What is the cheapest month to go to Orlando?

Mid-January to mid-February, late April to May, late August to September and early November are usually the cheapest and least crowded times, outside of holiday weekends.

Is it cheaper to stay off-site in Orlando?

Usually yes. Hotels on International Drive and in Kissimmee and vacation homes with kitchens are often much cheaper than on-property resorts, though you may pay for parking at the parks.

Do I need a car in Orlando?

It depends on where you stay. Many off-site hotels run free park shuttles, but a car makes it easier to visit several parks, the beaches and Kennedy Space Center.

Orlando on a Budget: How to Plan a Cheap Orlando Vacation

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Orlando is the theme park capital of the world, and a family trip there can get expensive fast. Park tickets, hotels, food and parking add up. The good news is that Orlando also has huge competition between hotels and airlines, so a little planning goes a long way.

Cheapest time to visit Orlando

Prices follow the school calendar. The cheapest and least crowded times are usually:

Mid-January to mid-February (outside of the Martin Luther King Jr. and Presidents' Day weekends)
Late April to May, after spring break and before summer
Late August to September, after schools go back
Early November and early December, outside of Thanksgiving

The busiest and priciest times are spring break (March to mid-April), summer, Thanksgiving week and the Christmas to New Year's holidays.

Keep in mind that late summer and early fall are hot and humid, with afternoon thunderstorms, and fall within hurricane season (June 1 to November 30).

How to save on flights to Orlando

Orlando International (MCO) is one of the busiest airports in the US, with lots of budget airline competition. Also check Orlando Sanford (SFB), which is served by some low-cost carriers, and Tampa, about 90 minutes away by car.

Fly midweek if you can, and book 1 to 3 months ahead, or 3 to 4 months ahead for spring break and the holidays. Popular routes:

Where to stay in Orlando for less

Off-site hotels

Hotels along International Drive, in Lake Buena Vista and on US-192 in Kissimmee are often much cheaper than on-property resorts. Many offer free shuttles to the parks. Watch out for daily resort and parking fees when you compare prices.

Vacation homes

For families and groups, a rental house with a kitchen and a pool in the Kissimmee or Davenport area can cost less per person than hotel rooms, and cooking a few meals saves even more. Compare hotels and homes on our Orlando hotels page.

Theme park ticket tips

Buy tickets before you go. Gate prices are usually the highest. Compare official and authorized sellers, including Klook, and always buy from a trusted source.
More days, lower price per day. Multi-day tickets cost less per day than single-day tickets.
Pick quieter dates. Many parks use date-based pricing, so a Tuesday in September can cost noticeably less than a Saturday in July.
Don't try to do everything. Choose the parks your family is most excited about and plan a pool or rest day in between. Fewer park days means a cheaper trip and happier kids.
Bring snacks and water bottles. Most parks allow outside snacks and refillable water bottles. Check each park's rules before you go.

Free and cheap things to do in Orlando

Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk: shopping, entertainment and street performers with free admission (parking at Disney Springs is free).
Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando: swan boats, a farmers market on Sundays and a great skyline view.
Winter Park: a pretty town with Park Avenue's shops, the Morse Museum (home of a famous Tiffany glass collection) and a scenic boat tour.
Kennedy Space Center is not free, but it makes a great day trip on the Space Coast, about an hour east. Watching a rocket launch from a public beach costs nothing.
Florida springs: Blue Spring and Wekiwa Springs state parks have crystal-clear water for swimming, kayaking and (in winter at Blue Spring) manatee spotting, for a small entry fee.
The beaches: Cocoa Beach and New Smyrna Beach are about an hour's drive.

See more tours, tickets and attractions on our things to do in Orlando page.

Getting around Orlando

Orlando is spread out, and public transport to the parks is limited. If you stay off-site or want to visit the beaches, a rental car is usually the cheapest option for a family. Compare rental companies on DiscoverCars or our Orlando car rental page. Budget for theme park parking fees.

If you stay near the parks and use hotel shuttles, you can skip the car and book a fixed-price airport transfer instead.

Sample money-saving plan

Fly in on a Tuesday or Wednesday in early May or September.
Stay in a Kissimmee vacation home with a pool and cook breakfast.
Buy a multi-day ticket for two or three parks and plan a pool day in between.
Spend one free day at Disney Springs or a Florida spring.

Plan your Orlando trip

Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest month to go to Orlando?: Mid-January to mid-February, late April to May, late August to September and early November are usually the cheapest and least crowded times, outside of holiday weekends.
Is it cheaper to stay off-site in Orlando?: Usually yes. Hotels on International Drive and in Kissimmee and vacation homes with kitchens are often much cheaper than on-property resorts, though you may pay for parking at the parks.
Do I need a car in Orlando?: It depends on where you stay. Many off-site hotels run free park shuttles, but a car makes it easier to visit several parks, the beaches and Kennedy Space Center.