Hello there, Kayla, and welcome to planDisney!
Before I share all of my tips and tricks with you, beware: Once you plan your first Disney World trip, it's hard to not plan another and another... It really is The Most Magical Place on Earth, Kayla. Now, let's get you started on your planning adventure.
You are more than a year out from your proposed vacation start date, so you have a ton of time to prepare. The 2027
Disney World Vacation Packages have officially been released, so feel free to begin your search and possibly book something soon. I think that the most important step is deciding exactly where you want to stay on property. Depending on your choice, you could be a short walk or boat ride away from a theme park (like Magic Kingdom) or
Disney Springs (a shopping and dining area). There are many options, but none are bad. My favorite Moderate hotel is Caribbean Beach because it's close to the
Disney Skyliner and my favorite Deluxe hotel is probably Wilderness Lodge.
I've included a planDisney video all about one of the best perks of staying on property: Early Theme Park Entry. You'll be able to enter any theme park up to 30 minutes before other guests. The complimentary transportation around property is reliable and convenient. Another perk? If you add a dining plan to your Disney Vacation Package, you will have prepaid meal credits that you can use throughout your hotel and theme park days.
Speaking of Vacation Packages, these include both your hotel reservation and your theme park tickets. It is definitely the way to go, especially if this will be one of your first times visiting Disney World. All of your plans can be seen in one place either via your Disney account online or in the
My Disney Experience app, which will be your go-to tool during your vacation.
My favorite part of planning is marking my calendar for the date that is 60 days before your vacay. That's when you can begin booking advance dining reservations and other Enchanting Extras bookings. If you prefer to have someone else plan out all of these details, I recommend
talking to a friendly Cast Member or contacting your own third-party vacation planner.
AN EXTRA GEM: I can't forget to tell you about the theme parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. They each are unique and you'll probably want to experience them all. But if your priorities are to see the iconic Cinderella Castle and be at the park with the most rides with no or low height requirements, Magic Kingdom should be at the top of your list. Up to 7 days before your vacation, you can purchase
Lightning Lane access in the My Disney Experience app. The Multi Pass and Single Pass will help you "skip the lines" at theme park attractions.
Kayla, I'm so excited for you to start planning your Disney World vacation! If you have additional questions,
we panelists are more than happy to help. Thanks for stopping by planDisney!
Magic always,
LeAndra