Deals to Visit Orlando's Theme Parks on a Budget

It's time to take your kids to the "most magical place on Earth." Yes, we mean Orlando, Florida, home to the ever-enchanting Disney World. To be honest, we immediately think of those viral YouTube videos of sobbing children overwhelmed by the prospect of finally meeting Ariel, pow-wowing with Mickey, and being able to partake in Harry Potter wizardry at Universal Studios. But aside from making your brood squeal with joy, we've got deals that'll excite you, too — and assuage your wallet all in one go.

There are several flight and hotel packages that make the trip to Orlando even easier. Liberty Travel offers a 4-night flight and hotel package for two at the Loews Pacific Resort with prices starting at $1,158. (a low by $160; expires August 31). The deal not only includes airfare and four nights at the Loews Royal Pacific, which is located at Universal Orlando, but also free early park admission (a 4-day pass costs $159), and the opportunity to skip the regular headache-inducing theme park lines. To top it off: kids stay free!

Floridays, a top-rated hotel on TripAdvisor, is situated on International Drive in Orlando's resort area. Its current steal of a deal is a 5-night flight and hotel package for two for just $898 (a low by $36; expires December 31). As an official partner hotel of SeaWorld, you can take advantage of being a guest by getting 10% off at SeaWorld's Sharks Underwater Grill, or for SeaWorld and Aquatica's All Day Dining Deals. There's also a complimentary upgrade to Quick Queue Unlimited at SeaWorld and 10% off purchases of $50 or more at Friends of the Wild at SeaWorld and Kiwi Traders at Aquatica.

If you'd rather book your air and stay separately, you can enjoy a 3-night stay for two at the Lake Eve Resort near Disney World for as little as $267 (a low by $36, scroll down to find this offer; expires August 21). The package is bundled with daily breakfast and continuous shuttle service to Disney theme parks. Located on a quieter street on International Drive, the luxury boutique hotel faces Lake Eve, giving parents ample time to unwind on balconies with serene lake views while still being minutes away from all the theme park action.

The nearby Hawthorn Suites has similar 2-night stays for two starting at $158 (a low by $17; expires August 29) and include daily breakfast , shuttle service to Disney theme parks, in-room WiFi, free parking, and an evening reception with snacks and beverages.

The Bahama Bay Resort and Spa in Davenport may be 12 miles away, but the resort also offers 3-night stays in a 2-bedroom villa and a Caribbean ambiance for as little as $207 (a low by $10; expires August 18). This relaxing stay comes bundled with a 3-bedroom upgrade, in-room WiFi, and 25% off spa treatments at Eleuthera.

But if you're looking to dedicate most of your money to theme park revelry and be free of minimum stay requirements, we found even cheaper lodging options. The Hampton Inn South of Universal Studios boasts stays for $49 per night (a low by $19; expires September 15) that include (like the hotels above) daily breakfast, complimentary WiFi, and, perhaps most importantly, scheduled shuttle service to Universal Studios and Disney World. The Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista Hotel has the same rate (from $49; a low by $8; expires August 17) and offers equally enticing bundled perks. What's more, stays here are in newly renovated rooms and the hotel features a new interactive water area as well.

With Disney World, SeaWorld, Universal Orlando and water parks galore, Orlando's family fun knows no bounds. But first thing's first: get thinking about creative ways to surprise your kids with the news, and don't forget to have that video camera ready to document the hysteria that ensues!

If you've got different ideas for a vacation, perhaps sans children, then be sure to check out our daily travel deals for other airfare, hotel, and vacation packages.

^{At the time of publication, these travel deals offered the lowest prices we could find. Deals may include blackout dates, additional taxes, and fees. Some of our prices may be based on mandatory double occupancy.}

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