Welcome to planDisney, Angie.
With each and every visit, no matter how long it’s been, there is always something new to learn and enjoy. Disney is constantly updating rides, adding new experiences, creating shows, changing menus, and welcoming new places to stay. But no matter how much changes, the same Disney magic you remember is still there waiting for you.
You are right to miss the old planning DVDs, and unfortunately, they are a thing of the past. I remember my parents ordering them every year just to rewatch the parks and dream about the next trip, and while they are no longer part of the official offering, that nostalgia is understandable.
If you want something similar today, there are a few easy alternatives. Some classic planning videos have been uploaded to YouTube by fans and former promo channels. planDisney also keeps a growing
video library of short planning clips that cover hotels, tickets, dining, and park tips, and the
Disney Parks Blog is a great place to read about the latest openings and updates straight from the source.
If you want a hands-on way to catch up, clicking around the
official Walt Disney World site can be surprisingly helpful. I usually tell guests to start in the top left with
Parks and Tickets and then work your way across to
Places to Stay and
Things to Do. Those menu drop-downs walk you through everything from where to stay to what kinds of tickets are available and where to eat, which is a great Disney 101 refresher.
When you are ready to get concrete, head back to the main planning page, enter your travel dates and the number of Guests, then hit search to see which
Disney Resorts Collection hotels meet your needs. From there, you can choose a room-only reservation or a Vacation Package that bundles room and theme park tickets, and you can also look for seasonal offers such as Stay Longer and Save More. Choosing a Vacation Package will let you move forward to customize theme park tickets, consider a dining plan if you want one, and add Memory Maker for your photos.
A couple of practical booking things to keep in mind. Advance dining reservations generally open 60 days ahead, so mark your calendar for the restaurants you want. And for
Lightning Lane reservations, Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels can purchase passes up to seven days in advance for the length of their stay, while other Guests can purchase them up to three days in advance. Those windows can make a big difference in snagging top experiences, so it is worth planning around them.
Angie, why don’t you do some online clicking and poking around, and then come back to planDisney with anything specific you want to tackle.
I can help you pick the right resort for your budget and travel style, recommend which type of ticket makes the most sense for the length of stay, suggest restaurants and must-try snacks, and walk you through Lightning Lane choices. Think of me as your own personal planDisney helper, right there to guide you step by step.
Hope that helps, and I cannot wait to hear more about what you are dreaming up for this next trip.
Brent