Pamela,
Thanks for asking your question to planDisney!
We get this question a lot. Disney did use to send out planning DVDs and printed brochures in the past, but they have consolidated a lot of the planning advice onto their websites, so it can be reached quick and easily.
For a real starting point, visit the
Vacation Planning page. It captures the core planning topics like vacation packages, resort hotels, theme park tickets, and services for guests with disabilities. Those are just a few of the topics covered on that page, and they are not specific to one destination. That means you can get information on Walt Disney World, Disneyland, the Disney Cruise Line, and more.
But if still want to recreate some of the brochure experience, you can print out maps for the theme parks, and other locales. I prefer to have the park maps in hand as I plan. I get the most current versions of the maps directly from the Walt Disney World website and print them out right at home. You can find printable versions of the actual in-park maps by clicking on the guide map link at the bottom of the respective web pages for each park. Printable maps are also available for Disney Springs, and the two water parks, Disney's Blizzard Beach and Disney's Typhoon Lagoon.
BONUS TIP #1While you plan out your trip, make sure you have your
My Disney Experience account set up, so you can put all your plans in one organized location. The great benefit here is that when you are finally in the parks, you have all that information at your fingertips on your smartphone on the
My Disney Experience App!
BONUS TIP #2If you don't know which resort hotel to pick, start looking at the
Plan Disney Pocket Guides to the resorts. The overviews can help you narrow your search down with information on transportation options, dining, and resort amenities.
Please feel free to
write me back directly if you have any follow-up questions.
Have a Magical Vacation!Doug