Disney World: Step by step

I have received many messages the past few days from newbies about where to begin planning a trip! I end up messaging them back an enormous amount of information- and some links. It occured to me that I could avoid repeating the basics if I updated my post on it!

Step 1: count your money and make a Disney World budget! On-site rooms go for an average of $100-900 per night! 

Step 2: Make a My Disney Experience account on the Disney World website and order the free Disney Planning DVD (if you can't find the link, you can google it and it's the first result)

Step 3 Talk to your family and watch the dvd together. Decide what resort you want to book and what time of the year. Avoid holidays! Spring break isn't terrible. Thanksgiving, July 4th, and Christmas- New Years is pretty hectic! End of September, October, early November, first week of December, end of January, all of February, April, and early May - that is the best time to go because of low crowds. Google Disney World Crowd Calendar for better dates

Step 4  Join the Facebook Group - Walt Disney World Tips, News, and Fun Facts. Stalk that page! You can ask questions. It is run by a free travel agency that specifically works on WDW vacations! Phil Marino is the head so you can message him personally! Or you can just comment on this post and I will help you personally!

Step 5  Calculate whether it is better to do a package with room and tickets, or if it is better to just book a room and buy tickets separately from Undercover Tourist. Military get discounted rooms and tickets. 

Step 6  call Disney World or book your rooms online! OR have a travel agent like myself book it for you!

Step 7  if you chose to stay on Disney property then you will need to look at the Extra Magic Hours! You will want to get up early or stay out late and use the extra park hours to do more attractions! If you aren't staying at a Disney resort (there's a nice Wynham Bonnet Creek or Holiday Inn) then you will need to avoid the extra magic hours. The hours are posted on the Disney World website and on the My Disney Experience smartphone app! 

Make a itinerary using the magic hours. 

Step 8  now that you know what days you will be in each park, you need to decide what dining reservations you want! Children of all ages love Character dining like 1900 Parke Fare, Crystal Palace, Tusker House, Chef Mickey's, Cinderellas Royal Table, O'Hana, etc! You can explore each choice on the Disney world website. Be aware that some characters only show up for breakfast or dinner. 

Step 9  Call Disney World at 6 AM Eastern time zone at 180 days out from your check-in day and you can book the whole week's dining reservations! You can do it online but only one day at a time. 

Step 10  Order free Disney World park maps and make a list of must-do attractions for your family. Then decide which days you will try to do those. When it is 60 days out, at midnight Eastern time zone - You can book your FastPass+ attractions (only 30 days out if you don't stay on Disney Property) 

Some attractions that go fast: Meet Anna and Elsa, 7 Dwarf Mine Train, Festival of Fantasy parade, and Toy Story Mania

If you are a group larger than 6 people, it will be harder to find FP+ if you don't stay up "til the clock strikes midnight"!

*Note: you just have your tickets linked to your My Disney Experience account 

Step 11  Start packing for your vacation and enjoy!