Planning a Disney World Vacation?

Question

I have been to their site, and all this is basically information overload. Too many ticket options, too many resort options. And somehow I have ended up with 2 differents sets of travel packages, one of which I thought was done until I realized it wasn't. After I chose my resort and ticket packgae I go back and it's not there! Even after I saved it. There has to be an easier way........right? Should I click reserve and hope for the best? Or just go through a travel agent?

Sorry, additional question. This is obviously a sprawling complex, and I am sure they charge you at every chance. How do I make sure I don't get any costly surprises? This vacation itself is costly enough!

Answer 1

Try calling Disney Reservation Center directly at 407-W-Disney. They are well trained to assist you with making reservations that you will be happy with and will answer all of your questions including comparisons about tickets.

Answer 2

The first thing you need to do is relax. I personally do not like booking anything like this online. I have been to Disney many times over the last 16 years and have booked every trip myself. What I would suggest is to pick out what you want online so you have an idea of price and where you want to stay, then call Disney direct and make the reservations by phone. I have never gone through a travel agent, because I just can't see paying someone else to plan my vacation for me when I can do it just as easily myself. I do have a few tips and suggestions for you that may make your planning a little easier and more fun.

First of all pick your dates and your resort. No matter what anyone else tells you, stay on Disney property. Price wise the Disney resorts are comparable to anything else in the Orlando area, and the perks that are reserved for resort guests are SO worth it. Based on your question you probably have this part all done already, so that step was easy!

Next, pick your entrance tickets. There are a couple of different levels of tickets. The base ticket is pretty good, but I would most definitely add the park hopper option. The park hopper option gives you the most flexibiltity for the parks. Without the park hopper, you are stuck in one park for each day. For example, suppose you spend most of the day at the Animal Kingdom, but want to go to MGM that evening to see the Fantasmic night time show. This is only possible if you add the park hopper option. It just gives you the ultimate in flexibiltiy, and we all want that.

Next, make any dining reservations as soon as possible. Most Disney restaurants take reservations up to 180 days in advance. If there is a popular place you like to go to or want to try (like the 50's Prime Time Diner or Sci-Fi Drive In in MGM, or any character meal) make sure to make the reservations so you get your choice of times and place.

There are a couple of different resources of info that I always use that are very good. First, you have already found the Disney website at www.disneyworld.com. Second, check out the disboards. The disboards is a message board website that is all about going to Disney. There you can find trip reports, dining reviews, resort reviews, tips on beating the crowds, and much more. I have found many new ideas for going to Disney each time I log in, and it is free. If you have any questions feel free to ask, and you will get your answers from people who love to go to Disney and know what they are talking about. I put the link below. Finally, go to the bookstore and pick up the Birnbaum's guide to WDW. There are a ton of guide books out there, but I have found that one to work the best for us.

Have a great trip and a good time planning!

Answer 3

Actually it would be less of a hassle if you make the reservations through Disney. I have often had people show up and had to wait for a day after arrival for their park tickets to be delivered though travel agancies. I have also had people show up after making reservations through travel agents and there were no rooms available. There are usually no surprises at Disney. What they say is what you get. Sometimes with some travel packages they won't include local taxes and you can get hit with having to pay surcharges. So, go through Disney if you can. Now, if you have trouble with the web site call the reservation center.

Answer 4

As a woman who has been to Disney World more times than necessary I can tell you that I prefer to stay off the resort sites. I have a few reasons for this.

1. Eating at Disney cost a lot of money, and I feel like I waste so much food. In many of the hotels on International Drive, very close, or Kissame, very close, offer continental breakfasts. I found when I stayed at Disney I was spending about $30/day on breakfast that was not getting eaten. Not to sound too cheap, but I would often grab a the breakfast and bring it to the room. If the kids didn't eat it they could have it for snack late that night or breakfast the next morning. Also, the value resorts don't have fridges. I like having leftovers from dinner for snacks, etc. There are times when they offer a free dining plan, but you have to call and request it. It is rarely advertised.
2. I find a 7 day pass at Disney to be a little too much for my family. Because I have a 5 year old, the scope of what she wants to see is limited. She is still to small to do many of the things at Epcot and because we generally go in March as well, the water park isn't open. I find that 3 - 4 days at Disney is plenty. We do Animal Kingdom in 1 day and the rest at Magic Kingdom. If it's your first trip spend the three days at Magic Kingdom, you will need it to see everything!
3. I like to have a few down days. Getting to Disney requires that you get up very early and stay pretty late. I find that having a few days where we can sleep in and go other places it makes for much more pleasant children. I don't know if they still have it but last year Sea World was offering 2 day passes for the cost of one if you bought them online and prior to. It was a nice diversion and we were able to go back later in the week for the evening shows.

Just do some research before you get there, there are a ton of things to do, not just Disney.

Answer 5

Been to Disney more times than I can count. My advice use the Disney people to plan. Also note that you may receive discounts on line that you won't find planning your trip on a phone call. I have set up MANY trips for family and friends with Disney and have a good knowledge of their pricing and options. You need to answer these questions for yourself.

How many days do you want in the parks?
Which hotel do you want low$ or High$?
What are you doing for meals?

It's easy after that to set up.
My advice is DEFINITELY stay on Disney property! I would be glad to answer any of your questions by email. [e-mail] or you can chat on line with a Disney travel planner. I have found this helpful. The dining option you can get with your tickets is a must to!! Let me know if you have any questions

Answer 6

It is very confusing. It is a huge place, so I would strongly suggest a guidebook and http://www.allearsnet.com to help you plan.

You may find it easier to call Disney. Most of the time, the person you get can answer all your questions and is very helpful. And when venturing into the unknown, I still find it more comforting to talk to an actual person!

There's not really "hidden" costs. Just - everything costs! It's like any other event like this. Once you get inside, everything goes up in price because now they've got you!

It's really fun! I hope you have a great trip. Don't stress yourself out before you go!

Answer 7

I would definitely use a travel agent. This is the easiest way to plan a vacation. There are many good Disney travel agents available, I use one for all of my trips.

A good agent will help explain the different options, help you plan out your trip, give you different options, book dining reservations, give you tips, etc.

There are just so many benefits to booking with an agent, that I really think it is the best way to go. Unlike what is commonly said, a travel agent is not going to charge you anything extra. Most agents work off of their commission and that is it. If anything, an agent may save you money by finidng savings, having deals with companies they work with, etc. So, you may be better off with an agent in the end.


You could also call Disney up and book the vacation that way. However, even calling Disney is not going to be as good as an agent. Some of the agents are really good, while others think they are giving you the right answer and aren't. Plus, they don't have as much time to spend with you because they have to meet time deadlines and stuff from their boss. So, while they may be able to help you out somewhat, they won't be there the whole step of the way, may not always have 100% accurate information, may not have the time to spend with you, plus you have to call them, maybe wait on hold etc.


One other important note is that Disney specialized agents get regular training and are kept up to date with what is happening at Disney. So many people plan their first trip to Disney and get information wherever they can find it. That may be message boards, fan sites, books, chat rooms, even on Yahoo! Answers. The problem here is that you are getting information from several different sources, then you are left to decide what you think is the most accurate information and hope that you are right. If you go with an agent you have one source of information, from someone that works with Disney every single day and is up to date, they are simply there to help you. I'm also surprised at how much information, on Disney, is available online and even how many incorrect answers are given on this site, as well as others. I think that some people get enjoyment of giving the wrong information on purpose.


I'm not sure if you are wanting to do a lot of planning, or mostly have everything done for you. But, you can pretty much choose this as well. Your agent can be there every step of the way with you, or you can do most of the stuff on your own, your choice.


Disney is definitely a big thing to conquer the first time and there are so many options it is hard to know where to start, but that is not the only problem. I used to book a lot of my vacations on my own, but I found that with working and things like that, I didn't have enough time to take care of everything on my own. I'd get confirmations from Disney and they would have a bunch of little mistakes and things like that. Some pretty mysterious things can happen when booking with Disney. So, if you choose to book on your own, just be sure to check over everything several times to make sure it is what you want and there are no mistakes.



I hope this helps answer your question. If you need any other help, feel free to e-mail me. I go to Disney all the time and love to help!

Answer 8

the only things you will need to survive in Disney World are

Fast Passes

Stay in a resort in the park so you can get extra magic hours