lake eola park
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17 Budget-Friendly Things To Do In Orlando: You Can’t Miss!

Orlando, known as the Theme Park Capital of the World, attracts millions of visitors annually with renowned theme parks such as Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. From thrilling rides to delectable dining, Orlando is packed with endless fun for all ages!

But if you are planning a family trip to Orlando without draining your wallet, it might feel a bit overwhelming to choose the best destinations. Worry not! This is where Orlando99 comes in. In this blog, we will discuss the best budget-friendly things to do in Orlando.

From beautiful parks to local cultural experiences, this guide covers every affordable experience in Orlando that you can enjoy without missing out on fun! So, let’s get started!

Lake Eola Park

The Orlando Museum of Art

Location: 2416 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803, USA

Best For: Families

If you are an art lover, the Orlando Museum of Art is the place for you! Located at the beautiful Loch Haven Park, the Orlando Museum of Art features a rich cultural experience for everyone. It also offers a comprehensive art collection, including American art from the 18th century to the present, African art, contemporary art, and traveling exhibitions.

The best part? You can attend free events, cultural exhibitions, and more, making it an ideal event for art lovers and nature explorers alike!

Universal CityWalk

Location: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819

Best For: Families

Popularly known as the Epicenter of Awesome, Universal CityWalk, in Universal Orlando Resort, is a famous destination that features endless shopping, dining, and entertainment options. From watching movies at the Universal Cinemark to playing golf at Hollywood Drive-In Golf, Universal CityWalk is a perfect place to do it all!

The best part? You can even grab refreshing cocktails at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville or enjoy live music at Hard Rock Cafe. Whether you are planning a romantic date or coming with family, Universal CityWalk makes a great destination to hang out without spending a dime on entry tickets.

Universal's CityWalk Chocolate emporium

Lake Eola Park

Location: 400 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32801

Best For: Families

Unwind at the lush green Lake Eola Park! Located in Downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park is a 23-acre nature park with a 0.9-mile sidewalk around Lake Eola. Rated as the “Top 5 Best City Park” in the U.S. by USA Today’s 10best Readers’ Choice Awards, the park features various fun, family-friendly activities.

With a free entry, visitors can enjoy leisurely walks, rent swan paddle boat rides, click pictures, grab a local snack, and watch beautiful scenic lake views. From a family outing to a romantic date, Lake Eola Park makes a perfect picnic area for a budget-friendly outing!

Lake Eola Park

Disney Springs

Location: 1486 Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Best For: Families

Want to experience Disney magic without breaking the bank? Head to the bustling entertainment district, Disney Springs! A unique spot that features plenty of Disney-inspired attractions, shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

What makes it even more exciting? You can enjoy various activities, either on a budget or for completely free, making it an ideal place for visitors and locals alike!

Here are the top attractions that you can enjoy without going heavy on your pockets:

  • Amphicar & Water Taxi Viewing: Watch the unique Amphicar rides launch from The Boathouse or enjoy a free water taxi ride across the lake. Both experiences are fun, scenic, and completely free!
  • Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop: It offers a variety of desserts like hot fudge sundaes, hot chocolates, milkshakes, and ice cream cones, specially prepared by Ghirardelli’s famous chocolate.
  • World of Disney: One of the largest Disney stores in the world that offers an impressive collection of merchandise, souvenirs, and gifts, with many budget-friendly options available as well.

Disney Springs offers plenty of other attractions to explore, making it a great spot for families traveling on a budget.

World of DIsney

Orlando Science Center

Location: 777 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803, USA

Best For: Families

Calling out all the science lovers! Orlando Science Center is a science museum featuring interactive exhibits, live programs, special events, and theatres to watch educational movies. The best part? You can explore a variety of interactive areas like DinoDigs, DC Superheroes, KidsTown, and many more at a relatively low fee!

So, get ready to spend a great time with loved ones while enjoying delicious meals at the Loch Haven Park!

Orlando Science Center

The Orlando Eye

Location: 8449 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819

Best For: Families

Want to enjoy beautiful views of Orlando? Hop on the iconic Orlando Eye, a 400-foot Ferris wheel featuring a 20-minute ride that offers beautiful views of Orlando. Located at the Icon Park, International Drive, this thrilling ride is perfect to enjoy with family or friends while being affordable!

What makes it even more exciting? ICON Park also offers bike rides, unique attractions, dining options, and more, making it easy to spend a few hours without overspending. Also, ICON Park in Orlando, Florida, has free parking in a large garage that Florida residents say is rarely full.

The Orlando Eye

Madame Tussauds Orlando

Location: 8387 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819

Best For: Families

Madame Tussauds, located in Icon Park, on International Drive, is a world-renowned wax museum that features incredibly detailed and life-like wax figures of stars from movies, music, sports, and history. Get a chance to click pictures with either Marilyn Monroe or Martin Luther King Jr., making it an immersive place for everyone!

The entry ticket for this place is around $30, but the museum often has combo tickets with The Orlando Eye or SEA LIFE Aquarium, giving visitors a chance to enjoy and soak in the fun of multiple attractions at a discounted price.

Madame Tussauds

SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

Location: 8449 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819

Best For: Families

Dive into the underwater world at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, located in Icon Park on International Drive, where you can explore colorful coral reefs, walk through a 360-degree ocean tunnel, and catch a glimpse of fascinating sea creatures.

The admission fee to SEA Life Orlando Aquarium is $30, but if you plan on visiting Icon Park, try purchasing a combo ticket deal to save money!

Sea Life Orlando Aquarium

The Escape Game

Location: 8145 International Dr #511, Orlando, FL 32819

Best For: Families

For those who love puzzles and challenges, The Escape Game Orlando offers a thrilling and budget-friendly experience. Located on International Drive, The Escape Game offers seven themed rooms, each with a unique storyline and set of puzzles to solve.

From the Prison Break to the Playground, immerse yourself in different Escape Games with unlimited hints and make the most of your Orlando visit! So, if you are coming with family, add The Escape Game to your budget-friendly bucket list.

escape room in orlando florida

Gatorland

Location: 14501 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32837

Best For: Families

Gatorland, famously known as the “Alligator Capital of the World,” is a must-visit for anyone curious about Florida’s unique wildlife. You will get to see alligators, crocodiles, and live gator shows up close!

Beyond gators, the park also features a free-flight aviary, interactive exhibits, and the adrenaline-pumping Screamin’ Gator Zip Line. It’s an affordable way to experience Florida’s wild side in a fun and unforgettable setting.

Gatorland Orlando

Crayola Experience

Location: 8001 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32809

Best For: Families

Crayola Experience, at the Florida Mall, is an interactive attraction that’s perfect for families with younger children. At Crayola Experience, kids can immerse themselves in more than 20 hands-on activities like free art activities, designing digital art, creating crayons, and bringing their drawing creativity to life in a 4-D adventure!

The best part? The Crayola Experience kicks off at The Florida Mall, creating a unique experience while enjoying budget-friendly shopping.

crayola experience at florida mall

Fun Spot America

Location: 5700 Fun Spot Wy, Orlando, FL 32819

Best For: Families

Located on the famous International Drive, Fun Spot America is an amusement park that has something in store for everybody, at an affordable price, making it a perfect alternative to Orlando’s theme parks. It features thrilling rides, roller coasters, go-karts, a large arcade, and a splash pad for perfect family fun!

What makes it even better? Fun Spot America offers free admission, as you only have to pay for the rides that you want to experience, making it an immersive place for all ages.

Fun Spot America Orlando

Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

Location: 8201 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819

Best For: Families

Get ready to explore one-of-a-kind attractions! Ripley’s Believe It or Not is a museum packed with oddities from around the world, including rare animal skeletons, distinctive artifacts, and shrunken heads.

It also features interactive exhibits and optical illusions, making it a fun and quirky experience for all ages. Ideally located on International Drive, you can combine with other nearby attractions for a full day of budget-friendly fun!

ripley's believe it or not

WonderWorks

Location: 9067 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819

Best For: Families

WonderWorks is a 28,000 square foot amusement park offering 100+ interactive exhibits that blend education with entertainment. WonderWorks challenges visitors with exhibits like the hurricane simulator, virtual roller coaster, and laser tag arena.

The attraction also offers a ropes course, 4-D XD motion theater, and many more fun activities, making it an immersive experience for everyone!

wonderworks orlando

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

Location: 3755 W Seminole Blvd, Sanford, FL 32771

Best For: Families

Immerse yourself in the lush green scenic views of nature with the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Garden. Featuring Florida wildlife exhibits, interactive experiences, and a beautiful botanical garden, Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Garden makes a perfect spot for visitors and nature lovers alike!

You can watch 350 animals, enjoy a splash pad, and a zip line adventure. The best part? The zoo emphasizes conservation and education, providing a family-friendly atmosphere for exploring nature and connecting with diverse species.

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

Location: 445 N Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

Best For: Families

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art showcases some of the most spectacular and comprehensive collections of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, ranging from the artist’s jewelry, pottery, paintings, art, and much more.

The Museum of American Art features a wide range of programs and events, perfect for families and visitors, all for free of cost. So, make sure to check the official website for more information if you are an art lover and looking for a budget-friendly attraction!

Old Town Entertainment District

Location: 5770 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Suite 324, Kissimmee, FL 34746

Best For: Families

Get ready to experience some fun and thrill! Located in Kissimmee, Old Town is an 18-acre entertainment district offering unique attractions, dining, shopping, and plenty of entertainment options, all at an affordable cost!

What makes it even more exciting? You can enjoy free weekly events, car shows, and thrilling rides while enjoying evening walks on tree-lined brick streets. From savoring refreshing drinks at local bars to enjoying city views from the Ferris Wheel, Old Town is a must-visit for everyone.

Here are the top affordable rides and games that you can enjoy at the Old Town:

  • The Great Magic Hall: Immerse yourself in the music hall, The Great Magic Hall, and enjoy art, music, and magical shows, making it a memorable experience for kids and adults alike!
  • Old Town Ferris Wheel: Get ready to soar up to 85 feet high with The Old Town Ferris Wheel! Enjoy a perfect family-friendly ride while watching the picturesque views of Florida City!
  • Arcade Games: Coming with kids? Arcade Games is for you! A fun game area where you can play various games like Skee-Ball and win exciting prizes like candy, dolls, racecars, and more!

With so much to explore, Old Town makes it a perfect option for budget travelers to have fun and free afternoon.

Sunset Walk

Tips for Saving Money on Orlando Attractions

Traveling on a budget? Keep these smart tips in mind to make the most of your Orlando adventure without overspending:

  • Book an Affordable Accommodation: Looking for a budget-friendly yet comfortable place to stay? Consider Westgate Town Center Resort, just minutes from Orlando’s top attractions! Enjoy family-friendly amenities, an on-site water park, and world-class service. How to book? Grab the Orlando99 deal offering a 4-day & 3-night stay starting at just $99!
  • Purchase Combo Tickets: Many attractions offer combo tickets that allow you to visit multiple sites at a discounted price.
  • Look for Coupons: Check online, in local tourism guides, or at your hotel for coupons that can save you money on admission.
  • Visit During Off-Peak Times: Some attractions offer discounts during weekdays or off-peak hours, so plan your visit accordingly.
  • Buy Tickets in Advance: Purchasing tickets online in advance often comes with a discount compared to buying at the gate.
  • Consider Annual Passes: Consider getting an annual pass, as it might offer the best value, especially for attractions like the Orlando Science Center or Gatorland.

Conclusion

Orlando offers much more than just theme parks; it’s a treasure trove of budget-friendly experiences. Explore the scenic Orlando Urban Trail or rent West Orange Trail bikes for a refreshing outdoor adventure.

Stroll through a peaceful butterfly garden or discover hidden gems across Central Florida’s vibrant neighborhoods, all without spending a fortune. Whether you are a visitor or a local, these affordable attractions ensure you can enjoy the magic of Orlando while keeping your wallet happy.

Book Your Vacation With Orlando99

Book a vacation package for your next Orlando vacation with Orlando99! With 3-night deals starting at just $99, you will save big while enjoying amenities like swimming pools, hot tubs, a fitness center with tennis and basketball courts, an on-property water park, and many more!

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