Hi, Hollie! Welcome to planDisney! An 18-day holiday to the Most Magical Place on Earth with family sounds like an absolute dream, and I'm so excited to help you start planning!
I vividly remember the first time I planned my family's
Walt Disney World Resort vacation. Coincidentally, we also stayed at the stunning
Disney's Wilderness Lodge, and while I remember feeling extreme excitement, I also remember feeling slightly overwhelmed. If you're feeling the same way, don't fret! You have come to the right place.
Your
holiday planning is already off to a great start! Disney's Wilderness Lodge - with its rustic yet majestic beauty, proximity to
Magic Kingdom Park and some of the best
dining at Walt Disney World Resort - is one of my favorite
Resort hotels and
Disney Vacation Club Resorts. It's the perfect place to stay if you enjoy being right in the middle of the magic while still being able to escape to serenity.
If you haven't done so already, start by getting a
My Disney Experience account,
downloading the mobile app, and linking your Resort reservation to your account. Next, start thinking about your itinerary and which theme parks or water parks you and everyone in your party want to visit. Then,
purchase your theme park tickets and be sure to
make your park reservations, as they are currently required to enter a theme park.
Now that the business is taken care of it, it's time for my favorite part of Disney vacation planning:
Dining! Walt Disney World Resort is a foodie's paradise, and there is something for every palate and every budget. Using My Disney Experience, start exploring your
endless dining options at your Resort hotel, the surrounding Resort hotels, the theme parks and
Disney Springs. Once you've determined everyone's must-have munchies, remember that you can make
Advanced Dining Reservations 60 days in advance plus the length of your stay, up to 10 days.
I must recommend one of my favorite dining experiences,
Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White. With the ambiance, adorable characters and delicious food, this experience will quickly become a favorite of the kids and kids-at-heart in your party. Plus, it's located right at Disney's Wilderness Lodge!
Hollie, I am wishing you and your family THE most magical holiday! Please stop by any time with any other questions! Happy planning!
Mandy