Hi Ashleigh, and welcome to planDisney.
There’s nothing quite like planning your very first trip to
Walt Disney World Resort. From imagining the sights and sounds of Main Street, U.S.A. to thinking about what snack you’ll try first, the planning process is half the fun. I’m so excited you're beginning to map out your visit, and I’d be glad to help guide you along the way.
Right now, vacation packages for 2027 are not yet available. Typically, Walt Disney World releases new booking dates sometime in the spring or early summer the year prior, so I wouldn’t expect to see 2027 dates open until later this year or early 2026. That said, the timing can vary slightly from year to year, so I recommend keeping an eye on the
Disney Parks Blog and the official Walt Disney World website for the most up-to-date announcements.
Even though you can’t officially book quite yet, that doesn’t mean you can’t start planning now. I think this is the perfect time to make it a family affair and begin talking about all the options. You can start researching the different
Disney Resorts Collection hotels, get familiar with dining locations across the parks, or even stream some Disney Parks content to get excited. Behind the Attraction on Disney+ is an all-time favorite of mine, and a great way to appreciate the stories behind the rides.
If you're looking for some recommendations on resorts, I’d be happy to point you toward a few of my go-to options. For fun theming and extra space, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is a fantastic choice, especially the Family Suites, and the
Disney Skyliner access makes it easy to get to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. If you're looking for a laid-back tropical vibe, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort has that island feel while still putting you steps from the action with Skyliner access. Or, if you want to be close to Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort both sit right on the Monorail loop, which means you can pop back to the resort for a midday break and be back at the park in time for fireworks.
Once you settle on where to stay, the next big decision is how you want to experience the parks. You can choose a base ticket that gives you access to one park per day, or upgrade to a Park Hopper ticket, which allows you to visit more than one park each day. I personally love the flexibility of hopping between parks. If one park feels a little crowded or if I have a dining reservation or evening show I want to catch elsewhere, the Park Hopper gives me that extra freedom to go with the flow.
There’s so much more to dive into, Ashleigh. If you’d like help understanding
Lightning Lane passes, when to make
Advance Dining Reservations, or how to add a few extras like a fireworks cruise or behind-the-scenes tour,
send another question my way. I’d be happy to help you continue planning what’s sure to be an unforgettable first visit.
TTFN,
Brent