Hi there, Marie,
Thank you for stopping by planDisney with your vacation planning question. Oh, how absolutely wonderful that you’re planning a magical trip with your grandchildren! I can already picture the wonder in their eyes as they step onto Main Street, with Cinderella Castle glistening ahead—memories that will be simply practically perfect in every way.
When planning a Disney vacation, I always start with two key factors: dates and budget. Since there’s something for everyone at Walt Disney World, first decide when you’d like to take your grand adventure. Once you’ve set your dates, it’s time for a spoonful of planning!
Visit the Walt Disney World website to start planning your
vacation package. You’ll enter your dates, and poof!—a list of available resorts will appear. From value to deluxe accommodations, there’s a resort for every family’s needs.
The first step when deciding on a resort is: location, location, location! One of the biggest questions is where to stay. If you and your grandkids dream of waking up to giraffes and zebras just beyond your balcony, Animal Kingdom Lodge is a breathtaking choice, even if it’s a short bus ride away from the
Magic Kingdom. However, if you prefer to be a hop, skip, and monorail ride from Cinderella Castle, I highly recommend considering the
Grand Floridian, Polynesian, or Contemporary Resort.
Next, you’ll decide whether the
Dining Plan is the right fit for your family. This plan adds a more all-inclusive feel to your vacation, making it easy to enjoy everything from quick bites to royal feasts!
When it comes to
park tickets, you’ll have the option to choose between standard admission (allowing you to visit one park per day) or a Park Hopper option (which allows you to visit multiple parks in a single day). Since I have two little princesses, we typically keep things simple and explore one park at a time, but this is completely up to your family's preference!
One thing I always recommend is
Memory Maker! This practically perfect add-on lets you capture all the magical moments with PhotoPass photographers—from iconic castle shots to those merry and magical Magic Shots sprinkled throughout the parks. When my in-laws join us, we stop at every green-shirted photographer we see, making sure to bottle up every bit of that magic!
Once these major details are in place, you can book dining reservations (60 days in advance) and Lightning Lanes (7 days ahead if staying at a Disney hotel). And don’t forget to check the s
pecial offers page for any discounts that might be as delightful as a jolly holiday with Mary, but remember they are subject to change.
Marie, I hope this helps you take the first steps toward an incredible Disney adventure with your grandkids! If you need any more assistance, just come back and visit us—we’d be delighted to help.
See you real soon!
Christina