Affordable Summer Vacation in Orlando: Travel Tips and Insights

Planning a family trip to Orlando during the summer holiday often comes with a hefty price tag. However, last-minute bookings can lead to budget-friendly options, especially if you choose accommodations outside the theme parks’ hotels. While it’s hurricane season in Florida, the central city rarely experiences severe weather, making it more likely that you’ll encounter occasional heavy showers amid generally warm and sunny weather with temperatures reaching the low 30s Celsius.

• Explore our comprehensive Orlando travel guide

Your stay could be at the Avanti International Resort on International Drive, conveniently located just a ten-minute drive to Universal Studios Florida and 15 minutes to Walt Disney World Resort. A seven-night room-only package, including round-trip flights from Gatwick with Norse Atlantic UK, is priced at £551 per person for four travelers, departing on July 30. This package includes a small under-seat bag and a 10kg cabin bag, and an additional 15kg hold bag can be added for £93 return. An Uber ride from the airport takes approximately 30 minutes and costs about £30, or you can opt for the Lynx 42 bus, which runs every 20 minutes and stops right by the hotel for just £1 (golynx.com).

The hotel features 652 rooms arranged around an expansive outdoor pool area adorned with palm trees, waterfalls, and a sandy beach zone. Inside, amenities include an arcade, a coffee shop serving Starbucks, and an all-day café with pizza options, children’s meals, and in-room snacks. The rooms are designed with a modern aesthetic, highlighting chocolate brown wood and cream-colored walls. Each room also comes equipped with a mini refrigerator, and there are several supermarkets within a ten-minute drive, including a large Walmart where you can find a variety of Disney-themed merchandise suitable for budget-friendly souvenirs.

Transportation to the theme parks is economical as well. The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to both Disney and Universal, though reservations are required and must be made 24 hours in advance. Because visiting both parks in a week can be challenging and costly, it’s advisable to choose one. Disney World spans 43 square miles with four theme parks and two water parks; a new nightly parade will debut this July (ticket prices are £467 for ages 3-9 and £484 for over-10s for a 14-day pass; disneyholidays.co.uk). Universal Studios includes one water park and three theme parks, featuring the newly opened Epic Universe (prices are £435 for ages 3-9 and £444 for over-10s for a 15-day ticket; universalorlando.com).

If you decide to skip the major theme parks or want a relaxing day, there are numerous attractions nearby. Within a 15-minute walk, visit Madame Tussauds (£22; madametussauds.com), Sea Life Orlando Aquarium (£22; visitsealife.com), or ride the 400-foot tall Ferris wheel at Icon Park (£22; theorlandoeye.com). The Pointe Orlando outdoor mall also offers diverse dining options, a cinema, and a virtual reality center. Additionally, the world’s largest McDonald’s features a two-story play area.

Within just half an hour’s drive, consider an exhilarating airboat ride to spot alligators in Orlando’s swamps (£41; spiritoftheswamp.com) or enjoy gentle hiking trails, bobcat and bald eagle spotting, and scenic lakefront views at the Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve (free; orangecountyfl.net).

Details of Your £551 Per Person Package

• Return flights from Gatwick to Orlando, departing July 30
• Seven nights’ room-only accommodation at Avanti International Resort (thomascook.com)

If your budget allows, you might opt for

The £1,000 Luxury Experience

For those willing to spend a bit more, consider the new Terra Luna Resort at Universal, which features complimentary transportation to Universal’s parks and one hour of early admission with valid tickets. The resort boasts an expansive pool area, a café, a restaurant, and outdoor films at night. Rooms feature a space theme with blue galaxy murals and come outfitted with two double beds for a family of four. You can also charge in-park purchases back to your room. Details: seven nights’ room-only from £996 per person for four, including flights (tui.co.uk).

The £1,500 Disney-Focused Adventure

If you’re inclined towards Disney, consider the All-Star Music Resort located near Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This vibrant, wildlife-themed hotel offers a range of family-friendly accommodations alongside a flexible food court. Guests also benefit from free shuttle services throughout the Disney complex, including to Disney Springs. A 14-day pass is included. Details: seven nights’ room-only from £1,510 per person for four, including flights and transfers (kenwoodtravel.co.uk).