Disney planning can be so much fun, but it can also be a lot to process. It can leave you wondering “Where do I even start?”. A quick google search led me to to lists of 14 to 20+ steps to planning a trip.
That is a lot……
I want to show you a few simple steps that will kickstart your planning. These are the basic beginner steps to look at before you start to book anything. These are still the basic steps I go through even after many trips.
So sit back, grab your favorite Disney mug, fill it up, and take a deep breath. WE CAN DO THIS!
Tips for Success in Planning a Disney World Trip
- Start planning early. The more time you have to plan and research the better prepared you will be for your trip.
- Remember you are planning for your family. It is great to get input from friends, family, and people on the internet, but it is also important to focus on what you know your family will enjoy.
- Do not set unreachable expectations. There is no way you will ride every ride, or meet every character. It is ok to have a list of things you would like to do, but remember vacations are about enjoying your family and making memories before anything else.
- Keep up to date with Disney news. Make sure that before your trip you are aware of any closures and refurbishments as well as new offerings you may be interested in so there are no surprises once your trip begins.
Again this is a very basic overview for someone just stating to think about planning a trip.
Now let’s dive into planning!
Set a Budget
This is the step on which every decision you make will be based on so it should always be step one! Budgets are so important for any trip, but especially a place like Disney World where you can easily add on so many extras that can really add up. I truly believe that there is a Disney trip for all budgets, but only you can decide how much your family is comfortable spending.
Don’t know where to start? Take a look at current ticket prices and think about how much your family is usually comfortable spending on a hotel room per night and that will give you a good idea where to begin. You can always adjust later but you really need a starting point to keep you accountable.
Decide When to Go
There are so many factors to consider when deciding the dates for your trip. First you will want to rule out all the times you can’t go due to school schedule, sports, work, or other commitments. Also think realistically about your budget and if you need a certain amount of time to comfortably save for your trip.
Now start to think about when you would like to go. For example if want to avoid the largest crowds you probably want to avoid any major holidays, or if you prefer to travel to Florida during cooler months you may want to try a winter or spring trip.
Keep in mind that when you decide to travel will also effect your budget. Flights and hotels will always cost more during high demand travel times like Thanksgiving and spring break.
Decide How Long To Go
Now time to decide how long your trip will be. I always recommend at least 5 days for a first trip so that you don’t feel rushed, but it time or budget don’t allow this don’t let it stop you!
I have personally traveled anywhere from a 3 day weekend, to an 8 day vacation and every trip was magical!
Choose A Hotel
There is so much to be said on this topic I could type on for days. Currently there are over 25 official Disney Resort Hotels, and countless off site properties in the Orlando area.
My love of Disney Resorts is so much it truly rivals my love for the parks themselves, so for now we will assume you are planning on staying on property. The main things you are going to be looking at when determining the resort is price, location, theme, and room occupancy. Disney hotels are known for their amazing theming and can truly create a feeling of being transported to a magical vacation destination….but not all hotels are created equal.
You have to pay special attention to the room occupancy guidelines for the room you are booking to make sure it will accommodate everyone in your party. Also, Disney property is huge and researching hotel location and transportation options available is very important. I won’t get into details of each resort now, but looking through all the beautiful resorts and determining which one is right for you can be one of the most magical parts of trip planning.
Plan Your Transportation
Now it is time to think about not only how you will get there, but how you will get around once you are there.
If you fly in you can either decide to use only free Disney transportation, or rent your own car. If you do decide to rent it is important to remember there will be a parking fee that will vary depending on the hotel. This is also important when deciding to drive or fly as this daily rate can really add up and eat into the savings that you may have from choosing to dive.
And that’s it!
So now you have decided the key things of when you are going, how log you will be there, and how you will get there. Yes there are many other things to look at like parks to visit, attractions to experience, or restaurants to visit, but all of these decisions will fall into place based on the plans you have already made.
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