By Kate Cohen
August 7, 2026
Orlando is a great place for college students.
Whether you’re attending an area school like the University of Central Florida (UCF), Rollins College, or Full Sail University, or you’re just in town for a visit, there are plenty of ways to save as a student here in the City Beautiful.
Because let’s face it, if you’re a college student, chances are you’re trying to save where you can.
We put together a few tips for experiencing the best budget-friendly Orlando food and attractions for college students.
Take a look!
Key Takeaways
- Top Free & Cheap Orlando Attractions
- Orlando Outdoor Adventures Under $20
- Budget-Friendly Food & Drinks in Orlando
- Orlando Student Discounts & Local Deals
- Explore Orlando Like a Tourist and a Local
Top Free & Cheap Orlando Attractions
Traveling on a budget?
We’ve got you.
There are plenty of cheap or free things to do in Orlando to fill your itinerary without blowing your budget.
Take, for example, Lake Eola Park, the iconic lake and surrounding green areas in the heart of Downtown Orlando. It’s a great spot for picnics, an inexpensive ride on a swan boat, and plenty of free weekend festivals and events like the Orlando Farmers Market.
Some of the best cheap Orlando attractions can be found in ICON Park, part of the International Drive district. Take a ride on the towering Orlando Eye observation wheel, pose with famous faces at Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, or wander through the SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium.
Plus, at ICON Park, you can often get discounts for bundling attraction tickets, or even flashing your Florida resident ID.
The Harry P. Leu Gardens is a popular Orlando attraction with over 50 acres of lush green spaces and meticulously maintained gardens. They offer free admission on the first Monday of every month, so you can enjoy the natural beauty of Central Florida without spending a penny.
Want to enjoy some theme park magic without paying theme park prices? Disney Springs is the perfect option. You can wander and window shop at a variety of stores and boutiques while enjoying a charming and vibrant atmosphere that only Disney can create.
Orlando Outdoor Adventures Under $20
Orlando is the perfect place to get some fresh air and explore some of the country’s most unique wildlife.
And, luckily, you don’t have to spend a ton of money to experience the best Orlando outdoor activities.
Get up close and personal with Central Florida residents like alligators, manatees, otters, and other marine critters with a visit to Wekiwa Springs State Park. Admission is only $6 per vehicle.
While the springs themselves are crystal clear and perfect for swimming, you can also bring or rent kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards and explore the winding wilderness of the Wekiva River.
We highly recommend making your way upstream to Wekiva Island, a riverside destination where you can stop for a cold beer, lunch from the onsite cafe, and a long row of Adirondack chairs overlooking the river sweeping past.
Interested in a boat ride but want to leave the navigation to someone else? Try the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour, an hour-long guided showcase through the stunning lakes and canals of the upscale Winter Park area. Tickets are $20 per person for adults.
After your boat tour, take time to window shop along Winter Park’s famous Park Avenue, a quaint cobblestone street lined in high-end boutiques and award-winning restaurants.
Want to experience Florida wildlife but don’t feel like immersing yourself in the heat and humidity? Check out the Apopka Wildlife Drive. This 11-mile self-guided tour is free, though only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Tune into the accompanying audio tour as you drive through the lush Florida terrain, where you might see gators, bobcats, otters, and over 362 species of birds.
Another wonderful nearby spot to find manatees is Blue Spring State Park. In the cooler winter months, over 700 manatees call the springs home. Launch a canoe or kayak at the park to paddle alongside the gentle giants, or splurge (up to $25) on a 1-hour St. John’s River Nature Cruise.
Budget-Friendly Food & Drinks in Orlando
A college student’s gotta eat!
Orlando is a thriving foodie city with eateries and restaurants representing culinary cultures from around the world.
There are plenty of cheap eats to be found throughout the city, especially near UCF, downtown, and Winter Park.
The Dough Show delivers a showcase of Middle Eastern flavors in dishes like feteer, authentic layered dough stuffed with ingredients like cheese, shawarma, and vegetables. With a location right near the UCF campus, it’s a great spot for grabbing food during study breaks.
Lazy Moon Pizza is known for its colossal slices topped with just about everything under the sun. Try specialty pies like the Saganaki Slice, topped with ricotta, fontina, mozzarella, and lemon zest, or keep it simple with a Boxcar Willy: a plain slice of cheese and a pint of PBR for only $7.
For a contemporary twist on an Asian street food classic, check out King Bao. Known for their slightly sweet, pillowy bao buns stuffed with innovative fillings, King Bao is always a good spot for a flavorful bite.
Of course, there’s nothing better than a great happy hour hotspot, and there are plenty around Orlando ideal for college students to enjoy.
Some of our favorite spots for happy hour in Orlando include:
- Hawkers Asian Streetfood: deals on baos, beer, spirits, and select small plates
- Delaney’s Tavern: craft cocktail specials and shareable bites
- Santiago’s Bodega: early evening and late-night happy hour specials featuring $5 tapas, sangria by the glass, and half priced draft beer and wine
- The Stubborn Mule: daily happy hour with 25% off all appetizers, signature mules, signature cocktails, and wines by the glass
- The Neighbors: all day Monday and Tuesday, late afternoon Wednesday through Friday. Signature cocktails, bar bites, $5 beer and wine
- Cooper’s Hawk: $8 cocktails and wine by the glass, small bites starting at $10
Orlando Student Discounts & Local Deals
There are plenty of places around Orlando that love to show appreciation to college students with a special promotion or discount.
Select theme parks are no exception.
Active college students can get a special College Pass at SeaWorld Orlando. Generally, these passes offer unlimited admission through the academic year for a flat rate (around $102), with free parking and a 10% discount on in-park purchases.
Universal Orlando Resort has collegiate promos from time to time, too. Check online for specials to see if they’re currently offering any student discounts.
If you’re a UCF student, check out the SG Ticket Center to see how you can save on popular local attractions. You may be able to snag discounted tickets to theme parks, movie theatres, the Kennedy Space Center, mini golf, and other destinations.
Cheer on a local pro sports team at an Orlando City or Orlando Pride soccer game with student passes starting at just $13.
Or spend time experimenting at the Orlando Science Center, where you can explore dinosaur bones and the planet’s ecosystems while saving a few dollars.
Wherever you go in Orlando, it never hurts to ask if a student discount is available. You never know who might be able to help you save!
Explore Orlando Like a Tourist and a Local
Whether you go to college in or around Orlando or you’re visiting from out of town, there is so much to see and do.
If you’re looking for an affordable place to stay while you’re here, check out Rosen Inn closest to Universal.
Located on I-Drive, we’re wildly convenient to Orlando’s biggest attractions, and anything else you could want is only a short drive from our door.
Our clean, comfortable rooms are the perfect place to land after a day of exploring, and with no resort fees and incredible rates, you’ll be able to spend your money on something fun or delicious.
We hope to see you soon – and don’t forget to bring your student ID!