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Planning a trip to Orlando but want the best value for your money? Check out Hotala’s travel guide. From accommodations, and all-access activities to reasonable dining options, we’ve got you covered on your quest to explore Orlando’s hidden gems.
With the new season just around the corner, everyone’s booking their tours to go around one of the hottest destinations in the world — Orlando.
Of course, most itineraries might involve expensive theme parks, while some travelers miss out on hidden gems that are practical yet enjoyable at the same time. While there’s nothing wrong in visiting the more mainstream spots, we want to bring you the best of Orlando without breaking the bank. This hot destination is home to a variety of must-see attractions that won’t cost you a fortune!
Our travel guide is designed to help you discover these attractions near Orlando, Florida on a budget. Because we believe that traveling while getting the best value for your money doesn’t mean sacrificing quality.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to explore Orlando’s must-see attractions with Hotala!
Get Around Orlando with Ease
Getting around Orlando can be daunting, especially if you’re new and unfamiliar with the city. Fortunately, there are several transportation options available to make your travels a breeze.
To ensure that your Orlando adventure is a stress-free experience, here are some transportation options.
- Rental Cars: Orlando is easily accessible by car, and plenty of rental car companies are located at the airport and throughout the city.
- Public Transportation: the Lynx bus system serves the Orlando area and offers affordable fares. Lynx also operates a shuttle service to and from the airport for tourist convenience.
- SunRail: another affordable option is this commuter rail system that serves the Orlando area.
- Rideshare Services: Uber and Lyft are popular rideshare services that vastly operate in the Orlando area.
- Bike Share: Orlando also features a bike share program called Juice Bike Share that offers hourly, daily and monthly rentals.
- Taxis: traditional cabs are available throughout the Orlando area, but can be more expensive than other transportation options.
- Shuttle Services: some attractions in Orlando offer free shuttle services to and from certain hotels, accommodations, and recreational establishments.
- Walking: for some who might want to exercise, many attractions in Orlando are located within walking distance of each other, especially in the downtown area.
So, if you’re sticking to a tight budget, then we recommend using public transportation and walking. Not only does it cost a lot less, but you can immerse yourself like a local and take in the beautiful scenery along the way.
On the other hand, if comfort is non-negotiable, try ridesharing where you can use discount codes or take advantage of promotions to help you save money while on holiday!
Orlando’s Hidden Gems On A Budget
As mentioned earlier, exploring Orlando’s hidden gems doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Luckily, there are plenty of free and low-cost activities to enjoy all over the city.
Here’s a list of our recommendations, whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo:
- Lake Eola Park: a beautiful park in the heart of downtown Orlando that offers a scenic walking path, picnic areas, and a playground.
- Harry P. Leu Gardens: a 50-acre botanical garden that offers free admission on the first Monday of every month and discounted admission on other days.
- Orlando Museum of Art: a museum that showcases a variety of contemporary art and offers free admission on the first Thursday of every month.
- Cornell Fine Arts Museum: a museum located on the Rollins College campus that features a collection of European and American art, and offers free admission all year round.
- Disney Springs: a shopping and entertainment district at Walt Disney World that offers free admission and parking, and features a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
- Universal CityWalk: a similar shopping and entertainment district at Universal Orlando that offers free admission and features a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
- International Drive: a popular tourist district that features several attractions in Orlando, including the ICON Orlando observation wheel, Madame Tussauds wax museum, and the SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium.
- Winter Park Farmer’s Market: a weekly farmer’s market that takes place every Saturday in Winter Park and features local vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal products, and more.
- The Orlando Eye: a 400-foot observation wheel located on International Drive that offers stunning views of the city.
- The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art: a museum that features a collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, including glass, jewelry, and pottery.
Orlando is home to several free or low-cost events that take place throughout the year, such as outdoor concerts and festivals. The annual Florida Film Festival and the Orlando Fringe Festival are just a few of the events that attract visitors from all over the world.
Savor Orlando’s Local Flavors: Affordable Dining Options
Orlando’s culinary scene, while plenty of sumptuous offerings, still shouldn’t have to break the bank. Good thing there are several affordable dining favorites that offer great value for money, whether you’re craving delicious street food or locally sourced produce.
- Food Trucks: Orlando is home to a variety of food trucks that offer delicious and affordable cuisine. Some popular food truck parks you should visit include The Daily City Food Truck Bazaar and Tasty Takeover.
- Local Markets: the Orlando area features several local markets, including the Winter Park Farmer’s Market and the Audubon Park Community Market. These markets offer fresh produce, artisanal products, and more.
- Hawkers Asian Street Fare: a restaurant that offers Asian-inspired street food at an affordable price. Hawkers have several locations throughout the Orlando area.
- Black Bean Deli: a Cuban restaurant that offers delicious and affordable sandwiches, empanadas, and more.
- 4 Rivers Smokehouse: a barbecue restaurant that offers affordable prices and delicious meats. 4 Rivers has several locations throughout the Orlando area.
- Gideon’s Bakehouse: a bakery that offers a variety of delicious cookies, cakes, and pastries for those with a sweet tooth looking for affordable treats.
- ICON Park: a popular entertainment district that features several affordable dining options, including Shake Shack and Tin Roof Orlando.
- Disney Springs: a shopping and entertainment district at Walt Disney World that features several affordable dining options, including Blaze Pizza and The Polite Pig.
- Universal CityWalk: a similar shopping and entertainment district at Universal Orlando that features several affordable dining options, including Bread Box Handcrafted Sandwiches and Voodoo Doughnut.
- Old Town Kissimmee: a shopping and entertainment district that features several affordable plates, including Breezeway Cafe and The Italian Job.
To save money on dining, we recommend ordering water instead of soda or other sweetened drinks. If you can, share larger entrees with your travel companions. Many restaurants offer large portion sizes that are perfect for sharing, and skipping carbonated drinks can save you a few dollars per meal.
Chic and Best Value for Money: Hotels and Comfy Stays
Of course, choosing the right accommodation is an essential part of any travel experience. We, at Hotala, offer a range of properties that cater to different neighborhoods, budgets and preferences.
Here are some of the accommodation options available in Orlando:
- Hotels: Orlando features a variety of hotels, from value-for-money options to luxury resorts. Some popular hotel brands in the area include Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt.
- Vacation Rentals: vacation rentals are other popular and worthy options for families and large groups visiting the city. Orlando has many rental options, including apartments, condos, and homes you can check out via our site as well.
- Hostels: hostels are a cost-efficient option for travelers who don’t mind sharing a room with other travelers. Some popular hostels in Orlando include the Orlando Hostel and the Samesun Hostel.
- Resorts: Orlando is known for its luxury resorts, many of which are located at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. These resorts offer amenities such as pools, spas, and on-site dining options.
- Bed and Breakfasts: there are several bed and breakfasts located throughout the Orlando area, offering a more personalized and cozy lodging experience.
- Camping/RV Parks: for the adventurous traveler, there are several camping and RV parks located in the Orlando area. These parks offer the best value for your money when it comes to alternative accommodations and it’s another unique way to experience the city.
These are just a few of the many accommodation options available in Orlando.
Our listed accommodations at Hotala are known for their comfortable rooms and convenient locations. We also offer amenities such as free Wi-Fi and on-site dining options to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
To save money on accommodation, we recommend booking in advance or looking for last-minute deals. Many hotels offer discounts for advanced bookings, while the best last-minute deals can be usually found on our website.
Additionally, signing up for our newsletter or following us on social media can give you access to exclusive promotions, discounts, and tips for a stress-free holiday in Orlando!
Visit Orlando, Stay With Hotala
We hope that our travel guide has inspired you to discover Orlando’s must-see attractions and hidden gems on a budget.
From affordable dining options to alternative accommodation options, these tips and recommendations will make your trip to Orlando a memorable one without putting a dent on your wallet.
As a reminder, some of the key takeaways from our travel guide include using discount codes or taking advantage of free shuttle services to save money on transportation. It also advises you to explore the many free and low-cost activities in the city including local parks and museums, as well as consider alternative accommodation options like vacation rentals or hostels.
We believe that traveling should be accessible to everyone, and that’s why we offer cost-efficient accommodation options in convenient locations throughout Orlando.
When you book with Hotala, you can enjoy comfortable rooms, on-site amenities, and access to exclusive promotions and discounts.Plus, you can even get access to the hottest deals in hot destinations. Subscribe to The Hot List, and find out more.
So what are you waiting for?
Plan now and start exploring Orlando’s hidden gems with Hotala.
TLDR
Hotala’s travel guide to Orlando offers a comprehensive plan for exploring the city on a budget. The guide details cost-effective transportation options, from public buses to bike shares and discount ridesharing. It recommends affordable attractions that include free or low-cost parks, museums, entertainment districts, and local markets. The guide also lists numerous affordable dining options, from food trucks and local markets to budget-friendly restaurants and entertainment districts. For accommodations, Hotala offers a range of options from hotels, vacation rentals, hostels, and even camping parks. The key takeaways for a budget-friendly trip include using discount codes or free shuttles, exploring low-cost activities, and considering cost-efficient accommodations. Booking with Hotala gives access to comfortable rooms, on-site amenities, and exclusive promotions and discounts.
