How Much Spending Money for Florida: Family Budget Guide
Planning a trip to Florida is exciting but can feel overwhelming when it comes to budgeting. Whether you’re off to Orlando’s famous theme parks or exploring the beautiful beaches and other attractions, figuring out how much spending money for Florida you’ll need is key to enjoying your trip stress-free.
From food and transport to fun extras, we’ve got everything you need to know to plan your budget smartly, so you can relax and enjoy your holiday without money worries.
Key Takeaways
- Daily Budget for Orlando: Plan around £80 to £100 per person per day for spending money in Orlando. This covers food, transport, and extras but not accommodation or theme park tickets.
- Manage Transport Costs: Choose between car hire and public transport. Car hire offers flexibility but comes with extra costs like petrol and parking, while public transport is cheaper but less flexible.
- Save on Food and Drink: Consider mixing dining options like quick service, self-catering, and occasional sit-down meals to keep food costs in check. Bringing your own snacks can also help save money.
How Much Spending Money for Florida
When planning your holiday to Florida, one of the first things to work out is your daily spending money. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a regular visitor, budgeting correctly means you can enjoy your time without constantly checking your wallet. Let’s break down the costs you should expect and how to save a bit along the way.
Daily Budget for Orlando
Orlando, home to iconic theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios, is a popular spot but can be pricey. A good guideline for spending money in Orlando is around £80 to £100 per person per day. This should cover essentials like food, drinks, snacks, and transport but doesn’t include your accommodation or theme park tickets.
For families, keeping costs down can be managed by staying off-site, packing snacks, or opting for budget-friendly dining options. If you’re planning a more indulgent trip with lots of dining out and souvenirs, you might want to increase this amount.
What Affects Your Spending in Orlando
Your spending will vary depending on several factors, such as how long you’re staying, where you’re eating, and how you’re getting around. Here’s what you’ll need to keep in mind:
Length of Stay: The longer your trip, the more you’ll need to budget daily. While some fixed costs like transport won’t change much, daily expenses on food and activities will add up.
Type of Accommodation: Where you stay plays a big role in your spending. Staying in a hotel with a free breakfast can help reduce your food budget. Self-catering options allow you to prepare some meals yourself, which can save quite a bit, especially for families.
Eating and Drinking: Dining at theme parks is often more expensive than eating off-site. Quick service meals and snacks can help keep your costs lower compared to sit-down restaurants. Bringing your own snacks, like crisps or granola bars, especially for park days, can save you from paying inflated prices for items like ice creams and drinks inside the parks.
Transport Costs in Orlando
Getting around in Orlando can be one of the bigger expenses, especially if you’re planning on exploring beyond the parks. There are a few options depending on your budget and how flexible you want your plans to be.
Car Hire vs. Public Transport
Deciding whether to hire a car or rely on public transport can have a significant impact on your holiday budget. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of each:
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Car Hire | Flexibility to travel on your schedule, useful for exploring further afield | Costs include petrol, parking fees, and potentially high insurance rates. |
| Public Transport | Cost-effective, no parking worries, good for those staying near parks | Less flexible, can be time-consuming, limited routes depending on where you stay. |
Car hire provides the most flexibility, especially if you’re staying off-site and want to explore beyond the theme parks. However, it comes with additional costs like petrol, parking at your hotel, and fees at attractions. Parking alone can cost up to £20 per day at theme parks, so this needs to be factored into your overall budget.
Alternatively, using public transport or ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft can be much cheaper, though it may limit your flexibility. If you’re staying near International Drive or at a hotel that offers complimentary shuttles to the parks, this could be a great way to save money without sacrificing too much convenience.
- Further Reading: Ultimate Guide to Driving in Orlando for Brits.
Food and Drink Costs in Florida
Food can easily become one of your biggest expenses, especially if you’re dining out for most meals. Prices can vary widely based on where and how you choose to eat, so it’s helpful to plan ahead to avoid overspending.
Eating Out vs. Self-Catering
Dining at restaurants, especially within theme parks, can be quite costly. A meal for a family of four at a sit-down restaurant can quickly add up to £60 or more, not including drinks or desserts. For those looking to save money, consider mixing up your meals with some quick service options or even self-catering if your accommodation has kitchen facilities.
Here’s a quick look at potential daily food costs per person:
| Meal Type | Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| Quick Service Meal | £10 – £15 |
| Sit-Down Restaurant | £20 – £40 |
| Snacks and Drinks | £5 – £10 |
Bringing your own breakfast items, such as cereal or pastries, can start your day off right without spending extra. Lunches can be budget-friendly too if you opt for quick service spots or pack your own. For dinners, you might choose a mix of self-prepared meals and a few nice dining experiences, allowing you to enjoy Florida’s great food scene without breaking the bank.
How Much Spending Money for Orlando Theme Parks
Visiting the theme parks is likely one of the highlights of your trip, but costs can add up quickly, especially if you’re planning multiple days. Here’s a look at some typical daily expenses within the parks:
Food and Drink: Expect to spend more on food inside the parks, with meals ranging from £10 for quick bites to £30 or more for sit-down options. Drinks, especially in the Florida heat, can add up, so consider bringing refillable water bottles or taking advantage of free water stations.
Souvenirs: Souvenirs can be tempting, especially with kids in tow. Budgeting around £10 to £20 per person for small items like t-shirts or keychains can keep everyone happy without splurging on big-ticket items.
Extra Experiences: Things like skip-the-line passes (Disney Genie+ or Universal Express) or character dining experiences can greatly enhance your visit but come at a premium. It’s best to book these in advance and include them in your budget planning.
Managing Your Overall Budget
To make the most of your holiday without financial strain, it’s important to plan ahead and keep an eye on your spending. Here’s a simple approach to keep things on track:
Budget Breakdown Example
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost Per Day (Per Person) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Food & Drinks | £30 – £50 | Includes meals, snacks, and drinks. Choose quick service and self-catering for savings. |
| Transport | £10 – £20 | Covers public transport, car hire, petrol, or ride-sharing services. Adjust based on your transport choice. |
| Theme Park Extras | £10 – £30 | Spending on souvenirs, snacks, and optional park experiences like skip-the-line passes. |
| Other Activities | £5 – £15 | Budget for activities outside the parks, such as mini-golf, local tours, or beach rentals. |
This breakdown helps you to visualise where your money will go each day and can guide you in setting a realistic daily budget for your trip.
Tipping in Florida
Tipping is a standard part of the service industry in the United States, and it’s essential to factor this into your holiday budget when visiting Florida. Here’s a quick guide to tipping:
- Restaurants: A tip of 15% to 20% of your total bill is standard in restaurants. Some places automatically include gratuity for larger groups, so be sure to check your bill before adding a tip.
- Bars: When ordering drinks at a bar, it’s customary to tip $1 to $2 per drink.
- Hotels: Tipping hotel staff, like the bellhop or housekeeping, is also expected. A general guide is $1 to $2 per bag for bellhops and $2 to $5 per day for housekeeping.
- Taxi and Rideshare Drivers: For taxis and rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, a tip of 10% to 15% of the fare is appreciated.
- Other Services: For other services, like hairdressers or spa treatments, tips typically range from 10% to 20%.
While tipping might seem like an added expense, it’s important to remember that many service industry workers rely on tips as a significant part of their income. Including tips in your budget will ensure you’re prepared and won’t be caught off guard.
Overall
Travelling to Florida can be an amazing experience, and with the right budgeting, you can make sure it’s enjoyable and stress-free. By planning your spending money carefully, from food and transport to activities and extras, you can avoid common pitfalls like unexpected costs or running out of money mid-trip.
Whether you’re heading to Orlando or exploring other parts of Florida, a little preparation goes a long way, so you can focus on making the most of your holiday.
FAQs
How Much Spending Money Do I Need for a Family Holiday in Florida?
For a family holiday, aim for around £80 to £100 per person per day, not including accommodation or theme park tickets. This should cover meals, drinks, transport, and some spending on extras like souvenirs.
What Are the Transport Costs Like in Orlando?
Transport costs vary depending on your choice between car hire and public transport. Car hire includes additional expenses like petrol and parking, while public transport options like buses and shuttles can save money but offer less flexibility.
How Can I Save Money on Food in Orlando?
To save on food costs, consider staying at a hotel with free breakfast, packing snacks, or choosing quick service options over sit-down restaurants. Self-catering can also be a great way to reduce your spending on meals.
Should I Use Cash or Card in Florida?
Both cash and cards are widely accepted in Florida. Using a card with low or no foreign transaction fees can help you avoid overspending on bank charges.
What Are the Average Food Prices in Florida?
Food prices vary, but you can expect to spend £30 to £50 per person each day. Quick service and self-catering options are more affordable compared to sit-down restaurants.
How Much Should I Budget for Theme Park Parking?
Parking at major theme parks in Orlando can cost around £20 per day, so factor this into your daily budget if you’re driving.
What Are Some Low-Cost Activities in Florida?
Apart from theme parks, Florida offers plenty of low-cost activities like beach days, exploring state parks, and visiting local markets and museums.
How Can I Manage Unexpected Costs While Travelling?
Set aside a buffer for unexpected costs like tips, emergencies, or extra activities. Having a little extra can save you stress later on.
Is Travel Insurance Necessary for a Trip to Florida?
Travel insurance is recommended for peace of mind, covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unexpected events.
What Should I Know About Budgeting for a Two-Week Trip to Florida?
For a two-week trip, plan on around £1,120 to £1,400 per person for daily expenses, not including flights and major attractions. Adjust based on your spending habits and planned activities.
