Disney World Guide
A Trip to Disney World might be the most overwhelming trip to plan, but our guide makes it easier! From flights and hotels to park strategies and Disney Genie Plus tips, we help you plan a magical, stress-free family vacation. Discover more at The Wandering Fam!
Quick Guide
- Number of Parks: 4
- Average Walking: 7-10 Miles per Day
- Best Time to Go: First Two Weeks of December (Christmas Decorations are up, but crazy crowds won’t show up until the 3rd week). Also, Late Jan/Feb, May, Sept/Early Oct for slower crowds
- Best Park for Adults: Epcot
- Favorite Rides: Avatar: Flight of Passage & Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
- Favorite Restaurants: Satuli Canteen & Yak & Yeti Restaurant
Disney Vacation Packages
Planning a trip to Disney World often feels like you’re trying to coordinate a moon landing. To cut down on the hassle, consider these convenient booking options::
- Costco Travel: For a hassle-free booking experience, Costco Travel is top-notch. We’ve booked several trips through them, enjoying both convenience and excellent prices.
- Disney Travel Agents: For ultimate ease, book with a Disney travel agent. Good agent are experts who offer insider tips and tailor plans to your budget.
Value Resorts - Disney
When it comes to staying within budget at Disney World without sacrificing the magic, a few resorts stand out for their exceptional value:
- Disney’s All-Star Resorts: The Budget-Friendly Trio: For an economical stay, consider the Disney All-Star Resorts. This trio—All-Star Movies, All-Star Music, and All-Star Sports—offers attractive pricing with no hidden fees. There are no resort or parking fees, and you’ll even enjoy complimentary park parking and bus shuttles. It’s a wallet-friendly choice that keeps the fun intact
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort: A Step Up with Unique Perks: Slightly pricier, Disney’s Pop Century Resort offers a special advantage—it’s located on the route of the Disney Skyliner Gondolas. This means exceptionally convenient transportation between parks and resorts, adding a touch of ease to your stay.
Complete List: Here’s the list of Disney designated resorts that offer early park entry and other benefits, check out their official guide.
While many of the non-Disney hotels near Disney World might seem cheaper, they often come with hidden fees that can add up: resort fees, parking fees, limited or no shuttles, and also additional parking fees when you drive to Disney Parks.
*We stayed at the Disney All Star Movies Resort during spring break for about $170 per night. It’s not the most luxurious option, but it offered excellent value for the price.
Disney Hotels with Credit Card Points
Our Top Picks for Disney Hotels Bookable with Points :
- Marriott Favorites: Swan and Dolphin: Redeem Marriott points for a stay here, typically ranging from 40K to 80K points depending on the date. Both properties are excellently located within walking distance of the parks, plus they offer convenient ferry and bus transport. Bonus: Book four nights with points and get the fifth night free! Pro Tip: If you have the Amex Platinum card, consider making a cash booking to enjoy Amex Hotel Collection benefits, including a $200 cashback, food and beverage credits, and potential room upgrades at these hotels.
- IHG Option: Holiday Inn Orlando-Disney Springs® Area: This clean and comfortable hotel is a great option for using IHG points, requiring only 16-30K points per night. It’s an excellent value for those looking to stretch their points further. Bonus: Book three nights with points and get the fourth night free!
Other Great Hotels to Consider:
Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, Waldorf Astoria, Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek etc. Here’s the list of Disney designated resorts that offer early park entry and other benefits, check out their official guide. For those loyal to Hyatt, the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort although non-disney, offers an excellent opportunity for point redemption.
*We’ve checked into the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort twice, and it’s easily climbing the ranks as our favorite hotel globally. Thanks to booking with our Amex Platinum, we scored an upgrade to a high tower room with a fireworks view, letting us catch the Epcot fireworks show nightly from the comfort of our room. Plus, snagging a $200 cashback and additional food and beverage credits really sweetened the deal!
Disney Vacation Club Villa Rentals
Explore Disney Vacation Club Villa Rentals for Big Savings :
- A smart way to experience premium Disney resorts like Animal Kingdom Villas, Grand Floridian, and Saratoga Springs Resort is through Disney Vacation Club (DVC) rental websites. Platforms like DVC Request and DVC Rental Store are reputable options that offer the chance to book these luxurious properties at significantly reduced rates.
- By using these sites, you can save about 30-70% off the regular room rates, making a stay at some of Disney’s best resorts more affordable. This is a fantastic option for those looking to enjoy a high-end Disney experience without the full cost of direct booking.
Flights
When planning your flight to Disney, we recommend using Google Flights for a comprehensive view of your options. Always aim to book direct for the simplest travel experience. :
- Orlando International Airport (MCO) is your main gateway with a wide array of flights. If you’re looking for a quieter arrival, consider Sanford Airport (SFB), just a short drive away.
Don’t overlook Tampa (TPA) either; it’s only an hour’s drive and often offers competitive fares. Whether you’re paying cash or using points, these airports provide plenty of flexibility to snag a great deal on your journey to the magic.
*For our last trip, We transferred 15,000 points per person from our Amex to Virgin Atlantic and snagged return Delta flights
Ticket Purchases and Disney Park Strategies
- Tickets: While discounts on Disney tickets are scarce, buying them as part of a package from Costco can save a bit. Undercover Tourist might offer a modest $10-20 off multi-park tickets, but purchasing directly from Disney is often the best route to avoid complications.
Park Strategies: Planning your day at Disney parks can be overwhelming. For tailored strategies, dining recommendations, and tips on using Disney Plus, check out these comprehensive guides by mousehacking:
- Our go-to YouTuber for all things Disney World is Ear Scouts. He’s a super upbeat, happy-go-lucky person who visits Disney frequently and always shares the latest updates. His tips, especially related to Disney Genie Plus, are invaluable. We’ve spent countless hours watching his videos to prepare for our trips, and his insights have made our planning much easier.