Is planning a Disney trip that bad?

There are so many things to consider when you are planning a trip. Now, say you are going to Walt Disney World or Disneyland and your planning triples. Before I became a travel agent, I would plan our vacations and Disney had to be stress free or my husband would never go again. That is when I started taking notes and then pulling my expertise together.

Let me take you back 50 years. January 12, 1971 – A Disney Fan is born. I went to Disneyland when I was two and then almost every other year for 10 years. When I met my husband, he hated Disney because of his own experience and I knew that if I wanted to go back – he needed a stress-free Disney vacation and in 2012, that is what I gave him.

When I walk onto Main Street USA, I feel as though I am home. If I had my way, I would head there once a year. I love the memories I have and that I feel like a little kid again.

Now that I help other families, there are somethings that I would like to share with you all. These are just some little things I found to help when you are planning your trips.

 

How to plan your Disney Trip

There are many things to consider when working with your Travel Agent (me). There are three main factors that you will need to decide on prior to you trip. Here they are:

1. Number of days you want to be at the parks. (FYI the as of 2021 you can HOP between parks; this option begins at 2 PM each day). Make sure you decide which park you want to start in each day. You will need to make that determination first and reserve the park. You do this through the My Disney App on the website or on the Disney App. There are four main parks and two water parks to consider: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney Studios, Animal Kingdom, Typhoon Lagoon, and Blizzard Beach.

 

2. Determine if you are wanting to get a Meal Plan (if offered) and if not and you just want to be able to schedule a character dinning meal then you need to book your reservation on-line through MY DISNEY EXPERIENCE application on app or website. You can book up to 60 days out from your stay at any Disney World Resort. (Listing of current Restaurants available upon request.)

 

3. My Disney Experience – My Disney Experience is where you plug in all your information for your family regarding your trip (anyone who is part of this trip will need to be set up in the system). You will want to put in all their information, including ages for the kids, and name as it appears on the ticket. This is also where you connect your travel party together. This is the area where you select your park for each day of your visit, and where you can make reservations for your dinners at the park or at Disney Springs.

 

 

 

 

Before your special event, tour, or experience, please be aware that you will need:

 

• To enter one of the parks, in addition to valid admission, each Guest is required to make a theme park reservation. This needs to be set up as soon as you make your reservations.

 

• This needs to be completed for each day and this is where you must start your day there. If you have the hopper pass, you can hop to your next park after 2:00 PM

 

• Make sure that your tickets and/or magic bands are linked to your My Disney Experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Questions that come up:

 

Q:  When should I begin planning my Disney vacation?

A:   In my experience, I suggest to clients that 8-12 months is a wonderful time to begin planning. This gives the opportunity to plan accordingly especially if you are celebrating any type of special occasion.

 

Q:  Is it necessary to book my dining reservations 60 days ahead of time?

A:  If you are wanting to dine at specific restaurants during your trip to Walt Disney World, you will need to book in advance. The dinning times book up fast and there is limited space. Also as of May 2022, character dinning is now available (even with hugs). If you do not book, you can always stop by the restaurant or check the Disney App for ride wait times and restaurant options.

 

Q: I am unable to walk all around Disney and I need a scooter. Do I still qualify for the Disability Access Service?

A: This process has recently changed. Here is the information that you need to know. If you can transfer from your wheelchair or scooter to a ride, you do not qualify.

Accommodating Guests with Disabilities:

Disney Parks have an unwavering commitment to providing a welcoming, inclusive environment and accessible experiences for our Guests. As part of this commitment, Disability Access Service (DAS) is a program offered at Walt Disney World theme parks to assist Guests who have difficulty tolerating extended waits in a conventional queue environment due to a disability.

Important Pre-Registration and DAS Advance Planning Update

Eligible Guests can now pre-register for DAS Advance virtually with a Cast Member, using live video chat. Please note that you may pre-register as soon as 30 days in advance of a park visit, but no less than 2 days before arrival.

During the registration chat, you will be able to work with a Cast Member to book up to two one-hour return windows for select experiences using our new DAS Advance planning option (you may also make additional DAS selections on the day of your visit). Please note that all park visits must be within 30 to 2 days of the live chat.

 

Q: Is it better to stay on or off grounds when going to Disney?

A: This is more of a personal preference verses a need. I prefer to stay on grounds because of the conveniences that it provides. If we drive in, we park our car and do not see it for a week! We utilize the transportation that has been provided throughout the Disney parks. Others like staying off grounds for the cost-effective properties

 

There are so many things that you do not want to miss when you visit the happiest place on earth! Here are a few items that you do not want to forget when packing so you can see it all!

 

Before hit, the parks make sure you pack:

• Sunscreen
• Band-aids
• Wet Wipes
• Gatorade Packets for water
• Small Kleenex packs
• Advil/Tylenol
• Sunglasses and/or hat

Also, it is highly recommended to have:

• The latest version of the My Disney Experience app on your mobile device, with location services and notifications enabled.
• Have the Wait Times app for Disney downloaded too? You will be able to see the wait times for rides and if there are any openings at any of the dining establishments.
• A cashless or contactless form of payment.

 

There are so many things to consider when planning your magical trip. I love planning Disney trips for my clients. To hear the excitement in their voice, and see their pictures, I just love it. Finding the perfect lodging and then planning the perfect day creates a magical experience.

Next time you are ready to plan, and want to channel your inner child again, let me know and have a magical day! Oh, and Stitch… he is my spirit animal!