel travel mug" at the food court restaurant if you are a coffee/soda drinker....free refills the entire stay, which is always worth the $5 cost! Check online for any coupons & discounts for the local places, and grab one of the travel guides at the airport when you arrive, lots of coupons! When you go to Kennedy, stop at my Mom's house in Cocoa Beach - she'll feed you, tell her I sent you!! HA HA!

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