As we head into the final months of the year, “vacation planning season” after the holidays will be here before we know it. So this week and next, we’re going to get a jump start by looking at the things you will want to think about when planning your Disney vacation. It’s a lot, but no worries! We are here to help.
So as they say, let’s start at the very beginning! Here are some things to think about as you start planning your Disney vacation.
When Are You Going?
There are a number of things to think about when deciding when to visit Walt Disney World. There are multiple special events and festivals each year, such as EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, Mickey’s Not so Scary Halloween Party to name a few. Do you want your trip to coincide with one of these?
While it’s always busy in the Disney parks, some times of the year are just more crowded than others. The busiest seasons will be in the summer around Fourth of July, spring break (March through Easter), Thanksgiving week, and the really big one – the week between Christmas and New Years. So think about how you feel about crowds! Happily there are plenty of other times that the crowds are very reasonable, such as January and February before spring breaks start across the country, as well as late summer/early fall, just as the kids go back to school. Will you have people in your group that are limited due to schedules or school that narrow down the time of year they can go? Do you have the flexibility to go whenever the crowds are at their lowest?
How Long Will You Stay?
Walt Disney World can be expensive, but the longer your stay, the less per day your park passes will cost – meaning you will have a greater value/day with a longer visit. How much time can you take off work? Are you taking the kids out of school? Is this the first of many visits or a once in a lifetime opportunity?
How Are You Getting to Walt Disney World?
If you are flying, your best option is to arrive at Orlando International Airport so that you can catch Disney’s (free) Magical Express to your hotel. It makes things easy and there is no cost.
Some folks may find better flight options cost-wise by flying into Sanford or even Tampa, but keep in mind that you will need to rent a vehicle, or take Uber, Lyft or a cab to WDW. These are not necessarily inexpensive so do the math before booking those flights, as it may not be such a great deal if you have to add in transfer costs.
Are you close enough that driving makes sense? If so will you want to make stops along the way to allow the kids some room to stretch and to rest? Are you more comfortable driving and taking the trip at your leisure or stopping overnight on the way? Be sure to consider the additional costs of extra stops along the way. Will you need to bring a lot with you that will make checking or carrying your bags if flying more difficult – and more expensive – so that it is simply better to drive?
Where Are You Staying?
Do you want to stay onsite for the convenience of being closest to the parks? Will you want to visit your hotel during the day for some down time away from the parks? Do you want to be totally immersed in all things Mickey?
Are you planning to only be in the parks for part of your day and plan to enjoy other things outside of Walt Disney World? Are you planning to spend every waking moment at the parks, so you will only need a place to sleep? Or do you want to also relax and enjoy the hotel?
How many people are in your party? Will you need 1 room, 2 rooms or maybe a family suite?
Do you enjoy having more amenities than a basic hotel or enjoy have a sit-down restaurant in your hotel for relaxing and enjoying dinner? Do you want the ability to cook some meals? Or are you looking for least expensive options?
While all this seems overwhelming, taking things step by step will help. And of course, help is available to make it all stress-free. With some advance planning, your trip can truly be magical!
Find out how the FREE services of a Disney World travel agent can make planning your Disney vacation simple and STRESS FREE!
Debbie and her husband live in Collegedale, TN where her youngest son is going to college. She is a huge Disney fan who dreams of someday retiring and working as a tour guide at Walt Disney World. She has enjoyed many trips to WDW with children, grandchildren and sometimes adults only. It is her ultimate goal to make sure everyone who visits WDW has the same magical time that she enjoys every time she visits.
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