Barry,
Thanks for asking your question to planDisney!
Disney does not send out planning videos on DVD any longer, but instead, they have placed a wide array of online tools to help with the planning process. Obviously, planDisney is my favorite! But where can you go to find others? Here are a few ideas.
For a real starting point, visit the Vacation Planning page. It captures the core planning topics that most of us find challenging. It is not specific to one destination, so you can get information on Walt Disney World, Disneyland, the Disney Cruise Line, and more. It covers so many crucial topics that can set you on the right path, including
- Vacation Packages
- Resort Hotels
- Theme Park Tickets
- Disney Shopping Districts
- Mobile Food and Beverage Ordering
- Services for Guests with Disabilities
While you plan out your trip, make sure you have your
My Disney Experience account set up, so you can put all your plans in one organized location. The great benefit here is that when you are finally in the parks, you have all that information at your fingertips on your smartphone on the
My Disney Experience App!
BONUS TIP #1I like having the park maps in hand as I plan. I get the most current versions of the maps directly from the Walt Disney World website and print them out right at home. You can find printable versions of the actual in-park maps by clicking on the guide map link at the bottom of the respective web pages for each park. Printable maps are also available for Disney Springs, and the two water parks, Disney's Blizzard Beach and Disney's Typhoon Lagoon.
BONUS TIP #2If you don't know which resort hotel to pick, start looking at the
Plan Disney Pocket Guides to the resorts. The overviews can help you narrow your search down with information on transportation options, dining, and resort amenities.
BONUS TIP #3If you want some more personalized help, beyond asking us questions here, I always recommend finding a no-fee Disney Authorized Vacation planner. I still use them to this day, including for my upcoming trip in November. They will give you guidance on how to plan your days and can find those discounts that you may not even know about.
Please feel free to
write me back directly if you have any follow-up questions.
Have a Magical Vacation!Doug