Welcome to planDisney, Ashley! I'm so excited to hear that you're thinking about planning a trip for next May. It's never too early to start dreaming about your trip to Walt Disney World! And you're in luck:
vacation packages for May 2026 are officially open, so you can go ahead and start planning and even booking your magical getaway whenever you're ready.
As for whether it's better to book through Costco or a Disney-authorized travel agent, both options can be great; it really just depends on what kind of planner you are and what level of flexibility and support you're looking for.
Costco often offers competitive pricing and added value, like gift cards or rebates for its members. It's a solid choice if you're comfortable booking a pre-set vacation package. However, one thing to note is that Costco typically offers trips in specific lengths of stay, for example, 4- or 5-night packages, so if your plans are shorter, longer, or more customized, that may not be the perfect fit for your trip.
On the other hand, a Disney-authorized travel agent, or even booking directly through Disney yourself, gives you a bit more flexibility. If your plans are unique or you want help managing things like
dining reservations, special events, or advice on
Lightning Lane selections, an agent can be super helpful. Personally, this is the route that I take when I book a Disney vacation! Even though I've been to Walt Disney World more times than I can count, I love using a trusted travel agent because they'll even automatically apply
new promotions to my reservation if I qualify, no need for me to track deals or rebook anything!
Both options give you access to the same park tickets, resort stays, and general discounts, so financially, there's not a huge difference. It really comes down to what's more convenient for you!
I hope this answers your question, Ashley, and please let us know if there's anything else we can do to help you plan your magical vacation.
Jessica