I created Optimistically Orlando to share my knowledge and recommendations that allow for a great time on a legitimate budget.

I'm always asked how I'm able to go to Orlando so often and it primarily comes down to my selections for hotels, airlines, and the time I choose to book my trip.

Typically, I travel with a group - it's highly recommended because you can split the cost of the hotel and the expenses here and there can add up. A credit card will be your best friend for this reason and my favorite app, SplitWise. This allows you to get paid back and less pressure to always put your card down if going out for lunch/dinner or even drinking around the world (it can add up!).

Hotel Recommendations

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Universal: Endless Summer - Dockside

Why this is my top place to stay...

  • "Budget" hotel, but comes with room choices like a 2 bedroom suite. I recommend this for families or friends.
  • Annual passholder rate offered - usually 30% off on top of seasonal rates! (Sometimes up to 40% off)
  • Shuttle bus offered (runs late for events like HHN)
  • Mobile check in/check out
  • Ticket pickup/activation kiosk in lobby
  • Universal Store onsite in lobby
  • Starbucks in lobby
  • Use hotel keys for lockers/early park admission (or AP if you have one!)
  • 2 pools with towels included
  • 2 bars by the pool
  • Arcade/game room
  • Laundry room
  • Rite-Aid walking distance in case you forgot anything

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Disney: Pop Century Resort

Why I recommend this hotel...

  • This is a budget hotel; however, it has clean rooms and access to pools
  • Easy access to buses that will take you to the parks
  • If you travel to Universal, I recommend to link a credit card to a Lyft/Uber service to gain cash back AND miles with a participating airline.
  • Staying on the resort grants you access to early park admission
  • Priority selections for Lightning Lane

Airline Recommendations

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Delta Airlines

  • This airline has great partners and is easy to gain miles through Starbucks, Lyft, and SkyMiles Dining (participating restaurants)
  • Comfortable and newer planes
  • Has a great credit card to gain miles for everyday purchases (free checked bag with the credit card)
  • Offers nonstop flights to Orlando Airport from major cities
  • Generally reliable - I've never had a delayed flight with them
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JetBlue Airlines

  • Cheaper airline
  • Flies out of major airports/cities (nonstop flights to Orlando)
  • Has a great credit card to gain miles for everyday purchases (easy to get to Mosaic status!)
  • Offers a "pool" to combine points together (great for families and friend groups to travel together) - click here to check it out
  • Has one of the coolest terminals at MCO - check out the Universal Store when you land!
  • Sometimes, can be unreliable and delayed flights can occur!

My Airline Tips:

  • When traveling, always get your flight booked first! Seats are limited, so you want to make sure that you can lock in your price and have your tickets ready to go. I LOVE Google flight tracker; you can sign up for flight alerts when tickets are up or down and jump in when you find a price within your budget.
  • Consider traveling during off-season times: January, February, September, and November. It's less crowded at the parks and flights are cheaper.
  • As mentioned above, take advantage of airline partnerships. If you are a foodie, you can link your card to your airline account and earn points at participating restaurants.
  • Get to your airport early! Depending on the time you go on your trip, security could be packed or traffic jams can occur. Consider getting a Lyft/Uber or taking advantage or the onsite parking at the airport (book online to save money!). Carpooling and splitting the cost is your best bet in this situation (hello SplitWise my old friend!)
  • Double check that you have your ID, flight tickets (you can add to your virtual wallet), and credit card/cash
  • If you are bringing a checked luggage, pay ahead! It saves so much time and usually you can print out everything there
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