Hiya Kimberly,
Welcome to planDisney! There is nothing quite like your very first visit to Walt Disney World. I'm in my 30s and still remember how incredible it was stepping into Magic Kingdom and seeing all of my favorite stories come to life right in front of my eyes as a child. I may be biased, but whether it is my first visit or my 100th, there is no place more special than the Most Magical Place on Earth. I'm so excited that I get to help you kickstart planning to build those core memories as a family.
So Kimberly, let's start with your first question! One of my favorite things about Walt Disney World is that no matter what your budget is, you can have a fantastic vacation. I recommend starting any planning by taking a look at the
Special Offers and Discounts page to see what is available for your trip dates and what to take advantage of. Currently, no discounts are available for law enforcement, but some are available for eligible US Military families. There are two deals for discounted tickets,
Military Salute Tickets and
Magic Your Way Tickets, and a discount on select resort hotel rooms. Eligible US Military Service Members also qualify to stay at
Shades of Green, which is another way to save money. Shades of Green is an AFRC resort located near the Magic Kingdom Resorts, and not only is it a great way to save, but you also get some additional perks for staying there, including extra time in the theme parks through Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours (available on select dates). Also, as a family of five, you will appreciate that Shades of Green has the largest Standard Rooms at Walt Disney World Resort, so you would have plenty of space. I'm not 100% sure which military offers you and your family would meet the criteria for (if any), but these could be a great way to save.
Even if you are not eligible for any of the military offers, there are still ways to have the vacation of your dreams on a budget. I mentioned the special offers page, but another way is through
Vacation Packages (which brings me to your second question). Vacation packages allow you to combine a stay at one of the resort hotels with your theme park tickets (and even one of the dining plans can be added on). The best part of the package is that you can make payments on your vacation over time (the final payment isn't due until 30 days before your arrival, and the payments aren't a fixed amount). When you purchase your resort hotel and tickets separately (or just theme park tickets), you have to pay the full amount for your tickets at the time of purchase. Your resort hotel stay would require a deposit equivalent to the first night's stay, and then the remaining balance will be due when you check-in. Since you said that you are planning to visit in a few weeks, you wouldn't be able to take advantage of the multiple payments, but if there is flexibility in your plans, this would be perfect for your family!
I hope this was a helpful place to start, Kimberly. There is so much more I can share with you that could help make your first visit memorable. You've got a friend in
me, and I (and my fellow panelists) can provide you with tips on dining reservations, lightning lanes, transportation, and so much more. Please come back and see us if you need anything else. We would be honored to help guide you through your first family vacation to the Most Magical Place on Earth.
Happy Planning,
Ashley F.