5 Strategies Locals Know that You Should Too

Ask any dedicated Walt Disney World fan where their second home is, and they’ll tell you, Orlando. But what if Orlando really is your home? It certainly changes how often you go to the parks, but you also learn a lot of things to do and not to in and around property. There is a lot we’ve learned living here that we wish we’d known before when we were visiting. Here are some tips locals know that you should too.

5 – The Gas on Property is Surprisingly Affordable

Disney World is certainly known for being expensive. Gift shops often have raised prices on even the most basic items. So it might surprise you to know that you can fill up that gas tank without being overcharged. In fact, the gas prices at the Speedway Stations on Disney property are often among the lowest anywhere around property. We usually fill up on property just to take advantage of saving a couple of bucks on a tank. Can you find gas cheaper off Disney property? Sometimes yes and sometimes no. But do you really want to take an hour or two out of your vacation to drive around to save $1 or $2 on a tank of gas? Not if you are looking for actual value. Save your time, gas, and money and fill up right on Disney property. (We’re comparing prices at Disney World to those around Orlando. Gas prices may still seem expensive depending on what part of the country you are coming from).

NOTE: If you’re returning a rental car to Orlando International Airport do not fill up at the stations just outside the airport. We’ve seen prices around $6 and $7 a gallon. Disney World is close enough to the airport you should be able to overfill a bit on property and still be at F when you drop the car off.

4 – Get a Sun Pass

There are a lot of toll roads in and around Orlando. If you are driving in from the airport, you will be traveling on at least one of these toll roads. While toll roads can make getting around convenient, lines at the toll booths can get very long if you’re paying cash, even outside of rush hour. Also, more and more toll booths are being removed, and those without Sun Pass are charged by “toll by plate.” This toll is often double or more than what you would pay with a Sun Pass. Locals know how to get around this. If you are going to be driving around town outside of Walt Disney World, or even if you don’t leave property once you’re there but visit regularly, you need to get a Sun Pass. The Sun Pass will work at any toll booth (including EZPass locations) around Florida. They allow you to breeze through the pass lanes without stopping and give you a small toll discount. Visit www.SunPass.com for information on purchasing and loading a pass. They are also available for purchase at stores us as Publix (See next tip).

NOTE: Many electronic toll passes from other states are accepted on Central Florida toll roads. If you are planning to use your toll pass from home, make sure you know ahead of time if it is or is not accepted in Florida.

3 – Publix is the Place for Supplies

Locals know that you never buy groceries at the stores on the edge of Disney property. If you need groceries while you’re at Walt Disney World, Publix is the place to go. Publix offers the best-baked goods, the best deli, and the best shopping experience. There are megastores a little further away, but Publix will save you a lot of time. They are closer and easier to get in and out fast.

2 – Get Major Discounts on Disney Merchandise at the Character Outlet Stores

Locals know not to buy souvenirs on property. We buy Disney merchandise from one of the two Disney outlets just miles from Disney. These stores are official Disney and feature authentic merchandise straight from the parks. It’s not just damaged inventory or old shirts, either. We are always surprised by how often we see the same exact product in the outlets as is currently in Disney gift shops. If you are into Pin Trading, it’s a great place to load up on trading inventory.

Our family has saved a lot of money over the years visiting these stores. Note that some items are not discounted, but mostly you’ll find deep discounts. For instance, this past spring, my wife purchased a Mickey Vera Bradley purse that sold for $75 for only $20! Stock changes often, so you will likely find different merchandise on separate visits. Here is the address to each of the two stores. If you don’t have a car, the Vineland Premium Outlets is very close and an easy cab or Uber ride over.

Disney’s Character Warehouse at the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets (near Disney Springs)

8200 Vineland Ave #1252

Orlando, FL 32821

Disney’s Character Warehouse at the Orlando International Premium Outlets (near Universal/Sea World)

4951 International Drive #95

Orlando, FL 32819

1 – Do Everything to Avoid I-4

Interstate 4 (I-4) is the major highway running through Orlando, and it’s usually a nightmare, even with the recently added Express Lanes. Locals know to avoid I4 if possible. There are times when I4 snarls up and slows to a crawl. If it’s sunny, cloudy, raining, dry, daytime or night, traffic can be a problem. Any destination immediately around property can be reached without using I4. Use the 417 toll road to get to/from the airport or to bypass the city of Orlando entirely from the east/north. You can even get to Universal without using I4 by driving up Apopka Vineland Road.