A big Disney trip doesn’t have to break the bank, even if you have a large family. While yes, the days pass do add up quite quickly, there are many ways that you can save on food, accommodation, and even your experiences. Knowing how and where you can save without cutting back on the quality and experience of your trip, however, is key.Â
One of the easiest ways to save on your trip is to book a budget-friendly hotel or resort. When it comes to price, however, you need to look at the overall value. Some of the hotels in this list, for example, have waterparks on their property for far less than it would cost you to go to one of Disney or even Universal’s waterparks.Â
Take Westgate, for example, two of their Orlando resorts have onsite waterparks. Access to these waterparks costs just $20 extra per person. Rather than pay the large fee to go to one of Disney’s waterparks, you can have a day right at your hotel for less. The overall experience is similar, but you can save.Â
Other ways to save are to book one room. If you have a small family this could be as easy as getting a single room with two double beds. If you have a large family, however, see if it’s cheaper to book a suite or even a villa.Â
When you upgrade to those larger suites or villas, you will typically gain access to a kitchen and a washing and drying machine. Making your own meals and preparing lunches to bring into the theme parks themselves are two of the best ways to keep your trip costs low without severely impacting your overall experience (especially if you have a picky eater in your midst).Â
Having a washing and drying machine can help if you’re flying in. Instead of paying for full-sized luggage, for example, you can aim to bring everything in a carry-on to save on your flight. Thanks to the washing machine in your suite you can keep your clothes clean and rewear them on your trip instead.Â
Before you book anything, however, you will want to see if you can get further discounts. Westgate, for example, has a free loyalty program that you can join that will give you immediate access to exclusive prices and promotions.Â
Some hotels also accept points instead of cash if you have a participating account. If you have a certain credit card, for example, you can use the points to pay for your room or part-pay.Â
If you have time before booking, it’s always a good idea to subscribe to the hotels you want to book in advance and wait and see if there are any special deals or sales that you can take advantage of.Â
Booking any time that isn’t a school break is another way to save big. Going in the middle of term is a fast and easy way for those without kids to save on a trip to Orlando. If you do have kids, get in touch with their teachers to see if you can home-school them for a week or so to keep them up-to-date with their learning.Â
If you have to go during a school break, then try to book very far in advance. You’ll have more options, and you might be able to get an early bird discount for events and more.Â
All of these tips will help you save, especially when you book at any one of these top budget-friendly hotels:Â
Source: Instagram, posted on June 11, 2022, Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando’s Official profile
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1. Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando – Lake Buena Vista
This budget-friendly hotel is located in Lake Buena Vista and is a few short minutes away from Walt Disney World.Â
You’ll easily be able to get to the big theme parks for less, thanks to the free shuttle services available at this hotel. Free transportation isn’t the only way to save. There are family-friendly services and activities to enjoy here throughout your stay.Â
You can upgrade to a suite to cook for yourself or take some time to relax by the excellent pool.Â
Source: Facebook, posted on June 23, 2021, Westgate Vacation Villas and Town Center’s Official profile
2. Westgate Town Center and Villas Resort
This stunning resort offers rooms of all sizes to fit small to big-sized families for less.Â
There are seven different Westgate Resorts to choose from, with the Westgate Town Center and Villas resort being one of the best. Technically two resorts in one, this Westgate property offers room sizes ranging from studios all the way to villas. You’ll be able to enjoy multiple pools and hot tubs and still be a short distance away from all the action in Orlando.Â
In particular interest for those looking to enjoy themselves on a budget is the onsite waterpark. While the waterpark is an extra fee, the rate is reasonable and far less than the cost of going to Disney’s or Universal’s waterparks. This makes it a great option for those who are happy to increase the value of their hotel stay by simply staying at the hotel for an extra day.Â
Source: Facebook, posted on December 5, 2019, Hampton Inn and Suites Orlando’s Official profile
3. Hampton Inn & Suites Orlando
This comfortable and affordable hotel in downtown Orlando is ideal for last-minute trips.Â
If you found a great deal that gets you into the big parks for less but are struggling to find an open hotel slot that isn’t extremely expensive, check the Hampton Inn and Suites. This budget-friendly hotel is no-frills but perfect for last-minute bookings. You’ll find it in the downtown area, so you won’t be far from great things to do and places to eat, though you will need a car to get to the theme parks, as they are around 30-minutes away.Â
Source: Instagram, posted on June 10, 2022, Sonesta ES Suites Lake Buena Vista’s Official profile
4. Sonesta ES Suites Lake Buena VistaÂ
Enjoy free shuttle services to Disney World and discounts for stays lasting longer than four days when you book at this hotel.Â
Sonesta’s hotel empire massively expanded during 2020 when they bought many struggling hotels. One of them was the Staybridge Suites in Lake Buena Vista. If you were a fan of that hotel, don’t worry, as it is the same hotel with the same great amenities, just under a new name.Â
Here you’ll be able to enjoy comfort, style, and big ways to save. Not only will you get free transportation to Disney World, which is five miles away, but you’ll also be able to enjoy long-trip discounts, which is perfect for those staying for a week or more.Â
Source: Instagram, posted on April 15, 2022, Floridays Resort Orlando’s Official profile
5. Floridays Resort OrlandoÂ
This condo-style hotel is famous for its great rates and value-adding amenities.Â
If you’re looking for a home-away-from-home feel and want it at a great rate, look no further than Floridays Resort in Orlando. Floridays is a popular choice for families since all of their room options are condo-style suites that come with their own kitchen and laundry appliances, so you can cook and clean and save as a result.Â
Save by making your own meals and, if you’re flying in, try to pack just a carry-on. Since you can clean your clothes halfway through your trip, you can save long before you even get to the hotel.Â
In terms of comfort and amenities, you’ll be spoiled for choice. There are pools, a splash park, and family-friendly programs to keep everyone entertained and having fun here.Â
Source: Instagram, posted on January 21, 2022, The Point Orlando’s Official profile
6. The Point OrlandoÂ
This affordable hotel is ideal for groups looking to save and offers free transportation to Universal Studios Florida.Â
The Pointe Orlando is just 2 miles from Universal Orlando and perfect for groups. The suites come with their own kitchenettes and come in one and two-bedroom sizes, which can sleep up to six guests. The larger suites come with full-sized kitchens as well, so you can feed your whole family for less.Â
The hotel comes with a free shuttle service to the theme parks. You can also enjoy the outdoor heated pool and hot tub, and fuel up at the poolside snack bar.Â
Source: Facebook, posted on December 10, 2018, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort’s Official profile
7. Loews Sapphire Falls ResortÂ
Are you looking for a beautiful resort that comes at a great rate? This Universal Orlando hotel has over 1000 rooms and offers great deals to help you save.Â
This massive resort was renovated back in 2016 and offers everything you and your family need to enjoy a budget-friendly trip. This option, in particular, is a great choice for those who want to spend their time in Universal Studios since it’s on the property.Â
It’s also one of the largest pet-friendly hotels in the area, so if you’re coming with your furry family member, relax. There are many pet stations dotted throughout the hotel to make it easy to care for your pet.Â