I'm going to take these 5 very basic questions and break them down into rules of thumb (more like rules of hand...one for each finger!) and apply them to a Disney vacation.
- Who-This is the easiest place to start. Who is going on the trip? Are you taking the whole family, maybe bringing one of your children's friends to even out the crowd or is it a romantic getaway? Decide who's going before you decide where you're going.
- Tip: If you are a family of 5 or more you'll need to either stay at a deluxe resort, have 1 person under age 9 sleep on a trundle bed at Port Orleans Riverside or book 2 rooms at a value or moderate resort.
- What-What do you expect your vacation to do for you? What type of experience do you want to have? Keep in mind that the same destination can offer you a variety of experiences. For example, a Walt Disney World vacation can be a romantic getaway (anniversary celebration, proposal, a weekend away for Food and Wine Festival, etc.) it can be a family gathering (Disney loves Grand Gatherings-parties of 8 or more traveling together), or it can be just your family. No matter how many (or few) people you are traveling with, each one factors in and effects your experience. A group of people move a lot slower than a family of three, if you have a generational span you'll have to take that into consideration. Not everyone will want to ride the Tea Cups over and over again and not everyone may be tall enough for the all of the attractions.
- Tip: If you're conquering a destination like Walt Disney World you need to know your touring style: park commando, pedal to the medal, slow and steady, beautiful dreamer or frozen in Fantasyland (more about these later!). Whatever type of vacation you decide to experience, be sure to set realistic expectations!
- Where-In general vacation planning this could signify choosing your destination. Do you want to go to Disney World or try something else? Can Adventures by Disney really take you on the trip of a lifetime? How safe is Mexico? Where's the best beach in Jamaica, which Hawaiian island do I choose...? This is where planning a Disney vacation comes in handy. You already know where you're going, now you just need to decide where to stay: on property or off. I always recommend on property. I can't help it, i'm just that kind of girl. My on property experiences have always been so good I can't imagine not staying on property; and you can't beat the amenities! Deciding where you're going to say is very important, it can also have a great effect on your vacation experience as hotels at WDW are more than "just a place to lay your head". They each have their own unique theme and amenities, offer different recreational opportunities, have a variety of dining experiences and are different distances from the park. Waiting 2 hours or more for a bus ride home could have a GREAT effect on your vacation experience.
- When-This seems to be the biggest hot button issue for vacations in general; but for Disney especially. There are so many special events at WDW during the year and of course promotions are a large factor in when families decide to travel. Everyone wants the to turn the glass slipper into a crystal ball and mark their calendars for free dining (the most popular promotion), but sometimes it doesn't always coincide with your travel dates.
- Tip: When deciding on your WDW vacation package, book your package with your $200 refundable deposit as soon as possible. This locks you in at the lowest rate, guarantees availability and if you book with a travel agent specializing in Disney travel (like me!), I'll watch your reservation for you and monitor for discounts so you're always guaranteed the best rate.
- Why-In my opinion, the why is a very large factor in your vacation decision because it has the most effect on your vacation expectation. Your motivation for travel sets your expectation for your experience, so take a minute and determine your "why". Do you just need a break? Do you need some family time? Do you want to celebrate a special occasion? Do you want to have an experience of a lifetime? This will also help you decide your destination and the pace for your trip.
- Tip: Consider your options-If you want an adults only experience but can't bear to leave the kids behind, try something like Aulani...the newest Disney Destination is a tropical paradise escape for the whole family that also has Aunty's BeachHouse...a fun filled day of activities with your kids peers; while you have some peace and quiet on the beach!
- How-Not to be forgotten is the lonely "H" in the pack. How...or in this case, "how MUCH". Setting a budget is important to your vacation process. If you have no concept of how much a specific trip may cost you, tell your travel agent that up front. Knowing what you do, or don't know, helps us serve you more effectively. If I know you're in the preliminary stages of planning and are trying to get a ball park price I'm more likely to give you options from broader categories (the best hotel and a moderate hotel, etc) and more descriptions about the difference in the pricing; where you can scrimp and where you should splurge.
- Tip: Realize that your budget needs to be a bit flexible but stating your number up front can go a long way in your vacation planning process. Don't set it in stone, but set it as a goal, share it with your travel agent and use it as a building block to move forward.
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