A Beginners Guide to Planning a Memorable Walt Disney World Vacation

When to Visit and How Long

It's always a good time to visit the most magical place on earth, but the key is to find the right time that suits you best and ensures a great experience. Crowd levels, weather, prices, seasonal events – they all come into play. With the right planning, even the busiest week between Christmas and New Year can go from “don’t touch with a ten-foot pole” to a magical holiday delight. Aim for at least four to seven days to soak up the magic and hit up all the parks. Having extra days to explore Disney Springs or additional resort activities is also a great idea.

Choosing Your Parks and Tickets

Single park per day or go wild with a Park Hopper? Decisions, decisions. I’ll help you consider what works based on your interests and the duration of your stay. Are you all about the classic Disney experience at Magic Kingdom with the iconic Cinderella Castle, or perhaps embarking on a global journey of culinary delights at EPCOT? Maybe you want to explore the glitz and glamor of the silver screen at Hollywood Studios or explore the wonders of the natural world at Animal Kingdom. For first-timers, I'd suggest taking it slow with a single park per day. Once you've got the lay of the land, you'll feel more comfortable mixing things up and hopping around on future visits. You might even decide to add on a visit to one of the water parks.

Where to Stay

Okay, so you've got options—like, a ton of 'em. The big question is, on-property or off-property? While both have great options and distinct benefits, staying on-site can add that extra sprinkle of pixie dust to your trip. Don't underestimate the power of the Disney bubble. It's a phenomenon that can’t be explained and must be experienced firsthand to truly understand its magic. With over 25 Disney Resorts to choose from, there's something for everyone, from budget-friendly to luxury stays. With exclusive perks like those Extra Magic Hours at the parks and uniquely themed resorts – it's all part of the fun. Plus, I'll keep an eye out for any sweet deals that pop up that might have potential cost-saving opportunities.

Making Disney Magic Accessible

Disney's all about making magic accessible to everyone. If you're traveling with a loved one with disabilities, don't let that hold you back from planning an unforgettable trip to Walt Disney World. Trust me, I speak from experience—I have a child with cognitive disabilities, and our trips to Disney have been nothing short of amazing, filled with laughter and smiles. With an array of special services and handy tips at your disposal, rest assured that we'll navigate every step of the journey to ensure a magical experience for everyone in your travel party.

So, there you have it – the foundation on how we’ll begin to curate a seamless and unforgettable Disney experience! But that’s only the beginning. From VIP tours to dining plans to all the little extras like capturing every magical moment with PhotoPass, there's a whole world of magical extras for us to design an amazing vacation. By leveraging my expertise as a travel advisor, you'll be well-prepared to plan a memorable Walt Disney World vacation tailored to your preferences and needs! Don't hesitate. Reach out today, and let's start creating memories that will last a lifetime!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Florida. In need of further inspiration? Check out Kevin Razawich’s guide, Art of Animation at Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando Florida.