For many people around the world, a “Disney vacation” means going to Walt Disney World in Florida. While it could be the vacation of a lifetime, the sheer number of things to do there can turn any itinerary into an ordeal. To reduce your anxiety, start planning your vacation at least six months in advance. Make a list of "must try" that is arranged logically and according to priority. Don't forget to factor in time for breaks, spontaneous activities, and unforeseen circumstances - especially if you're bringing the kids. Whether you're going to Orlando or another Disney destination, make sure you don't need an extra vacation because of the stress of the holidays!
Step
Part 1 of 3: Arranging Travel and Lodging
Step 1. Go in the low season but when there are events going on
Disney World events and operating hours vary by day and season. Planning trips during special events and longer opening hours is a great way to enhance your fantastic experience. Look up one of the unofficial Disney Crowd Level Charts online for the effect different special events and holidays have on crowd levels.
Avoid the busy season and save money by scheduling a trip to Disney World during the low season: mid-January to mid-March, other than President's Day weekend; mid-April to mid-May, other than Spring break; mid-September to mid-November, apart from Halloween weekend. Disney theme parks are also less crowded Tuesday through Thursday
Step 2. Simplify things by booking a Disney vacation package
Travel agencies and Disney companies offer packages containing theme park tickets, hotel accommodations, and airline tickets. Buying a vacation package can reduce stress when planning a vacation. Compare prices and facilities of various packages within your price range.
- Disney has travel agents ready to help you. The phone number for this service is 407-939-5277 (US).
- You may (or may not) save money by booking a full vacation package, but you are definitely saving time.
Step 3. Stay at a Disney resort for convenience and proximity
Want to enjoy the magic of Disney anytime? Disney resort packages are available in various price ranges. You can stay in a camping area or a luxury villa. Staying at a Disney resort also guarantees several privileges:
- Disney resort guests get free transportation to and from the airport.
- If you bring a car, you will get the privilege of free parking.
- You can also enter the playground early and play in the park longer than normal hours.
Step 4. Book a flight as soon as you know the holiday dates
To get attractive airfare promos, search for flights diligently and early. Start looking for flights 6 months in advance. If you intend to visit Disney during the holidays or school holidays, you really need to book a plane in advance.
- Look for flights every day.
- Use online tools to find flight deals.
- Consider leaving or leaving on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday.
Step 5. For more options, make your own settings
Ideally, Disney wants you to arrive at the Orlando airport, take a shuttle right to the Disney resort, and stay in the Disney World area for the duration of your vacation. However, if you wish, you can choose to leave the area.
- For Disney visitors who are on a budget, self-driving cars is usually the most cost-effective option. Besides saving money, traveling by car to Disney is a great way to see America.
- If you're boarding a plane and not staying at a Disney resort, rent a vehicle.
- Hotels outside the Disney area are a cheap alternative to resorts. This type of hotel is suitable for couples and families on vacation on a budget.
- If you're vacationing to Disney with a large group, consider booking local time-share accommodation or a vacation home.
Step 6. Look for discounts
Many institutions and associations offer Disney discounts to their members. For example, if you become an AAA member, you can get discounts on Disney resort accommodations.
- Members of the United States military are entitled to discounts through the Shades of Green Foundation.
- Disney also offers group pricing.
Part 2 of 3: Planning Your Vacation Wisely
Step 1. Evaluate each Disney World park
Before setting an agenda for a Disney vacation, research the various available theme parks and their features. Disney World has six theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Typhoon Lagoon, and Blizzard Beach.
Start writing a priority list of must-see Disney attractions. Take note of the shows and exhibitions you would like to see at each playground
Step 2. Compile a list of “must see” and “must try” attractions
Check the Disney World calendar for special events, such as parades and fireworks displays. Keep track of any events that are important to you and your vacation buddies. Highlight specific days when the playground closes early for special events.
If you're staying at one of the Disney resorts, take advantage of the Extra Magic Hours (EMH) privilege. Every day, various Disney theme parks offer EMH to their resort guests. The park can open 1 hour earlier or close 2 hours later than normal time. Visiting the theme park on EMH day ensures you get extra time to explore and enjoy the wonders of Disney
Step 3. Rank and organize important itineraries
After making a “must see” or “must try” list of things, organize each item by date, time, and location so you won't be pacing around the playground (or, even worse, moving from park to park). other parks) to go from dinner with Disney characters to the fireworks display.
- For example, if the Magic Kingdom has a parade at 5 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m. (and both are on your list of must-see attractions), see if you can squeeze in a dinner with Disney characters and a few top priority rides around the area.
- Even if you end up buying a “Park Hopper” ticket so you can visit multiple theme parks in one day, limiting moving from one park to another as much as you can will make your vacation less crowded and tiring.
Step 4. Schedule at least one “free” day in your vacation
If you're on a very tight schedule for a few days, you'll be exhausted by day three or four - maybe even sooner if you're on vacation with young children! After two (or maybe three) days of non-stop play at the park, set aside a day of vacation for activities other than the playground with no specific time or plan. After all, it should be a vacation destination!
- You'll find plenty of activity at your lodging resort, especially if it's Disney-owned. You can swim in the pool, play games, shop or sleep!
- If you can't stand just swimming all day, fill your “free day” with a trip to Disney Springs. There is a lot of shopping, dining, and activity options there.
Step 5. Also consider your fitness, comfort and children
If you're a couple in their twenties on their honeymoon at Disney World, you may find it easy to move quickly from one park to another for several days in a row. However, the majority of travel companions need to be realistic about how fast they are moving and how long they can keep up with your pace. You might easily be able to walk a few miles all day at a Disney theme park, and stand a few hours when you're not walking.
- If your children can sit still, bring (or rent) a stroller, even if they no longer use it at home. A tired five-year-old will be fussy, which means less fun on the trip.
- Likewise if you're traveling with a person with reduced mobility, get a wheelchair or scooter - even if he doesn't usually use them at home. Or at least arrange a less hectic schedule and arrange for more rest.
Step 6. Don't try to do everything
With so much activity at Disney World it's easy to throw your plans into chaos. That's why you need to prioritize a "must" list and be realistic about the number of activities you can do with your traveling companions in one day. This can be tough, but some of the things you want to see or do may have to be cut off the list.
Keep optimistic. Think of this trimmed travel list as the start of your “must” list for your next Disney World vacation
Part 3 of 3: Finalizing the Schedule
Step 1. Order special meals 6 months in advance
Experiencing Disney magic in thematic dining rooms and exclusive restaurants takes planning. There will always be places to eat, but very popular or top restaurants and Disney-character meals need to be ordered 180 days in advance of arrival. So, if you want to eat with Cinderella, order early.
Step 2. Purchase amusement park tickets
Disney makes it easy for its guests to arrange ticket packages. After deciding which amusement park to visit, make a ticket package according to your wishes.
- Guests can choose to purchase one-day or multiple-day tickets. The more days you visit, the cheaper the ticket price.
- For additional fees, add “Park Hopper Option” to each ticket. This allows you to visit multiple Disney theme parks in one day.
- Water play area fans can choose “Water Park Fun & More Option.” You can save money by combining “Park Hopper Option” and “Water Park Fun & More Option.”
Step 3. Complete your daily itinerary
After creating your itinerary, booking theme park tickets, and booking restaurants, create a detailed Disney vacation itinerary. Highlight the times and locations of the main events you will be attending. Hand a copy of the agenda to your travel companion. Use itineraries to make trips on schedule, or as simple reminders of things you have planned for a particular day.
Create an itinerary with My Disney Experience Planner, available on the Disney website
Tips
- If you want additional information about planning a Disney vacation, request a free planning DVD from Disney.
- Bring comfortable shoes for a walk around the playground. You should also bring sunscreen to protect your skin from the Florida sun, even in winter. If traveling during winter, bring a sweater and jacket for cold days and nights.
- Make sure your family agrees with the plans made before booking.
