By Sabah Karimi
Orlando may be famous for its exciting theme parks and fun-filled Disney attractions, but you don't need theme park tickets to have a great time in the city. Orlando is home to several cultural sights and attractions that offer free admission on select days of the year so you can make the most of your Orlando vacation on a budget. From museum tours to classic car shows, you can always find something fun to do around the pricey tourist attractions.
Explore Lake Eola Park
Feed the swans, see the sparkling fountains and pack a picnic for lunch at Lake Eola Park, one of downtown Orlando's most beautiful natural settings. The park is home to a large lake, playgrounds and recreational areas, and is open 7 days a week. You'll find it at 101 N. Rosalind Avenue; call (407) 246-2827 for more information.
Attend the Car Show at Old Town
Make your way to Kissimmee right outside of the Disney theme parks to take in the classic car show and night cruise on Saturday nights. Old Town is an old funfair-style setting complete with a Ferris wheel, amusement rides and the weekly car show, which attracts over 300 classic cars, including street rods, hot rods and antique trucks. You can enjoy free parking and free admission year-round. The park is located at 5770 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway; call (407) 396-4888 or visit the Old Town website (see Resources section) for more information.
Visit the Morse Museum of American Art
Take a short drive north of Orlando to Winter Park to visit the Morse Museum, a large showcase of pottery, ceramics, decorative arts and paintings from famous American artists. The venue is also home to the world's largest collection of Tiffany lamps, jewelry, pottery and paintings. You'll find it at 445 N. Park Avenue; call (407) 645-5311 for more information or visit the Morse Museum of American Art website (see Resources section).
Explore the Town of Celebration
Celebration is Disney's model town, complete with mansions, lush gardens and a picture-perfect town center. Head to this magical neighborhood to enjoy the Florida sunshine and explore the shops, cafés and art galleries in the downtown area. Celebration also hosts live music, parades and special events throughout the year. You'll find it at 600 Market Street in Kissimmee; call (407) 566-0471 or visit the Celebration Town Center website (see Resources section) for more information.
Visit Disney's BoardWalk
This Atlantic City--inspired setting is the perfect place to enjoy some Disney territory without paying the theme park price. The BoardWalk offers free parking for all guests, and you can walk around the pier to enjoy live music and entertainment and watch the ferries trekking across the lake to Epcot and Disney resorts. Disney's BoardWalk is located at 2101 Epcot Resorts Boulevard. Call (407) 939-6244 for more information.
Resources
About the Author:
Sabah Karimi is a professional web and print copywriter with an educational background in Business Administration and Marketing from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. She writes in several niches including travel, fashion, beauty, health, fitness, lifestyle and small business. Karimi received a Top Content Creator Award from Demand Studios in 2009.
