Pool at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
  • Dec 20, 2023
    Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    My husband and I will be coming down in September for our 20th wedding anniversary this is our first time coming and I have no idea where to even start planning our trip.

    Hello and welcome to planDisney where we love to channel our inner Fairy Godmother and sprinkle a little Magic over a love story. 

    How wonderful that you'll be celebrating 20 years together this fall. As a guest who loves to visit Walt Disney World with my husband, I'm so happy to help in your planning process. If it fits in your budget, I always recommend staying onsite at a Disney Resort Hotel, and this is where I would encourage you to begin planning. There are great onsite benefits like complimentary transportation to and from the resorts! When you start browsing through the Disney Resorts Hotel collection, you'll see that there are multiple choices in three different categories (based on price point): Value, Moderate, and Deluxe (including Deluxe Villas). Each resort has a unique vibe, benefits, and theme.

    For example, if you'd like a more budget-friendly resort, but are Star Wars fans and want to maximize your time at Disney's Hollywood Studios, I would encourage you to check out Disney's Pop Century Resort. This Value Resort has access to the Disney Skyliner and a fun, vintage theme.
    If you love the idea of adventure, exotic cuisine, and nature, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is a stunning choice with great onsite restaurant choices. You'll find that a few zebras, giraffes, and other creatures call this deluxe resort property their home, so make sure to carve out some time to enjoy the savanna if you stay here. 

    These are just two examples out of the many resort choices and there truly is something for every interest. Once you have selected a resort and dates, you can book online through your My Disney Experience account. (This is quick and easy to create if you don't already have one.) At the time of booking, you will be prompted to add on theme park tickets to create a package, if you wish. As first-time guests, I would encourage you to consider at least 1 day per theme park (which would be a 4-day standard ticket). A 4-day ticket can be used over 7 days. So, if you decide to relax at your resort in between theme park days or maybe build in some shopping time at Disney Springs, you have the flexibility to do so within your ticket window.

    I hope this helps jumpstart your planning process. Once you have a resort with tickets booked, please come on back to planDisney with any additional questions you might have. We are happy to chat about our favorite attractions for adults, when to make advance dining reservations, ways to celebrate an anniversary, and more! 

    Wishing you a Magical first visit, 
    Lauren
thumbnail image for Lauren

Meet the Panelist: Lauren, Pennsylvania

Greetings from central Pennsylvania! Hi, I’m Lauren and I can’t wait to answer all of your Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Vacation Club questions. My husband and I became Disney Vacation Club Members because we love visiting the Disney Parks and with hectic day-to-day schedules, wanted to prioritize time away for our family. The options at the Walt Disney World Resort make each trip unique and I am excited to help other families build vacations with those unforgettable moments.

Learn More About Lauren

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