How to plan a Disney trip: Key tips for the Disney Parks
A family vacation at the Disney Parks is full of excitement. With the right plan, preparing for your vacation can also be exciting. You have a lot to look forward to after all.
We'll cover the key parts of trips to Walt Disney World® and Disneyland® Resorts.
First, you'll pick the best time and duration for your vacation. Then, we'll show you how to save time when booking Lightning Lanes and dining. We'll also discuss the perks of the Disney Parks apps. And, we'll go over how to get around with Disney transportation.
We'll look at Disney Resort hotels to add some extra magic to your stay. For families with young kids, we'll share tips and tricks for a smooth, fun experience.
And don’t forget, an Advisor from Good Story Vacations can assist you at every step. We help research ticket prices, book your trip, make a plan, and provide one-on-one support.
Read on to learn the best way to plan a Disney vacation. You'll be ready for the Disney Parks in no time!
Deciding when to visit the Disney Parks
With your family's busy schedule, you may not always get to choose when to travel. But if you can, picking a good time to visit the Disney Parks can enhance your experience.
Off-peak seasons are a good option, with shorter lines and lower prices. Yet, these often happen when schools are in session. That might not work if you have school-aged children.
Weather is another important consideration. The summer months at Walt Disney World Resort can be hot and humid. If you prefer to stay cool, visiting during the cooler months might be better. But, to beat the heat on a summer vacation, we highly recommend a Dole Whip for a sweet and cool treat.
Check the entertainment and special event calendar. Disney Parks host festivals and parties to add extra magic to your visit.
You'll find festivals in every season at Walt Disney World Resort. With food, drinks, and activities, there is fun for the whole family all year round:
- EPCOT® International Festival of the Arts
- EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
- EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
- EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Magic Kingdom Park also has special events for the holidays:
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
At Disneyland Resort, you have Pixar Fest. This festival is full of your favorite Pixar pals, from Inside Out to Toy Story and beyond. Disney California Adventure® Park also has a party. Oogie Boogie Bash has Halloween fun for everyone.
Whenever you travel, talk to your travel agent or advisor about events you won’t want to miss.
We recommend that you plan your Disney vacation at least a few months in advance. Since you can reserve a vacation package with a $200 deposit, booking early is easy. This deposit is refundable up to 30 days before your trip.
From booking to 30 days in advance, we can change reservations with ease. Booking early gives you ample time to make a plan and get reservations.
Choosing your Disney destination
Planning a trip starts by picking the right destination. This overview focuses on vacations at the U.S. Disney Parks. In Florida, there's Walt Disney World Resort. In California, you have Disneyland Resort.
But Disney has many destinations. These include Disney Cruise Line and AULANI, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai‘i.
Walt Disney World Resort consists of four theme parks and two water parks. Some major attractions and lands you'll only find in Orlando:
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (Magic Kingdom Park)
- TRON Lightcycle / Run (Magic Kingdom Park)
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (EPCOT)
- Remy's Ratatouille Adventure (EPCOT)
- Slinky Dog Dash in Toy Story Land (Disney's Hollywood Studios®)
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ (Disney's Hollywood Studios)
- Avatar Flight of Passage in Pandora—The World of Avatar (Disney Animal Kingdom® Theme Park)
- Expedition Everest—Legend of the Forbidden Mountain® (Disney Animal Kingdom Theme Park)
- Kilimanjaro Safaris® (Disney Animal Kingdom Theme Park)
Walt Disney World Resort has many Disney Resort hotels. With more than 25 options on property, you have lots to choose from.
Switching coasts, Disneyland Resort has two parks. Some major attractions you'll only find in Anaheim:
- WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure at Avengers Campus (Disney California Adventure Park)
- Radiator Springs Racers® Attraction (Disney California Adventure Park)
- Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! (Disney California Adventure Park)
- Incredicoaster® (Disney California Adventure Park)
- Indiana Jones® Adventure Attraction (Disneyland Park)
- Matterhorn Bobsleds® Attraction (Disneyland Park)
Disneyland Resort has three Disney Resort hotels. You'll find Good Neighbor Hotels nearby off-site as well.
If you have four days or more, Walt Disney World Resort is a great pick. It has so much to offer in the parks and resort hotels. For Disneyland Resort, you can tackle it all in fewer days, but you'll still have plenty to do.
At Good Story Vacations, we love both destinations and know them well. We'll help you choose what's best for your family.
Setting your Disney vacation budget
Having a budget can be helpful in your Disney vacation planning. A well-planned budget should include several components.
First, account for the cost of theme park tickets and a place to stay. If you choose a Disney Resort hotel, you can combine them into a vacation package. The price can vary depending on the number of days and your choice of hotel.
We recommend staying at a Disney Resort hotel for the extra perks. Kick off your day with early theme park entry. You'll also get early access to Lightning Lane Multi Pass for rides.
Keep your day going with easy, free transportation. You'll also get better advanced dining reservations.
Whether you choose to stay on- or off-site, remember to consider the benefits of each.
Food is another expense to consider. Snack carts, Quick Service meals, and fine dining fill the resorts. You have a lot of great options at many price points.
Also, consider whether a Disney Dining Plan might be a good fit for your family. Some families enjoy the convenience. They like paying for food upfront. A dining plan is a great way to prepare for food costs before you leave.
Be sure to think about the cost of airport ground transportation. At Walt Disney World Resort, your travel advisor can book a third-party bus for you. The same is true at Disneyland Resort if you have a vacation package.
For both, renting a car is an option. Yet, with a rental, you should consider how much you'll use it once you arrive at your hotel.
For families with small kids, strollers are key. Your travel advisor can help you rent one that you can take back to your hotel room each night. But each theme park has some that you can rent for the day, if available.
You can also always bring your own. In that case, make sure it meets the park's size requirements.
Don't forget to set a little money aside for shopping and extras. Bring home something to remember the trip by. And add some special experiences to fill your trip with more memories.
Last, there's the cost of travel insurance. Family vacations are an investment. If anything prevents you from traveling, you may need help. Travel insurance can help protect your investment.
Talk to your travel advisor about a travel protection plan. They'll know when it's best to add it to your package.
Selecting the right Disney Resort hotel
Disney has many types of resort hotels for their theme park vacations. Each offers unique themes, amenities, and experiences. They also suit many different budgets.
Walt Disney World Resort hotels come in tiers. You have Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villas.
The Value tier has the most affordable options. They offer basic amenities and fun themes for your family.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort is one of the most popular hotels at the Value level. Here, you'll find many animated worlds for your stay. You can enjoy Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid.
The Big Blue Pool with Nemo and friends is the largest pool on property. It's a highlight for all families.
Moderate Resort hotels are also themed. Yet, you'll find more amenities and dining options. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort falls into this tier. You'll have the comforts you expect from Disney in a relaxing paradise.
Deluxe Resort hotels and Villas have the highest level of luxury. Here, you'll find premium amenities and convenience. These Disney hotel experiences are the crème de la crème.
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is Deluxe. Here, you can live in the spirit of the South Pacific and make a splash at a volcano pool. You can also enjoy fireworks at the beach and fine Polynesian dining.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is also Deluxe. Here, you'll wake up to animals outside your balcony. You can live out a safari adventure from sunrise to sunset.
At Disneyland, there are three resort hotels.
First is the Disneyland Hotel. It celebrates the past and present of The Happiest Place on Earth. You'll enjoy modern luxury with a spoonful of nostalgia.
Next, you have the recently re-themed Pixar Place Hotel. This replaces Disney's Paradise Pier® Hotel. Here, you'll find touches of all your favorite Pixar pals.
Finally, Disney's Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa has it all. This hotel is full of Craftsman-style grandeur. Its renowned service, design, and dining make it a top pick with guests for good reason.
Disneyland hotels are all walkable to the theme parks. Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa even has a direct entrance. Take a few steps and you're in Disney California Adventure Park.
Walking to a park is possible for some Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Yet, for most, you'll need transportation to get around.
As mentioned, staying at a Disney Resort hotel has great benefits. Most of them involve early access.
Enjoy early entry into the theme parks. Grab more advanced dining reservations. Book Lightning Lanes early at Walt Disney World Resort.
For resort hotel guests, you pick seven days ahead of check-in. For everyone else, it's three days from their ticket start date.
And, last but not least, there's free transportation to get you around.
With so many choices, our Advisors can help you narrow down which resort hotel is best for you. We plan with your budget and top-pick experiences in mind. We find the best offers Disney has available. Then, we show you the options, hand-selected for your family.
Regardless of where you stay, every hotel room will immerse you in Disney magic. You can expect the same detail, service, and storytelling that you see in the parks.
Choosing the right amount of days for your stay
Disney Parks have so many unique experiences. From attractions to live entertainment, you have a lot to pack in during your visit. So, the length of your stay affects how much you can do. Deciding on the right amount of days for your family is an important step.
Walt Disney World Resort is huge, with four theme parks and two water parks. To experience it all, we recommend staying four to seven days. This way, you can spend a full day at each park and still have time for the water parks or to relax by the pool.
Disneyland Resort is smaller, with two theme parks. Three to four days is usually enough to enjoy both parks. It gives you enough time for the attractions, shows, and dining.
These Disney destinations offer a lot beyond the parks too. Take time to shop and dine at Disney Springs® or Downtown Disney®. That will give you a break from the parks as well.
Scheduling time for rest and relaxation is a must. A little time to recharge can help you enjoy your vacation. With pools and hotel activities, you have plenty to explore at your own pace.
Though theme park tickets are date based, you'll be able to take a day off between parks.
Consider the Park Hopper® ticket option. Park Hopper tickets let you visit more than one theme park in a day. So, you can enjoy rides at one park and end the day with fireworks at another.
At Disneyland Resort, the two parks are close and easy to walk between during the day.
At Walt Disney World Resort, switching parks takes a bit more time. With private transportation, you can hop parks in 15 minutes. With Disney transportation, plan about 40 minutes. If you choose this option, you'll need to plan that travel time into your day.
A travel advisor from Good Story Vacations can help you decide how long to stay. We look at ticket pricing, your interests, and experiences at the top of your list. We make sure your trip feels long enough to enjoy to the fullest.
Making the most of Lightning Lane
Lightning Lane is a key part of keeping your theme park days moving. This paid service allows you to skip the regular lines for some of the most popular rides. It keeps your day moving and helps you experience your family's top picks.
Some exciting changes started in late July 2024 at the Disney Parks.
With Lightning Lane Multi Pass, you can skip the line for many attractions. Previously, they called this Disney Genie+ service.
With Lightning Lane Single Pass, you skip the line for a single top ride at each park. Previously, they called this Individual Lightning Lane.
Lightning Lane Multi Pass is for multiple rides. Lightning Lane Single Pass is for a single ride.
The new system will work like this. At Walt Disney World Resort, you can buy passes ahead of your visit. Once you do, you begin pre-planning. Disney Resort hotel guests make selections first. Their window begins seven days before check-in for the length of stay, up to 14 days.
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel guests are eligible too. The same is true for resort guests of Shades of Green® Resort. For the rest, they make their selections three days before each park visit.
At Disneyland Resort, you make selections at park entry.
For a limited number of the top attractions, you'll be able to buy a Lightning Lane Single Pass. You can buy up to two Lightning Lane Single Passes per day, per guest.
At both destinations, once you redeem a selection, you can book a new one. Remember, Lightning Lane availability can run out. This is especially true for new attractions.
So, it's good to make your selections as early as possible. This is the best way to get on the recently-opened Tiana's Bayou Adventure.
To buy and make selections, hop onto the Disney Parks app for your visit. The My Disney Experience app is for a Walt Disney World vacation. The Disneyland app is for Disneyland Resort, as you might expect.
Focus on popular attractions that have long wait times. Talk to your travel advisor about what those are in each park. When you're in the theme parks, keep an eye on your Disney Parks app. Lightning Lane availability will keep changing.
Plus, the top rides usually fill up the fastest, so secure those first.
If you need help with this new system, your travel advisor can assist. Our Advisors will make sure you hit the ground running when you enter the parks.
Dining at Disney Parks: Reservations and recommendations
Disney Parks offer a wide range of dining options to explore. From Quick Service to fine dining, at every turn, you can find a variety of cuisines. EPCOT even has whole festivals to celebrate food. As does Disney California Adventure Park.
Planning your meals in advance is key. Make advanced dining reservations up to 60 days ahead.
Disney Resort hotel guests receive an extra perk. Your window starts 60 days from check-in for the entire length of your stay, up to 10 nights. So, let's say you have a 10-day trip and book dining for your last day. You'll be able to snag a table 10 days ahead of everyone else.
Top restaurants and character dining are first to fill up. So, it's best to make your reservations as soon as your booking window opens. Your travel advisor will remind you when to book.
If you're unable to get a reservation, keep checking. Availability can change even after you've arrived.
If you have kids, consider dining with their favorite Disney pals. Both destinations have many character dining options. You'll find these experiences in the parks and resort hotels.
You can include most of these dining options in a Disney Dining Plan. These plans simplify your dining experience. They also could save you money.
Consider your family's eating habits to see if it's worth it for you. You can also talk to your travel advisor about what might be best to make the most of your meals.
Finally, don't forget to try some of the iconic Disney foods. Mickey-shaped pretzels, Dole Whip, churros, and more. They are all part of the Disney experience!
Using the Disney Parks apps
The apps for the Disney Parks are must-have tools for your family vacation. They serve as your digital guide for your visit and help streamline your trip.
At Walt Disney World Resort, use the My Disney Experience app. At Disneyland Resort, use the Disneyland app.
Guests 13 years old and above can download whichever app they need. They are free and available on both iOS and Android devices.
After you book with your travel advisor, connect your travel party in the apps. With the My Disney Experience app, you'll set up your Friends & Family. With the Disneyland app, you'll link the tickets of your travel party. If you have any issues, your travel advisor can talk to Disney on your behalf to get you set up.
Once you're up and running, you can buy Lightning Lane Passes and select rides. You'll also be able to make changes and keep track of your plans on the go while in the parks. This means you can adjust your plans as needed throughout the day.
You can also make dining reservations for your family from the apps. Plus, you can order Quick Service meals with Mobile Order. You don't have to wait in line to order food. The apps make it simple to walk up and grab your food, saving you time and effort.
For Disneyland and select Walt Disney World tickets, you choose a park for the day. These are Theme Park Reservations. In your app, for the days you plan to visit, you’ll make a park reservation to pair with your valid ticket.
After booking, make your reservations right away. Availability is not a guarantee until you've made those.
The best part of the apps is their real-time updates on wait times for attractions. This can help you plan your day and avoid the lines.
After your trip, relive the Disney magic from anywhere. You can explore your Disney PhotoPass® photos in both apps.
Be sure to enable Bluetooth and notifications. This allows for a more personalized experience. Plus, you'll have access to interactive elements in the parks.
As you can see, Disney packs a lot into My Disney Experience and the Disneyland app. With your travel advisor, the apps, and Disney Guest Services, you'll be all set. You'll have everything you need for a seamless vacation.
Getting around Disney Parks and Resorts
Disney offers a lot of free options for transportation. Once you arrive at your destination, you can count on moving around with ease.
First, you'll find the world-famous Monorail. Climb aboard at either Disney destination. This is a Disney classic.
Board the Disneyland Monorail from two stations. With valid theme park tickets, you can hop on at the Downtown Disney District station. Then, hop off at the Tomorrowland® station in Disneyland Park.
At Walt Disney World Resort, the Monorail has three lines. One takes guests around the Magic Kingdom Resort Area. The others go to and from the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). Those lines connect you with Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT.
Parking is available at every Disney Resort hotel as well as the theme parks. If you stay on property, your parking is free. For everyone else, if you rent a car or bring your own, you’ll need to pay for parking when visiting the theme parks.
Walt Disney World Resort transit also has buses and boats. And, for those who don't mind heights, the Disney Skyliner is a fun experience.
Walt Disney World buses are free for all Disney Resort hotel guests. They go between the theme parks, and from resort hotels to the parks and Disney Springs.
Another free option that's fun and relaxing is to sail in the Walt Disney World fleet of boats. These connect a few hotels with three of the parks and shopping areas.
Ferries and water taxis sail the Magic Kingdom Resort Area. Boats connect EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios. Along the way, there are stops at the EPCOT Resort Area hotels. Boats also connect Disney Springs and some hotels.
For a personal ride at Walt Disney World Resort, you can travel in style. The Minnie Van™ Service, connected by Lyft, will zip you around the Resort.
You can also request accessible Minnie Vans. These accommodate wheelchairs and car seats. Once you book through the app, watch for a van with Minnie Mouse’s famous polka dots.
Last but not least, is the Disney Skyliner at Walt Disney World Resort. Take this aerial gondola from select resort hotels to the parks. You can get to EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios in a flash.
It offers stunning aerial views of the resort. Plus, kids will love spotting Disney characters on the gondolas as they zoom by.
In the parks, you can rent strollers and wheelchairs, if needed. For those 18 years of age or older, an electric conveyance vehicle (ECV) is also an option. You pick them up near the park gates and return them when you exit for the day.
For use outside the parks, third-party rentals are an option. Your travel advisor can reserve for you and have them ready when you arrive.
Remember, the Disney transportation system is free. They make getting around easy, convenient, and fun.
Tips for families with small children
Disney vacations are a dream come true for many children. Yet, trips with young kids requires some extra thought.
Look for Baby Care Centers in each theme park. These are air-conditioned spaces for changing diapers. You'll also find room for nursing and feeding little ones in comfort.
Rider Switch is a good service for families with kids who can't enjoy certain rides. It allows guests to take turns waiting with these children.
Height requirements for rides ensure everyone's safety. Check these before your visit to help plan your theme park days. On your smartphone, you'll find them in the Disney Parks apps. At your computer, check the Disney website for the park you're visiting.
If your kids are full of energy, look for interactive playgrounds. They're great spaces for little ones to run around and let off a little steam.
On the flip side, when kids are all tuckered out, plan breaks throughout the day. Taking a nap in a stroller or relaxing in a shady spot can keep children happy. It gives them, and you, a chance to reenergize and get ready for what's next.
See you real soon
You’re well on your way to a well-planned Disney vacation. So many memories to last a lifetime are in store for you and your family.
Remember to pick the best place to stay and the right amount of days for your family and budget. Think about how you'll get around and where you'll want to dine as you plan.
Don’t forget to download the apps and pre-plan your Lightning Lanes. And keep your little ones happy by thinking ahead.
The bottom line is that the key to a successful Disney vacation is planning. And planning is what Disney travel advisors do best.
You can book directly through Disney, but using a travel advisor costs the same. The price of your vacation includes this service.
So take advantage of the help that travel advisors offer. From booking a Disney vacation package to making a plan, they're there at every step.
At Good Story Vacations, we focus on making stories you’ll always remember. We also provide some extra perks to those families traveling with us.
Our guests can earn points on every trip. Then, they can redeem them for gift cards to create even more memories. Plus, we donate 1% of our profit from every trip to sustainability projects. By booking with us, you can be sure that your vacation contributes to a better world.
No matter how you plan your Disney vacation, one thing is certain. With good planning, and a bit of magic, you’ll make lifelong memories in no time.
From the excitement of planning to the thrill of the parks, enjoy every moment. Your adventure begins now. We’ll see you real soon!
