Orlando's reign as a global tourist destination has a first and last name: theme parks. And although tourism authorities are trying to attract visitors for reasons other than just resting in the parks, the reality is that the majority of the millions of tourists who arrive are looking for the magic, the fantasy and the fun that represent these parks. But the other reality is how expensive they are (increasingly). Therefore, many, especially family groups, are looking for ways to combine it with other activities without losing the magic but without spending a fortune. If you're visiting the city these days, here are some free options that are at least much cheaper than a parking ticket. Rates this season are up to $189 plus tax per person per day (Magic Kingdom).
From a jump to Miami on the Brightline train
Although the train has been criticized for the ticket cost, which averages about $79 per person in the Smart or Economy category, there are deals available starting December 31 and for the entire month of January. Between December 31st and January 1st, fares start at $39 per adult and one child free, and from December 2nd they start at $49 per adult, with one child free per adult on many dates. You can go to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach and spend a full day enjoying the destination if you don't want to stay for several days, for less than $100 per adult, round trip.
Like in the parks, but without entering them
Disney Springs at Christmas. (Included)Disney Springs There are dozens of shops, restaurants, some themed and most importantly, lots of entertainment and beautiful decorations this season. There are cinemas there and there is Cirque du Soleil. Parking is free and even from there you can take the buses (free) to the Disney hotels, which are beautiful with their chocolate figurines and huge trees.
City walk It is the entertainment district of Universal Orlando Resort, where you can also spend an afternoon or evening with the feeling of the Universal Parks without having to enter them. There are also cinemas, a fun escape room, mini golf and bars and nightclubs for party-lovers. CityWalk charges a fee for parking, but it is free after 6 p.m.
At both, you can spend an entire afternoon shopping for themed items, enjoying live music and eating to suit your budget, with something to suit every taste and budget.
Orlando icon
Located in the International Drive (I-Drive) tourist area, this entertainment complex has more than a dozen attractions. Among the most notable The wheel, the big wheel of Orlando, for $29.99, or you can do it in combination with other popular attractions, like the Museum of Illusions, for $37.95 per person. It is another ideal place to spend a few hours visiting, among others, the Madame Tussauds Museum or the Sea Life Aquarium. There are several restaurants and there are numerous attractions to visit on I-Drive itself, including mini golf, all at very reasonable prices.
Ice!
This Christmas classic, themed this year “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” is an exhibition of characters created with tons of ice by Chinese artisans who visit Orlando exclusively for Ice! Offered at the Gaylord Palms Hotel near the Disney entrance, there are other fun activities available at an additional cost to the regular ticket, which starts at $23.99. They are offered until January 3rd.
Dazzling nights in Orlando at Leu Gardens
The Leu Gardens are like a green lung in the middle of the city of Orlando and at Christmas they offer a spectacular nighttime display of lights and decorations among the thousands of trees. This activity is included in the price of admission to the Gardens and starts at $15 but varies by date and runs through January 7th. You will love it, especially if you are a flower lover.
The “Snowfall” and the charm of Celebration
Celebration in the city center. (Included)One of the most popular activities that is attracting more and more visitors is walking around the small town Celebration, “the city imagined by Disney.” Its “town center” is decorated with a huge tree and there is also an ice skating rink (the latter at an additional cost), carriage rides and Santa Claus. But where it's celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, snow falls every night, creating a colorful and free visual spectacle for all to enjoy. If you go there, take a tour of the residential area, which features the most beautifully decorated and award-winning homes in the entire area. This visit is free and you can park on the street, which is also free. Celebration has restaurants, ice cream parlors and small shops worth visiting. The activities last until December 31st.
Other activities
Orlando has nearby small towns that can be visited during the season. Between them, Winter park, in the center of the city, Mt. Doura, about half an hour away, and Winter Gardens, which is not only a growing residential area but is also always popular with local tourists. It is a pleasure to visit them, in all of them there are museums, restaurants and the opportunity to spend quality time with the family without spending a lot of money.
The Nights of Lights illuminate the Plaza de la Constitución in St. Augustine, Florida with a display of approximately three million lights (included)A classic visit is the beautiful town of San Agustín, less than two hours from Orlando, but you should plan at least a full day as it has many attractions and at night its famous Christmas lights that last until the early hours of the morning in late January. Please note that prices shown here may vary and that to get from one place to another in Orlando you will need a rental car or use Uber or taxis.