The trick to a fantastic Disney World vacation is careful planning. We’ve included in this article the basics on planning along with a few great tips and resources. For even more info, planning tools, and resources, visit www.wdwforgrownups.com’s Planning Pages

1.  When To Go?

   Weather, crowds, seasonal events, and park hours vary widely depending on what part of the year you’ll be visiting Walt Disney World. For example, Orlando’s weather is warm year-round, but is blistering and humid from June-September, while crowds and park hours follow a vacation/holiday pattern (i.e., if there's a school break or holiday, parks will be crowded, but open longer hours). For a trip with temperate weather (80's F), relatively low crowds, average park hours, and access to a seasonal event, we suggest booking in early May or October.

    

2. Where To Stay?

   The most important decision about where to hang your hat is whether you do so “on-site” (i.e., at a hotel owned by Walt Disney World) or “off-site.” On-site = more expensive, closer to everything, access to hotel-guest-only perks such as Extra Magic Hours and Magical Express Airport Transportation, and easy access to the free Disney transportation system. Off-site = usually get much more room for your money, can be closer to other Orlando area attractions like Universal Studios and Sea World.

   On-site hotels come in four price ranges: value ($82-$160+ per night), moderate ($149-$274+), deluxe ($240-$2,000+), and villas (efficiency rooms ranging from studio to 3-bedroom--$269-$2,000+). You also have the option of booking a Disney Vacation Package, which can tie flights, park tickets, hotel, and transportation together in one big price. We’ll expound upon this in a later article. You can book by phone at 407-wdisney or online at www.disneyworld.com.



3. Tickets And Transportation

   Theme Park tickets for Disney’s four main parks and two water parks are sold through its “Magic Your Way” system. Starting with a fixed price, one-day “base” ticket, you can easily add features (e.g., more days in the park, the ability to “park hop” in the same day, a “no expiration” option for your tickets, water park visits, etc.) and pay based on the final product.

   Disney ticket-holders and resort guests have access to Disney World’s free transportation system, which includes busses, monorails, and boats to and from all Disney World points. If you’d rather not deal with the types of waits you’d experience with any public transportation system, or if you’re staying off-site, consider renting a car at the airport or at the Alamo location in Walt Disney World.



4. Where To Eat?

   Disney offers several dining options from quick service “fast” food to 5-star restaurants. With the popularity of Disney World’s 120+ restaurants for guests and locals alike, it makes sense to book reservations (called “Advanced Dining Reservations” or “ADRs”) for “table-service” meals--even if you're traveling during a slow season. You’ll soon be able to do this online, but, for now, reservations can be booked by calling 407-wdwdine. If you're booking a vacation package with Disney World, you can add on one of Disney’s Dining Plans.