Wikipedia states that Walt Disney World Resort is the world’s largest and most visited recreational resort, covering 25,000 acres (39 sq mi). It encompasses four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom), two water parks, 24 on-site hotels, over 200 eating venues and more. There are perhaps over 100 guide books on “How to do Disney” and if you ask anyone who has gone, they have their own opinions. The magic of Walt Disney World is real and SO WELL worth experiencing. What I hope to do is share a few basics to help you get planning your Disney vacation. Let me break it down to When, Where, How and I’m Hungry:
WHEN: Christmas, Spring Break and summer are always when people consider Disney, and if those are your ONLY options, know you will face tremendous crowds and you will pay the most money. If you can avoid those times, here are the least crowded/least expensive times to go:
- Mid-January-early February
- Week before Labor Day to early October
- After Thanksgiving to before Christmas
If you cannot avoid “peak” season, there are some great tips that can be given to make the best out of the time you are there. (Debby’s tip-it’s SO WORTH taking the kids out of school for a non-stressed vacation).
WHERE: Accommodation options in the Orlando vicinity range from rental homes, motels, resorts and Disney on-site resorts. Take it from one who has tried almost all of those, the perks at staying on-site are worth the few (and I mean few) dollars extra. Walt Disney World offers accommodations in 3 categories: Value, Moderate and Deluxe and here are some of the perks:
- Free roundtrip airport transfers on the Disney Magical Express
- 20+ various, and really cool themed resorts to select from
- Extra Magic Hours-one park open its doors an hour early or stays open three hours late on any given day for guests staying on-site.
- Ease of Disney transit options: bus, train, Tram in and around the 25K acres
HOW; 4 parks, each with rides, shows, parades, shopping and more. How do you do it all? A minimum 7 day stay at Walt Disney World will allow you to see most everything that interests you. Any less, you’ll have to miss a few. And, more days will allow for a more in-depth adventure. Park Tickets are necessary, but can be confusing. Here are the basics:
- Magic Your Way Base Tickets allows you to see one park per day. A 1-day ticket is $68 (ages 3-9)/$79 (10+). A 10-day ticket is $210/$243, so you can see the value in going more days.
- Park Hopper Add-On allows you to “hop” from one park to another in any given day. This works well when you want to spend a day at one park and see a night parade at another. These are $52 extra over Base price.
- Water Park Fun & More allows admission to water parks and other entertainment venues-like ESPN Wide World of Sports. Also $52 extra.
I’m Hungry: Food can be very expensive at the Parks, but Disney began offering Dining Plans a few years back, and these save 20%-40% off your total food costs.
You must be staying at a Disney Resort and have Theme Park Tickets. Options are:
- Quick Service- selection at over 50 Quick-service venues. For each night, you get: 2 meals, 2 snacks and a refillable mug.
- Plus Dining- selection from over 100 venues (including Character Meals) and for each night, you get 1 Table Service meal, 1 Quick-service meal and 1 snack.
- Plus Deluxe Dining- same selection as Plus, but each night, you get: 3 meals (choice of Table or Quick service), 2 snacks and a refillable mug.
As you can see Disney offers lots of options and we’ve not even discussed tips on: solo travel, senior travel, groups, weddings/honeymoons, cruises or more. If Walt Disney World Resort is on your list, allow a travel expert to assist in navigating through the complexity of your decisions so you can enjoy a Magical Disney Experience.
Debby Stevens
3D Cruise and Travel 512-218-0291
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