Not every Orlando (see our Orlando deals for Families) trip needs theme parks. If you're doing a quick 3-night vacpack and want to skip the $120-$180 per-person theme park tickets, here's a full non-Disney Orlando itinerary.
Day 1 — Arrive + Resort Time
Check in. Grocery run at Publix. Pool time at the resort (Westgate Lakes, Wyndham Bonnet Creek, or Holiday Inn Orange Lake all have extensive pool complexes). Dinner in-unit. Early night.
Day 2 — Universal CityWalk + Icon Park
Morning pool. Lunch. Afternoon: Universal CityWalk (free entry, parking $25). Dinner at one of CityWalk's 20+ restaurants. Evening: Drive to Icon Park (International Drive) — The Wheel ($30/adult), free dancing fountains, free shopping, bars and restaurants.
Day 3 — Cocoa Beach (see our Cocoa Beach deals 3-Night) (compare Cocoa Beach vacpacks for Families) or Kennedy Space Center
Drive to Cocoa Beach (45 min). Beach day. Pier walk. Lunch at the pier. Afternoon return via Kennedy Space Center (if time) for 2-3 hours of exhibits. Back to resort for dinner.
Day 4 — Depart
Pool morning. Brunch. Depart.
What You Save
| Item | Disney Version | No Disney Version |
|---|---|---|
| Theme park tickets x4 | $600 | $0 |
| Park parking + snacks | $150 | $0 |
| CityWalk admission | Separate $ | Free |
| Beach day fees | — | $20 parking |
| KSC for 4 adults | — | $300 |
| Budget saved | $430 |
Full Budget
| Line | Family of 4 Cost |
|---|---|
| Vacpack 3 nights | $99 |
| Gas from Atlanta | $62 |
| Groceries | $95 |
| 1 CityWalk dinner | $80 |
| Icon Park Wheel x2 adults | $60 |
| Cocoa Beach parking + lunch | $50 |
| KSC (optional) family of 4 | $300 |
| Total (with KSC) | $746 |
| Total (without KSC) | $446 |
Under $500 for a complete Orlando family weekend. Browse Orlando 3-night vacpacks.