Disney World Orlando tickets

If you've planned trips to many of Florida's non-Disney theme parks, you may want to consider booking a FlexiTicket.

A FlexiTicket includes access to six parks: 

• Universal Studios Florida 
• Universal's Island of Adventure 
• Universal's Volcano Bay
• SeaWorld
• Aquatica 
• Busch Gardens

These tickets give you unlimited access to six parks for 14 consecutive days. These tickets are often cheaper via the specialist ticket agents above, so check those first for the latest prices.

Staying in a Disney hotel isn't cheap at the best of the times – and eating all your meals in the resort will leave you with a hefty food bill too.

If you've a rental car, your best bet is usually to go offsite and pick up supplies in local supermarkets. Bringing a packed lunch rather than eating in the theme parks can save you a packet – and don't forget to stock up on snacks, as even small eats in the parks can be pricey.

Similarly, dining out will be far cheaper if you can drive to a restaurant in Orlando rather than staying close to the parks.

If you do end up eating at the resort, stick to Quick Service Restaurants rather than the pricier Table Service options. And weigh up whether or not to invest in a Dining Plan.

And if you want a Character Dining experience, where you eat alongside Cinderella or Winnie the Pooh and pals, opt for a breakfast or lunch sitting, which tend to be cheaper than dinner.

Those in the know can bag a number of freebies once they're in the park – it's just a case of knowing where to go. Here are a few of Former MSE Nick T's tips:

• Go on a free food tour (including samples). Some restaurants (including Boma and Jiko at the Animal Kingdom Lodge) offer free tours, and often include samples from the menus.
  
  
• Cool down with free soft drinks. You can sample sodas from around the world at Club Cool in Epcot.
  
  
• Disney characters often have freebies to dish out. Just (politely) ask if they have any available – examples include free stickers or Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom trading cards.
  
  
• Find free chocolate. You can usually get free samples at the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop in Disney Springs.
  
  
• Grab a free souvenir. Remember that autographs from Disney characters, as well as items like collectible menus and Disney driving licenses, are always free to keep.

If you've decided on the DIY route, it's worth remembering that generally the earlier you book flights, the better. The closer it gets to the departure date, airlines hike prices to take advantage of the business folk they can rely on to pay top dollar at the last minute.

Our top pick sites to compare are Kayak*, Momondo* and Google Flights. See Cheap Flights for the full step-by-step cheap flight-finding technique.

Brits are huge buyers of holidays and property in Florida, so a lucrative market's sprung up there to try to flog us timeshare properties.

A common way to draw people in is to offer pricey park tickets for free. You'll usually need to meet certain criteria (eg, have a credit card, or be aged 23-65).

While this is a legitimate way of getting tickets, be warned, only do this if you can withstand a very hard sell. A timeshare's much more expensive than a ticket for Mickey.

To help give you an idea of what you might be in for, see former MSE Rose's blog How a sales rep claimed timeshares prevent cancer.

Though many have reported finding timeshare ticket offers online and on holiday, there's always the risk you may not manage to find one while you're there. So be prepared to pay for tickets separately if this is the case.

For a taste of Disney magic without the resort price tag, head to Disney Springs for shops, atmosphere and live entertainment – it's in the Walt Disney World Resort, but you don't need a park ticket. It's also home to the Lego Imagination Centre.

Outside the resorts, you can explore Old Town Kissimmee, enjoy the Winter Park Farmers' Market on Saturdays, or defy gravity at Spook Hill.

There is also a range of parks and art galleries nearby, including the Rollins Fine Arts Museum and the CityArts Factory.

Or for a grown-up day out, Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards offers free tours – it will even throw in a complimentary wine tasting.

Many of Florida's state parks are also free or just a few dollars to get in to, and let you see more of Florida's natural geography. Parks near Orlando boast hiking trails, fishing and wildlife – if you head to one of the lakes you might even glimpse Florida's second-most famous resident after Mickey... the American alligator.

Watch out for these when you get to Florida, where you can often find discounts for local restaurants, shops and attractions. Check local free sheets and visitor information centres, or ask at your hotel – and don't forget to check your receipts when you buy anything in Orlando, as they may list codes for further discounts.

International Drive Orlando has discount coupons you can print before you go, and it's always worth checking for extra deals on Google if you know you'll be going to a particular place.

Everyone from the UK going to the USA, even those just passing through, must fill out the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) in advance or they'll be turned back.

It costs $21 per person to apply via the official ESTA site, so ignore other sites that imply there's a larger fee. The website only takes five minutes to fill in, and the visa will last two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Read the step-by-step ESTA Guide for full info.