Disney 100 Characters; mother, father, daughters; Donald Duck, Pluto, goofy
  • On Nov 28, 2023
    Denisha from CT Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Need help planning my first disney trip

    Welcome to planDisney, Denisha! 

    Hooray, I'm so happy to hear that you'll be visiting Walt Disney World Resort for the first time in forever! With so many decisions to make for your magical vacation, I understand that the process can feel daunting, especially for a first-time Guest. I'd love to help plan your trip by focusing on the most important parts first. Then, write back with additional questions you may have so we can add an extra sprinkle of pixie dust! 

    • First, decide the dates you'd like to visit. On the main Walt Disney World Resort website, you can enter these dates in the "Build Your Vacation" section to get started. Pro tip: if your dates are at all flexible, try shifting them by a day or two to open up a whole new world of possibilities! 
    • Then, pick which Disney Resorts Collection hotel you'd like to call "home" during your visit. There are so many options to choose from depending on the atmosphere, budget, and amenities you're looking for. The truth is, you can't go wrong with any of them and they'll all keep you settled in the magic from the moment you wake up until the moment you fall asleep. You may want to tune into the Tips For Selecting Your Next Disney Resort episode of the planDisney Podcast for some personal advice! And if you're traveling with young Mouseketeers, be sure to check out A Guide to Selecting your Walt Disney World Resort Hotel with Little Ones.
    • After you've picked your dates and selected your Disney Resorts Collection hotel, you'll continue the checkout process by picking your theme park tickets. For a first-timer, I'd suggest at least visiting each park once. However, some Guests like to have five days of park tickets so they can have more flexibility – for example, visiting Magic Kingdom Park on both the first and last days, or visiting Disney's Hollywood Studios twice if you have some Star Wars fans in your travel crew! You'll also decide if you want to select a base ticket or include the Park Hopper option. While the Park Hopper option will allow you to visit more than one park per day, a base ticket might be the most relaxed choice for someone visiting for the first time. Truly, the choice is yours!
    • Once you've picked your dates, Disney Resorts Collection hotel, and tickets, you are well on your way to your trip to The Most Magical Place on Earth! Now, it's time to think of some extra magic to add to your vacation. A big one is dining! Take a look at the dining options at Walt Disney World Resort and prepare to make any advance dining reservations. Advance dining reservations can be made 60 days prior to your arrival date! Reservations for popular locations can get booked up quickly, so I'd recommend setting an alarm for 60 days prior to your trip so you can be sure to reserve your favorite locations.
    I hope I was able to point you in the right direction today, Denisha! Would you like advice on which Disney Resorts Collection hotel to book? Are you looking for suggestions for favorite dining locations? What other questions do you have? We're more than happy to help! Feel free to write back with any and every question you may have. After all, you've got a friend in me!

    See ya real soon,
    Michelle
thumbnail image for Michelle

Meet the Panelist: Michelle, Pennsylvania

Hello from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, also known as Pittsburgh! My husband and I live in a little town that we affectionately call Main Street, U.S.A. where we often find ourselves seeking out ice cream, finding new adventures, and having lightsaber battles in our backyard. While we love to travel to galaxies far, far away, we consider Walt Disney World Resort our second home and I can't wait to help you add even more magic to your Disney vacations! Learn More About Michelle

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