Orlando is home to some of the most popular theme parks in the world, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando, and more. With so many great parks and attractions to choose from, a trip to Orlando can get very expensive, especially if you are traveling with your family. Thankfully, there are a number of ways to save money on Orlando theme park tickets if you know where to look and how to plan your visit.
Look for ticket discounts online
One of the easiest ways to save money on Orlando theme park tickets is to buy discounted tickets online ahead of your trip. Many authorized ticket resellers offer tickets at 10-30% off gate prices or more. You can find great deals on multi-day tickets, park hopper tickets, seasonal tickets, and bundled tickets on sites like Undercover Tourist, Orlando Fun Tickets, Official Ticket Center, and more. Just make sure you are buying from an authorized seller to ensure your tickets are valid and not fraudulent. Buying online ahead of time allows you to take advantage of the best deals and discounts.
Consider visiting during off-peak seasons
Visiting the theme parks during off-peak seasons is one of the best ways to get cheaper tickets. The peak seasons when prices are highest are spring break, summer, and the holidays around Christmas. Visiting during the fall and early winter (mid-January through mid-February) is generally considered the off-peak season when crowds are lower and ticket prices are reduced. For example, a 1-day, 1-park ticket during peak season could be $135 but only $110 during off-peak times. Theme park ticket prices are dynamic based on demand, so be sure to research the best times to visit to maximize your savings.
Look for Orlando vacation package deals
Booking a vacation package deal is often the most affordable way to experience the Orlando theme parks. Bundle your park tickets with a hotel stay and often you can get huge savings compared to purchasing everything separately. Check sites like Expedia, Priceline, or direct hotel sites for Orlando vacation package deals that include discounted multi-day park tickets. For example, you may be able to book a 7-night hotel stay with 5-day park tickets for the price you’d pay for just 3- or 4-day park tickets on their own. Considering visiting during a slower season for the very best vacation package deals.
Use money saving promo codes
Before purchasing Orlando theme park tickets, always search for current promo codes and discounts you can apply at checkout. Popular ticket seller sites likeUndercover Tourist, Orlando Fun Tickets and Official Ticket Center periodically offer site-wide promo codes, like 5-10% off your purchase or free shipping. Sign up for email newsletters to get special subscriber promo code offers. Social media promos are another great way to score money-saving promo codes for Orlando park tickets.
Join rewards programs
If you plan to visit Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando frequently, consider joining their rewards programs. The My Disney Experience program and Universal Orlando Vacation Package are free to join and provide members with exclusive ticket discounts and perks. As a Disney rewards member, you can sometimes get special ticket discounts only available to members. At Universal, members get special vacation package deals. Joining the rewards programs is free and can pay for itself quickly with the ticket and hotel savings you unlock.
Use FlexPay
Another way to score savings on Orlando theme park tickets is to use FlexPay installment plans offered by many major ticket sellers. With FlexPay, you can purchase your tickets interest-free, paying for them over 2-6 months. This allows you to lock in great prices now and pay over time leading up to your actual trip dates. Just be sure to pay off your entire balance by the due date. FlexPay is usually available on ticket purchases over $250. Using installment plans like FlexPay allow you to buy more expensive tickets while staying within your vacation budget.
Bring your own food and beverages
One of the biggest money sinks at Orlando theme parks is buying food and drinks inside the park all day long. Get big savings by bringing your own snacks, lunch, and beverages into the parks. This is fully allowed as long as you avoid carrying in large coolers. Bringing a few sandwiches, snacks, and refillable water bottles with you for the day can easily save a family of four over $100 per day on dining in the parks. Those savings quickly offset the cost of tickets.
Get discount theme park parking
Don’t forget that parking at Orlando theme parks can really add up. Parking at Disney World costs $25 per day and $26 per day at Universal Orlando. You can avoid these parking fees and score discounts by staying at select Disney World or Universal hotels that offer free shuttle transportation and free theme park parking privileges as a perk. Off-site hotels and vacation homes in the Orlando area may also offer free shuttles. Taking an Uber or Lyft ride-share service to the parks is another affordable way to avoid paying full price for theme park parking every day.
Conclusion
A dream theme park vacation in Orlando does not have to break the bank. Taking advantage of online ticket discounts, off-peak visitation, vacation packages, promo codes, rewards programs, and other money-saving tips can add up to huge savings on Orlando park tickets. A little advance planning and deal hunting goes a long way when booking bargain theme park tickets for your Orlando trip.