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  • On Oct 8, 2025
    Joseph from NJ Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    What’s the best time and deal for a first time visit for my kids there 5 and 3

    Hi Joseph! 

    Welcome to planDisney! I have taken my children to Walt Disney World around those ages, and I understand wanting to squeeze as much magic into the vacation for everyone in the family. Let’s go over how to start planning for your Disney visit!

    My first suggestion is to check the Special Offers page on the Walt Disney World website. This will list any current or future offers available on theme park tickets, Disney Resort hotel reservations, and dining packages. At this time, you’ll find an offer to save up to 20% on Disney Resort hotel stays on most nights from October 12 to November 20, 2025, and November 23 to December 25, 2025. 

    However, if you’re looking a little further ahead, you can save up to 25% on Disney Resort rooms this spring for most nights from January 4 to February 19, 2026, and February 22 to April 30, 2026. If you’re planning for a stay between February 22 and July 25, 2026, you can save up to $250 per night on a 4-night, 4-day (or longer) Disney Resort room and ticket package. If one of these 2026 dates works best for you, I confirmed with a Cast Member that the 2026 Free Dining Plan for Kids ages 3-9 can also be combined with each of these deals! In the past, there have been ticket deals offered for the summer months; however, those have not been announced for 2026 at this time. 

    My next recommendation is to figure out your dates and start booking your reservation on the Walt Disney World website. There are a limited number of rooms that qualify for these offers, so they may fill up if you wait too long. If you decide that you want to visit later in 2026, you can still reserve your dates now, and if new offers are released, you can simply call the Walt Disney World Tickets and Hotel Reservations number to ask them to apply the new offer. At this time, your Walt Disney World Resort Travel Company package only requires a $200 deposit at the time of booking. So, if you are planning several months ahead, that allows you more time to make payments towards your total balance.

    As my kids have reached school age, we usually take school schedules into account when planning our dates. But it is a lot of fun to visit Walt Disney World during the Halloween and holiday seasons, since there is special décor and extra ticketed holiday parties. Booking your vacation package is a major step in the planning process! Closer to your vacation, 60 days before your arrival, you can book things like Enchanting Extras and dining reservations. There are some great experiences and character dining options that I think your whole family would enjoy. 

    I hope this helps with planning, Joseph! We’d love to continue helping you with the rest of your Disney vacation details, so please come back and see us again at planDisney if you have any more questions!

    Kaitlin
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Meet the Panelist: Kaitlin, Indiana

Hi friends! I'm Kaitlin, a wife and mom to two young boys. I can always be found with a list of the latest and greatest snacks and treats at Walt Disney World, and sometimes I'm even willing to share those snacks with my family. In the meantime, I'm here to help answer your questions about your vacation to Walt Disney World Resort!  Learn More About Kaitlin

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