Top 10 "Orlando Value Vacation" Tips

ORLANDO, Fla. – With millions of Americans soon expecting a government tax rebate ranging from $600 to $1,200 and beyond, now is the time to plan a family vacation that puts the money to work. To stretch the dollars further, the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. (Orlando CVB) recently introduced nearly 40 special values on accommodations and attractions at VisitOrlando.com. In addition, the Orlando CVB offers the following tips, to help families on a budget make the most of their vacation:

1. Where to Stay – In Orlando, it isn't necessary to blow the majority of your vacation budget on a nice and comfortable place stay. Options abound ranging from budget accommodations starting at around $50 per night to value hotels at around $80 per night to vacation homes, campgrounds and more. For example, a family of four can enjoy four nights in a family suite at the Best Western on International Drive for $79* a night, totaling $355.50 once tax is added, leaving plenty of money for attractions and dining. For families looking for more comforts of home, the new Point Orlando Resort is offering a $129* per night rate and includes a fully equipped kitchen, washer/dryer and continental breakfast daily. For less than the amount a couple will receive for their government tax rebate ($1200) a family can get a Walt Disney World Resort vacation package that includes three nights at a value hotel and theme park tickets. For value examples, go to VisitOrlando.com.
   
   
2. Attractions – Enjoy the world-class attractions in Orlando without breaking the bank. Buying tickets in advance online, can save not only money, but time as well. For example, the gate admission at Universal Orlando Resort for a 2-park unlimited pass is $119.28. However, if purchased online in advance of arrival the 2-park unlimited admission is only $85.95 and can be used for seven consecutive days. Visitors can also save money by purchasing attraction tickets through the Orlando CVB either online (orlandoticketsales.com) or at the Official Visitors Center. Tickets range from the major theme parks and dinner shows to airboat rides and more. It's also important to note that for most area attractions, children under 3 are free.
   
   
3. Eating Out – Pay attention to three magic words, "Kids Eat Free." Loews Hotels (Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Royal Pacific Resort) offer a "Kids Eat Free" dining program during Extra Value weeks (April 13 – June 4, Aug. 17 – Oct. 2, 2008). With stays of three nights or longer, children ages 3-9 can dine for free at select onsite hotel restaurants, per paying adult. Other hotels with "Kids Eat Free" specials include: Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn, Orlando World Center Marriott Resort, The Hilton Orlando Resort, Royal Plaza in the Walt Disney World Resort, Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort (as part of the "Summer Splash" program), Sheraton Safari Hotel & Suites and many more. Other Orlando area restaurants with "Kids Eat Free" programs include: Andiamo Italian Bistro & Grill, Gator's Dockside, Giovanni's Italian Restaurant, Lone Star Steak House and Roadhouse Grill.
   
   
4. Getting Around – Get a ride to major Orlando attractions for only $1? It's a reality on the I-RIDE Trolley, where a single fare is $1 and package deals are available for those expecting heavier usage. Running daily from 8:30 a.m. – 9 p.m., the I-RIDE Trolley serves hundreds of destinations within the International Drive Resort Area. If planning to navigate Walt Disney World Resort, their transportation systems (monorails, buses and boats) provide free door-to-door access to all four theme parks, water parks, Downtown Disney and all 23 resorts. For visitors to Downtown's arts, culture and dining scene, a free bus circulator called LYMMO offers guests rides along a 3-mile loop in the heart of Downtown Orlando.
   
   
5. Timing Your Trip. Don't Overlook April and May – With Easter falling in late March and school schedules for Spring Break falling near the holiday, April and May have become an ideal time for a trip to Orlando. Not only will the crowds be reduced and weather sunny and warm, but special values blanket the destination. In addition, new must-see attractions open just in time for April/May visitors: the new water park – Aquatica by SeaWorld, The Simpsons attraction at Universal Studios, Jungala at Busch Gardens Africa and "Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage" at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
   
   
6. Freebies. (Yes, they do still exist.) – Keep the little ones entertained without opening the wallet at the Lego Store at Downtown Disney where anyone is free to stop by the brightly colored bins just outside the store and make their own Lego creation. At the Peabody Orlando hotel, twice a day visitors can watch the March of the Peabody Ducks where the resident birds walk a red carpet to and from the Royal Duck Fountain. Every Monday morning from 9 a.m. – noon, admission is free to Harry P. Leu Gardens, a 50-acre botanical park with the largest camellia collection in eastern North America. The park also runs a free story time program on the third Monday of every month for young children.
   
   
7. Insider Secrets – If planning a theme park visit, staying at a hotel on property has advantages. For example, guests at Universal Orlando's three hotels enjoy free Universal Express front-of-the-line access which means less waiting in line. Guests at a Walt Disney World Resort can take advantage of Magic Hours where each day one of the Disney Theme Parks opens an hour early or stays open up to three hours after regular park closing. Quench your thirst and take home a souvenir as most Walt Disney World resort hotels offer length-of-stay refillable drink mugs for $11.99, good for unlimited free refills of coffee, soda, iced tea and hot chocolate. At SeaWorld Orlando, kids can bring their own autograph book for Shamu & Crew characters to sign from 9 a.m. to noon near the front gate.
   
   
8. Other Savings Tools – Save up to $500 with an Orlando Preferred Visitor Magicard™, the year-round discount card provided by the Orlando CVB. It is valid at 97 area establishments including everything from attractions and accommodations to restaurants and golf courses. Download the card at orlandoinfo.com/magicard or order one by calling 1-800-551-0181.
   
   
9. Research – Planning ahead can not only help vacationers find the best deals, but ensure the most enjoyable vacation for the entire family. For those planning on visiting Walt Disney World Resort, free personalized maps are available for each park, so that families can isolate the shows, attractions and venues of the most interest. Maps are then mailed to their home address in full-color versions. Each theme park also lists height requirements for rides on their respective Web sites, so checking ahead of time will help quell possible disappointments.
   
   
10. Packing to Save – A last-minute purchase or rental of certain items out of necessity can add up quickly. Pack plenty of sunscreen, rain ponchos, water bottles, band aids and even consider bringing along waterproof disposable camera or a stroller. Although many children once they reach a certain age will resist at first, after a long day of walking, he or she may end up begging to be pushed along.

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