Hi Kiley,
Thank you for stopping by planDisney with your question. Hot Diggity Dog! Planning a trip to Walt Disney World is like stepping into a fairytale, and I’m so excited for you! As a mom of two princesses (ages 3 and 7), I can tell you that your kiddos are at the practically perfect age for a Disney vacation. Seeing the magic through their eyes is even more enchanting than watching Tinker Bell fly over Cinderella’s Castle!
Each park is like a treasure trove of adventure waiting to be explored! My girls love Toy Story Land in Hollywood Studios—there’s nothing like the giggles that come from swirling on Alien Swirling Saucers! In Magic Kingdom, my oldest adores Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, while my youngest can’t get enough of Pirates of the Caribbean.
Before I get too carried away talking about attractions, let's start your vacation planning! Disney makes it easy to customize a trip that fits your family’s budget and wish list. These
vacation packages can include hotel, tickets, and dining if you would like. I also always recommend checking out the
Special Offers page on the website because that is where you will find some magical deals!
When building your vacation package, the first step is deciding where to stay. Whether it’s the larger-than-life theming of Value Resorts or the luxurious ambiance of a Deluxe Resort, there’s truly something for every family. My girls are obsessed with
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge—they love waking up to see giraffes, zebras, and sometimes the okapis right outside our window! No matter where you stay, you’ll get perks like
early theme park entry, complimentary transportation, and immersive theming that keeps the magic.
Once you decide on the hotel, it is time to figure out theme park tickets. Once you decide how many days you want to spend in the parks, you’ll want to pick between standard Tickets (one park per day) or park hopper tickets (where you can visit multiple parks in a single day, subject to availability).
Next is dining. If you love the idea of having your meals pre-paid, the
Disney Dining Plan is a great option, offering a set number of meals and snacks per day. If you prefer to go with the flow, no worries—you can always dine as you go at quick-service and table-service restaurants.
My girls love character dining, and I highly recommend reserving at least one during your trip. There’s nothing quite like seeing their faces light up when Mickey, Minnie, or a favorite princess stops by the table! And bonus—it keeps them entertained while you enjoy your meal! Reservations open 60 days before your trip on the
My Disney Experience App, so be sure to set a reminder!
Pro Tip: You can also bring your own snacks, water, and even meals into the parks! My youngest is a picky eater, so I always have a stash of snacks in my bag.
Kiley, I hope this helps you get started on planning your vacation! If you have any additional questions—whether about attractions, dining, or my family’s favorite hidden spots to take a break and let the kiddos get the wiggles out—please don’t hesitate to ask!
See you real soon!
Christina