Hi Cherie,
Take a deep breath and smile! You're going to Walt DIsney World! I know that planning your first visit to the most magical place on earth can be intimidating but the Moms Panel is here to help.
What you need to do first is set your travel dates and then choose a Disney Resort that fits your budget. Click
here to see the amazing array of options. There are Disney resorts for every budget. You can choose from the deluxe, moderate, and value resorts. Once you decide which category is the best fit for your family, post another question to the Moms Panel and we can help you choose which resort within that category will most effectively delight your travel party.
Once you choose your resort, consider what kind of theme park tickets you will need. Do you want to hop between theme parks on any given day or would you be happy to visit one park per day? For folks new to Walt Disney World, I recommend the regular Magic Your Way tickets. These represent a significant savings over the park-hopper tickets.
Finally, consider a Disney Dining Plan. I have found that using the dining plan is the most cost effective way to feed children, in particular, while on vacation. We regularly book the dining plan that includes one table service, one quick service, and one snack credit per person, per day. There are other options based on your preference of dining experiences.
So, Cherie, choose your Disney resort first and then go on from there. Pop into the Moms Panel along the way to ask whatever questions you might have.
Remember, planning a Walt Disney World vacation could easily be as much fun as taking the vacation. Just imagine the possibilities!
Jill