Hi Orlando peeps! I know many of you are longing for a vacation but just can’t because of obvious reasons. Well, I am here to help you make the best of your situation and enjoy your hometown with some fantastic best Orlando staycations idea. Keep on reading.
PIN ME- BEST ORLANDO STAYCATIONS IDEAS
THEME PARKS
How many of you have actually been to Disney World? *Raise your hands* You guys might be surprised to find out the amount of Floridians who have yet to visit Disney is alarmingly high. It’s astonishing! Having said that, there is no better time to visit the theme parks. With the decrease in crowds and limited numbers, the wait times at the rides are significantly low compared to the past.
How many of you have actually been to Disney World? *Raise your hands* You guys might be surprised to find out the amount of Floridians who have yet to visit Disney is alarmingly high. It’s astonishing! Having said that, there is no better time to visit the theme parks. With the decrease in crowds, Disney is offering some great specials to Florida residents for the parks and hotels. Click here to check it out.
Don’t just go to spend the day at the parks, I say plan an entire mini vacation. Book a room at one of the magical Disney hotel, visit the theme parks, dine in with the Disney characters, enjoy a Mickey Mouse shaped waffle for breakfast, you get the idea. Be a tourist in your own town! There is a reason why Orlando sees millions of visitors each year.
Here are some of my suggested itineraries to have an amazing theme park mini vaca:
Park ===>> Disney’s Magic Kingdom and Epcot
Hotel ===>> Walt Disney World Swan ($180+/night), Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa ($600+/night)
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Highlight ===>> Whether you are looking for a magical vacation or take a gastronomical world tour without leaving the country, Disney’s Magic Kingdom and Epcot will do it for you.
Exploring the parks is a mighty task, I recommend 2 parks in a day and make sure to check the hours of operation and covid-19 restrictions before planning your visit by clicking on each link.
Park ===>> Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios
Hotel ===>> Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas- Kidani Village ($500+/night), Margaritaville Resort Orlando ($160+/night)
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Highlight ===>> Disney Springs is an outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment complex at the Walt Disney World Resort. Whether you are looking to do some shopping or some entertainment, Disney Springs is a fun spot to walk around.
Park ===>> Universal Studios
Hotel ===>> Loews Portofino Bay Hotel ($350+/night), Universal’s Cabana Bay beach resort ($138+/night)
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Highlight ===>> Universal Studios consist of 3 parks- Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios & Volcano Bay. I found it easier to experience 2 parks in a day.
Universal’s CityWalk is a great spot to spend the evening after the parks close. It has tons of restaurants and entertainment including nightlife.
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Park ===>> Sea World Orlando
Hotel ===>> Renaissance Orlando at Sea World ($120+/night), Hilton Grand Vacations at Sea World ($90+/night)
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Highlight ===>> Grab breakfast and dinner out of SeaWorld due to limited options in the park.
SeaWorld typically offers some good specials on their tickets for Florida residents, make sure to check them out. Click here.
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Park ===>> Discovery Cove
Hotel ===>> DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando ($55+/night), Marriott’s Grande Vista ($115+/night)
Restaurants ===>> Park ticket includes meals.
Highlight ===>> All inclusive tickets include swim with dolphins, meals all day, and much more! Definitely worth the money.
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BEACH STAYCATION
Who doesn’t love going to the beach? Now imagine sitting in your ocean front room view balcony, having delicious breakfast in a plush robe, just listening to the waves of the ocean. Sounds divine, right? Good thing about living in Orlando is, the beach isn’t too far away.
I personally love visiting the West side beaches of Florida compared to the East coast beaches, however, the East coast beaches definitely are popular amongst the locals.
Here are some of my recommendations:
Beach ===>> Cocoa beach
Hotel ===>> Beachside Hotel & Suites ($135+/night), Radisson Suite Hotel Oceanfront ($160+/night)
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Highlight ===>> Cocoa beach is the closest beach from Orlando so it makes it perfect a day trip or weekend away. Plus they have some of the best local restaurants and bars.
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Beach ===>> Daytona beach
Hotel ===>> Delta Hotels by Marriott Daytona Beach ($120+/night), Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort ($80+/night)
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Highlight ===>> Take a tour of the Daytona International Speedway and Daytona Lagoon while you are in the area.
Beach ===>> New Smyrna Beach
Hotel ===>> SpringHill Suites by Marriott New Smyrna Beach ($250+/night), The Shores Resort & Spa ($120+/night)
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Highlight ===>> I love all the local restaurants in New Smyrna! I could literally go there every weekend just to dine.
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Beach ===>> Sanibel Island
Hotel ===>>South Seas Island Resort ($350+/night), Casa Ybel Resort ($600+/night)
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Highlight ===>> This beach is a seashell collectors paradise!
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Beach ===>> Honeymoon Island
Hotel ===>> Innisbrook Golf & Spa Resort ($225+/night), Fenway Hotel Autograph Collection ($265+/night)
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Highlight ===>> While visiting Honeymoon Island state park, you can also take a ferry to Caladesi Island. Click here.
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Beach ===>> Clearwater Beach
Hotel ===>> Sheraton Sand Key Resort ($298+/night), Opal Sands Resort ($550+/night)
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Highlight ===>> Clearwater beach is known for it’s white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and beautiful sunsets. A very romantic set up!
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Beach ===>> The Nature Conservancy Blowing Rocks Preserve
Hotel ===>> Wyndham Grand Jupiter at Harbourside Place ($232+/night), Hampton Inn Jupiter ($175+/night)
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Highlight ===>>
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OUTDOORS STAYCATION
Another fun and exciting way to spend your staycation is by exploring the beautiful outdoors. I love visiting the local springs especially during the summer months because the heat in Florida is no joke!
A couple of my favorite spots are Ginnie Springs, Blue Springs State Park, Lake Louisa State Park.
Park ===>> Ginnie Springs
Hotel ===>> The Ginnie Cottage ($220/night), Kulaqua Cottages ($75+/night)
Restaurants ===>>
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Highlight ===>> Ginnie Springs is about a 2 hours drive from Orlando, perfect way to spend the weekend.
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Park ===>> Blue Spring State Park
Hotel ===>> Artisan Downtown ($110+/night), The Deland Hotel ($95+/night)
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Highlight ===>> Manatees are going to be the highlight here. Make sure to check the on and off seasons before planning your visit.
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Park ===>> Lake Louisa State Park
Hotel ===>> Liki Tiki Village ($35+/night), TownePlace Suites by Marriott Orlando at Flamingo Crossings ($75+/night)
Restaurants ===>>
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Highlight ===>> Located only 30 mins from Orlando, this park has a diverse wildlife including deer, bobcat, fox squirrel, and much more!
LOCAL TOWNS STAYCATION
If you are not a beach lover or outdoorsy person, then visit one of the local towns for a change of scenery. Whether you are a foodie or enjoy antique shopping, the local towns in Florida have something unique to offer for a perfect staycation. Some of my favorite are Mount Dora, St. Augustine (my favorite), Dunedin and Anna Maria Island.
City ===>> Mount Dora
Hotel ===>> Mission Inn Resort & Club ($125+/night)
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