Free/cheap stuff to do in Orlando

[skoeper]

Help! After 1 1/2 years of planning our family reunion in Orlando, we finally have a villa, plane tickets and half our bags packed BUT, wouldn't u know it? Grampy's company downsized and he is now without a job. We're still gonna have this reunion! BUT, what can we do once we get to Orlando that isn't expensive? The theme parks will really add up, as well as the dinner shows. We have 4 grandkids under the age of 5. Anyone have any suggestions that will make them (and everyone else in the family) happy and entertained that is CHEAP?

We did get a villa with a pool (whew) but you can only swim so much.

Thanks for any suggestions!

[Snapper]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by skoeper
We did get a villa with a pool (whew) but you can only swim so much.
[/quote]

Don't bank on it. Once the kids see the pool you'll have to use the pool net every night to get them out.

Kissimmee Old Town is a great place to walk around, and costs nothing unless you decide to buy something. You could also maybe head over to Celebration and try to spot the alligators in the lake. A day or two at the beach makes for a cheap day out, especially if you have a cold box and take a picnic. You have the choice of both the east and west coast beaches so why not give them both a twirl and see which one you like best? Keep you eye on the launch schedule for Kennedy. If you are lucky enough that there's a planned launch during your vacation there are some great places to view it that don't involve paying any admission charges.

[Magical Dreams]

Boggy Creek Airboats are quite inexpensive

Also try the many conservation parks in Orlando

The parks do soon add up, but if you buy multi day passes off this site, you will see just how far the buck can actually go!

Also Gatorland is quite inexpensive, well worth a visit!

No matter what you do, it will be an holiday to rememeber

[E. Cosgrove]

Downtown Disney is great, all of the Disney atmosphere without any of the costs[msnwink]

[Trina]

Don't forget to pick up all the freebie papers/brochure packs - they have money off vouchers in them for not only entrance tickets but for restaurants. They might only be for a few bucks - sometimes 10 but if there are a good few of you it is surprising how much you will save.[msnwink]

[LiesaAnna]

old town cruises on thursday and friday nights (have heard that friday nights to) but have only done the bike s on thurs, its free you can walk around and look at all the bikes! and then on saturday night go see the live band playing and watch the car shows and look at all the old cars! if you like that kind of thing, its free

[Jo]

Disney Boardwalk is nice to stroll around, shops restaurants and street entertainers and you can see some of the Epcaot fireworks from there too.[msnsmile2]

[Jill]

If you have children try the state parks http://www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/default.htm Each one is different and they are great for families. Entry is per car at approximately $5. Most have a BBQs you can use free of charge (take your own coal). We have always found lots of families having large get togethers and great times.

There is also spook hill which is free and always amusing. Here you can witness your car rolling up the hill http://historiclakewales.com/spookhill/

[steph_goodrum]

Sorry to hear Grampys news Shari, let's hope between us we can come up with enough suggestions to keep the cost down without missing out too much.

If any of the grandkids are under 3 then you wont have to pay for them at the theme parks, If you bought a one day ticket for Magic Kingdom, I'm sure they would all enjoy that rather than a multi day hopper.

Sea World usually sell a fun card for only a few dollars more than the cost of the one day ticket which allows unlimited admission till the end of the year, so you could make a few short trips rather than all day ones.

As suggested the state parks are very good value and great for taking picnics (you can buy extremely effieicient poly cool boxes in Publix/Walmart for around $5.

It tends to be things like snacks which work out more expensive than a decent meal so by keeping a supply of these and drinks handy in the car you can save quite a bit. If you freeze the drinnks that come in foil puches they make excellent ice blocks and when half thawed ar elike slushes which the children usually enjoy.

Depending on where your villa is located you can reach the beaches on the Gulf or Atlantic coasts in around and hour to an hour and a half.

On days, if you do visit the parks there are ways to save money, if you can't find the money saving tips on here we'll try and locate them. For instance with so many children of a young age, I wouldnt rent strollers but take your own for them to share as and when needed. Try to avoid taking the children into the shops too much as there is such a vast array that they may feel disappointed if they cant have everything they see, save it till the last day of the trip and give them a set amount is easiest.

If you go to Downtown Disney and get the resort launch to Port Orleans resort (free) if they ask if you are staying at the resort just tell them you are eating at the restaurant, it's quite a pleasant stroll from there to the French Quarter and you can pick the boat up there on the way back. It takes about half an hour each way and is a pleasant way to while away an hour or two.

Virtually all restaurants offer seniors discounts and, unless it is an all you can eat buffet they are quite happy to let you share meals if the children dont want a huge portion. The buffets are great value and the children usually enjoy being able to help themselves, Golden Corral is better value than the Ponderosa. If you go before 4 pm it is a few dollars per person cheaper than after 4 but with almost the same choices.

If the development where you are staying has communal facilities or an area to play then an assortment of outdoor games is a great way to spend an afternoon when there are a lot of you. You can check with the villa owner if any are provided but if not can pick up a pack with volleyball, badminton, basketball etc quite cheaply in Walmart.


If any more come to mind then we'll be sure to pass them on.

[Jules]

If you visit Celebration during the day don't forget to take swimsuits for the kids. There is an interactive fountain that the kids just love running in and out of that will keep them amused for a while. There are plenty of seats nearby for the older members of your party to keep an eye on the little ones. Like Steve says there's lots of wildlife in and around the lake as well as a lovely walking trail. We have seen alligators, turtles, lots of fish and birds including young eagles. If you go on a Sunday morning you could also visit the farmers market for added interest.