An Orlando holiday can look affordable until the extras start appearing. Flights, accommodation and park tickets are usually the headline costs, but they are only part of the real total.
We have spent more than 1,000 days in Orlando, including long stays, villa holidays and Disney hotel trips. These are the costs we would put into a UK family’s budget before booking anything.
1. Flight extras
The cheapest fare is not always the cheapest journey. Check whether your price includes checked baggage, seat selection and meals. Adding bags and seats for every person in both directions can make a large difference to the final cost.
Compare Orlando International Airport and Tampa International Airport, but remember to include the extra driving time, fuel and tolls if Tampa is cheaper. An indirect flight can also add meals, airport spending and a much longer travel day.
2. Resort and hotel fees
Some Orlando hotels charge a daily resort fee on top of the room rate. The fee may cover facilities you never use, and it can be collected at the hotel rather than when you book.
Before paying, ask for the complete price including taxes, resort fees and parking. A room that looks cheaper in search results can cost more after these are included.
3. Villa extras
A villa gives you space, your own kitchen and often a private pool, but check for cleaning fees, booking fees, security deposits and pool heating.
Pool heating can be particularly expensive over a two-week stay. If you are travelling in a cooler month, ask the owner how the pool is heated, what temperature they aim for and whether spa heating is included.
We also recommend asking villa owners for their best direct price. In our experience, there can be room to reduce the advertised rate, particularly when booking outside peak dates.
See the Orlando villas we have personally stayed in.
4. Park and hotel parking
Parking can become a daily expense if you drive to the theme parks. Prices and rules change, so check each park’s official website shortly before travelling.
If you are comparing a Disney hotel with an off-site villa, include parking, fuel and any hotel transport in both totals. Free transport can make an on-site stay better value than it first appears, but only if you will actually use it.
5. Tolls and rental-car charges
Central Florida has toll roads. Rental companies may offer their own toll programme, but the convenience fee and rules vary. Ask exactly how tolls will be charged before leaving the rental desk.
Also budget for fuel, additional drivers, child seats, insurance choices and a possible one-way fee if you collect and return the car at different airports.
6. Food, delivery and tips
Food delivery is convenient after a long park day, but menu mark-ups, delivery charges, service fees and tips can turn a simple meal into an expensive one.
We save money by mixing restaurant meals with supermarket food, breakfast at the villa and easy pool-day lunches. Children’s meals can also offer good value when the portion is suitable.
Remember that displayed menu prices may not be the final amount after tax and a tip.
7. Mobile data and card charges
Check your mobile provider’s US roaming costs before you travel. You will probably use your phone for directions, attraction apps, restaurant bookings and ride-hailing.
Use a card with no foreign transaction fee where possible, and always choose to pay in US dollars if a terminal offers currency conversion. Your own card provider will normally give a clearer exchange rate.
8. Shopping and extra luggage
Outlet shopping is tempting, but remember that shelf prices do not usually include sales tax. Keep your receipts and check your airline’s baggage limits before buying another suitcase.
A sensible Orlando budget
Create three totals: the cost already paid in the UK, the expected spending in Florida and an emergency buffer. That gives you a much more honest figure than flights, hotel and tickets alone.
Before booking, check our latest Orlando deals and browse our downloadable Orlando itineraries.
Prices, fees and policies change. Always confirm the latest terms with the airline, accommodation provider, attraction or rental company before booking.