The children have been begging to go to Disney World to see Mickey Mouse. Finally everyone agrees to go and suddenly plans need to be made. The task seems like a difficult one. With very thorough planning worries can be left behind and the magic at Walt Disney World can be enjoyed.
Step 1: When to Go
Of course the first step is deciding when to go. Disney divides the year into seasons based on number of people in the parks. The Disney seasons are value, regular, summer, peak, and holiday. Each of the seasons has it's pros and cons. The least crowded seasons also have the shortest park hours and the least going on, while at holiday times the parks are beautifully decorated and very crowded!
Most families decide to tolerate the crowds and go in the summer. The summer offers longer park hours and more attractions open. But the summer also offer high heat and humidity. Following the rest of the steps can make even a summer vacation at Disney World Enjoyable.
Step 2: Where to Stay
Now the dates are selected, next where to stay. There are many resorts both on Disney property and nearby in Orlando. Both areas of resorts offer pros and cons. Offsite the rooms are less expensive. However visitors must drive to Disney World each day and pay to park.
The Disney Resorts while expensive (the least expensive rooms start at $82 per night) offer many perks. Transportation is provided to all areas of Walt Disney World via the Disney transportation system. Each resort also has unique theming which includes the pools and recreation areas. In addition, the four main Disney parks are open early or stay open late on select days only for those guests staying in the Disney resorts. Reservations for the Disney Resorts can be made at the Disney World Website.
Step 3: What to Eat
Disney has hundreds of eating establishments ranging from snack carts all the way up to fancy dress restaurants. There are restaurants at each resort as well as sprinkled throughout the parks. Anyone may eat in any of the resort restaurants whether you are staying there or not. The park restaurants require park admission to go and eat at them.
The table service restaurants in and out of the park are of a wide variety. Some of the table service restaurants offer meals where Disney characters circulate throughout the restaurant while you are eating. Priority seating or reservations are recommended for all the table service restaurants. These reservations may be made 90 days in advance of the date that you wish to eat there by calling 1-800-WDW-DINE.
Those staying at Disney Resorts can buy a dining plan. The plans vary from three table service meals a day to only counter service meals. Buying the plan before leaving home aids the trip by having all the food for the vacation paid for before leaving home.
Step 4: How to Get There
All the plans are made. All that's left to do is decide how to get there. Walt Disney World can be driven to from most of the Continental United States in 24 hours. If you choose to fly, Orlando has two airports with flights coming in from all over the world. The main airport, Orlando International, has Disney transportation to and from the airport. Disney will pick you up and deliver your bags to your room.
That's it. All the plans are booked and transportation decisions have been made. All that's left is enjoying a great vacation.
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