Hi Debora!
Welcome to planDisney, and thanks for swinging by! Planning a visit to the Most Magical Place On Earth is almost as fun as the vacation itself—at least, I think so! From selecting the perfect Disney Resorts Collection hotel to mapping out your park days, the planning process can be a great way to build excitement and make sure your trip is practically perfect in every way.
Walt Disney World vacation packages and resort hotel reservations typically become available about 12 to 14 months in advance. Keep an eye on the Walt Disney World website for updates, as new dates can drop anytime! If you can’t book quite yet, Hakuna Matata, this is the perfect time to start laying the groundwork for your vacation.
To get you started on your planning, I suggest starting with one of the most significant decisions: where to stay! Disney Resorts Collection hotels are grouped into three categories: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe—each offering its own unique magic. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Value Resorts are perfect for budget-conscious travelers who still want that signature Disney theming. My pick? Disney’s Art of Animation has access to the Disney Skyliner, making travel to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios a breeze!
- Moderate Resorts: A balance of price, amenities, and immersive theming. I love Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside for its peaceful atmosphere and fun boat transportation to Disney Springs.
- Deluxe Resorts: The ultimate in Disney luxury, with top-tier dining, larger rooms, and prime locations. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is a tropical paradise, a monorail ride away from Magic Kingdom, and a fan favorite.
Next up: park tickets! You have a few options, depending on how you want to experience the parks:
- Standard Ticket: One park per day—great for those who like a more relaxed pace.
- Park Hopper Ticket: Visit multiple parks in one day for ultimate flexibility. This is my go-to, as I love starting my morning in one park and hopping over to another for fireworks at night!
- Water Park & Sports Option includes visiting a Disney water park or other fun activities, such as miniature golf.
- Park Hopper Plus Ticket: The best of both worlds—park hopping, water parks, and more!
Once you’ve settled on your resort and tickets, the next big decision is adding the Disney Dining Plan. Options range from the Standard Dining Plan (a mix of quick-service and table-service meals) to the Quick-Service Dining Plan (for those who prefer grab-and-go flexibility). If you like winging it, you can always pay as you go, but I highly recommend making advanced dining reservations for popular spots like Cinderella’s Royal Table, Space 220, or ‘Ohana!
Need help narrowing down your options? Send me another question, and I’d be happy to help customize a plan that works for you!
Brent