Hiya Amber!
Welcome to planDisney! Planning a first Walt Disney World Vacation is a special moment in many people's lives. Many grow up remembering their first trip as a child or as an adult and consider it a "bucket-list" item accomplished. I'm glad you are here so that we can help!
So, I hate to be the one to tell you that at this time, Walt Disney World Resort does not mail out any DVDs to help guests in their planning. But don't fret my friend, there are still quite a few videos and planning tools I can direct you to. The planDisney panel which has been around for 16 years has accumulated a lovely
library of videos that can help! We are guests like you who have visited the Parks thousands of times, and dined everywhere, and want to help you plan a fabulous trip! A video I suggest you start with is with my friends
Elaine and
Jonathan who did a
"First Timers at Walt Disney World" podcast episode. I will also link it below so make sure to check it out. They give a lovely overview of what it's like to visit Walt Disney World now and how to enjoy it thoroughly. Then I would check out
"Tips for Selecting Your Next Disney Resort" as staying on-site at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel is part of the experience of visiting!
Your next question is tricky as there is no "best time" to visit Walt Disney World Resort. There are positives and not quite as positive reasons for visiting any time of year. My favorite time to visit is in the springtime because my favorite festival is the
EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. It's also sentimental to me as we like to visit around my wedding anniversary in May. But then there are the joys of January and February with its generally lower crowds (minus any marathoners, conventioners, and other special events) and the
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. I experienced this festival this past year and I fell in love with the colors and delicious foods. This time of year tends to see Resorts, Parks, and transportation going down for routine refurbishments so make sure to check the
Hours & Events Calendar and click "Closed for Refurbishment" for each Park to expand the field. You can also visit each resort page and see any planned refurbishments in bold right on the top as well. The summer season is always fun as everything is open and my kids are out of school but it's hot, so planning is crucial to keep cool. (Think personal fans, cooling rags and insulated water bottles) The fall and winter bring in special events like
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party!
So many good times to visit and I promise with careful planning you will have fun no matter what. If you want more details and sample itineraries come back and let me know! I'm a pro regarding family travel with little kids and large parties but planDisney has a diverse bunch who can answer anything!
Happy Planning!
-Nimmy