How to Plan an Orlando Staycation

How do you plan a Staycation in Orlando?

Orlando can be an amazing location for tourists and locals. People literally travel from all over the world to visit the numerous Orlando attractions. One hidden secret is that there are so many other resources for mini vacation spots with your family that are budget-friendly, especially if you’re looking for something away from the main Orlando theme parks.  

Planning a Staycation as a local can be just as much fun to find those hidden gems we forget to visit.

Image Source Wikipedia

If you don’t live in Orlando come back tomorrow for a list of staycation ideas for over 60 cities!  

Click here for 60+ Cities Staycations

Planning a Staycation in Orlando

Here are some of my favorite spots for a perfect little getaway this summer with your kids in Orlando!

Hotel Adventure in Orlando

After living in Orlando for nearly 30 years we are always trying to find new things to do. One of my biggest tips is to book a hotel for your staycation, there are SO many to choose from in Orlando! It’s a memory your kids will never forget. Even if that’s all you do.

Here’s our experience at Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort and Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort.

TIP: Find a hotel with an amazing pool that includes a yummy free breakfast & free cocktail reception hours. So much more bang for your dollar!

Orlando Overview Image Source Wikipedia

Indoor Fun in Orlando

• Orlando Science Center
• Medieval Times
• Orlando Museum of Art
• Orange County Regional History Museum
• Free Summer Movies 
• Free Summer Bowling 
• Crayola Experience 
• Monkey Joes 

Outdoor fun In Orlando

• Central Florida Zoo
• Kennedy Space Center {had to include, worth the travel}
• Leu Gardens
• Lake Eola Park
• St. Johns River Cruise
• Rocks Springs  …horseback riding
• Fun Spot Entertainment Center
• Miniature Golf…anywhere is fun!
• Check out a Playground new to you or Orlando Park for an adventure too!
• Have you looked at the most current Events at local Orlando Venues?

Discovering Springs and Rivers In Orlando image source Wikipedia 

Water Fun in Orlando 

• Splash Pads in Orlando  There are tons of local Splash Pads in Orlando  Barnett Park, Shady Park, Downtown Disney, Dr. P. Phillips Community Park, Capehart Park, Downey Park Splash Playground, Fort Mellon Park
• Springs near Orlando There are some amazing Spring Located in Central Florida including Blue Springs, Rocks Springs in Kelly Park, You can even Book a Canoe Ride on Wekiva Springs.
• Uptown in Altamonte Springs Crane’s Roost Lake is a beautiful location for families to visit, picnic, stroll around the lake which includes quite a few bridges.  Plus enjoy a Fountain with a Laser light show each evening at 7, 8 & 9 pm
•  Scenic Boat Tour in Mt Dora if you’re up for a little adventure.
• BEACH  AND most importantly… you have to drive to the beach!  EAST or WEST it’s less than two hours away. One of our favorite spots have been the Splash Pad at Daytona Beach and Honeymoon Island on the Gulf Coast.

Uptown Altamonte Springs at Crane’s Roost Lake  image Source wikipedia

Shopping Fun in Orlando

• Outlet Malls in Orlando  Premium Outlet Malls have a few locations. We love the life-sized chess game and playground at the Vineland location. The International Drive location has a stream and little area with activities for kids.
• Point Orlando Point Orlando is a favorite culinary spot with a few kid friendly options. Monkey Joe’s is an indoor spot for kids to jump around, literally!  There’s a Movie Theater too. Take some time to at least drive by Wonderworks, your kids will love it!

Downtown Disney image source wikipedia

Theme Parks in Orlando

If you’re still looking for a bit of the Theme Park Magic without the Ticket Price here are a few tips from a local who’s entertained quite a few out of town guests with these plans!

• Disney World Let’s start with one of the Most Known Attractions in Orlando Disney World ! There are many options to purchase tickets for…. Magic Kingdom , Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon  If you can go for the ticket price do it while they kids are still little they’ll love it! The Florida Residents’ Pass is the best ticket option when they are available.
• Disney Springs Did you know that for minimal cost or for FREE you can visit Downtown Disney?  Located on Disney property it’s our go-to spot when we want to sneak in a little Disney Magic without having to go to the theme parks. Disney Springs, formerly known as Downtown Disney has many options for Kids to do! Featured locations are Lego Store, T-Rex Restaurant and Fossil Dig, Rainforest Cafe, Bippidi Bobbidi Boutique, Boat Ride, Train Ride, Photo Opp with Disney Statues, Little Splash Pad for Kids, Carousal, Tons of Restaurants, Bowling, Movie Theater, Balloon Ride and MORE!!!
• Disney Boardwalk Did you know you can visit Disney’s Boardwalk for free too? You can catch a glimpse of Epcot’s fireworks in the evening too.
• Universal Studios Universal Studios and Island of Adventure are a big hit with family. I have a little local secret if you head to City Walk for an evening getaway it can be tons of fun. Don’t forget to sneak in a little boat ride with the kids. They have quite a few restaurants, a movie theater and sometimes there is street music. Wet ‘N’ Wild can be an entire day and night of fun too!
• Sea World  Sea World, Aquatica , Discovery Cove Year after year Sea World is just about the only park that we just simply can’t not visit which is why it’s the one pass we always have. With younger children it’s nice to not have to be rushed and fit into lines. There are so many little spots to simply sit and observe the marine life. Plus as your kids get older there are some fun rides and a splash park for them too.
• Legoland 

Budget Friendly Ideas for Vacations in Orlando

Living in Central Florida with Kids can be such a treasure to our families. At times I forget how lucky we are to have all of these amazing attractions in our backyard! Giving ourselves a break from some of them is important to make those trips extra special when we do go.

Plus there are times when our budget needs to take things a bit more local. Take the chance to explore a few more options this summer.

A big thank to Savings Lifestyle and The Happy Housewife for hosting this Staycation Series. With a city as large as Orlando, I know there is a lot more that could have been included. So, if you’re favorite Orlando area spot is missing, please tell us about it in the comments below!

You may enjoy these travel destinations with your family…