Welcome to planDisney, Brittany! You've come to the right place -- we're here to help!
I know planning a Disney vacation can seem overwhelming at first. Walt Disney World Resort is large and there are many things to see and do. Let me begin by saying that there is not one "right" way to do a Disney vacation, and it is not possible to see and do everything in one trip. PlanDisney panelists have hundreds of Disney vacations between us, and not one of us has experienced everything there is to do. Please don't pressure yourself to plan the "perfect" vacation. Some folks like to plan out every last detail of their vacation, and others just plan out the basics and then play it by ear. Either way, it will be a magical vacation!
So let's get you started with planning. Once you've narrowed down when you plan to visit and how long you'd like to stay, think about where you would like to stay.
Disney Resorts Collection hotels are divided into Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villa categories, so take some time to browse the various options to get an idea of what suits your party size, taste, and budget. You can book your room and tickets separately, or purchase a vacation package that includes your room and tickets. There are different deposit, payment, and cancellation policies when purchasing separately or as a package, but the cost is usually about the same either way.
Next, let's think about ticket types. Standard
theme park tickets come in lengths from 1 to 10 days, and allow Guests to visit 1 theme park per day. Add-on ticket options include the
Park Hopper Option, which allows Guests to visit multiple theme parks on the same day, and/or the Water Park and Sports Option, which includes admission to
Disney's Water Parks and other fun options such as miniature golf. Think about how many days of admission you'll need, keeping in mind that you may not be visiting the theme parks on your arrival and departure days. I also highly recommend taking at least one "break day" during your trip.
Dining is another big component of your vacation. Walt Disney World has hundreds of dining options, everything from popcorn and ice cream carts, to counter service dining, to upscale signature dining experiences, and character meals. Reservations for table-service dining can be made up to 60 days in advance. Personally, I prefer not to over-schedule dining plans. I usually make just a few reservations and for the rest of my trip play it by ear. Sometimes I don't even make any dining reservations at all.
Lastly, there is the
Enchanting Extras Collection of experiences, things like tours, recreation, and dessert parties. These are like the icing on the cake -- certainly wonderful and magical, but not at all necessary to have a great vacation.
I recommend taking some time to explore the
Walt Disney World website, as well as the
planDisney Extras section, where we've put together
videos, tips, and advice. If you think you would like personal assistance in planning your vacation, you may wish to reach out to a travel agent in your area that is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. PlanDisney is also here to answer ALL your vacation planning questions -- feel free to send us as many as you like! We can help you with the details. You've got this!
Anne Marie