If you are thinking about taking your family on a trip to Walt Disney World, you need to know that planning your Disney trip is a big part of a successful trip!
You should also start planning as early as possible, to get some of the benefits we are going to talk about in this article. And while I know that is not always possible, you should at least start as early as you can!
First Things First in Planning Your Disney Trip
I think the first thing you need to do once you have decided to go to Walt Disney World is to choose when you want to go. You don't have to choose dates yet, just what time of year.
There was a time when you could choose a date that Disney said were "slow" times of the year. That really doesn't exist anymore. Disney has no more slow times. There may be times that are less crowded than others, but the day of the slow time at Walt Disney World is over.
I use a great website, Touring Plans, that has crowd calendars. They are really helpful in figuring out when the crowds are going to be large at Walt Disney World. I would recommend that anything 5 or below is ok. A crowd at level 5 is still not small, but it is not horrible. It is manageable.
When Should you go
So when should you go? That depends on a lot of things. It may depend on when you CAN go. If there is only one week that you can go to Walt Disney World, then, by all means, go! You might have to set expectations if it is a busy time (say spring break, or Christmas), but don't let that stop you if that is when you can go.
The spring is lovely. The flowers and plants are amazing, and the weather is nice. The Flower and Garden Festival is going on at Epcot, and it is beautiful!
My favorite time is actually the fall. I love the colors and the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot. The Food And Wine Festival has great food all around the World Showcase. Just know that the locals come out on the weekend, and the lines for food can get long. There is also Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party which is great fun and has what I think is the best parade.
One thing to know is that the summer can get really hot. Not that it is bad, just be forewarned. Be prepared to search out air conditioning.
And no matter when you go, sunscreen is a must!
Get A Disney Travel Agent!
I think the next step in this process is to get a Disney travel agent.
"But doesn't that cost money?"
Actually, if you use an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, then it is free. Disney pays them, you don't! BONUS!
The great thing about having a travel agent is that they will do all the work for you!
Traveling on a budget? They will help you get the most for your money! Don't know where to stay? They will help with choosing.
They will also make sure that you get the best possible deal Disney has to offer! So instead of spending extra money on a travel agent, they will help you spend LESS money! How great is that!
There are a lot of great ones out there. One that I have used in the past is MEI Mousefan Travel. Their agents are great! And I don't get any money from them for saying that. I use them myself!
When Should I Start Planning My Disney Vacation?
AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!
It is really important to make your plans as early as you can. There are some really important dates to know that will help you get the most out of your vacation.
180 days!
That is when you can make dining reservations. 180 days before you check-in. If you want dinner at Be Our Guest Restaurant, then you have to make those 180 days before you go.
I know that seems like a crazy idea. The thought that you would know where and when you want to eat 180 days before you go to Walt Disney World is nuts, but it is important. A Disney trip takes a lot of planning. I might even suggest that the planning is half the fun!
60 Days!
At 60 days out you can start making your FastPass+ reservations!
Want to ride Flight Of Passage in Pandora and not wait 3 hours! Better get that FastPass+ reservation 60 days out!
Does your child want to ride Peter Pan's Flight in the Magic Kingdom? Get that FastPass+ reservation 60 days out, or you may be waiting 90 minutes to get on the ride!
So you can see that earlier is better. That doesn't mean you can't have a great time with a last minute trip! Some of my favorite trips were last minute.
But planning earlier does make a difference, especially for your first trip.
Now That You Have Started Planning!
Congratulations! You now know the first steps in starting to plan for you Walt Disney World vacation!
I truly mean it when I say planning is half the fun! I think it is fun to do the research and find out all the cool things you can do at Walt Disney World! It also helps build excitement for the trip!
Now that you have things started, there are going to be more articles to help you along the way. Keep an eye out for them, and check back often.
I'm really looking forward to helping you plan a wonderful Walt Disney World vacation that is just right for your family!
Do you have any questions or thought? Leave a comment below and I'll be happy to help out!
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