An Orlando vacation does not have to drain your savings account. While the theme parks get most of the attention (and most of your budget), the greater Orlando and Kissimmee area is packed with affordable and even free experiences that many visitors overlook entirely. Whether you are a family on a tight budget, a couple looking for value, or a solo traveler stretching every dollar, this guide will show you exactly how to save money on your Orlando trip while still having an incredible time.
Why Kissimmee Is the Budget Traveler's Best Friend
Most visitors fly into Orlando and head straight for the theme parks, but savvy travelers know that Kissimmee is where the real value lives. Located just minutes from Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld, Kissimmee offers significantly lower prices on hotels, dining, and entertainment. Highway 192 (Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway) is the main corridor for budget-friendly accommodations and attractions, and it is where you will find some of the best deals in the entire Central Florida area.
Staying in Kissimmee instead of on-property at Disney can save you anywhere from $100 to $300 per night on lodging alone. Multiply that across a week-long vacation, and you are looking at savings of $700 to $2,100 before you even start planning your daily activities.
Free and Cheap Things to Do in Orlando
One of the biggest secrets to a budget Orlando trip is filling your non-park days with affordable activities. Here are some of the best options that cost little or nothing at all:
- Visitors Flea Market — Free admission to browse 225+ vendor booths in a 50,000 sq ft air-conditioned building
- Lake Toho Lakefront Park — Free waterfront park in downtown Kissimmee with playgrounds and walking paths
- Old Town Kissimmee — Free to walk around, with weekly classic car shows
- Disney Springs — Free admission with shopping, dining, and entertainment
- ICON Park — Free to explore the grounds with affordable individual rides and attractions
- Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve — Free hiking trails through native Florida habitat
Pro Tip: Visitors Flea Market is open 365 days a year with free admission. It is located at 5811 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, just 15 minutes from Disney World. Spend a morning browsing deals, then grab affordable meals at the World Food Trucks park right next door.
Save Big on Food and Dining
Dining is often the second-largest expense on an Orlando vacation, right after tickets. Theme park meals can easily run $15 to $25 per person, and sit-down restaurants inside the parks charge even more. Here is how to cut your food budget dramatically:
Eat at Food Truck Parks
The World Food Trucks park at Visitors Flea Market is home to over 100 food trucks serving cuisines from around the globe. Meals typically cost $8 to $15 per person, which is a fraction of what you would pay inside the theme parks. The food trucks are open late too, until 2AM on weekdays and 4AM on Fridays and Saturdays, making it a perfect spot for affordable late-night dining after a long park day.
Stock Up on Groceries
If your accommodation has a kitchen or kitchenette, stock up at a local grocery store. Preparing breakfast and packing lunch to take into the parks can save a family of four $50 to $80 per day. There are several grocery stores along Highway 192 in Kissimmee.
Use Restaurant Deals
Many restaurants along the 192 corridor offer coupons in local tourist magazines, which you can find in hotel lobbies and visitor centers. Early bird specials and happy hour deals are also common in the area.
Shopping Smart on Vacation
Souvenir shopping at theme parks is notoriously expensive. A single t-shirt can cost $30 to $40, and plush toys and collectibles are even pricier. The smart approach is to do your souvenir shopping outside the parks.
Visitors Flea Market has over 225 booths selling everything from Orlando-themed souvenirs and clothing to electronics, jewelry, home goods, and unique handcrafted items. Prices are typically 30 to 70 percent less than what you would find inside the parks or at the outlet malls. All vendors accept credit and debit cards, so you do not need to worry about carrying cash.
- Orlando and Disney-themed souvenirs at bargain prices
- Name-brand clothing and accessories at flea market prices
- Unique handmade gifts you will not find anywhere else
- Electronics and phone accessories at deep discounts
- Toys and games for kids at a fraction of retail prices
Transportation Tips to Save Money
Getting around the Orlando area does not have to be expensive. Here are some budget-friendly transportation strategies:
Stay along Highway 192: Many hotels and attractions are within walking distance of each other along Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway. Visitors Flea Market and World Food Trucks are right on the 192 corridor at Mile Marker 9, making them easy to reach without expensive rideshares.
Use free hotel shuttles: Many Kissimmee hotels offer complimentary shuttle service to the major theme parks. Ask about shuttle schedules when booking your accommodation.
Share rides: If you are using rideshare services, coordinate with other families at your hotel to split the cost. A $20 Uber ride to Disney becomes $5 per person when split four ways.
Plan Your Non-Park Days Wisely
The most budget-savvy Orlando visitors plan a mix of park days and non-park days. A great non-park day itinerary might look like this:
Morning: Browse the booths at Visitors Flea Market (free admission, open at 10AM). Pick up souvenirs, clothing, and unique finds at bargain prices.
Lunch: Walk over to World Food Trucks and sample incredible international cuisine for under $15 per person.
Afternoon: Head to one of Kissimmee's free parks or explore other Kissimmee attractions that do not involve theme park ticket prices.
Evening: Return to World Food Trucks for dinner and enjoy the lively atmosphere with live entertainment on weekends.
Budget Breakdown: A full day following this itinerary costs roughly $30 to $50 per person, including food, shopping, and entertainment. Compare that to $150 or more for a single theme park day with food and souvenirs. That is a savings of $100 per person, per day.
Timing Your Visit for Maximum Savings
When you visit Orlando matters almost as much as what you do. The most expensive times to visit are during holidays, spring break, and summer. For the best deals on flights, hotels, and even theme park tickets, consider visiting during these budget-friendly windows:
- Mid-January through mid-February (after New Year's, before Presidents' Day)
- Late August through September (after summer, before Halloween season)
- Early December (after Thanksgiving, before Christmas)
- Weekdays in any season (Tuesday through Thursday tend to be cheapest)
No matter when you visit, Visitors Flea Market and World Food Trucks are open 365 days a year, so you can always count on affordable shopping and dining during your trip.
Start Saving on Your Next Orlando Trip
A budget-friendly Orlando vacation is absolutely possible when you know where to look. By staying in Kissimmee, shopping at Visitors Flea Market, dining at World Food Trucks, and mixing in free activities between park days, a family of four can easily save $500 to $1,000 over the course of a week-long trip.
Ready to start planning? Get directions to Visitors Flea Market and see why thousands of visitors make us a regular stop on their Orlando vacation. With free admission, 225+ booths, and the best food truck park in the state, it is the most budget-friendly destination in the Disney area.
Visit Visitors Flea Market: 5811 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL 34746. Open 365 days a year. Mon-Thu 10AM-8PM | Fri-Sat 10AM-Midnight | Sun 10AM-9PM. Free admission. Pet friendly. Wheelchair accessible. Plan your visit today.