What to Consider Before Booking Your Florida Holiday

Booking a trip to Florida is so exciting, but it’s also one of the biggest holidays most families will ever pay for. Before you hit that “Book Now” button, it’s worth taking a little time to think about what you actually want from your trip.

Whether you’re dreaming of Disney, planning to spend days at Universal or hoping for a mix of theme parks, shopping and relaxing by the pool, these are the things I’d always consider before booking.

Start With Your Budget

Your budget will influence almost every decision you make, so it’s the best place to start.

Think about more than just flights and accommodation. You’ll also need to budget for theme park tickets, car hire or transport, food, parking, spending money and, of course, those inevitable souvenirs.

When looking at flights, don’t just search from your nearest airport. We’ve often found cheaper fares by flying from a different UK airport or choosing an indirect flight. It’s also worth comparing different airports in Florida. While Orlando International is the closest to Disney and Universal, we’ve sometimes found much cheaper flights into Melbourne Orlando International Airport or Tampa International Airport, both of which are around a 90-minute drive from the parks.

If you’re hiring a car, remember to factor in toll roads, fuel and parking. Parking at Walt Disney World currently starts from $35 per day, while Universal Orlando parking starts from $32 per day. If you’re not planning to drive, check whether your hotel offers a free shuttle and consider the cost of Ubers or Lyfts throughout your trip.

Think About Your Theme Park Tickets

Theme park tickets are likely to be one of the biggest expenses of your trip, so it’s worth spending some time deciding exactly what you need before buying.

Think about how many park days you realistically want, whether you plan to visit Disney, Universal or both, and if extras like water parks are worth adding.

There are lots of different ticket options available, and choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. That’s why I’ve put together a separate guide breaking down the different Disney and Universal ticket options, explaining what each ticket includes and who it’s best suited for. I’d definitely recommend reading that before booking.

Decide Where You Want to Stay

Where you stay can make a huge difference to both your budget and your overall experience.

If you’re planning to spend most of your holiday at Disney, staying onsite or around Lake Buena Vista can make life much easier. Likewise, if Universal is your main focus, International Drive or a Universal hotel is worth considering.

For us, staying offsite often gives much better value. You usually get more space, larger rooms and often your own kitchen, which can make a huge difference when travelling as a family. It’s also a great option if you’re planning to explore beyond the theme parks.

Think about how you’ll actually spend your holiday rather than simply choosing the cheapest hotel.

Think About What You Actually Want to Do

It’s really easy to get carried away and try to fit everything into one holiday, but that can quickly become exhausting.

Before booking, have a chat as a family about what everyone wants to do.

Will your holiday be all about Disney? Are you hoping to experience Universal’s rollercoasters? Do you want to spend time shopping at the outlets, visit Kennedy Space Center, relax on one of Florida’s beaches or squeeze in a day at Busch Gardens or Discovery Cove?

Having a rough plan before booking makes it much easier to choose the right accommodation, tickets and length of stay.

Don’t forget to leave some downtime too. Pool days can often end up being some of the most memorable parts of the holiday.

Choose the Right Time to Visit

The time of year you visit can make a huge difference to both the cost of your holiday and the crowds you’ll experience.

Spring and autumn are often brilliant times to visit, with warm weather, lower crowd levels and, in many cases, better prices than peak holiday periods.

Summer holidays, Christmas and Spring Break are some of the busiest times of year, so expect higher prices and longer queues.

It’s also worth remembering that hurricane season runs from June until November. While most holidays aren’t affected, it’s something to be aware of when planning.

Before booking, check whether any special events are taking place during your stay. Events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Halloween Horror Nights and EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival are fantastic to experience, but they can also affect park opening hours and crowd levels.

Shop Around Before You Book

One of the biggest money-saving tips I can give is simply not to book the first deal you see.

Compare flights, accommodation and ticket prices across a few different providers. I find booking separately works out cheaper, but it is always worth checking if a package holiday offer the best value.

If you’re still deciding on dates or flights, look for accommodation with free cancellation where possible. It gives you much more flexibility if a better deal comes along.

Check Your Travel Documents

Before paying for anything, double-check that everyone’s passport is valid.

If you’re travelling to the USA under the Visa Waiver Program, you’ll also need an approved ESTA before travelling. Your ESTA is linked to your passport, so if you renew your passport, you’ll need to apply for a new ESTA too.

Travel insurance is another essential. Hopefully you’ll never need it, but it’s one of those things you’ll be glad you have if something unexpected happens.

Stay Flexible

If your travel dates aren’t fixed, try searching a day or two either side of your preferred departure dates. Even small changes can sometimes save hundreds of pounds.

It’s also worth considering whether extending your holiday by a day or two could make the whole trip feel much more relaxed, especially if you’re planning multiple theme park days.

Ready to Start Planning?

Planning a Florida holiday can feel overwhelming at first, but taking a little extra time to research before you book can save you money, reduce stress and help you make the most of your trip. I have shared all my tips for booking flights here!

If you’re wondering how much a Florida holiday actually costs, I’ve also shared a full breakdown of exactly what we spent as a family of five, including flights, accommodation, theme park tickets, food, spending money and all the little extras that quickly add up.

You’ll also find my guide to choosing the right theme park tickets here, helping you decide which ticket options offer the best value for your family before you book.