How to Plan a Disney Vacation

WHERE TO START

   First thing's first- figure out when you are planning on visiting the Walt Disney World Resort.  Through out the year WDW Resort has many activities going on.  This year (2001/2002) marks the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Walt Disney.  Other events include the International Flower and Garden Festival held in the spring, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party in October, and Disney's Magical Holidays in December - just to name a few.  Once you know when you plan to visit you can start figuring out where you are going to stay.  Then you are off to explore the magic!
 
 

WHERE TO STAY

   There is a vast number of hotel and resort properties in the Orlando area however to truly experience all the magic that Disney has to offer I suggest you stay on property.  The WDW Resort has a place to stay for every budget!
 
 

    Currently there are three value resorts that are themed to be larger than life with a fourth opening in the spring of 2002.  Themes include Sports, Movies, and Music (the newest addition will be Pop Century).  Rates vary depending on the season but normally fall within a price range of $77 to $109 per night*.

    These resorts capture the themes of a by-gone era and include all the hospitality and charm you can expect from Disney.  They comfortably sleep four (Port Orleans- Riverside can sleep five with a trundle bed) and each has a food court and a sit-down restaurant with items to entice even the pickiest eaters.  Rates range from $129 to $209 per night* depending on
season.
    Port Orleans- Riverside, a charming resort that seems like it was plucked right out of Mark Twain's Adventures of Tom Sawyer.  Accommodations are themed to the mansions of The Old South and rustic Bayou dwellings.
    Port Orleans- French Quarter, has southern charm while keeping all the fun and flair of a New Orleans Mardi Gras celebration.
    Caribbean Beach Resort, is the largest moderate resort that Disney offers, themed to six different islands.  This colorful resort has a view of Spaceship Earth in Epcot as well as it's very own beach where you can enjoy the sound of steel drums and tropical island drinks.
    Coronado Springs Resort, is the newest addition to the moderate resorts.  This resort, themed to the American Southwest, has a conference center and a spa.

     The deluxe resorts are located closest to the theme parks- giving guests convenient transportation to the parks as well as a feeling that you are truly surrounded by all the magic Disney has to offer.  Each resort is elaborately themed and offers a wide variety of amenities.  Rates for deluxe resorts range from $189 to $709 per night*.
     Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is the newest addition to the deluxe resorts.  Themed to an African paradise many rooms have a balcony overlooking the Savannah giving guests an up-close view at giraffes, zebra, and other exotic animals.
     Located within walking distance to Epcot's International Gateway are three of the Disney Deluxe Resorts.  Each also has water transportation to the MGM Studios as well as a large array of shops to restaurants to enjoy.
     Enjoy a lively seaside resort at Disney's Boardwalk Inn or capture the charm and elegance of a New England coastal retreat with either Disney's Beach Club Resort or Disney's Yacht Club.
     Among the four resorts that are located nearest to the Magic Kingdom three have monorail access directly from the resort.  Come experience the Great American Northwest at the Disney Wilderness Lodge, nestled among the trees but still close to all the excitement (does not have direct monorail access).
     Want to experience an exotic South Seas adventure complete with leis and a luau?  Then stay at Disney's Polynesian Resort located opposite the Magic Kingdom on the Seven Seas Lagoon.
     If you prefer a more modern abode than try Disney's Contemporary Resort- a 14 story tower in which the monorail runs straight through.
     Reminiscent of the by-gone era of the Victorian South is Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa- the most luxurious resort Disney has to offer.  Complete with a spa, top-notch restaurants, and much, much more.
 
 

      The home away from home resorts offer all the comforts of home and all the extra space you need to stretch out and relax.  These resorts include a living room, fully equipped kitchen or kitchenette, and separate bedrooms for up to 12 guests!  Rates range from $209 to $955 per night ($34 to $77 for campsites)*.
      Disney's newest Home Away From Home is the Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge.  It offers one or two bedroom villas themed to the Rocky Mountains during the railroad era.
      Located along the water giving you the feeling of a seaside summer cottage are the Disney Boardwalk Villas- located along the lively Disney Boardwalk.
      Want to experience the ambiance of a quaint tropical resort?  Stay at Disney's Old Key West Resort- reminiscent of Key West at the turn-of-the-century.
      If treehouses of yesteryear are more your style you want to check out what's among the woodlands at the Villas at the Disney Institute.
      For the rugged, outdoors type Disney offers both secluded campsites and log cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.
 
 

        Just when you thought you had enough resort choices to choose from Disney offers you two more on property hotels to stay at.  These two hotels are located in the heart of it all and are next door to each other.  Rates range from $295 to $355 per night*.
         The Walt Disney World Dolphin is a 15-story triangular shaped building crowned by 5-story high dolphins; while the Walt Disney World Swan is crowned by 5-story high swans.  Both have facades that are colorfully decorated with patterns of waves and banana leaves.

THE NEXT STEP

    So now that you have figured out when you are vacationing at the WDW Resort and where you staying the next step to take is to figure out which is the best way for you and your family to visit the theme parks.  You can purchase single tickets which give you access to one park for one day or you can choose Park Hopper tickets.  Park Hopper tickets are a great value and the choice that I would recommend.
    You can make reservations by contacting a travel agent in your area or you can call (407) W-DISNEY to talk to your Disney Travel Planner.  You can also make reservations online as well.
    Once you have made reservations don't forget to ask about how far in advance you can book a tee time for one of Disney's five championship courses, make an appointment at one of Disney's luxurious spas, reserve your spot in a class at the Disney Institute, or make priority seating arrangements at one of the many tempting restaurants that Disney has to offer.
 
 

WHAT TO EXPECT

    If you have never been to the WDW Resort before you are in for an experience like no other.  And if you have been a guest before at Disney than most likely many new things have been added.  Walt Disney World is home to four theme parks, three water parks, and a variety of nightclubs, recreational activities, and so much more.
 

WHERE TO NOW?

   Well now that I've told you where to start and given you brief information on the four major theme parks, you're probably wondering what to do next.  Here are a few items I suggest you check out:

*You can purchase Birnbaum's Guide at any major bookstore, any Disney Store, or online at Barnes and Noble.