I want to go to Disney World! After the decision is made, knowing where to start planning can be tough or overwhelming. Here are 10 decisions to make after you’ve decided to go to Disney World. These tips will have you well on your way to start planning. Here are questions to ask yourself and 10 Decisions To Make Before You Get To Disney World.
1. What is your Budget For Disney?
Once you decide to go to Disney, you need to budget for it. Creating a budget prior to your trip not only gets your finances in order, it assures going to Disney without going into debt. Disney World can cost a pretty penny. However, with strategic ways to save and budget, your Disney vacation is within reach. The Saving for Disney course can achieve this and much more. It is the perfect place to start.
2. Where Are You Going To Stay?
Disney World offers a variety of Resorts to choose from. Guests can choose from Value, Moderate or a Deluxe Resort, learn the differences between the Resort catagories. One of the biggest differences being price, with Value being the most common least expensive. Staying On-Site has it benefits. However, some do choose to stay off-site.
3. What Time of Year To Go?
If your looking to save some money, consider the 3 cheapest times of year to go to Disney. If crowds are your motivator, consider the 7 low crowd times at Disney World. If you can, avoid the 8 Worst Times to go to Disney World. Furthermore, if weather is important to you, check out the Month by Month weather at a glance.
However, the best time to go to Disney World is when it works for you. Disney World has fun throughout the year, and each season has unique features. Therefore, whenever is convenient to you is the time to go.
4. To Add Dining Plan or No Dining Plan?
When you are ready to book your vacation, the question of adding a Disney Dining Plan will come up. Disney Dining Plans at Walt Disney World allows guests to prepay for their food and snacks during their stay at Disney World. Disney has three options to choose from: Quick Service Dining Plan, Disney Dining Plan and the Deluxe Plan. Then guests are free to redeem their snack & meal credits as they please. Here are 5 reasons why it makes your vacation easier and 5 reasons not to get a dining plan.
5. To hop or not to hop?
Another decision to make when booking (or add after) is the Park Hopper option. Park Hopper is an additional cost and allows guests to enter more than one park in one day. The questions of whether Park Hopper is worth it comes up often. Pros for Park Hopper include: flexibility, freedom and being able to maximize Extra Magic Hours in different parks. Cons for Park Hopper are the time it takes to hop, cost and guests feeling they have to use it and pushing themselves to go to a 2nd park in one day. For some families with small children, it is too much. Another instance it may not be needed is first time visitors, there is enough in each park to fulfill a day easily.
6. Should I Add Memory Maker?
Memory Maker is a decision you want to make prior to your vacation. If you purchase before the trip (3 days before departure), the cost is $169. If you do not purchase in advance, the cost is $199. Here are 7 reasons why Memory Maker is worth it! I do believe it is.
7. How Are You Getting To Disney World?
Transportation to Disney World can be a huge expense depending where guests are traveling from. One question that can come up is, Should you drive or fly to Walt Disney World? For those flying, here is an amazing list on how to save on flights to Disney World.
8. What Are Your Top Fastpass+ Selections?
Have a plan of what your top choices are. Ask everyone in your group what their top must-do attraction is. Hardest to get Fastpass+ options include: Flight of Passage, Slinky Dog Dash and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. For guests staying at a Disney World Resort, book 60 days out from arrival date at 7am EST (+ up to 10 days after arrival date). Non-resort guests will want to be ready to book at 30 days out, same time. The earlier booking time for resort guests is a great perk of staying on site. Pro-Tip: work backwards (last day of visit to first), plan hard to get Fastpass+ towards end of visit.
9. What Are Your Must Have Dining Reservations?
Make your Advanced Dining Reservations at 180 days out from your arrival date (plus up to 10 days after). The 180 days out applies to guests both staying at a Disney Resort or off-site. Some dining locations it will be necessary to have a reservation, or a long wait. Here are 7 must book dining reservations.
10. Will You Consider Any Add-On Experiences?
Depending on the time of year, tickets may be available for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Both of these hard ticket events add extra holiday fun, treats and short lines for select attractions. Other extra experiences include Dessert Parties, bibbidi bobbidi boutique and more. Plus, read 10 fun & affordable add-on options.
(Thanks, Sara)
Learn more tips and tricks for your next Walt Disney World vacation. Destinations in Florida can also help you add tips and tricks to your next vacation.