Orlando pulled in more than 75 million visitors last year which is pretty wild when you think about it. The city’s theme parks are legendary and there’s no shortage of things to do. But honestly, a lot of people leave with empty wallets and way too many regrets.
It happens fast. You show up excited. You want to do it all. But suddenly you’re $200 in on skip-the-line passes, $50 on character photos and you’re eating $18 hot dogs. Is it all worth it? Sometimes but not always.
This article will help you figure out where to spend smart and where to hold back a bit. Some things are worth the money while others really aren’t.
City Tours Are Often Just Bus Rides
City tours promise a guided experience. What they usually deliver is a long bus ride with short stops and one or two places which you could have visited on your own for free.
Skip them and instead:
- Rent a car or use a ride-share
- Walk around Winter Park and visit local cafés
- Spend time at Lake Eola where it’s calm and beautiful
This way, you’ll save money and get more out of your day.
Resort Packages Offer Real Value
Staying near the parks doesn’t have to break the bank. Some resorts offer bundled deals which actually save you money once you include parking, transport and amenities.
For example, Westgate’s Orlando vacation packages include access to pools, family activities, free shuttles, and even on-site dining. So if you want everything in one place without paying for every little thing, a package like this can be a good fit.
Just make sure to compare what’s included. Sometimes bundles are way better than booking everything separately.
Souvenir Shops Are Usually Not Worth It
There’s a souvenir shop on every corner and they all sell the same stuff. Most are loaded with cheap T-shirts, mugs, magnets and snow globes which look good until you get home and realize you overspent.
Here’s why these shops aren’t worth it:
- Prices are marked up with fake “discounts”
- Items are often of poor quality and mass-produced
- Many break or fade before your trip even ends
If you want souvenirs that matter, go for:
- Local artisan markets which sell handmade goods
- Park gift shops if you want official merch
- Clearance sections on your last park day
Or just skip them altogether and take photos. They’re free and last longer.
Buying Tickets at the Gate Will Cost You
A lot of folks still walk up and buy tickets at the entrance. Prices at the gate are usually higher and you get nothing extra for paying more.
Here’s a smarter approach:
- Buy tickets online from official sites or trusted resellers
- Use bundle offers with park-to-park access
- Look for discounts from reward programs or credit card perks
Also make sure to check crowd calendars. Off-peak days can save you time and money and you won’t need add-ons when the lines are short.
So skip the gate line and book ahead.
Parking Fees Pile Up Fast
Driving to the parks? Be prepared to pay. Most parking lots at major theme parks charge around $30 to $50 per day which adds up fast if you’re staying for a week.
Want to avoid paying parking fees?
- Book a hotel with free park shuttles
- Stay at resorts offering complimentary transport
- Use Uber or Lyft instead of daily parking
Some off-site lots offer discounts and shuttle service. Just check the reviews first.
Character Dining Isn’t Always a Good Deal
Having breakfast with Mickey sounds amazing and for kids it can be. But you’ll often pay $60 to $70 per adult for rushed service and food which really isn’t great.
Instead try this:
- Use the park schedule to find free character meet-and-greets
- Take your own photos during those sessions
- Spend your food budget on meals elsewhere
You’ll still get the character interaction. You’ll just spend less and probably enjoy your food more.
Food Outside the Parks Is Better and Cheaper
Food inside the parks is almost never cheap. A simple meal can cost you more than $15 and that adds up quickly over several days.
For better meals and better value:
- Visit local neighborhoods like Mills 50 or Winter Park
- Try food trucks for quick and delicious options
- Eat one main meal outside the park and snack inside
Snacks are allowed in most parks so bring a few and eat when you’re actually hungry. It makes a big difference.
“Skip-the-Line Passes” Can Be Overkill
Express passes seem smart when the park looks packed. But they can cost more than $100 per person and often aren’t needed unless you’re visiting at a very busy time.
Use them only if:
- You’re visiting during peak holidays or weekends
- You’ve checked the app and the lines are unbearable
- You’re really short on time
If that’s not the case, wait to see how your day goes. These passes can still be purchased later and you don’t need to commit upfront.
Attraction Add-Ons Aren’t Always Worth It
So many parks upsell you on extra perks like souvenir bottles, behind-the-scenes passes or mini arcade tokens. On their own, they may seem cheap. But by the end of the day, you’ve dropped an extra hundred bucks without realizing it.
To avoid this kind of spending:
- Decide in advance which extras matter
- Stick to one or two fun add-ons per day
- Talk to your kids about budgets before the day begins
It’s easy to spend more when everything feels like “just a few dollars” but having a plan really helps.
Orlando doesn’t have to drain your bank account. Sure it’s full of ways to spend money but not all of them are worth it. If you know where to save and where to splurge, you can enjoy more and stress way less.
Spend on what gives you value and cut out what doesn’t. Be flexible and plan a little. That’s really the secret to getting the most out of your Orlando trip.