Orlando or BUST! Oh, don’t mind us … we’re just making a sign to post in the back of the froggin’ wagon. That’s right, frog friends! We’re road trippin’ it to Orlando for spring break this year and we can’t wait!
For a fun and exciting spring break destination, Orlando, Florida is an excellent choice. Known for its theme parks, warm weather and endless entertainment options, it's no wonder why millions of people flock to Orlando each year. But with years of experience under our belts, we know firsthand that planning an Orlando spring break trip can be a bit overwhelming. No need to croak … we got you! With a little bit of research and preparation, you can have the trip of a lifetime. Here are our top tips and tricks to help you plan a frogtastic Orlando spring break trip!
How to Plan the Ultimate Orlando Spring Break Vacation
Set Your Budget
Setting a budget for an Orlando vacation is an important step to ensure that you don't overspend and end up with unexpected expenses. The first step is to determine how much you can afford to spend on the vacation, taking into account all of your fixed expenses such as transportation, lodging and food. Next, research the cost of attractions and activities you plan to do, as well as any additional expenses such as souvenirs, shopping and dining out. It's also important to account for unexpected expenses, including emergency medical care or possible car repairs. Once you have a rough idea of how much you'll be spending, set aside a portion of your budget as a contingency fund in case of unexpected expenses. It's also a good idea to start shopping around for deals on flights, hotels and rental cars, as well as to consider purchasing attraction tickets in advance to save money. With careful planning and budgeting, you can enjoy a fun and memorable Orlando spring break vacation without breaking the bank.
Choose Your Orlando Spring Break Travel Dates
The next step in planning any trip is choosing your travel dates. Spring break typically falls in March or April, but the exact dates can vary depending on your school, university or work schedule. Once you know when your tadpoles' spring break is scheduled, you can start looking for flights and accommodations. Keep in mind that the earlier you book, the more options you'll have and the better deals you can find. As you're planning, you'll want to check out our Orlando Planning Timeline and data-driven Crowd Calendar!
Create a Countdown
Now that you've nailed down your travel dates, creating a travel countdown can help build excitement for your upcoming trip and keep you organized as you prepare. One simple way to create a countdown is to create a calendar with the number of days until your trip and cross off each day as it passes. You can also create a digital countdown using a smartphone app or widget. Another idea is to create a travel scrapbook or photo album and add a new page or photo each day leading up to your trip. You can also create a packing list and cross off items as you pack, which can help you stay organized and ensure that you don't forget anything important. Finally, consider creating a travel playlist of songs that remind you of your destination or that you can listen to during the trip.
Book Your Flights or Map Your Road Trip
Wahoo! Your dates are set and the countdown is on! Next, it's time to book your flights or map out your road trip. Orlando has two major airports: Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). MCO is the larger of the two airports and offers more flight options. If you're flying in from out of state, you may want to consider renting a car at the airport to make getting around easier. Wink, wink! Your favorite frogs here offer pretty incredible car rental savings especially when bundled with your hotel and ticket purchases!
If you plan on driving, planning a road trip to Orlando can be a super fun experience! The first step is to determine your route, taking into account your starting point, any stops you'd like to make along the way and the estimated travel time. Research the best times to travel and map out alternative routes in case of traffic or road closures. It's also a good idea to plan your meals and snacks ahead of time, pack snacks and drinks for the road and research restaurants or grocery stores along your route. Additionally, you'll want to pack some entertainment options, such as books, games or movies, to keep everyone entertained during the long drive.
Choose Your Accommodations
There are plenty of accommodation options in Orlando, from budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts. If you're looking to stay close to the theme parks, you may want to stay at one of the on-site hotels. These hotels offer perks including early park access and free transportation to the parks. If you're on a budget, you can find plenty of affordable hotels and vacation rentals in the surrounding areas. When exploring all of your options, we know there's a lot to think about. If you're looking to stay at a resort at either Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando, we have hotel comparison matrix tools to help you find the best accommodations to fit your family's needs.
Here are a few more hopful Orlando hotel guides to assist with your planning!
- Our Favorite Hotels Near Universal Orlando Resort
- How to Pick the Best Walt Disney World Value Resort for Your Family
- 11 Great EPCOT Hotels for Your Next Disney Vacation
- Best Hotels Near Disney Springs
- The Frog Family's Favorite Orlando Water Park Hotels
- All of the Benefits of Staying at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel
Purchase Theme Park Tickets
Orlando is known for its theme parks, and no trip to "The City Beautiful" is complete without a visit to at least one of them. Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando are the three major theme parks in the area. If you're up for a little travel, LEGOLAND FLORIDA and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay are a just quick hop away. Each park offers different experiences, so it's worth doing some research to decide which park(s) you want to visit. Purchasing your tickets in advance can save you money, time and you'll have less stress knowing that your trip is already booked and ready to go!
If you're looking to experience some theme park magic, but not wanting to commit to a full park day, consider planning a visit to Disney Springs for a bite to eat, endless shopping opportunities or to participate in a family-friendly activity such as bowling or catching a flick at the AMC Movies at Disney Springs 24. Would you believe we offer discounts on movie tickets too?!
For amazing entertainment and dining experiences, Universal’s CityWalk is a hoppin' spot that's perfect for that spring break vacation vibe! You'll find a variety of scrumptious dining venues, unique shopping and entertainment options. Challenge your crew with a mysterious escape room adventure, play a round of mini-golf at Hollywood Drive-in Golf, grab an infamous Voodoo Doughnut or catch a live musical performance at the Hard Rock Cafe Orlando.
Plan Your Activities (Spoiler Alert: There Are SO Many Options!)
If theme parks aren't your jam, Orlando has a million other activities to keep you entertained. (That's not an exaggeration!) You can visit museums, go golfing, take a helium air balloon ride or explore the nearby natural parks, just to name a few. You'll want to make a list of the activities you want to do and plan your days accordingly. Hop over to our Orlando City guide for even more activities to explore!
Here are our top frog-favorite Orlando vacation activities (BONUS — we offer discounts on almost all of these!):
iFly Orlando is an indoor skydiving experience that is perfect for those seeking a thrilling adventure. Located just a few minutes from downtown, iFly offers a unique experience that simulates the sensation of skydiving without having to jump out of a plane. After a short training session, participants enter a vertical wind tunnel and float on a cushion of air. The sensation is similar to free-falling through the sky but in a safe and controlled environment. The experience is suitable for all ages (3+) and skill levels, making it a fun activity for the whole family.
Gatorland is a unique theme park and wildlife preserve. It is home to thousands of alligators and crocodiles, as well as other animals such as snakes, birds and tortoises. One of the main attractions is the Alligator Breeding Marsh, where visitors can see alligators in their natural habitat, and even watch them being fed. Gatorland also features several shows and demonstrations, including the Gator feeding show, where alligators jump out of the water to snatch food from trainers, and the Up-Close Encounters Show, where visitors can hold and take photos with smaller animals such as snakes and baby alligators. For those looking for an extra thrill, Gatorland offers a zipline experience that takes you soaring over the alligators and crocodiles. There's also a petting zoo, gift shop and dining options on-site. Gatorland is a great option for families and nature lovers looking to get up close and personal with some of Florida's most iconic wildlife.
Attending an Orlando Magic game is a must-do for basketball fans visiting Orlando. The Magic play home games at the Kia Center (formerly known as Amway Center), a state-of-the-art arena located downtown. The arena features comfortable seating, excellent sightlines and a variety of food and drink options. The game-day experience is enhanced by the team's exciting atmosphere, including in-game entertainment, fan activities and giveaways. Attending an Orlando Magic game is a great way to experience the thrill of professional basketball while also enjoying the fun and energy of a live sporting event. Whether you're a die-hard basketball fan or just looking for a fun night out, attending an Orlando Magic game is always a frogtabulous good time!
Orlando Water Parks
Orlando is home to some of the best water parks in the world. With its warm and sunny weather, it's the perfect destination for those looking to cool off and have some fun in the water. Three popular water parks in Orlando are Disney's Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach and Universal Volcano Bay. All three parks offer a variety of attractions, including water slides, lazy rivers, wave pools and tadpole play areas. Typhoon Lagoon and Volcano Bay have more tropical, laid-back vibes, while Blizzard Beach has a wintery atmosphere with a ski resort theme. No matter which park you decide to check out, you'll find a ton of yummy food and drink options, as well as rental options for cabanas and lockers. Another water park worth checking out is Aquatica Orlando, which is operated by SeaWorld. It features thrilling water slides, a wave pool and a lazy river, and it's home to the Commerson's dolphins!
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament is a dinner show experience that takes you back in time to the Middle Ages. Guests are treated to a feast fit for a king while watching a live jousting tournament, complete with knights on horseback, sword fights and falconry demonstrations. The show features a storyline that unfolds throughout the evening, with knights representing different regions of Medieval Spain competing against each other. The atmosphere is lively and interactive, with guests encouraged to cheer on their knights and participate in the festivities. The experience also includes a pre-show where guests can explore the medieval village and take photos with the knights and horses.
The Kennedy Space Center is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in space exploration and history. Located less than an hour east of Orlando, the center has been the launch site for every manned mission to space since 1968, including the Apollo moon landings and the Space Shuttle program. Visitors can tour the center's museums and exhibits, which include artifacts from past space missions, interactive displays and hands-on activities. Highlights include the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, which features a retired Space Shuttle and the Rocket Garden, which displays a collection of historic rockets and missiles. Additionally, visitors can take a tour of the center and see launch pads, the Vehicle Assembly Building and other operational areas. There are also opportunities to meet astronauts and experience simulated space missions.
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games Orlando
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games is an indoor entertainment complex located in Orlando. There you'll find a handful of exciting activities, including indoor go-karting, arcade games, virtual reality experiences and laser tag. The go-kart track is one of the main attractions, featuring a multilevel track with twists and turns that are sure to get your adrenaline pumping. The arcade games offer something for everyone, with classic games including skee-ball and pinball, as well as newer games and virtual reality experiences. The laser tag arena is a great option for groups who aren't afraid of a little competition. Andretti Indoor Karting & Games also features a full-service bar and restaurant, offering yummy food and drink options.
ICON Park (The Wheel, Sea Life Orlando Aquarium & Madame Tussauds)
Icon Park is a popular entertainment complex located in the heart of Orlando. It features a variety of attractions and activities that are perfect for the whole family. One of the main attractions is the 400-foot-tall observation wheel, known as The Wheel at Icon Park, which offers stunning views of the Orlando skyline. Additionally, guests can visit the Sea Life Orlando Aquarium, which features thousands of sea creatures, including sharks, sea turtles and stingrays. The Madame Tussauds Orlando wax museum is also located in Icon Park, where visitors can take photos with lifelike wax figures of their favorite celebrities. For those looking for a thrilling experience, there's the Orlando StarFlyer, a 450-foot tall swing ride that offers panoramic views of the city. Icon Park also features a variety of dining and shopping options, including restaurants, bars and souvenir shops.
Pack Appropriately
Orlando's weather can be hot and humid, so you'll want to pack lightweight, breathable clothing. Think cotton, linen and other lightweight fabrics. Don't forget to pack a hat, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen to protect yourself from the strong Florida sun. You'll also want to bring comfortable walking shoes, as you'll be doing so much exploring. If you're planning on hitting your resort pool or water park, pack your swimsuit, towel and pool bag. And lastly, remember to bring a rain jacket or umbrella. Florida is known for its sudden downpours. Before you go, be sure to read over our guide on how to pack for the theme parks and Orlando weather year-round. Overall, keep it simple, casual and comfortable, and you'll be all set for your Orlando spring break vacation!
Don't Froget to Prep Your Phone
Preparing your phone for vacation is an important step to ensure that you stay connected and can capture all of your memories. Don't froget to back up your important data, such as contacts, photos and documents to a cloud service or external device. This will protect your information in case your phone is lost or stolen. It's also a good idea to download any necessary apps for travel, such as maps or other navigation tools, and to familiarize yourself with any travel-related information such as flight schedules or attraction tickets. While you're at it, Apple users can download our Orlando Undercover Tourist Planning app. With the app, you'll have access to interactive maps of the theme parks, wait times, park planning tools and so much more!
Additionally, pack a portable charger or battery pack to ensure that your phone stays charged throughout the day. Finally, think about setting up a tracking feature such as Find My iPhone or Android Device Manager, which can help you locate your phone in case it is lost or stolen. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your phone is prepared for your vacation and you can stay connected and capture all of your special moments.
Have Fun and Enjoy!
The most important part of any trip is to have fun! Orlando is a great destination for spring break, and with a little bit of planning, you can have an unfrogettable trip. Relax, enjoy the warm weather and make some memories that will last a lifetime!
We hope you have the best Orlando spring break vacation! Be sure to book your discounted hotel, tickets and rental cars with your frog friends here at Undercover Tourist! You can rest assured that you're paying the lowest prices with a money-back guarantee. Plus we offer first-rate customer support! What questions do you still have? Let us know in the comments. We look forward to hearing from you!
Related: Making a Trip to Disney World for Spring Break? Here Are Our Best No-Stress Tips
Hoppy planning!
