6. Orlando Flex Ticket
Imagine up to 14 consecutive days of unlimited admission to five (5) Orlando theme parks for one reasonable price! It's possible with the Orlando Flex Ticket that includes a 4-park option to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, SeaWorld Orlando and Wet ‘n Wild or the 5-park option that also includes Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Also available is the Orlando Flex Ticket Plus that offers a 6-park option after March 1, 2008 to SeaWorld's new water park, Aquatica.Admission is valid for the entire length of your stay (up to 14 consecutive days from the first day of use). You may visit the parks as many times as you want during this time. No matter how many parks are visited during one day, only one parking fee is required (simply show parking receipt from first park visited that day). Tickets that include Busch Gardens Tampa Bay include free shuttle bus transportation with scheduled departures from several Orlando locations.
7. Disney World - Multi-Day Tickets, Dining Plan & More
I know what you're thinking. Considering the annual price hikes in admission at Disney World, is there anything at all that is a good deal? Absolutely!A few years ago, Disney announced a new ticket plan. "Magic Your Way" allows guests to create their own tickets. The new tickets are tailored to the length of your vacation stay — the longer you stay, the less expensive the ticket. The big catch (isn't there always one) is that two of the most valued ticket options — park hopper and no expiration — are no longer automatically included. If you want either of those two options it will cost you extra. A lot more extra. But, if you are going to stay at Disney World and can plan on going to only one park per day, the 10-day base ticket is an excellent value... it will cost you just $22.50 per day (plus tax).
If you are staying on the Disney World property at any of the resort hotels, consider purchasing a Disney Package Plus Dining. It's a great value! For every day of your stay each person will be entitled to one quick service meal, one table service meal and one snack. You won't go hungry, these are full meals that include an entree, non-alcoholic beverage and desert or full buffet. The plan also has some flexibility, such as, two table service meals can be used for character, signature and private dining and dinner shows. By eating a quick-service meal at dinner on the day of your arrival, you can easily give up the extra table-service meal for one of these special dining experiences.
If you are staying for more than a couple of days at a Disney World resort, consider purchasing a Souvenir refillable drink cup or mug. Drink costs can add up, especially if you have children. These cups can be purchased at the food court for around $10-12 and refills are free at your resort. Just spend a day at the pool and they pay for themselves!
Extra value is built into just a single day admission to one of Disney World's theme parks when you visit during a special event. Special events are included in regular admission to that particular park and often include workshops, special celebrity appearances and free concerts.
These special Disney World events are of particularly value packed:
- Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (March-May) includes garden workshops lead by gardening experts and Flower Power Concerts featuring top acts from the 60s and 70s.
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (September-November) includes guest chefs, wine tastings and Eat To The Beat! concerts featuring top performers.
- Star Wars Weekends combine the power of the force along with a little Disney magic for star-studded sci-fi fun at Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly Disney-MGM Studios) during four weekends every June.
- Super Soap Weekend at Disney's Hollywood Studios (November) features a lineup of more than 30 soap stars from ABC's three daytime dramas. Celebrity interviews and autograph sessions are the highlight of the weekend.
8. Sunset Celebrations
Florida's sunsets are spectacular, and people in two Florida communities – Key West and Clearwater Beach – think that is reason enough to celebrate! Florida's sunset celebrations are festive, entertaining and free!
9. Florida's Fairs
If you are vacationing during the winter and spring months or looking for a value-packed day trip, visit one of Florida's fairs. The Florida State Fair held in Tampa in early February, the Florida Strawberry Festival and Miami Dade County Fair and Exposition in March are the best bets because of their excellent entertainment value.
10. Florida's State Parks - Annual Entrance Pass
Tired of the theme parks? Take a hike! A hike in one of Florida's State Parks, that is. I call them "Nature's Theme Parks" and they're packed full of outdoor activities — camping, fishing, boating, hiking, biking, canoeing and picnicing. Regular admission is by car and isn't expensive (about $4 per carload), but for those of us that camp or daytrip regularly in the state parks the Annual Entrance Pass is a steal at just $40 (plus tax) per indiviual or $80 (plus tax) for families per year. The family pass is good for up to a maximum of eight people in one vehicle, so you can load up the kids friends and take them along for an day of fun! Entrance passes are honored in all state parks, except for Madison Blue Spring, Homosassa Springs State Park and the Sunshine Skyway Fising Pier — all of which offer a 33% discount with the pass. This pass does not include fees for camping.Passes may be purchased online or through the state park or by direct mail. Call 352-628-1002 for more information.
