You're Going to Walt Disney World

So you've decided to take your family to Walt Disney World?   Let me be the first to say, CONGRATULATIONS!!

Hopefully you've enlisted the help of an expert Disney Travel Planner (they are free!). If not, email me asap!
Disney Travel Planners will help you through EVERY step of the process. If you aren't sure what that entails, click here.

Planning a Walt Disney World Vacation can often be overwhelming! There is a ton of information online...sometimes too much! There is far too much for me to share in one blog article but I'm going to share some useful info to get you started!

1) Did you know that Walt Disney World is 47 square miles? That's TWICE the size of the city of Manhattan!

It's important to keep this in mind as you are deciding on resort and as you factor in driving vs. flying, staying onsite vs offsite, etc. Travel time around Walt Disney World can be pretty time consuming. The parks are NOT within walking distance of each other and there are only a few resorts within walking distance to the parks:

-Contemporary is within walking distance to the Magic Kingdom
-Boardwalk, Yacht Club, Beach Club and the Swan and Dolphin are within walking distance to EPCOT (and technically Hollywood Studios although it's a good 20 minute walk)

2) Did you know Walt Disney World has over 25 resorts to choose from? These resorts are considered on Property and are eligible for all on property benefits (see below).

Value:
Disney's All-Star Movies Resort
Disney's All-Star Music Resort
Disney's All-Star Sports Resort
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Disney's Pop Century Resort
The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort

Moderate:
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside
The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort

Deluxe:
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney's Beach Club Resort
Disney's BoardWalk Inn
Disney's Contemporary Resort
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney's Polynesian Resort
Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Disney's Yacht Club Resort

Deluxe Villas:
Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort
Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House
Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village
Disney's Beach Club Villas
Disney's BoardWalk Villas
Disney's Old Key West Resort
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge

3) Did you know that by staying onsite you are entitled to a ton of cool benefits?

• Free Transfers to and From the Orlando International Airport (MCO) via Disney's Magical Express
• Free transportation EVERWHERE on Disney Property!! You don't have to drive, just sit back and relax
• Extra Magic Hours: these are hours the parks are open just for Disney resort guests. Days and times vary
• Access to Disney's Dining plans that can save you 20-30% off your food!
• Magic Bands...a cool new way to make your vacation easier than ever!  These bands are FREE and included in your resort stay. They are your room keys, park tickets, dining plan...you even access your room with these. Magic Bands are also being used for Disney's Photopass service!
• FastPass+! This new interactive app allows Walt Disney World guests to pre-schedule 3 attractions per day (one park) 60 days in advance! Offsite guests currently have to wait until they arrive in the parks to schedule their attractions via a kiosk.

4) FOOD! Did you know that Walt Disney World has over 100 restaurants? That a lot! There is something for everyone too! Everything from burgers and fries to seafood, international cuisine, vegetarian, fine dining and more!  Disney offers a few distinct types of eateries:

Quick (or Counter) Service
They are generally either cafeteria-style or counter-service venues. You order or take the food items that you want, pay for your food and sit down to enjoy your meal.
Table Service
These are your more traditional restaurants where you'll be seated and attended to by a server. These typically require reservations which can be made 180 in advance. A credit card is needed to reserve any Table Service restaurant. Cancellation policies vary but most require 24 hours notice or you will be charged $10 per person.
Snacks
Snacks range from your normal theme park type food (popcorn, ice cream, etc) to the more exotic like egg rolls, cupcakes, pastries, hummus and more!!
5) There is more to see and do outside of the 4 Main Theme Parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom)

• 2 Water Parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon
• Downtown Disney (a FREE shopping, dining and entertainment district)
• 5 Golf Courses (The Palm, The Magnolia, Lake Buena Vista, Osprey Ridge and Oak Trail)
• Various water sports including boat rentals, fishing and parasailing
• A petting zoo, horseback riding, boat rental and more at Disney's Fort Wilderness Campgrounds
• Outdoor evening movies and bonfires at select Walt Disney World Resorts
• Their very own Wedding Pavilion where guests can get married or have their vows renewed (Also select locations throughout the Walt Disney World property)
• Richard Petty Driving Experience where guests can ride or drive a real NASCAR!
• MUCH MUCH MORE!