DISNEY PARKS
EPCOT
DISNEY ANIMAL KINGDOM
MAGIC KINGDOM
DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS
ORLANDO THEME PARKS
DISCOVERY COVE
UNIVERSAL ISLANDS OF
ADVENTURE
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
SEAWORLD
SEAWORLD DINING
WALT DISNEY WORLD HOTELS
ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE
POP CENTURY RESORT
WALT DISNEY WORLD
RESORT HOTELS
GREAT ORLANDO HOTELS
REUNION RESORT ORLANDO
ORLANDO PARK TICKETS
DISNEY WORLD
SEAWORLD
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
HOW TO FIND CHEAP DISNEY
TICKETS
DISNEY INFORMATION
DOWNTOWN DISNEY
BEST TIMES TO VISIT
DISNEY MONEY SAVING
TIPS
10 BEST FREE DISNEY
THINGS TO DO
SAVE MONEY AT DISNEY
ORLANDO
MORE ORLANDO ATTRACTIONS
SITEMAP
ORLANDO VACATION
RENTAL TIPS
EPCOT
DISNEY ANIMAL KINGDOM
MAGIC KINGDOM
DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS
ORLANDO THEME PARKS
DISCOVERY COVE
UNIVERSAL ISLANDS OF
ADVENTURE
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
SEAWORLD
SEAWORLD DINING
WALT DISNEY WORLD HOTELS
ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE
POP CENTURY RESORT
WALT DISNEY WORLD
RESORT HOTELS
GREAT ORLANDO HOTELS
REUNION RESORT ORLANDO
ORLANDO PARK TICKETS
DISNEY WORLD
SEAWORLD
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
HOW TO FIND CHEAP DISNEY
TICKETS
DISNEY INFORMATION
DOWNTOWN DISNEY
BEST TIMES TO VISIT
DISNEY MONEY SAVING
TIPS
10 BEST FREE DISNEY
THINGS TO DO
SAVE MONEY AT DISNEY
ORLANDO
MORE ORLANDO ATTRACTIONS
SITEMAP
ORLANDO VACATION
RENTAL TIPS
TOP TEN ORLANDO MONEY SAVING TIPS
ORLANDO INFO EVERYONE NEEDS
Top Ten Tips To Get The Most "Bang For Your Buck" On An
Orlando Vacation
With millions of Americans soon expecting a government tax
rebate ranging from $600 to $1,200 and beyond, now is the
time to plan a family vacation that puts the money to work. To
stretch the dollars further, the Orlando/Orange County
Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. (Orlando CVB) recently
introduced nearly 40 special values on accommodations and
attractions at VisitOrlando.com. In addition, the Orlando CVB
offers the following tips, to help families on a budget make the
most of their vacation:
1. Where to Stay – In Orlando, it isn't necessary to blow
the majority of your vacation budget on a nice and comfortable
place stay. Options abound ranging from budget
accommodations starting at around $50 per night to value
hotels at around $80 per night to vacation homes,
campgrounds and more. For example, a family of four can enjoy
four nights in a family suite at the Best Western on International
Drive for $79* a night, totaling $355.50 once tax is added,
leaving plenty of money for attractions and dining. For families
looking for more comforts of home, the new Point Orlando
Resort is offering a $129* per night rate and includes a fully
equipped kitchen, washer/dryer and continental breakfast daily.
For less than the amount a couple will receive for their
government tax rebate ($1200) a family can get a Walt Disney
World Resort vacation package that includes three nights at a
value hotel and theme park tickets. For value examples, go to
VisitOrlando.com.
2. Attractions – Enjoy the world-class attractions in
Orlando without breaking the bank. Buying tickets in advance
online, can save not only money, but time as well. For example,
the gate admission at Universal Orlando Resort for a 2-park
unlimited pass is $119.28. However, if purchased online in
advance of arrival the 2-park unlimited admission is only $85.95
and can be used for seven consecutive days. Visitors can also
save money by purchasing attraction tickets through the
Orlando CVB either online (orlandoticketsales.com) or at the
Official Visitors Center. Tickets range from the major theme
parks and dinner shows to airboat rides and more. It's also
important to note that for most area attractions, children under
3 are free.
3. Eating Out – Pay attention to three magic words, "Kids
Eat Free." Loews Hotels (Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel
and Royal Pacific Resort) offer a "Kids Eat Free" dining
program during Extra Value weeks (April 13 – June 4, Aug. 17 –
Oct. 2, 2008). With stays of three nights or longer, children
ages 3-9 can dine for free at select onsite hotel restaurants,
per paying adult. Other hotels with "Kids Eat Free" specials
include: Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn, Orlando
World Center Marriott Resort, The Hilton Orlando Resort, Royal
Plaza in the Walt Disney World Resort, Hyatt Regency Grand
Cypress Resort (as part of the "Summer Splash" program),
Sheraton Safari Hotel & Suites and many more. Other Orlando
area restaurants with "Kids Eat Free" programs include:
Andiamo Italian Bistro & Grill, Gator's Dockside, Giovanni's
Italian Restaurant, Lone Star Steak House and Roadhouse Grill.
4. Getting Around – Get a ride to major Orlando
attractions for only $1? It's a reality on the I-RIDE Trolley, where
a single fare is $1 and package deals are available for those
expecting heavier usage. Running daily from 8:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.,
the I-RIDE Trolley serves hundreds of destinations within the
International Drive Resort Area. If planning to navigate Walt
Disney World Resort, their transportation systems (monorails,
buses and boats) provide free door-to-door access to all four
theme parks, water parks, Downtown Disney and all 23 resorts.
For visitors to Downtown's arts, culture and dining scene, a free
bus circulator called LYMMO offers guests rides along a 3-mile
loop in the heart of Downtown Orlando.
5. Timing Your Trip. Don't Overlook April and May – With
Easter falling in late March and school schedules for Spring
Break falling near the holiday, April and May have become an
ideal time for a trip to Orlando. Not only will the crowds be
reduced and weather sunny and warm, but special values
blanket the destination. In addition, new must-see attractions
open just in time for April/May visitors: the new water park –
Aquatica by SeaWorld, The Simpsons attraction at Universal
Studios, Jungala at Busch Gardens Africa and "Playhouse
Disney-Live on Stage" at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
6. Freebies. (Yes, they do still exist.) – Keep the little ones
entertained without opening the wallet at the Lego Store at
Downtown Disney where anyone is free to stop by the brightly
colored bins just outside the store and make their own Lego
creation. At the Peabody Orlando hotel, twice a day visitors can
watch the March of the Peabody Ducks where the resident birds
walk a red carpet to and from the Royal Duck Fountain. Every
Monday morning from 9 a.m. – noon, admission is free to Harry
P. Leu Gardens, a 50-acre botanical park with the largest
camellia collection in eastern North America. The park also runs
a free story time program on the third Monday of every month
for young children.
7. Insider Secrets – If planning a theme park visit, staying
at a hotel on property has advantages. For example, guests at
Universal Orlando's three hotels enjoy free Universal Express
front-of-the-line access which means less waiting in line. Guests
at a Walt Disney World Resort can take advantage of Magic
Hours where each day one of the Disney Theme Parks opens
an hour early or stays open up to three hours after regular park
closing. Quench your thirst and take home a souvenir as most
Walt Disney World resort hotels offer length-of-stay refillable
drink mugs for $11.99, good for unlimited free refills of coffee,
soda, iced tea and hot chocolate. At SeaWorld Orlando, kids
can bring their own autograph book for Shamu & Crew
characters to sign from 9 a.m. to noon near the front gate.
8. Other Savings Tools – Save up to $500 with an
Orlando Preferred Visitor Magicard™, the year-round discount
card provided by the Orlando CVB. It is valid at 97 area
establishments including everything from attractions and
accommodations to restaurants and golf courses. Download the
card at orlandoinfo.com/magicard or order one by calling 1-800-
551-0181.
9. Research – Planning ahead can not only help
vacationers find the best deals, but ensure the most enjoyable
vacation for the entire family. For those planning on visiting
Walt Disney World Resort, free personalized maps are available
for each park, so that families can isolate the shows, attractions
and venues of the most interest. Maps are then mailed to their
home address in full-color versions. Each theme park also lists
height requirements for rides on their respective Web sites, so
checking ahead of time will help quell possible disappointments.
10. Packing to Save – A last-minute purchase or rental of
certain items out of necessity can add up quickly. Pack plenty of
sunscreen, rain ponchos, water bottles, band aids and even
consider bringing along waterproof disposable camera or a
stroller. Although many children once they reach a certain age
will resist at first, after a long day of walking, he or she may end
up begging to be pushed along.
For more information about vacation experiences in Orlando, to
order a complimentary vacation planning kit that includes a
comprehensive Official Vacation Guide and Orlando Preferred
Visitor Magicard™ or to purchase discount attraction tickets,
visitors can log onto Orlando's official Web site at VisitOrlando.
com or call an Official Travel Counselor at 1-800-551-0181
(United States and Canada) or 407-363-5872. While in
Orlando, visitors may stop by the Official Visitor Center located
at 8723 International Drive, at the southeast corner of
International Drive and Austrian Row. The Official Visitor Center
is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (closes at 4 p.m. on
Thanksgiving, Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 and is closed Dec. 25).
ORLANDO INFO EVERYONE NEEDS
Top Ten Tips To Get The Most "Bang For Your Buck" On An
Orlando Vacation
With millions of Americans soon expecting a government tax
rebate ranging from $600 to $1,200 and beyond, now is the
time to plan a family vacation that puts the money to work. To
stretch the dollars further, the Orlando/Orange County
Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. (Orlando CVB) recently
introduced nearly 40 special values on accommodations and
attractions at VisitOrlando.com. In addition, the Orlando CVB
offers the following tips, to help families on a budget make the
most of their vacation:
1. Where to Stay – In Orlando, it isn't necessary to blow
the majority of your vacation budget on a nice and comfortable
place stay. Options abound ranging from budget
accommodations starting at around $50 per night to value
hotels at around $80 per night to vacation homes,
campgrounds and more. For example, a family of four can enjoy
four nights in a family suite at the Best Western on International
Drive for $79* a night, totaling $355.50 once tax is added,
leaving plenty of money for attractions and dining. For families
looking for more comforts of home, the new Point Orlando
Resort is offering a $129* per night rate and includes a fully
equipped kitchen, washer/dryer and continental breakfast daily.
For less than the amount a couple will receive for their
government tax rebate ($1200) a family can get a Walt Disney
World Resort vacation package that includes three nights at a
value hotel and theme park tickets. For value examples, go to
VisitOrlando.com.
2. Attractions – Enjoy the world-class attractions in
Orlando without breaking the bank. Buying tickets in advance
online, can save not only money, but time as well. For example,
the gate admission at Universal Orlando Resort for a 2-park
unlimited pass is $119.28. However, if purchased online in
advance of arrival the 2-park unlimited admission is only $85.95
and can be used for seven consecutive days. Visitors can also
save money by purchasing attraction tickets through the
Orlando CVB either online (orlandoticketsales.com) or at the
Official Visitors Center. Tickets range from the major theme
parks and dinner shows to airboat rides and more. It's also
important to note that for most area attractions, children under
3 are free.
3. Eating Out – Pay attention to three magic words, "Kids
Eat Free." Loews Hotels (Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel
and Royal Pacific Resort) offer a "Kids Eat Free" dining
program during Extra Value weeks (April 13 – June 4, Aug. 17 –
Oct. 2, 2008). With stays of three nights or longer, children
ages 3-9 can dine for free at select onsite hotel restaurants,
per paying adult. Other hotels with "Kids Eat Free" specials
include: Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn, Orlando
World Center Marriott Resort, The Hilton Orlando Resort, Royal
Plaza in the Walt Disney World Resort, Hyatt Regency Grand
Cypress Resort (as part of the "Summer Splash" program),
Sheraton Safari Hotel & Suites and many more. Other Orlando
area restaurants with "Kids Eat Free" programs include:
Andiamo Italian Bistro & Grill, Gator's Dockside, Giovanni's
Italian Restaurant, Lone Star Steak House and Roadhouse Grill.
4. Getting Around – Get a ride to major Orlando
attractions for only $1? It's a reality on the I-RIDE Trolley, where
a single fare is $1 and package deals are available for those
expecting heavier usage. Running daily from 8:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.,
the I-RIDE Trolley serves hundreds of destinations within the
International Drive Resort Area. If planning to navigate Walt
Disney World Resort, their transportation systems (monorails,
buses and boats) provide free door-to-door access to all four
theme parks, water parks, Downtown Disney and all 23 resorts.
For visitors to Downtown's arts, culture and dining scene, a free
bus circulator called LYMMO offers guests rides along a 3-mile
loop in the heart of Downtown Orlando.
5. Timing Your Trip. Don't Overlook April and May – With
Easter falling in late March and school schedules for Spring
Break falling near the holiday, April and May have become an
ideal time for a trip to Orlando. Not only will the crowds be
reduced and weather sunny and warm, but special values
blanket the destination. In addition, new must-see attractions
open just in time for April/May visitors: the new water park –
Aquatica by SeaWorld, The Simpsons attraction at Universal
Studios, Jungala at Busch Gardens Africa and "Playhouse
Disney-Live on Stage" at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
6. Freebies. (Yes, they do still exist.) – Keep the little ones
entertained without opening the wallet at the Lego Store at
Downtown Disney where anyone is free to stop by the brightly
colored bins just outside the store and make their own Lego
creation. At the Peabody Orlando hotel, twice a day visitors can
watch the March of the Peabody Ducks where the resident birds
walk a red carpet to and from the Royal Duck Fountain. Every
Monday morning from 9 a.m. – noon, admission is free to Harry
P. Leu Gardens, a 50-acre botanical park with the largest
camellia collection in eastern North America. The park also runs
a free story time program on the third Monday of every month
for young children.
7. Insider Secrets – If planning a theme park visit, staying
at a hotel on property has advantages. For example, guests at
Universal Orlando's three hotels enjoy free Universal Express
front-of-the-line access which means less waiting in line. Guests
at a Walt Disney World Resort can take advantage of Magic
Hours where each day one of the Disney Theme Parks opens
an hour early or stays open up to three hours after regular park
closing. Quench your thirst and take home a souvenir as most
Walt Disney World resort hotels offer length-of-stay refillable
drink mugs for $11.99, good for unlimited free refills of coffee,
soda, iced tea and hot chocolate. At SeaWorld Orlando, kids
can bring their own autograph book for Shamu & Crew
characters to sign from 9 a.m. to noon near the front gate.
8. Other Savings Tools – Save up to $500 with an
Orlando Preferred Visitor Magicard™, the year-round discount
card provided by the Orlando CVB. It is valid at 97 area
establishments including everything from attractions and
accommodations to restaurants and golf courses. Download the
card at orlandoinfo.com/magicard or order one by calling 1-800-
551-0181.
9. Research – Planning ahead can not only help
vacationers find the best deals, but ensure the most enjoyable
vacation for the entire family. For those planning on visiting
Walt Disney World Resort, free personalized maps are available
for each park, so that families can isolate the shows, attractions
and venues of the most interest. Maps are then mailed to their
home address in full-color versions. Each theme park also lists
height requirements for rides on their respective Web sites, so
checking ahead of time will help quell possible disappointments.
10. Packing to Save – A last-minute purchase or rental of
certain items out of necessity can add up quickly. Pack plenty of
sunscreen, rain ponchos, water bottles, band aids and even
consider bringing along waterproof disposable camera or a
stroller. Although many children once they reach a certain age
will resist at first, after a long day of walking, he or she may end
up begging to be pushed along.
For more information about vacation experiences in Orlando, to
order a complimentary vacation planning kit that includes a
comprehensive Official Vacation Guide and Orlando Preferred
Visitor Magicard™ or to purchase discount attraction tickets,
visitors can log onto Orlando's official Web site at VisitOrlando.
com or call an Official Travel Counselor at 1-800-551-0181
(United States and Canada) or 407-363-5872. While in
Orlando, visitors may stop by the Official Visitor Center located
at 8723 International Drive, at the southeast corner of
International Drive and Austrian Row. The Official Visitor Center
is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (closes at 4 p.m. on
Thanksgiving, Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 and is closed Dec. 25).
WALT DISNEY WORLD VACATIONS
 | |  | |  | |  | |  |