Orlando on a Shoestring
Description:
While theme parks are definitely packed with loads of fun, it’s easy to drop hundreds of dollars in a single day. Veer off the beaten path just slightly and you’ll find a bevy of delightful distractions that are much easier on the wallet. From Kissimmee to Longwood, Downtown to Winter Park, Orlando’s varied neighborhoods have something for every traveler on any budget.
Author: Kristen Manieri
Day 1 - Orlando
Few picnic spots compare to the Albion Polasek. Perched on one of Winter Park's picturesque lakes lined with million-dollar estates, this tranquil spot houses a variety of original works inside the gallery and on the well-manicured grounds. Best of all, access to the outdoor sculpture garden is completely free. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic basket filled with their favorite provisions, perhaps purchased from local cafes on nearby Park Avenue. A casual dinner will be had at Fiddler’s Green, consistently named Orlando’s best pub, before heading downtown to Latitudes on Orlando’s infamous Church Street. An outdoor rooftop patio, buckets of cheap beer, and blaring Top 40 tunes make this a favorite nightlife spot.
1
Best Western Movieland Orlando
Location:
view in google maps6233 International Dr
Orlando, FL 32819
Phone:
+1 407 351-39002
The Melting Pot
Location:
view in google maps7549 West Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
Phone:
1 407 903-11004
Latitudes
Location:
view in google maps33 West Church Street
Orlando, FL 32801-3301
Phone:
407 649 4270Day 2 - Orlando
Young or old, the Orlando’s Science Center never ceases to captivate and amaze. For under $20, the OSC offers heart stopping IMAX shows and an endless array of stimulating exhibits that will keep you busy throughout the day. The Orlando Museum of Art and Loch Haven Park are all within a short drive should you care to tackle these while you’re in the area. For lunch or dinner, head over to Orlando’s Antique District where eclectic boutiques mesh with zany cafes like White Wolf Café. Try the lasagna… it’s delish. Afterwards, The Social is just a short drive downtown and stacks a line-up of live bands from near and far.
1
Orlando Science Center
Location:
view in google maps777 E. Princeton St
Between Orange and Mills Aves, in Loch Haven Park
Orlando, FL 32803
Phone:
888/672-43862
White Wolf Cafe
Location:
view in google maps1829 North Orange Avenue
Orlando, FL 32804
Phone:
1 407 895 99113
Social (The)
Location:
view in google maps54 North Orange Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone:
+1 407 246 1419Day 3 - Orlando
Only about twenty minutes north of downtown Orlando, Wekiwa Springs State Park is a tranquil destination for outdoor lovers. Admission to the park is only $5 per car load and kayak rentals are only $20 for a two-person kayak. You can find more information about canoe and kayak rentals as well as guided yours at www.canoewekiva.com. Pack a picnic lunch for even more saving. You’ll pass a Publix grocery store along the way (corner of Wekiva and SR 434). After a day of hiking, paddling and swimming, plan on spending the evening at Universal’s CityWalk where the MEAL & MOVIE DEAL will get you dinner and a movie for only $21.95 at eight participating restaurants. Stay all night and enjoy live entertainment at many of CityWalk's venues or head over to the new Rising Star to take the karaoke stage with a live band.
1
Wekiwa Springs State Park
Location:
view in google maps1800 Wekiwa Circle
Orlando, FL 32712
Phone:
+1 407 884 20082
Hot Dog Heaven
Location:
view in google maps5355 East Colonial Drive
Orlando, FL 32807
Phone:
1 407 282 57463
Bob Marley - A Tribute to Freedom
Location:
view in google maps6000 Universal Blvd
Suite 730
Orlando, FL 32819
Phone:
407 224 3663Day 4 - Orlando
Start your day with a sun drenched hike through the Wilderness Preserve where a 2.5 mile loop takes you through authentic Florida backwoods. Quench that well earned appetite at Joe’s Crab Shack in Celebration and while you’re in the neighborhood, take a stroll through downtown Celebration, the quaint ‘Pleasantville’ town that Disney created. End the day at Downtown Disney where live acoustic bands take the stage at House of Blue’s Front Porch Bar.
2
Joe's Crab Shack
Location:
view in google maps4601 South Semoran Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32822-2409
Phone:
1 407 658 9299