Orlando theme parks are great fun and create wonderful memories but are also very expensive.

Here are some tips on how to enhance your vacation while stretching your vacation dollars so you can make the most of all the Orlando theme parks.

Even though many of these locations are closed and opening-up slowly, it’s a great time to start planning for future visits.

How to Stretch Your Orlando Theme Parks Budget

There are several ways you can stretch your dollars and still enjoy everything Orlando theme parks have to offer.

Whether limiting your visit time to a couple of days, staying off-site, or taking a break to enjoy something else Florida has to offer, these tips can help you maximize your dollars.

Skip the Resort Lodging

Opt to stay in hotels in Orlando North Seminole County (ONSC) rather than on-site at the parks and you’ll save on average of 30%. Room rates are less, there are no hotel parking fees, and no nightly resort fees.

If looking for an economy, luxury, or a quaint bed and breakfast, there are more than 30 brand-name hotels, independent inns, and charming B&Bs from which to choose. Oh, and many are pet-friendly.

Tiny Houses under $100 per Night

Other great options are the Tiny Houses, these are very affordable and under $100 a night and they are so adorable!

Amazing Tiny House Rental for a Weekend Getaway near Lakeland, Florida

This amazing tiny house rental is the perfect rental and is Kid-friendly!

It can accommodate up to four in total and measures 160 square feet. The tiny house features a cozy loft space that is accessed via a ladder.

The loft has a double mattress and a twin mattress. The remaining sleeping space is provided by the sofa bed. The bathroom features a shower, a sink, and a toilet.

There is a kitchen stocked with all the essentials, including a toaster oven, microwave, coffeemaker, refrigerator, freezer, and hot plate, so guests can prepare their own meals in their own private space.

There is a TV to kick back and relax in front of, after a busy day exploring the area. Other amenities include a desk, an iron, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning.

Lakefront Tiny House Rental for a Great Getaway in Orlando,

Orlando Theme Parks – Choose From Gorgeous Lakefront Tiny Houses

This lakefront tiny house rental with an astronomy vibe is situated on Lake Fairview in Orlando, Florida, and can accommodate up to four guests.

There are two bedrooms and one full bathroom in this unique getaway. Both bedrooms offer plush queen-size beds. The charmingly decorated bathroom features a toilet, a sink, and a shower. Linens and towels are kindly provided by the host.

In the living area, glampers can watch their favorite shows and movies on the TV, and comfy seating is also provided.

The kitchen is equipped with an array of cooking and serving utensils and all of the modern appliances guests might need to feel at home during their stay.

Guests can enjoy their tasty meals on one of two barstools at the kitchen counter. Other amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, heating and air conditioning, room darkening shades, free parking, and access to a washer and dryer.

Outside, guests will find the gorgeous lake on their doorstep and will be able to cook up some delicious meals on the barbecue while taking in the unique atmosphere of this fantastic lakefront community.

Dine Off-Site

Time is money, right? In Orlando North Seminole County you’ll rarely encounter a line, let alone a lengthy wait at restaurants. International cuisine, farm to fork mom and pops, and beloved restaurant chains abound here. If you are looking for healthy and tasty options, my friend over at Successible Life has some great ones.

Limit Your Time in the Orlando Theme Parks and Take Advantage of the Rest of Florida

Limit your time at the theme parks to two days and rather than these manmade entertainment venues, enjoy nature-based recreation.

Orlando theme parks are great, but there is so much more to do in Florida!

Whether you’re canoeing crystal-clear rivers or hiking on scenic trails, you’ll experience spectacular views only Mother Nature can provide.

ONSC is home to some of Florida’s best natural attractions, including the Wekiva River, one of only two National & Wild Scenic Rivers in the entire state of Florida.

The St. Johns River, Wekiva Springs State Park, Lake Jesup for alligator viewing airboat rides, and zip-lining and animal encounters at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, to name a few.

Want to include a day at the beach too? Orlando North Seminole County is equidistant (1-hour drive) to the Central Florida beaches of Cocoa Beach, New Smyrna Beach, and Daytona Beach, so add that to your itinerary!

And in close proximity to Cocoa, you can visit the Kennedy Space Center or in Daytona, the International Speedway.

Take Advantage of Orlando North Seminole Country Freebies

And what’s a budget-stretcher list without recommended FREEBIES offered in the communities that comprise Orlando North Seminole County:

Seminole State Planetarium Telescope Thursdays

Once a month on a Thursday evening, the staff of the Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust Planetarium hit the road with telescopes in tow and set up shop at a local park or business around Central Florida for Telescope Thursdays.

The community is welcome to attend and take a peek at the beautiful night sky.

Events typically last from 7-10 pm. And for a totally stellar family night, don’t miss out on Seminole State Planetarium’s incredible STAR PARTIES.

Check with them directly as they might have new hours.

These events invite the public to the planetarium for an evening of telescope observations, planetarium dome shows, speaker presentations, and more. Check out the Planetarium’s Facebook page for upcoming events

Critical Mass! Sanford Edition!

Bring a bike or rent one and join Critical Mass! Sanford Edition! on the last Friday of the month for a stroll through Sanford. Start at Pedal Driven Co. at 6:30 pm and end at Deviant Wolfe Brewing at 8 pm for beers and fun.

Cranes Roost Park

Cranes Roost Park’s Rhythms at the Roost is an annual free concert series featuring live music from great bands, food for purchase, and a variety of vendors.

Sunset views, outdoor festivals, and SUNSET CINEMA, a schedule of free outdoor movies on select Saturdays, are just a few of the other free activities held at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs. Check the calendar for upcoming events.

Alive After 5 Street Party

The City of Sanford celebrates monthly with local art, live music, craft beer, food, and shopping. From 5-8 pm on the 2nd Thursday with a different theme each month.

Wine Art Wednesdays in Lake Mary

On the first Wednesday of each month is a free event in the Downtown Lake Mary District featuring live music, dozens of artists and merchants, food trucks, and a beer & wine garden. Food and drink are extra, but the rest of the evening is totally free.

Art Walk in Historic Downtown Sanford

Held on the 3rd Saturday each month in Historic Downtown Sanford, the art walks showcase the area’s unique galleries. A fact sheet is available for each event providing additional details on each stop.

Have the kids keep their eyes out for Sanford rocks along the way. These painted rocks can be found hidden just about anywhere.

Casselberry Art and Music in the Park

Casselberry Art and Music in the Park is a monthly community event held at Lake Concord Park featuring a dozen food trucks, live music, and artisan goods.

There’s no cost to peruse the local goods on display while listening to live entertainment. Held on the second Friday of each month from 6-9 pm.

Hike or Bike the Seminole Wekiva Trail

This scenic paved rail-trail in Seminole County features a 14-mile long trail as well as several trailheads with amenities. Consider exploring the first seven miles of the trail by bike, cruising along the shaded path through quiet neighborhoods.

Boombah Sports Complex at Seminole County

Enjoy the playground and watch youth, collegiate, and non-professional teams playing at the 102-acre. 3450 E. Lake Mary Blvd., Sanford, FL. www.PlayOrlandoNorth.com.

Stretch Your Orlando Theme Parks Budget with Some Time in ONSC

Theme parks are a ton of fun, that’s for sure. However, people forget that Florida has so much more to offer.

So on your next trip to Florida, take advantage of the theme parks for a while, and then go out and see all the beauty that Orlando North Seminole County has to offer.

With tons of natural beauty, lots of freebies, and more, you’ll find something for everyone on your trip.

About Orlando North, Seminole County:

Teeming with old Florida charm and young Florida vibrancy, Orlando North, Seminole County offers visitors nature-based attractions, eclectic dining, a booming microbrew scene, plus a year-round calendar of festivals and events.

With over 2,000 waterways, you’ll discover a wide array of thrilling outdoor activities from paddling in clear freshwater springs and rivers to air boating among alligators or zooming through an aerial zip line course.

It also features an array of sports and training facilities for amateur tournament play, including the 102-acre Boombah Sports Complex at Seminole County.

And getting here is easy via Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), Orlando International Airport (MCO), aboard the Amtrak Auto Train, or via auto on I-95 and I-4; and you’ll save 30% on accommodations over Orlando and beachfront hotels.

All this and it’s less than an hour’s drive to area theme parks and beaches too. 1-800-800-7832 or 407-665-2900 or visit: www.DoOrlandoNorth.com