How to Plan a Cheap Orlando Vacation

Email Share
By Mike Camunas
How to Plan a Cheap Orlando Vacation
Orlando, Florida is considered one of the premier places to take a family vacation, as well as for avid golfers. In fact, there are dozens of courses in the Orlando area, including the Walt Disney World Golf complex that boasts five courses. There is also the famous Bay Hill Golf Course, designed by Arnold Palmer and called home by Tiger Woods. Such courses might make it seem that a golf trip to Orlando could be pricey, but there are ways to keep the price down on other expenses, as well as greens fees.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy
Step 1
Take the time to plan a budget accordingly. Keep in mind that some places, such as the Disney attractions, may be pricey. But golfers can save by staying at a regular chain hotel and eating at places that are less expensive, such as chain restaurants.
Step 2
Check websites such as Orbitz or Expedia for package deals to Orlando. These can bundle together packages that include airfare (if needed), hotel and rental at discounted price. Those sites also show rates separately and from highest to lowest price.
Step 3
Check AAA guidebooks to see where golf courses are located in relation to Orlando and to where you are staying. Rates vary widely, and expect the Disney courses to be more expensive than other local courses. Most courses will have sites of their own for checking rates and scheduling tee times.
Step 4
Disney, with its many resorts, hotels and attractions, offers golf packages as well, mostly including play-and-stay options. A phone call to the courses will help find the best deal for your budget.
Step 5
Many hotels or tourists outlets have brochures and coupon books that offer discounts to local courses. Also, many of the golf stores have maps and coupon books that can help you find cheap greens fees.

Tips & Warnings

A good way to save money is to play golf later in the day. Most courses have twilight rates year round and they are remarkable lower than playing in the prime time, which will always be in the morning or on the weekend or both. Stay at a hotel that offers free breakfast every morning. It's a good way to save money on a meal that sometimes get easily missed while on vacation. If you're not staying at a resort with a course, try to stay as close to the course as possible. Sometimes the hotel rate may be more, but there might be shuttles to the course that are free or less gas will be used on driving.
A good way to save money is to play golf later in the day. Most courses have twilight rates year round and they are remarkable lower than playing in the prime time, which will always be in the morning or on the weekend or both.
Stay at a hotel that offers free breakfast every morning. It's a good way to save money on a meal that sometimes get easily missed while on vacation.
If you're not staying at a resort with a course, try to stay as close to the course as possible. Sometimes the hotel rate may be more, but there might be shuttles to the course that are free or less gas will be used on driving.
Be wary of packages offered by travel agents. The Disney packages are a good way to go, especially if traveling as a family, but if a travel agent offers a package, it's probably wise to decline it. Disney packages, along with those from Orbitz or Expedia, are more reliable than those from an independent agent.

About The Author

Mike Camunas is a free lance reporter, covering local golf in the Tampa Bay area, from events to golfers hitting hole in ones, to even covering the professional events that hit town. He has been playing golf for about 11 years and has never seen his handicap lower. Perhaps one day. He attended the University of South Florida.
Not a Member?
Member Sign In
Keep me logged in
Forgot your password?

Nearby Tee Time HOT Deals!

Monday, May 28 to Saturday, Jun 02

Related Articles

Article Image How to Book Airline Tickets Online

As internet business has matured, the major airlines now encourage you ...

Article Image How to Find Airline Tickets

Its no secret that the majority of low-priced or cheap airline fares ar...

Article Image Custom Disney Vacation Planning

Disney vacations can be fun for the whole family, but planning one can ...

Article Image How to Go on Vacation for Cheap

Who doesn't want to go on vacation for cheap? Even if the economy wasn'...

Article Image How to Save Money on Attractions in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg, Tennessee has been a popular destination, not just for tour...

View All Related Articles

Video of the Day

Balance As Your Teacher
By Gary Wiren

If you lose your balance during the swing then you probably made a bad swing, make sure your body is balanced on your front side ... Watch the Video Now

Article of the Day

Why Do I Top the Ball in My Golf Swing?
Why Do I Top the Ball in My Golf Swing?

When the club head hits the top half of the ball, the shot never gets airborne and the result is...

Read full article

Top Blog Post

Bay Hill Proves Tough Test

Arnold Palmer is known to prefer a thorough test of golf. As host of the invitational that bears his name, Palmer, like Jack Nicklaus at the Memorial, is the guiding influence over the course set up at Bay Hill and he wasn’t disappointed in giving players a fair dose of what the average hack sees ... More