7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Orlando, Florida

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Orlando, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Denny's

Start your day with a hearty budget-friendly breakfast at Denny's, known for its value breakfast specials.
Located at 9100 S Orange Blossom Trail, reachable via Lynx bus or a short ride-share.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Lake Eola Park

Stroll around the iconic Lake Eola Park, where you can enjoy beautiful views and possibly spot swans in the lake.
Take the Lynx bus #2 for a 25-minute ride to the park.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Pig Floyd's

Enjoy a filling and affordable lunch at The Pig Floyd's, famous for its smoked meats and unique craft sandwiches.
A short 15-minute bus ride on Lynx #2.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Museum of Illusions

Explore the mind-bending exhibits at the Museum of Illusions, a fun and quirky experience for all ages.
Take the Lynx bus #15 for a 20-minute ride.
USD20, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Downtown Orlando

Wander around Downtown Orlando, visiting shops, cafes, and soaking in the local atmosphere.
Easily walkable from the museum.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at food trucks

Wrap up your day with dinner from a variety of local food trucks that offer delicious and budget-friendly meals.
Find food truck gatherings in the area, just a short walk from downtown.
USD10, 1 hour
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Day 2: Nature and Culture

Orlando, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Tu Tu Tango

Delight in a creative breakfast at Café Tu Tu Tango with various affordable small plates.
Located near International Drive, take Lynx bus #8.
USD12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Leu Gardens

Stroll through the beautiful Harry P. Leu Gardens to experience the lovely flora at minimal cost.
Take Lynx bus #27, about a 30-minute ride.
USD10, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Green Kettle

Enjoy a delicious and healthy lunch at The Green Kettle, which offers salads and wraps on a budget.
A short Lyft ride will get you there in 10 minutes.
USD10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Orlando Science Center

Explore various interactive exhibits at the Orlando Science Center, perfect for both children and adults.
Take Lynx bus #25, around 25 minutes.
USD15, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit the Orlando Museum of Art

Enjoy the rotating exhibits and permanent collections at the Orlando Museum of Art.
The museum is a short 10-minute walk from the Science Center.
USD10, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Wow Bao

Enjoy flavorful bao buns and bowls at Wow Bao, a great budget option for Asian cuisine.
Head back towards downtown, 20 minutes by bus.
USD12, 1 hour
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Day 3: Theme Park Viewing

Orlando, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Keke's Breakfast Cafe

Savor a delicious breakfast with a variety of options from pancakes to omelets.
Take Lynx bus #50 to get there in under 25 minutes.
USD12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Disney Springs

Explore the free entertainment, shops, and dining options at Disney Springs without entering the parks.
Take the Lynx bus #8 to the entrance of Disney Springs, about 30 minutes.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Polite Pig

Enjoy some delicious BBQ at The Polite Pig with plenty of affordable options.
Easily walkable within Disney Springs.
USD18, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Disney Springs again

Take another round to shop for souvenirs or catch some live performances.
Continue your journey within Disney Springs, no need to travel.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Relax at the hotel

Take some time to refresh at your lodgings or local cafe.
Returning to your hotel can be done via Lynx bus #8.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Flippers Pizzeria

Grab a tasty slice or a whole pizza meal at Flippers Pizzeria, known for its great value.
A quick bus ride back to downtown will get you there in 20 minutes.
USD15, 1 hour
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Day 4: Animal Encounters

Orlando, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at First Watch

Indulge in a delicious breakfast at First Watch, offering fresh and healthy options.
Take Lynx bus #42 to reach the café in about 30 minutes.
USD12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Central Florida Zoo

Explore the Central Florida Zoo where you can see various animal exhibits at a reasonable admission fee.
Calculate a ride via Lynx bus #23 for approximately 45 minutes.
USD15, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Zaza New Cuban Diner

Taste authentic Cuban cuisine at Zaza, known for its affordable and mouthwatering meals.
A quick ride by bus or Uber will lead you there in 20 minutes.
USD10, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Orlando Science Center

Repeat your visit to the Orlando Science Center to explore more exhibits you might have missed.
Head back via Lynx bus #25, 30 minutes back.
USD15, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Pollo Tropical

Experience a budget friendly Caribbean meal at Pollo Tropical, with specialties like rice bowls and grilled chicken.
Easily accessible from downtown via bus.
USD10, 1 hour

6:30PM

Relax at a local park

Wind down the day at a local park, perhaps Lake Eola or a nearby smaller park.
Transit is easy with a bus, around 15 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Cultural Insights

Orlando, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Nook

Relish in a local diner experience with generously portioned meals.
Take Lynx bus #15, about a 30-minute ride.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Orlando Museum of Art

Enhance your cultural experience at the Orlando Museum of Art with various exhibits.
The museum is just a short walk from the bus stop.
USD10, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Four Rivers Smokehouse

Grab a filling BBQ meal from Four Rivers Smokehouse, ensuring value and flavor.
A brief bus ride or walk will take you there within 20 minutes.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Orange County Regional History Center

Dive into the local history with captivating exhibits at the Regional History Center.
A short walk from Four Rivers Smokehouse.
USD10, 2 hours

4:00PM

Coffee at Drunken Monkey Coffee Bar

Enjoy some creative coffee and pastries at the local favorite café.
A simple bus ride to get there in 20 minutes.
USD8, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at La Fiesta Mexican Grill

Feast on delicious Mexican cuisine with great portion sizes for budget travelers.
Quick access via Lynx bus.
USD12, 1 hour
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Day 6: Adventure Day

Orlando, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at IHOP

Start your day with a classic breakfast at IHOP with a large variety of delicious choices.
Take Lynx bus #20 to the nearest location.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Universal CityWalk

Enjoy the entertainment and shops available in Universal CityWalk without entering the parks.
Hop on Lynx bus #37 towards CityWalk.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at CityWalk's Hot Dog Hall of Fame

Enjoy a quirky meal at the Hot Dog Hall of Fame with creative hot dog options.
Within walking distance at CityWalk.
USD12, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore shops at CityWalk

Continue exploring the unique shops and entertainment venues in CityWalk.
Continue walking around CityWalk, no transport needed.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Rest at hotel

Relax at your accommodations to recharge after a fun-filled day.
Take a quick bus back to your hotel.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Tijuana Flats

Enjoy budget-friendly Tex-Mex options from Tijuana Flats known for their fun environment.
About 15 minutes by bus from your hotel.
USD10, 1 hour
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Day 7: Final Day Fun

Orlando, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Perkins Restaurant

Enjoy a filling and affordable breakfast in a cozy diner atmosphere.
Catch bus #50 to Perkins, approximately 30 minutes ride.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore ICON Park

Visit ICON Park for a spin on the Wheel and various entertainment options available.
Lynx bus #8 drops you off nearby within 20 minutes.
USD15 (for the Wheel), 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore shops at ICON Park

Continue to explore the shops and attractions at ICON Park without rushing.
Easy walking access around the park.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Shake Shack

Conclude your itinerary with a delicious burger meal at Shake Shack.
Located within ICON Park, very convenient.
USD15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Orlando International Premium Outlets

Wrap up your trip with some last-minute shopping at the Orlando International Premium Outlets.
Take Lynx bus #37 directly there, about a 25-minute ride.
Free (shopping costs vary), 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a local pizza spot

Enjoy a casual dinner at a local pizza joint before heading home.
Choose a convenient pizza spot based on proximity to your hotel or transportation.
USD12, 1 hour
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