We are getting to that season of the year when families get together to plan their vacations for the new year. Now is a great time before you get together to do some research on Walt Disney World, including the resorts. You should be discussing the dates, the resort you would like to stay in, and a starting budget.
If you are unsure about booking a package with theme park tickets, and maybe a dining plan, a certified Walt Disney World (WDW) travel specialist can help you make those decisions. The sooner you book, the better the availability. Many travel agencies offer to continue checking for any discounts after you book. I have surprised many clients with a discount for their resort after they have booked. One of the benefits of using a travel specialist is you are dealing with the same person all the time. You don’t have to worry about being on hold to talk with someone if you have a question or changes need to be made. A travel specialist is flexible, if you prefer to make your own dining reservations, etc. But if you are unsure, the travel specialist can make recommendations and will book the restaurants for you when your booking window opens. It’s also a good idea to do some reading on the DISboards – our Disney Discussion Forums – to help you decide.
Once you have decided on a budget, you can start looking at the WDW resorts. There is a resort for all types of budgets. For larger families of 5 or more, your selections become a little more limited. Some moderate and deluxe resorts offer rooms that will sleep 5. There are 2 value resorts that offer a family suite that will sleep 6.
Will you be driving, or will you need transportation from Orlando International Airport? Disney no longer offers free transportation from the airport, so you will need to include transportation costs in your budget.
Do you want to be close enough to the theme parks so you don’t need to depend on the free bus service that WDW offers from their resorts? There are also other means of transportation to the parks, including the boats that run from Disney Springs or the Skyliner that goes to several resorts and theme parks.
One of the more important things to think about when planning is whether you are going to book a room-only or a package. The package option gives you more flexibility because you are adding your theme park tickets, and you can add a dining plan. You can ask your WDW travel specialist which option is best for your family, but it’s essential to know that you can’t add a dining plan to a room-only reservation.
In my next article, I will discuss the different types of theme park tickets and dining plans. Until then, see you in the parks!
