Hi Eric! Thanks for stopping by planDisney!
There is nothing more magical than spending your birthday at the
Walt Disney World Resort! My family has been lucky to spend a couple of my daughters' birthdays onsite and it always made their days that much more special. Spending a milestone birthday, such as her Sweet 16, is the icing on the cake! Being that this is your first time planning a trip on your own, let's dive right into some helpful tips and tricks to get the most out of your stay!
Your daughter's birthday falls around a perfect time to visit Walt Disney World! The weather is typically beautiful during this time of year, with most days being warm and the nights cooling off just a bit. The
EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival should be underway at this point, assuming that it makes a return for the 2023 season.
You'll first need to decide if you want to stay at a
Disney Resorts Collection hotel during your trip. If so, you can package your accommodations along with your park tickets to pay for your vacation over some time. There are three main categories of resorts to choose from; Value, Moderate, and Deluxe Resorts. No matter which one you decide upon, the level of service you receive at any of them will be unmatched by anywhere else you can decide to stay. Disney Resorts are a big reason why my family continues to visit year after year!
Your next decision will be how many days you wish to visit the parks. Walt Disney World consists of four theme parks, each one completely different than the next. If you plan on visiting for an extended time, I suggest
purchasing at least a 4-day park ticket to be able to experience them all. You can also add the Park Hopper Option to your tickets, which allows you to visit multiple theme parks in one day. This is a great strategy if you like to break up your days when you travel. My family enjoys starting our day in a park, returning to our resort in the afternoon for a swim, then heading to a different park in the evening to close out the night. One thing to note that is imperative in the planning process is that theme park reservations are required for entry into the first park you visit each day. Once you purchase your tickets, you'll need to then make your reservations to ensure entry on select days.
If you book through the website or by
phone with a Cast Member, you'll be required to put down an initial deposit for your vacation package. You can then pay this amount off over time, with the balance being due 30 days before your arrival date. Since this is your first time planning, I highly recommend reaching out to an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner to work alongside with to plan the perfect birthday vacation! These individuals can book your entire stay, including airfare, transportation, accommodations, and park tickets. They will essentially be a one-stop shop for your travel needs. You'll also get a more consultative approach by using their services since you'll be able to create a strong dialogue about your stay. The easiest way to find an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner is to perform a Google search for one. A host of companies will populate and you can choose which one will be best for you. The best part about using their services is there is no added cost to you! You'll pay the same amount for your vacation as if you booked it yourself!
Eric, I hope this information helps you get started in the planning process. Stop back and see us again at planDisney with additional questions.
Happy planning!
Greg