Teresa, welcome to planDisney!
We live to help with questions like this! In fact, that’s exactly why planDisney exists: to come alongside Guests like you who are staring at a hundred tabs open on their browser and thinking, "Where do I even start?" Hakuna Matata! You are not alone, and you’re already on the right track just by asking the question.
Let’s start with the big picture. A Walt Disney World vacation has several core ingredients: when to go, where to stay, what tickets you need, where to eat, and how to make the most of your time in the parks. You don’t need to have every second scheduled, but having a basic plan in place can really help you get the most out of your trip (and maybe avoid the occasional meltdown in front of Cinderella Castle).
1. Pick Your Dates WiselyConsider what time of year works best for you. Are you looking for lower crowds, cooler weather, or a special seasonal event like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival? Keep in mind that holidays and school breaks tend to be busier (and often pricier), so if you have flexibility, that can really help with both crowds and costs.
2. Choose Your ResortStaying at a
Disney Resort hotel gives you all kinds of perks, from
Early Theme Park Entry to complimentary transportation. Resorts are grouped into Value, Moderate, and Deluxe, each offering a different level of theming, amenities, and pricing. For example, families with young kids might love Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, whilst couples or groups looking for a serene vibe might enjoy Disney’s Riviera Resort. Pro tip: Staying at a Deluxe Resort also makes you eligible for
Extended Evening Theme Park Hours on select nights, which is a huge bonus if you’re a night owl!
3. Get the Right TicketsWhen buying
tickets, think about how many park days you want. Will you visit one park per day, or do you want the
Park Hopper Option, which lets you visit multiple parks in the same day? That’s great if you’re hoping to experience Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in EPCOT, but end the day watching Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom Park.
4. Plan Your DiningDining at Walt Disney World is part of the experience. Dining reservations can be made 60 days in advance, and some of the most popular spots fill up quickly.
5. Use the My Disney Experience AppThis app is a must-have. It’s your park map, your dining planner, your wait time checker, and your
Lightning Lane booking hub all rolled into one. You can use the Mobile Order Service to order food (which saves SO much time) and even unlock your resort hotel room with it.
Teresa, we’ll be here to walk with you every step of the way. Planning a Disney vacation can feel like putting together a giant puzzle, but once the pieces come together, the picture is incredible. You’ve got this! And if you ever feel stuck again, just remember that planDisney panelists are real Guests who’ve planned real trips and are always just a few clicks away.
Now take a deep breath, grab a notebook (or your favorite planning spreadsheet), and let the fun begin. Oh, and one last tip: wear comfy shoes. You’ll thank me by Day 2.
Mike