Free Places to Visit in Orlando, Florida

What comes to mind when someone mentions the action-filled location of Orlando, Florida, and the surrounding areas? Do you think of having your kids meet Mickey Mouse and other Disney Characters at any Walt Disney World theme park? Do you conjure images of the themed area at Universal's Islands of Adventure, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? Do you bring up pictures of Elmo meeting Shamu at SeaWorld Orlando?

Let's face it -- all the excitement and family fun of the theme park capital of the world is expensive. If you go to any theme park in the area, be it Epcot or SeaWorld Orlando, chances are that you'll pay for more than the admission tickets and seasonal or annual passes. You pay parking fees, meals (including many breakfasts where you take pictures of your relatives and their favorite cartoon characters), and souvenirs that are too materialistic. Water parks also work that way too: unless you stay at a resort with one, you pay for the admission and parking if it has a fee. You may be wondering if there's anything in Orlando that is completely free -- somewhere where you don't have to pay at the gate or booth. My friend, there are great places worth visits that suit your above needs.

The Epcot Resorts Area: around the borders of placid Crescent Lake lie the resorts that are just a mere walk away from Epcot, where its signature globe of Spaceship Earth can be visible without paying to actually get there. Feel free to park on any parking lot of any resort, take a stroll, and admire the beauty of each hotel. If you love free entertainment and love taking pictures, head on over to Disney's Boardwalk and watch some street performers like jugglers and clowns. I recommend that you visit during Christmas -- the decorations are worth many photo opportunities.
Downtown Disney: although it's regarded as a shopping mall, with stores, restaurants, and penny rides wanting your money, it's a free attraction of its own. If window-shopping is not your cup of tea, feel free to take pictures of the window displays, store signs, and buildings. Kids will love the interactive fountain play area to cool off on a hot day and the LEGO Imagination Center if they love building their own creations with blocks. Like the Epcot Resorts Area, Downtown Disney is a free place to visit at the Walt Disney World resort -- who says that everything is not free of charge?
Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe: if you are a Catholic and want to place a basilica in your vacation plans in Orlando, look no further than the eastbound edge of I-4. Just minutes away from the excitement of Walt Disney World and other Orlando area theme parks, this church is a haven for those who want peace and quiet or for those who want to commit to going to Mass if any day of their vacations falls on a Sunday. Marvel at the main church - it offers some of the best stained-glass windows that are guaranteed to dazzle you. Also, meditate in the Rosary Garden, look around in the gift shop, and take pictures of the surrounding greenery and fountains. If you either want to foster your Catholic faith or want to get away from all the hustle and bustle the Orlando area is known for free of charge, add this basilica to your vacation plans or just visit it.

Orlando may be expensive in so many ways: you hand out lots of money for meals, spa treatments, theme park prices, souvenirs, and much more. On the other hand, it offers places where you can just get in without paying a dime. I strongly recommend visiting those above places if you really want a change of pace from riding spinning rides, meeting crazy movie characters, and above all, spending way too much money.

Hotels in Orlando Last Minute Flights Cheap indoor water park