Written on behalf of Ocean holidays 2013.
Visiting Orlando doesn’t have to cost the earth, despite it being home to Florida’s major theme parks and attractions. Whether you are looking for budget-friendly ideas to fill the days in between visiting Disneyworld or are hoping to avoid it altogether, here are a few free suggestions to eke out the dollars in 2013.
For the kids
At the LEGO store located in Downtown Disney you are encouraged to get creative for free. You can spend a good few hours here building whatever takes your fancy in every colour, shape and size of LEGO you can get your hands on. This indulgence is completely free unless your kids manage to persuade you to buy them some LEGO. Over to you…
Your kids will love this free show. The Peabody Orlando hotel has 5 resident ducks that live in a penthouse on the 4th floor. During the day they like nothing more than to bob around in the hotel’s marble fountain. You can watch them disembark from the elevator in the morning and waddle through the foyer to the musical accompaniment of The Cotton March. Don’t worry if you miss the morning show as they march back through in the afternoon too.
For the whole family
Free evening entertainment can be enjoyed on Disney’s Boardwalk. Whilst you take a stroll you will be treated to street musicians and lively instrumentalists.
Keep it cheap with a picnic lunch at Lake Eola Park. This beautiful park complete with palm trees and fountain spans 43 acres, so there’s plenty of room for the kids to have a run around. You can kick back, have a leisurely lunch and take a swan boat ride whilst enjoying the Florida sunshine. If there are any leftovers, the park’s resident swans will be happy to take them off your hands. Look out for free concerts at the open-air amphitheatre.
For the grown ups
Get to see the real Orlando by visiting its Downtown District. Have a wander along Church Street and the surrounding neighbourhoods such as Lake Eola Heights and Thornton Park to take in Orlando’s oldest houses and oak trees. You’ll also come across Lake Eola on your travels. Church Street is the hub of Orlando’s nightlife, so you’ll need a strong will not to be drawn into its trendy bars. And rather than hiring a car, getting around downtown is easier on a scooter rental.
If you’re a fan of churches, don’t miss the extravagantly decorated Catholic Church that has become quite an attraction in Orlando. Visiting Catholics come to see its Mary, Queen of the Universe Shrine and have upped its popularity over the years.
This next suggestion definitely involves the need for will power. If you love to browse the shops and are controlled enough not to buy everything in sight, head to Little Brazil, Little Saigon and Little India. These areas are full of shops, restaurants and bakeries offering the flavours of their countries. We didn’t say it would be easy visiting Oralndo on a budget!
If you’re torn between visiting Orlando and another great American holiday destination, have a look at Ocean Florida’s twin centre holidays or cruise and stay holidays. That way you can enjoy more than one destination or a cruise incorporating a visit to Orlando on your 2013 holidays.
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