First things first a trip to Walt Disney World needs some sort of additional planning that you probably are not used to if you've never been before. But do not worry it this doesn't have to be overwhelming or stressful it's actually kind of fun! some people plan out every single minute of every day and others only plan what they have to. Below is a list of things I believe that you need to plan before you go. I hope it helps you on your journey to the most magical place on Earth.
Travel Agent or DIY?
Will you visit TUI, Thomas Cook, Virgin etc to book your flights, hotel, tickets and transport or will you be booking it all separate. I recommend going through a travel agents as they are ABTA protected and in my experience you usually get a better deal. Also peace of mind.
1. Flights
This is probably the easiest part of the planning process:
What airline are you going to use?
Where are you going to fly into Orlando International (20 miles away) or Sanford Airport (33 miles away)?
Also consider transportation from the airport to your hotel. if you are renting a car this is where you can pick your car up I highly recommend Alamo we have been using them for the past 20 years and they have always given great service (Alamo at Sanford Airport). Unfortunately last year a car ran into us in Magic Kingdom car park, Alamo were fantastic at dealing with the situation.
If you are staying at a Walt Disney World resort you can benefit from the Magical Express shuttle service that takes you directly to your hotel.
2. Hotels
Onsite or offsite? This is the main question that you need to ask yourself if you are staying on Walt Disney World property or are you staying off Walt Disney world property now there are many pros and cons which I have listed below so that you can have quick glance and see what's better suited to you and your families needs.
3. Tickets
Firstly, decide how many days you will spend at Walt Disney World if it is more than 7 days then I would recommend the 14-day ultimate ticket which includes memory maker and unlimited access to any of the Walt Disney World parks for 14 consecutive days.
If booking through a travel agent make sure to check https://www.attraction-tickets-direct.co.uk/orlando-attraction-tickets/walt-disney-world-resort/disneys-14-day-ultimate-ticket for the price of this ticket as the travel agents will match the price.
If you are only going for a couple of days then check directly with Disney the price of tickets.
3. Booking fast passes.
Having a rough idea of which park you want to visit on each day, will help you when booking your fast passes. You can only book 3 fast passes per day and they all must be in the same park.
EXAMPLE: September 1st I decide to visit Magic Kingdom therefore I will book 3 fast passes for Magic Kingdom. In the evening of September 1st I decide to visit Epcot, because I have already booked my fast passes for Magic Kingdom I am unable to book fast passes for Epcot. On September 1st when I have used all three of my fast passes I am able to book additional fast passes for Epcot or any park you want to visit. You can keep booking additional fast passes once you have used your first three. Learning and utilising this system will benefit you incredibly.
Create a plan of what park you would like to visit each day before you your Fast Pass selection date!
FastPass selection day = is the day that you can book your fast passes. Either 30 or 60 days before your arrival, depending where you are staying.
Make sure to download the My Disney Experience (MDE) app before your fast pass selection date. When you are booking your fast passes it is advisable you use a computer/laptop as the app can be unreliable and the website is easier to navigate went booking.
4. Dining Plan or Not?
The Disney dining plan can only be purchased if you are staying on-site. I will talk more in detail about the dining plan in a future post, but a quick overview is that the dining plan gives you credits that you can redeem each day at a restaurant on Disney property located throughout the parks and hotels. It is a great way to experience all of the different cuisines and foods that Disney have to offer.
There are three types of dining plans depending on the types of restaurant you would like to visit; Quick service dining plan, Table Service Dining Plan and the Deluxe Dining Plan
During certain booking periods throughout the year Disney add the quick service dining plan onto any moderate stay and the table service dining plan to any deluxe resort stay for FREE. This offer cannot be missed if you want to experience the Disney dining plan. ranging from 50 to $150 a day save you and your family thousands of Dollars.
5. Finish your plan.
Now you know how you're getting there, where you're staying and what fast passes you have booked you can begin to plan the rest of your Disney holiday this includes any fireworks, shows or parades you might want to see!
The planning of a Disney holiday shouldn't be stressful or overwhelming. Don't be afraid to plan some days and other days decide to sit back and relax! This is your once-in-a-lifetime holiday! ( until you decide nowhere else will ever compare)!
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