We have all quick tips, tools, and hacks for saving you time and money. Follow along with this quick and easy step by step guide to planning your next Walt Disney World Vacation.
Step 1: Determine when you are planning to visit
Knowing when you are visiting Disney is key to how you will plan your trip. Visiting during high volume dates for special events, holidays or busier seasons will determine what you can fit into your vacation. Follow a Disney Crowd Calendar to plan your next vacation. Special occasions also apply to the hotel rates, look for discounts or follow a Disney World Hotel Calendars to stay on budget. This is the time you will choose how long you will stay on vacation as well and will set you up for your next step “the budget.”
Another stage to this is to decide to stay on property or off site. There are over 25 resorts at Walt Disney World Resorts and more than 40 hotels in the surrounding area, all varying in room sizes and rates. Staying at a Disney Resort has a lot of perks to it, for example transportation to and from parks and discounts. Staying off property may cost less in some areas but staying farther away takes up less time at the parks and requires more planning.
Step 2: Set up a budget
Creating a budget is easier said than done but knowing your top amount to be spent is a no brainer. Selecting the proper accommodations, tickets, special events, dining, and entertainment will depend on the size of your party and needs of everyone. Look for discounts from reputable places like Disney World Resorts, they have many options like “Stay and Play” or “Military” options to choose from. Look at our free budget worksheet. Once you have established a base line amount the next 3 steps will be fun.
Warning!!! Look out for individual items that will blow your budget. Look at our “Tips and Hacks” or “Planning” page for making your trip fun but less of a debt disaster.
Step 3: Choose your accommodations
One of the most expensive components of the trip and probably an extremely crucial decision is your choice of accommodations. Realizing which location, types of accommodations and most importantly the price of your lodging you and you guests will require, or desire will set the base of your trip. Choose hotels that house amenities like a pool or dining alternatives to help ease some stress. Other options like transportation and access to the theme parks are a big desire for many, that is why Disney has created more than 25 plus hotels to stay at on property offering items like pools, dining, transportation and relatively closeness to theme parks. Look for our list of Disney World Resorts.
Step 4: Buy theme park tickets and making reservations
After you have determined how many days you will be visiting, and the hotel of choice is decided it is now time to select your theme park tickets. In early years just buying a ticket was enough, but with the new COVID-19 restrictions still in place Disney has implemented that all ticket buyers must make reservations for each guest at a selected theme park. Check with Disney World’s website for their up-to-date Availability Calendar. This is done through the “My Disney Experience” app or through Disney’s new program “Genie.” Follow my “Step- by-step guide to making park reservations on “My Disney Experience” app or through Disney’s new program “Genie.”
In some cases, you might choose to have non-park days to visit other destination sites around Orlando or even a quit day at the resort. Keep in mind when purchasing ticket, the day you arrive and the day you will checkout. This will help you make better decisions on which park days you would like to spend money on.
Other items to purchase
With Disney you many options to choose from when purchasing tickets. Disney runs a special where the longer you stay, the shorter the amount of price you pay per ticket.
- Disney also has Park Hopper tickets available at an additional price per ticket. This can be bought online in the “My Disney Experience” app or through the concierge desk at your hotel. Rules and hours will apply, check with Disney for more information.
- Water Park and Sports options with Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park or Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course as some options.
- Park Hopper Plus adding Water Park and Sports options are also available with additional charge.
Step 5: Choosing dining options
All guests who want to dine at restaurant within the Walt Disney World Resort area are asked to make Dining Reservations up to 60 days before your scheduled trip. It is very difficult to get a reservation the day of your visit. It would help you and your vacation guest out greatly if you knew which park or area you will be visiting that day and schedule dining reservations as soon as possible. Visit Disney World’s website for menus, times, prices and more! Disney has many styles and types of choices to select from.
Resorts that carry dine in restaurants usually keep some time slots available for their resort guests. Call the resort concierge or look at “My Disney Experience” app or “Genie” for more availability. Reviewing Disney’s website for dining options ahead of time is also a good way to find what works best for each party member and their diets.
I suggest you look at as many blogs, vlogs, and Disney’s Official website for current and up to date information. Knowing others reviews and tips can help you plan the very best vacation at Disney World!
Let’s Plan!
Step 1: Determine when you are planning to visit
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Step 2: Set up a budget
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Step 3: Choose your accommodations
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Step 4: Buy theme park tickets and making reservations
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Step 5: Choosing dining options
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