Are you thinking about visiting the theme parks during Spring Break?
Spring break is the third busiest time of the year to visit the theme parks in Orlando, Florida, behind Christmas and New Year’s week. While Canadians are excited about spring break in March, other areas are having theirs in February. Spring break runs for about a month since it’s staggered in certain areas across the United States and Canada.
If you’re planning a visit to Orlando with the family, here are some tips for visiting the theme parks during Spring Break to consider!
Tips for Visiting the Theme Parks during Spring Break
Plan Ahead
Every destination has a high and a low season that are priced according to the optimal time of the year to visit. The two-month time frame right before and after the high season can save you at least 20 percent off of hotels and tourist spots, says Ian Ford of Undercover Tourist.
Be Flexible
If you’re able to be flexible with your travel dates even by a day or two, you can often find better rates on hotels and airfare. Take into consideration whether you will need an extra day for a rental car or an additional night at the hotel when checking your savings.
Planning tools
Saving time is saving money when visiting Orlando and Southern California-area theme parks with wait time apps like Undercover Tourist’s Wait Time Apps or with Disney World’s FastPass+ which allows guests to pre-book attractions up to 30 or 60 days in advance (guests staying at Disney Resort hotel receive the 60 day option). Then, park-goers can choose the three rides or entertainment selections per day in advance to reserve access to the ‘musts’ on their list. Crowd calendars, point-of-view YouTube videos, Wait Time Apps and more help travelers skip the lines and plan accordingly to get the most out of their time at theme parks.
Family-friendly hotels
Check travel websites to find deals for hotels that offer perks for the family. Whether that’s free breakfast daily for the entire family or just free breakfast for the kids, a number of large national chains offer deals that include getting the family out the door every morning with a healthy start. Don’t underestimate the value of a hotel with a family-friendly pool either to help entertain the little ones after sightseeing all day.
Stay like a local
If you choose to forego the hotel option, consider renting a home on Home Away or Airbnb instead of a hotel. Local hosts often provide a great resource for suggestions that wouldn’t typically appear in a travel guide. Plus, having a full kitchen allows you to make more meals at home, saving money on what can be pricey food at popular destinations.
Shop once you arrive
Tend to over pack? You can’t take everything with you! When we travel, we will find a local grocery store and stock up on food items and toiletries once we arrive. Make sure your hotel room has a mini-fridge.
Bring your own food
Packing a cooler of drinks and sandwiches or other easy meals on road trips means you will save time and money. While you won’t be able to load up if you are traveling by air, you can pack non-perishable snacks in your checked bag. With many airlines now charging for meals and snacks, it pays to bring your own snacks. Also, eat breakfast before getting to the parks. Bring snacks with you, and plan to get an early or late lunch – before 11 a.m. or after 2 p.m. to not waste time in the rush hour lines.
Combine hotel with car rental
Sometimes when you book a package or combine theme park tickets with car rental, you can save big when booking them together on websites like Undercover Tourist. Purchasing the travel logistics together can save over $500, says Ford.
Road trip
Depending on where your final destination is, consider taking a road trip. While gas money will need to be taken into consideration for budgeting, for a family of four or more, a night or two on the road will most likely be an economical advantage. Plus, since you will be traveling on your own schedule and time frame, you can use the opportunity to check out unique spots and side detours on the road trip.
Convention and visitors bureau
Visit your destination’s convention and visitor’s bureau website before you travel. The resource exists to help promote their local tourism so the team would be happy to assist with your planning. They often provide free walking tours of the downtown or historic districts, and can also recommend any events going on during your trip.