Orlando, FL - Family of 5 - $2000????

[aprilfoolwed]

My DH has a convention in Orlando next June. We used this same convention as the springboard for our first Disney vacation last year, and it was fantastic. We were there 8 days!

This summer, we vacationed on the Gulf Coast, but were able to get a little Disney fix thanks to the Give A Day program.

We weren't planning on a BIG vacation to Florida again next year, but when DH has a convention, so many costs are picked up by his company that it's almost silly NOT to go. Last year, about half of our transportation costs were paid for (we drive from PA to FL), a portion of our (well, DH's) food was covered, about 1/4 of our lodging was covered AND we got to take advantage of great tickets rates through ConventionEars.

What can a family of 5 do with $2000? We'd likely stay off-site in a condo or townhome, and we'd certainly be driving again. We're not locked into Disney (although I'd love it) and have never seen any other Orlando area attractions with the kids (who will be 10, 8 and 5 next summer). We eat breakfast in the condo every day, and like to do at least half of our dinners at "home" to save money.

Ideas?

 

[neatokimmo]

Seaworld is great and so cheap. We paid $99 online for unlimited admission for last May. We went to seaword/aquatica 6 times over the course of 2 weeks and didn't get tired of it.

Just a warning though, the food is horrible at Seaworld!

We also went to the beach 2 times (New Smyrna, very quiet) and saw a shuttle launch.

Have fun!

 

[starann]

Another Vote for Seaworld. When we went they ahd a promo where you buy your 1 day ticket and before leaving, you could get another day free! You could do it all in 1 day, but if you want to see all the shows and take your time, 2 days is nice....and they have little 'kiddie' ride for your 4yo and 'wild' ride for the older kids.

I'm not sure of the prices of hotels/condos outside of WDW. I would try to find one with a pool so the kids can go swimming.

There is always DTD, Disney Water parks (which for a 1 day pass are cheaper than a park ticket I think), and hotel hopping, although I don't think the kids will find much fun in that!

I've never been, but there is also Gatorland........Kennedy Space Center (and a few years ago you could write to your congressman and get free tickets, not sure if that is still valid or not)..........outlet shopping........


Good luck!

 

[marko]

You should look into the YES program at Disney. They offered individual enrollment this year and most likely will continue. Your kids would probably enjoy the experience and you can purchase discounted tickets.

 

[MinnieForMe]

We do the two week pass for $109 to SeaWorld, Aquatica, and Busch Gardens (it's an easy 90 minute drive).

I've never been upset with the food at SeaWorld. We really like the Fajita's at Mango Joes. There is also a restaurant with a free animal show at SeaWorld. We got chicken parm and it wasn't bad either. Food is so subjective! We've had some less than perfect meals at Disney too!

 

[Darcy03231]

We bought the Orlando Flex Pass tickets one year. Unlimited admission for 14 days to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Busch Gardens, Seaworld and the Wet n' Wild water park. As I recall they were about $200/pp.

At one time US/IOA was offering an unlimited 7 day ticket for $100. We can find plenty to keep us busy there for a week.

When renting a vacation home keep in mind if you go a bit further out you can save a lot of $$. I rented a 5 bedroom/3 bath private pool home in Clermont one year for $700/wk incuding all taxes and fees.

 

[loveysbydesign]

You can do it easily! We have for the 5 of us twice! There are so many great places you can stay offsite. Windsor Hills, Windsor Palms, Indian Creek etc.