How to Save on Your Upcoming Orlando Adventure

Orlando, Florida, is home to some of the most incredible theme parks in the world.

You can meet Mickey Mouse, savor new foods or have an up-close animal encounter. With so much to see and do, there's something to entertain everyone.

Ready to explore one of Orlando's fantastic theme parks? Start planning and remember to get your tickets ahead of time at AAA.com/Tickets to save. Here are a few helpful tips to get you started.

1. Walt Disney World® Park Reservation and Park Hopper® Update

In 2020, to manage crowd sizes during the pandemic, Walt Disney World introduced the Disney Park Pass system, requiring guests to reserve their park visits in advance.

Now, date-based ticket holders can skip reservations and dive straight into the fun. Just grab your ticket and go where your heart desires—goodbye hassle, hello fun!

But wait, there's more exciting news from Walt Disney World! The Park Hopper policy has received a fantastic update. Guests with Park Hopper tickets can now move between parks at any time during operating hours, a significant shift from the previous after-2:00 p.m. rule. This means no more waiting to start your next adventure.

2. Anticipate New and Exciting Attractions

The biggest theme parks in Orlando have announced new rides and experiences guaranteed to get your heart racing! Here's what to expect:

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Get ready to swing to the beat of a jazz-filled bayou! In summer 2024, Magic Kingdom's Frontierland will be the new home of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the vibrant successor to the recently retired Splash Mountain. This musical boat ride promises to captivate you with tunes that linger long after the ride.

To bring the heart and soul of Louisiana to life, the Disney creative team hit the streets of New Orleans for inspiration. They've skillfully blended the city's iconic rhythm and blues into the adventure as only New Orleans can. As a finishing touch, expect the enticing scent of fresh beignets in the air, taking you straight to the French Quarter.

Penquin Trek

SeaWorld Orlando, renowned as the Coaster Capital of Orlando, is set to enhance its exhilarating collection with its eighth coaster, Penguin Trek, in spring 2024.

Strap yourself in on a snowmobile-style coaster train and embark on an exhilarating journey that weaves indoors and outdoors with two spectacular launches. This thrilling experience is for anyone over 42 inches tall, making this an ideal coaster for the whole family.

Riders will brace themselves for a frantic rescue mission that ends with an up-close encounter with actual penguins, offering a chance to observe them in their natural surroundings. 

DreamWorks Land

Universal Studios Florida is set to upgrade the Woody Woodpecker KidZone into a new, child-centric area known as DreamWorks Land.

Slated for a 2024 opening, this expansive four-acre wonderland promises unparalleled family entertainment. Think meet-and-greets with cherished DreamWorks characters such as Shrek, Trolls and Kung Fu Panda, alongside captivating play zones where kids will want to stay forever. 

3. Fan Favorite Festivals Are Returning

Prepare for a mouth-watering, foot-tapping, fun-tastic experience at the Orlando theme parks all year long! Did you know? All these events are included with your park admission! 

SeaWorld Seven Seas Food Festival (February – May)

The SeaWorld Orlando Seven Seas Food Festival is a must-see!

Enjoy over 200 culinary creations and free concerts, making it a must-visit. Dive into a world of flavors at outdoor markets offering everything from zesty Latin to exotic Polynesian. Opt for one of the two Seven Seas Food Festival Samplers for discounted access to 10 or 15 delicious samples.

On weekends, catch free live concerts at Bayside Stadium featuring country, rock, Latin and throwback hits. Even if you're busy sampling the food, you won't miss out—concert audio is broadcast in select areas. Come for the incredible food, enjoy the live music, and leave with unforgettable memories!

EPCOT® International Flower & Garden Festival (February – June)

EPCOT comes alive each spring with the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. This vibrant event showcases beautiful gardens, tasty food and outstanding entertainment. It offers a mix of colorful landscapes, artistic topiaries and secret gardens that enchant visitors with every turn.

Both Future World and World Showcase dazzle with enchanting topiaries of Disney characters like The Lion King, Peter Pan and Bambi, which are especially magical when lit up at night.

The festival offers more than just stunning flower displays. Explore global cuisines at the Outdoor Kitchen Booths throughout the World Showcase. Here, you'll find a variety of small plates and unique drinks inspired by culinary traditions worldwide.

EPCOT® International Food & Wine Festival (July – November)

Explore new tastes and drinks at the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, a yearly event since 1995. Perfect for adventurous eaters, with over 25 marketplaces, you can taste the world without spending a fortune. Portions cost between $4 and $10, allowing guilt-free sampling. Tip: Use a Disney Gift Card purchased through AAA and earn 2% AAA Dollars for easy purchases.

It's not just about the food! The Eat to the Beat Concert Series features international and local artists, with shows at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:00 p.m., rounding off the experience perfectly!

4. Embracing The Technology

In today's digital age, every theme park—including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando—has its own app.

For the best experience, download the park's app from the Apple Store or Google Play before your visit. These apps save time by showing real-time ride wait times and allowing mobile food orders and dining reservations.

Walt Disney World's My Disney Experience app presents the opportunity to purchase Disney Genie+, granting Lightning Lane access to rides to enhance your visit. Once you complete a ride, you can book another one and repeat the process. Prices range from $18 to $35 per guest per day, depending on the season. Before your trip, download the app to maximize your day by minimizing wait times!

Strategize for Savings

Congratulations on making it this far. Your dedication to planning clearly shows, and as a valued AAA Member, you relish opportunities to save. We're thrilled to share a top insider tip to cut costs on your next theme park visit: Buy your tickets early through AAA Tickets! Members get discounts on a variety of activities like theme parks, zoos, aquariums, live shows, movies, sports events and more. Planning a trip to Orlando or another U.S. destination? Check out the available discounts and save big.