The Power of Planning

A new year has started, and you have started to think about the sun and fun of your next vacation, and your mind immediately turns to a week-long family vacation at the happiest place on earth – Walt Disney World. Now the fun begins….

When it comes to a Walt Disney World vacation, it is never too early to start planning. Your planning can (and should) be as much fun as the vacation itself. There are so many factors to look at and decisions that need to be made. You know what they say – the early bird gets the worm, and, in this case, the early bird is a stress-free, magical vacation.

1). Determine when

The first step is determining when you want to go. There are a few factors that you may want to consider.

The first is the overall popularity of that time period. Are you looking at a holiday time? Then expect, larger crowds. Are you looking at going when the crowds may be smaller? Then you need to understand if there are any other events happening? You may also want to examine the weather.

Be sure to check to see if there are any deals expected to be released. A good thing to look at is last year’s calendar. I recently booked the Disney free dining plan, and I knew the approximate release time for the deal because I followed the previous year’s promotional calendar. Be warned – It is not always the same, and there is limited availability, but do your research and see what the experts are predicting will be released and when.

2). Determine where

The other key question is: do you stay on Disney property or off-property? With the proximity to the parks and all extra perks, staying on Disney property can provide even great value and experience. When our friends ask us where to stay, we always recommend one of the 25 Disney resorts.

There are so many options for accommodations across the Disney property. From the cost-affordable value reports like Pop Century and All-Star to the moderate resorts like Coronado Springs or Caribbean Beach to the deluxe resorts of the Polynesian Village or Grand Floridian, each provides its own distinct personality and benefits.

The timing and location are just some of the early decisions that you will need to make. Start planning early and tackle one piece of the Disney planning puzzle at a time. Read the online chat discussions, watch Youtube videos, explore the Walt Disney World website. Check back with Ears to the Castle for more upcoming blogs where we’ll take a closer look at getting around, hotels, food and snacks, and lots more!

There is so much planning to keep you busy. Enjoy the process, collect your family’s feedback and you’ll be sure to plan a vacation that is fun for all.

Happy planning!