How to Navigate Spring Break on a Budget in Orlando

By Kate Cohen

Spring break is the perfect excuse for a trip to Orlando.

A sun hat, cocktail, and pair of sunglasses rest on the edge of a crystal clear pool.

With beautiful weather, elite theme parks, and a myriad of attractions and entertainment, it’s no wonder Orlando is one of the top spring break destinations in the country.

And, with a little effort and planning, your Orlando spring break vacation doesn’t have to break the bank.

Here are three important tips for how to navigate spring break on a budget in Orlando.

Key Takeaways

Account for Unexpected Fees and Charges in Your Budget
Bring Your Own Snacks and Water
Stay at a Budget-Friendly Hotel

Account for Unexpected Fees and Charges in Your Budget

A woman in a hat, skirt, and denim jacket scrolls on her phone in an airport beside her carry-on suitcase.

Major line items like plane tickets, hotel rates, and theme park admission are obvious things to include in your budget.

However, nothing ruins a plan faster than unexpected fees and costs.

If you’re planning on driving to the theme parks, you’ll want to account for parking fees. Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld Orlando all charge a minimum of $30 - $35 for daily parking.

Additionally, familiarize yourself with your hotel’s parking policies to see if you should be accounting for those fees as well.

If you’re planning to utilize ride shares to get around Orlando during your vacation, be sure to set aside enough money to cover your ride and appropriate gratuity.

Speaking of gratuity, it’s customary to tip a minimum of 18% when dining at restaurants, ordering food or grocery deliveries, and utilizing other specialty services. If you’re traveling internationally, be sure you’re budgeting for leaving tips.

Planning on bringing lots of luggage with you? If you’re flying, don't overlook hefty baggage fees, which can add up quickly.

Souvenirs abound in Orlando and it can be easy to go overboard buying treats and memorabilia to bring home. Determine how much you’re comfortable spending, then do your best to stick to that number throughout your vacation.

Bring Your Own Snacks and Water

An array of clear Tupperware packed with healthy and colorful snacks. Pack your own food to stick to your budget on spring break.

It’s no surprise that food and beverages in the theme parks can cost a pretty penny.

One of the best ways to cut costs on your Orlando vacation is to bring your own snacks and water to the theme parks.

While it’s absolutely worth it to treat yourself to a fun theme park snack or a special meal, you can save money by bringing pre-packaged snacks and reusable water bottles with you.

If you’re headed to Disney World or Universal Orlando, you can also bring a small, soft-sided cooler with ice packs to keep snacks and drinks cool (as long as they’re not in glass containers).

At SeaWorld Orlando, outside food and drinks are prohibited, except for reusable water bottles and baby food. So, if you’re spending the day at their theme park, be sure to budget for snacks and drinks throughout the day.

Staying at Rosen Inn International? Stop by Lite Bite Mini-Market & Deli in our lobby to stock up on your favorite snacks before you head out for the day.

Stay at a Budget-Friendly Hotel

The exterior of Rosen Inn International surrounded by blue sky and palm trees.

One of the best ways to enjoy your spring break on a budget in Orlando is to stay at a budget-friendly hotel like Rosen Inn International.

Here, you’ll save money on your stay without compromising comfort, convenience, or service.

After a long day of adventuring, rest and recharge in clean, comfortable guest rooms.

Getting hungry? Pick up a snack from Lite Bite Mini Market or treat yourself to a buffet at Fountain View Café where kids under 5 eat for free with a paying adult.

Our convenient location on International Drive means you’re never far from Orlando’s best attractions and entertainment.

Plus, as a Universal Partner Hotel, we offer a complimentary shuttle to Universal Orlando theme parks, which is another great way to save money while you’re on spring break.

For decades, Rosen Inn International has been known for its warm and friendly service, provided by associates with passion for making every guest feel welcome and appreciated.

Plus, when you’re not out exploring everything Orlando has to offer, you can enjoy Central Florida’s warm spring weather beside our two sparkling, seasonally heated swimming pools.

This spring break, make Rosen Inn International your destination. We’ve been helping our guests make the most of their vacations for over 50 years, and we’ll be sure to do the same for you.