Hi Teena, and welcome to planDisney!
Planning a
Walt Disney World Resort vacation with your family is such an exciting time, and it’s great that you’re looking for ways to explore all the options together before your visit.
Years ago, Disney offered complimentary vacation planning videos and DVDs that walked you through the resorts, theme parks, and entertainment offerings. I remember watching those myself to help build excitement before a trip. While Disney no longer mails out physical planning materials, those old videos can still occasionally be found with a quick online search for “Disney Vacation Planning DVD” on YouTube if you’re feeling nostalgic.
These days, though, the good news is that everything you need to plan your vacation is digital and right at your fingertips. The Walt Disney World website has an incredible amount of information about all four theme parks, two water parks, the Disney Springs dining and shopping district, and the entire Disney Resorts Collection. I’d also encourage you to spend some time here at
planDisney.com, where you can read through our panel’s answers or browse the
planDisney Video Library, which features short videos that break down everything from resort overviews to dining tips and park strategies.
Another great place to start is the
3-Step Planning Guide on Disney’s Family Vacation Guide page. It walks you through the basics of choosing where to stay, how to play, and what to eat. You can also view and download interactive maps of each park to get a sense of the layout and attractions before you go.
When planning your trip, think about the main categories that will shape your visit. First, your
Disney Resort. Disney offers a wide range of resorts across Value, Moderate, and Deluxe categories, each with its own unique theme and amenities. Next, you’ll want to look at
park tickets, which can be customized depending on how many days you plan to visit and whether you’d like to hop between parks. If dining is a big part of your trip, consider one of the
Disney Dining Plans, which can simplify mealtime budgeting. And for an extra touch of fun, explore the
Enchanting Extras Collection, which includes things like tours, fireworks, dessert parties, and special animal encounters.
Finally, to answer your transportation question, one of the best perks of staying at a Disney Resort hotel is the
complimentary Disney Transportation system. You’ll have access to buses, the Disney Skyliner, boats, and in some cases, the Disney Monorail, all of which are designed to get you to and from the theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs with ease.
I hope this helps you and your family start shaping your dream Disney vacation. Once you’ve had a chance to explore the options, come back and
ask more questions. I’d love to help fine-tune the details and make sure your plans are perfectly tailored to your crew.
See you real soon,
Brent