The First Steps To Planning Your Walt Disney World Vacation

If you think Walt Disney World is just a glorified Six Flags? You are dead wrong. Welcoming over 50 million visitors yearly, it is 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, 3 golf courses, 24+ resorts, a campground, arcades, horseback riding, bike rentals and water skiing. You can catch a Braves game, learn to surf, take a private bass fishing excursion or drive an Indy racecar. And that’s just a sampling.

Disney World is not your typical resort property.

And planning your vacation is not your typical task.

Step One: Should We Go?

Is this the perfect time for your family? Is this a once in a lifetime trip? Or do you see yourselves going every few years? Disney World is appealing to all ages. You can find something for everyone, from your infant to your great-grandmother. There is no perfect age to experience Disney World. But, if this is a once in a lifetime trip, I’d recommend taking your kids when they’re between the ages of 7-10. They’ll be able to ride most of the attractions and if you take lots and lots of pictures, they are at an age when they’ll be able to hold onto some pretty special memories. But if you’re just itching to go and your child is 4 or 14, it’s never too early or too late. Don’t listen to me. Just go! The memories you share will be worth cherishing.

Step Two: Can We Afford It?

Disney World has a myriad of options when it comes to lodging. You can stay on the campground for as little as $50/night to a deluxe villa for as much as $800/night. There are value resorts, moderately priced resorts and deluxe resorts. There are 2 bedroom villas and standard sized hotel rooms. There are meal plans, fast food dining courts and you can always bring your own PB&J.

Simply stated, there are ways to do Disney on a budget. And there are ways to spend your lottery winnings. You have to decide how much money you have to spend on a family vacation and go from there. But there will be a way to do it!

Step Three: When Should We Go?

How much vacation money you have to spend may well determine when you go. Resort room prices vary based on the time of year. The least expensive times of the year to go are typically early January, late August and early September. The most expensive time to go is during the Christmas/New Year’s holiday season.

Parks are most crowded during the summer months and during Spring and Thanksgiving break. But, the parks have longer hours at these times to accommodate the crowds.

Summer in Florida is HOT. And sticky. And prone to rain showers. May and October are our family’s favorite time of year to go because it’s warm enough to swim but not so warm that you’re miserable.

You need to choose a time that fits your family’s budget and availability. Some parents have no problem taking their kids out of school for a vacation. Other parents are teachers themselves and can only go during holiday breaks. Choose a time that works best for you.

Step Four: Making The Reservations

You’ve decide when and how much you have to spend. Now what?

Call an Authorized Certified Disney Vacation Planner. Yes, you could make the reservations yourself on the Disney website. I did that for years. But then, I discovered Magical Journeys. It is no extra cost to you and they will find you the best deal and keeping finding you the best deal until you leave for your vacation. Let me preface this by saying, Magical Journeys has no idea I’m promoting them on my website. They have saved me thousands of dollars on our trips to Disney World. Thousands. We saved $800 on our most recent trip. How? They make the reservation for you, at the best price they can find. And then, each day, as other deals pop up, they apply the savings to your trip. I don’t think I’ve paid the initial price quoted to me on any trip I’ve taken when I’ve booked with them. A deal, however small, always seems to pop up.

Whomever you choose to book your vacation, make sure they’re Disney Authorized.

There you have it.

A few small steps on your way to a magical and unforgettable vacation.