Welcome to planDisney, James!
I'm so glad that you asked about planning a visit to
Walt Disney World, and can direct you to some wonderful videos on our
planDisney site.
If this is your first visit, start by watching
Walt Disney World First Time Visit Tips; it's a great way to begin your planning. Some of the most essential videos in the planDisney library include
Resort Hotel Tips and Benefits,
Planning Tips for each of the four Theme Parks,
Must-Dos at each theme park, as well as
Quick Tips for any topic in the collection that applies to you. Plus, the
Quick Tip / My Disney Experience App video is a must-watch. When you visit The Most Magical Place on Earth, the
My Disney Experience mobile app will be the key to a seamless, spectacular stay!
As you find yourself understanding a bit more of how to plan your vacation, you'll be able to select additional videos such as
Quick Tip / Memory Maker, Must-Dos at Disney Springs, and
Frequently Asked Questions - Disney Resort Hotels.
For my first time planner friends, I always tell them to ease into the process, as it can be overwhelming. However, if you begin with one step, and become comfortable with that first, then move on to another step, you'll learn what you need at your own pace. For example, perhaps look first at where you might want to stay and select those videos that focus on Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Next, navigate to
Walt Disney World's website and click on the Places to Stay tab, which will then bring you an interactive list so that you can
Explore Resort Hotels. Make a list of those that most intrigue you and check availability for the dates on which you'd like to travel. Consider who will be with you (grandparents? little ones? teens? multiple families?) so that you can determine what sort of accommodations you'll need and note the proximity of your resort to each of the four theme parks. (Later, you may determine which you'll likely spend more time in, so you may opt for resort that closest.) Dining options are a big draw for my family, too, so if that's the case with you, click on the Dining tab in those pages of the resorts you are considering to see if anything there catches your attention.
After you have an idea of where you'd like to stay, check out the videos that feature each of the four theme parks, perhaps looking at each park's webpage (and park map) after watching the video. For example, if you look at all of the wonderful attractions and dining opportunities at
Magic Kingdom Park, you may decide that you need at least two days there. Build your length of stay after that.
As you put together your plans for a practically perfect in every way stay, James, be sure to bring more questions our way. We love to help!
Andrea