Looking to plan a Walt Disney World vacation, but don’t know where to start?
We’re covering the “need-to-know” basics to help jump start your best vacation yet.
Disney veterans often arrive in Orlando with an arsenal of tips and tricks to make each trip better than the last.
They know which hotels have the best transportation to get to rope drop on time, which rides to run to first, and how to get the coveted dinner reservation at Be Our Guest restaurant.
But where do you start when you don’t have a plan?
Our agents are well-equipped to help you fill in the details, but you’ll need a game plan before you can get started. There are a few basics you should keep in mind before starting the planning process.
Walt Disney World is big.
We’re not just talking about big rides, big food, or big lines. Walt Disney World covers about 40 square miles of property across its parks and resorts. That’s nearly twice the size of Manhattan.
While there are certainly hotels within walking distance to some parks and dining, you won’t be able to get to everything on foot. Consider the time it may take to get around to complete everything on your wish list, because it may mean adding or subtracting days you book for your resort or park tickets.
Parks
When someone says “Walt Disney World,” the first picture in your head is likely a glittering version of Cinderella’s Castle in the Magic Kingdom. While it was the first to open, and is arguably the most iconic, the Magic Kingdom is one of four parks across Walt Disney World property – and that doesn’t even include the water parks!
The Magic Kingdom is home to many classic rides and attractions, including favorites like Splash Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, the Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain. After you’ve strolled in along Main Street, U.S.A., the main hub branches off to Frontierland, Adventureland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland and Liberty Square. There are around three dozen attractions across the park, between rides, shows, meet-and-greets, etc. You can certainly pack in a full day – or a few – but you’ll want to do some research to decide which items are top priorities.
EPCOT joined the list soon after, welcoming guests to the “Community of Tomorrow.” The park celebrates innovation and technology with rides and attractions across World Discovery, World Nature and World Celebration (formerly Future World). It’s also home to the famous “EPCOT Ball,” officially known as Spaceship Earth. A short walk away is the World Showcase, featuring pockets of shops, rides, restaurants and entertainment inspired by different countries.
Next up, Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This park brings you back to the world of Old Hollywood, with a fresh sprinkling of modern day movie marvels. It has seen a laundry list of upgrades and additions over the past few years, including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land, and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Don’t worry, you’ll still find classic favorites like Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster alongside the shiny new attractions.
Last but most certainly not least, you have the Animal Kingdom. Devoted to the natural world, this park is home to dozens of species of rare animals that you can see and interact with along the way. You’ll find different surprises across the park, from the rhinos on Kilimanjaro Safari to the basecamp of Everest and the luminescence of Pandora. Animal Kingdom also houses some of the best under-the-radar drink and dining options, like Nomad Lounge and Satu’li Canteen.
Resorts
There are 20 of them!
… along with any combination of room types or views to choose from.
You may not know exactly where on property you want to stay, and your agent can help guide you in a direction that best suits your family size and itinerary. You should, however, know that there are three tiers of Disney resorts from which to choose: Value, Moderate and Deluxe.
Value resorts are the most cost-efficient way to stay on property. They’re bustling with families, have colorful theming, and are truly a great deal for what you get. Many, if not most, have undergone recent renovations with fresh materials and upgrades to amenities. If you know you want to stay at a Value resort, be ready to book early. These rooms tend to fill up fast with families, teams and other groups looking to stay on budget.
Resort Showcase posts:
Moderate resorts are the Goldilocks of Disney hotels. For the mid-tier price, you’ll generally find quieter pool and recreational areas, extra transportation options, and more elevated dining. You’ll also find more specialty-themed room options once you dial up to a Moderate resort.
Deluxe resorts will land you closer to the parks, better transportation, signature dining experiences and more luxurious amenities. These rooms are wonderfully-themed, and a great way to treat yourself to a more upscale Disney experience.
Resort Showcase posts:
Getting Around
They have built-in transportation.
You may not be able to walk everywhere on property, but Disney has excellent transportation options to get you from resorts, to parks and Disney Springs.
Depending on where you’re going, you may be able to choose from the Disney bus system, water taxi, monorail or Skyliner. They even have Minnie Van services, powered by Lyft.
Find out more about Disney transportation with our Guide to Getting Around WDW.
Now What?
What your agent needs to know
Now that you’re equipped with “Disney 101,” you’re probably itching to get the planning process started.
Our agents are always ready to get started on building a free quote for your Walt Disney World vacation. Before hitting submit, remember what your agent will need to know in order to get started:
- Who is coming?
- When do you want to travel?
- What is your preferred resort tier, or budget range?
You’ll need to decide the size of your party and when you want to be in Orlando. Resort prices can vary depending on the time of year and if there’s an event scheduled for your desired timeframe.
Take into consideration any EPCOT festivals, RunDisney events or holiday parties you may want to attend (or avoid!), or if you’d rather visit at a less-busy time of year.
And while you may not know exactly what your vacation budget is upfront, deciding the level of resort you’d like will help us start to build the framework of your quote, and of your vacation.