DON'T GET LOST IN THE MAGIC: START TO PLAN YOUR WALT DISNEY WORLD TRIP

A Walt Disney World vacation is the ultimate dream for many, but planning one can feel overwhelming. With so many parks, resorts, and dining options, it’s easy to get lost in the details before the fun even begins. But don't worry—this guide is here to help you start mapping out the process.

As "Save It For Rope Drop" enthusiasts, remember to keep cost-saving in mind throughout these initial steps!

Being flexible with dates and considering value resorts or off-site options can make a big difference.

STEP 1: SET YOUR PRIORITIES

Before you book a single thing, lay the groundwork for a successful trip by figuring out the key details.

• Who is going; the size and age range of your group will influence everything from your resort choice to the cost of tickets.

• Talk about your "must-dos" to identify the parks, rides, and experiences that are non-negotiable for your family. This helps you prioritize and plan your days effectively.

• Settle on an approximate timeframe. Whether you have specific dates in mind or can be flexible, your travel dates will heavily affect the cost and crowds.

• Have an honest discussion about your rough budget. This will guide every decision you make, from choosing a hotel to deciding on dining plans, so it's a critical step to get right from the start.

STEP 2: LOOK INTO YOUR TRAVEL DATES

Once you have a general idea of your timeframe, start looking at the Disney World website to get a point of reference for the prices, special offers and resort availability.

• Consider school holidays, major US holidays, and seasonal events. Be aware that these times typically have the highest crowds and prices.

• If budget is a major concern, research the least expensive times to visit. In the past, the least expensive times have been in January after New Year's, early February, late August/September, and early December.

• How many days do you realistically have for your vacation?

• How many park days do you envision? (To experience all four main parks at a comfortable pace, many recommend at least 4-5 park days.)

• Will you want rest days, resort days (like we discussed for a budget-friendly approach!), or time to explore Disney Springs?

STEP 3: DETERMINE WHERE YOU'D LIKE TO STAY

Choosing a Disney World resort can feel overwhelming, but it's one of the most exciting parts of the planning process!

• On-Site at Disney Resorts (My preferred choice!): Staying at a Disney resort offers perks like immersive theming, free transportation to the parks and Disney Springs, and early theme park entry for resort guests. However, they can be more expensive. For budget travelers, Value Resorts are the most affordable on-site option.

• Off-Site Hotels/Vacation Rentals: Often more budget-friendly and can offer more space or amenities for the price. However, you'll need to factor in transportation costs (rental car, ride-sharing, or hotel shuttles, if available).

STEP 4: RESEARCH TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS

Now that you know when you're going, the next big question is: how will you get there?

• Driving: Consider the drive time, gas costs, potential overnight stays, tolls and parking fees at Disney World.

• Flying: Research flights from your home airport to Orlando International Airport (MCO). Keep an eye out for deals and factor in baggage fees and transportation from the airport to your accommodation (I like using the Mears Connect busses.).

STEP 5: MAKE YOUR BUDGET

Based on your initial research into travel dates, length of stay, and accommodation preferences, start to sketch out a rough budget for the major components:

• Transportation

• Accommodation

• Park Tickets

• Food and Beverages

• Souvenirs and Entertainment

Don't feel pressured to book anything at this stage!

These first steps are all about gathering information, discussing as a family, and setting the foundation for more detailed planning. Once you have a clearer picture of your priorities, timeframe, and budget, you can move on to the next stages like booking accommodations and tickets.

Once you have the basic plan ready, I highly recommend contacting a travel planner who specializes in Disney vacations to do the booking. These Authorized Disney Vacation Planners offer complimentary services and expert advice, helping you customize a magical trip that fits your family's needs and budget. My favorite part? They will apply discounts to your vacation package if they become available - saving you money!