Orlando is one of the most popular golf destinations in the United States. There are many choices on where to play, and many ways to spend more than you need to spend. Before you plan your trip, consider these five secrets for saving money on your next Orlando golf vacation. You will still play the same world-class Orlando golf courses and have your pick of scores of lodging options. You will just pay less, because you know about these great deals.
1. Plan your golf vacation outside of February and March.
It used to be that the entire winter was high season in Orlando, right? Not anymore. Many golf courses have off-peak rates through January and again starting April 1. You can still escape the winter weather in other parts of the country without paying a winter premium. Just travel in early or late winter. If you can take your trip in fall or spring, you will save even more. For example, top-ranked Southern Dunes Golf Club does not start charging peak rates until January 24. This gives you many great value-rounds in November, December and January, when it is warm in Florida and possibly snowing in the north of the country.
2. Time-of-day matters: Play early or late and save big.
Would you wake up an hour early to save $30 on a round of golf by playing between 7:00 am and 8:00 am? Some golf courses have dew sweeper rates that truly reward the early bird. All courses drop their rates in the afternoon, but in Orlando, some drop as low as 11:00 am. These include Celebration Golf Club and Orange County National, which happen to be two of the most highly ranked golf courses in Orlando.
3. Watch for night free options on lodging.
Many Orlando hotels are offering night-free specials. This means that your third night, or sometimes your fourth night, is complimentary. More than ever before, these deals are common at hotels of every category. Even some well-known resorts are offering them. Villas at Grand Cypress is running a 4th night free special through December 21, as is Mystic Dunes Resort and Golf Club, through March 31, 2011.
4. Drive a bit further and your green fees will drop.
Just about all of us would be willing to drive an extra 15 minutes or half hour to find great-value golf courses. Yet so many golfers stay in the main tourist area of Orlando. Those willing to venture out will find very good golf and great customer service. Outside of Orlando, there is even rolling terrain that adds many interesting elements to your day. Great secrets worth the drive include Harmony Golf Preserve and Royal St. Cloud. Both offer various money-saving deals throughout the week and are about a 45-minute drive from the main tourist area of Orlando. Harmony is even offering a free afternoon 9 hole round included with the price of your morning round.
5. When deciding which courses you will play, consider that rates vary by day-of-the-week.
At some courses, you will pay more on the weekends. Other Orlando golf courses charge the same rate all week. Knowing which rates drop on which day can help you get the best deal. One secret not know by many golfers in that Orange Lake Legends, the famed Arnold Palmer Signature course, has lower rates on weekends than on weekdays. This is the perfect choice for your weekend round.
Following these five tips may mean making minor modifications to your next golf vacation. Your flexibility will be rewarded with great savings and the satisfaction of knowing you received the best deal. You will also have extra money to spend on restaurants, nightlife and the famous attractions waiting for you in Orlando.
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