Hi Karlyn!
Welcome to planDisney!
I am very happy to see that you are starting to plan a first magical trip to Walt Disney World! A first visit is very exciting and it is never too early to start planning!! Remember to collect your complimentary celebratory '1st Visit' button from the Front Desk of your Disney Resort hotel.
If your trip is 4-5 years away, there will be many enhancements between now and then, but it's good to know that many things will still remain the same. Think about your budget, and then take a look at the huge variety of
Disney Resort hotels. They are all unique, and beautifully themed, and
there is nothing like staying inside the magic for 24 hours a day. Take a look at your children's favourite
character experiences, and
character dining that may be available. I highly recommend at least one reservation for dining with the characters. It's a wonderful way to meet our favourite Disney friends without having to stand in line. They will usually each visit your table while you dine, for photos and autographs, and lots of fun. During the current climate many of these opportunities are temporarily suspended, and they will always be subject to change, but you will have an idea of what may be available when you visit.
I would start by browsing our wide
library of videos bursting with hints and tips from our planDisney panelists, and you can search our planDisney website for the answers to any questions you may have. If you can't find the information you are looking for, send us some questions! Keep watching the
Disney Parks Blog for all the latest official updates.
When you are enjoying your vacation, Park Guide Maps can be picked up at any Guest Relations or the Front Desk of your Disney Resort hotel (in addition to every theme park). When you enter the parks, it's worth collecting an extra park guide map to take home and save for when you are planning your next trip! You can research individual park maps from home:
Magic Kingdom Park,
Epcot,
Disney's Hollywood Studios,
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
During the phased re-opening of Walt Disney World, we may need a little more considered and careful planning, but our vacations to Walt Disney World Resort can still be a magical experience. Please read this information about
Returning to a World of Magic.
Please come back and ask as many questions as you like! We are always happy to help you plan your vacation.
Sue