A vacation to Orlando is synonymous with theme parks, family-friendly resorts, and year-round sunshine. However, the cost of a trip to Orlando can vary widely depending on where you stay, how many park days you plan, and whether you visit Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando Resort—or both.
- Total Cost of a Trip to Orlando (Quick Summary)
- Flight Costs to Orlando
- Hotel Costs in Orlando
- Food Costs in Orlando
- Local Transportation Costs in Orlando
- Attractions & Activities Costs in Orlando
- Disney World vs Universal Orlando – Cost Comparison
- Age-Based Cost Breakdown for Families
- Budget vs Mid-Range vs Luxury Orlando Trip Comparison
- Sample Orlando Travel Budgets
- How Much Does a Disney Trip to Orlando Cost?
- Advanced Cost-Saving Strategies for Orlando
- FAQs – Cost of Visiting Orlando
- Final Thoughts – Is Orlando Worth the Cost?
This formal, data-driven guide breaks down flights, hotels, food, transportation, and attractions, then adds deep Disney vs Universal comparisons, age-based child pricing, and advanced cost-saving strategies for families and theme park travelers planning 3-, 5-, or 7-day trips.
Total Cost of a Trip to Orlando (Quick Summary)
Below are realistic averages, excluding souvenirs and optional premium add-ons (e.g., VIP tours).
Orlando Trip Cost Summary
| Trip Length | Budget (Per Person) | Mid-Range (Per Person) | Luxury (Per Person) | Family of 4 (Mid-Range) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Days | $700 – $950 | $1,100 – $1,450 | $2,500+ | $4,200 – $4,800 |
| 5 Days | $1,050 – $1,450 | $1,700 – $2,300 | $3,900+ | $6,200 – $7,200 |
| 7 Days | $1,450 – $1,950 | $2,400 – $3,200 | $5,400+ | $8,200 – $9,800 |
Biggest cost drivers: theme park tickets, hotels, and transportation (parking/shuttles).
Flight Costs to Orlando
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is well-connected, keeping fares competitive.
Domestic Flight Costs (Round-Trip Economy)
| From | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| New York City | $180 – $350 |
| Chicago | $160 – $300 |
| Atlanta | $120 – $260 |
| Dallas | $150 – $320 |
| Los Angeles | $220 – $420 |
International Flight Costs
- Canada: $250 – $450
- Europe: $650 – $1,100
- Latin America: $350 – $700
Savings tips: fly midweek; book 6–10 weeks ahead (domestic); compare nearby airports if routing allows.
Hotel Costs in Orlando
Orlando offers everything from budget motels to on-site deluxe resorts.
Budget Hotels & Motels
- $80 – $130/night
- Often off-site; basic amenities; parking may be extra
Mid-Range Hotels & Resorts
- $160 – $260/night
- Family-friendly, pools, some include park shuttles
Luxury & On-Site Premium Resorts
- $400 – $700+/night
- Prime locations, early park entry, premium dining
Hotel Cost Comparison
| Category | Avg Nightly Rate |
|---|---|
| Budget | $110 |
| Mid-Range | $210 |
| Luxury | $600 |
Food Costs in Orlando
Food spending depends heavily on whether you eat inside parks.
Budget Food
- Quick-service meals
- $12 – $20 per meal
Mid-Range Dining
- Family sit-down restaurants
- $25 – $45 per meal
Character Dining & Premium Experiences
- $55 – $85 (children) / $70 – $120 (adults)
Daily Food Budget (Per Person)
- Budget: $40 – $60
- Mid-range: $70 – $100
- Luxury: $150+
Local Transportation Costs in Orlando
Car Rental
- $45 – $75/day (weekly rates cheaper)
- Parking at parks: $25 – $30/day
Hotel Shuttles & Public Transport
- Many resorts offer free park shuttles (limited schedules)
- Public transit is limited for theme parks
Ride-Shares & Airport Transfers
- MCO to hotel: $25 – $45
Verdict: families often save time (not money) with a rental car; shuttles save on parking.
Attractions & Activities Costs in Orlando
Theme Park Tickets (Single-Day Ranges)
- Disney: $109 – $189 (adult) / $104 – $179 (child 3–9)
- Universal: $109 – $159 (adult) / $104 – $154 (child)
Other Paid Attractions
- Water parks: $50 – $80
- ICON Park experiences: $25 – $40
Free & Low-Cost Options
- Disney Springs, resort hopping, hotel entertainment
Disney World vs Universal Orlando – Cost Comparison
Ticket Pricing (Per Day)
| Park | Adult | Child (3–9) |
|---|---|---|
| Disney World | $109 – $189 | $104 – $179 |
| Universal | $109 – $159 | $104 – $154 |
Multi-Day Passes (5-Day Example)
| Park | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| Disney Base Ticket | $575 – $650 | $545 – $620 |
| Universal Park-to-Park | $520 – $600 | $500 – $580 |
On-Site vs Off-Site Costs
| Feature | Disney | Universal |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-Range On-Site Hotel | $250 – $350 | $220 – $300 |
| Included Transport | Yes | Yes |
| Early Entry | Yes | Yes |
Bottom line: Disney is typically 15–25% more expensive, while Universal often delivers better value for shorter (3–4 day) trips.
Age-Based Cost Breakdown for Families
Toddlers (Under 3)
- No park ticket; lower food spend
- $40 – $70/day
Children (Ages 3–9)
- Discounted tickets; kids’ meals
- $120 – $160/day
Pre-Teens & Teens (10–17)
- Adult-priced tickets; higher food spend
- $160 – $220/day
Family Impact (Daily):
| Family Type | Daily Cost |
|---|---|
| 2 Adults + 1 Toddler | $380 – $450 |
| 2 Adults + 1 Child (6) | $520 – $600 |
| 2 Adults + 1 Teen | $600 – $700 |
Budget vs Mid-Range vs Luxury Orlando Trip Comparison
5-Day Family Trip (Per Person)
| Expense | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | $250 | $350 | $700 |
| Hotels | $550 | $1,050 | $3,000 |
| Food | $250 | $450 | $900 |
| Transport | $200 | $350 | $600 |
| Attractions | $350 | $700 | $1,200 |
| Total | $1,600 | $2,900 | $6,400+ |
Sample Orlando Travel Budgets
- Budget Family (5 Days): $3,800 – $4,500 (off-site hotel, 3 park days)
- Mid-Range Combo: $5,500 – $6,500 (Disney + Universal)
- Luxury Resort Stay: $8,500+ (on-site deluxe, premium dining)
How Much Does a Disney Trip to Orlando Cost?
- Budget: $250 – $300 per person/day
- Mid-Range: $400 – $500 per person/day
- Luxury: $700+ per person/day
Advanced Cost-Saving Strategies for Orlando
- Tickets: buy multi-day passes; avoid park hopping unless necessary
- Food: grocery delivery; share meals; eat largest meal outside parks
- Hotels: off-site stays with shuttles; compare resort fees
- Transport: use shuttles to avoid parking; rent weekly, not daily
FAQs – Cost of Visiting Orlando
Is Disney or Universal cheaper for families?
Universal is generally cheaper, especially for short trips.
Do toddlers pay for Disney?
No—children under 3 enter free.
Is staying on-site worth it?
For transport and early entry, yes; financially, off-site is cheaper.
Can you do Orlando without a car?
Yes, if your hotel provides reliable shuttles.
Cheapest time to visit Orlando?
Late August–September and January–early February.
Final Thoughts – Is Orlando Worth the Cost?
For families and theme park travelers, Orlando offers unmatched variety and value—if planned carefully. Understanding the cost of a trip to Orlando, especially Disney vs Universal trade-offs and age-based pricing, helps you build a budget that delivers maximum enjoyment without surprises.
For national context, compare your plans with how much it costs to travel in the USA and the average daily travel cost in the United States—then finalize a trip that fits your family’s style and budget.
