🎉 Welcome to my Disney 101 for First-Timers series! If planning a Walt Disney World vacation feels overwhelming, you’re in the right place. This series walks you step by step through the basics—from where to start, to when to book, to choosing your resort, and more, so you’ll feel confident and excited instead of stressed.

Planning a Walt Disney World vacation is exciting, but let’s be honest, it can also feel a little overwhelming. Between resorts, dining, tickets, Lightning Lanes, and figuring out when to go, it’s hard to know where to begin. The good news? You don’t have to have it all figured out right away. Here’s a simple step-by-step way to get started.

Step 1: Choose Your Dates

The very first thing to decide is when you want to visit. A few things to keep in mind:

Crowds: Major holidays, school breaks, and summer usually mean heavier crowds.
Weather: Florida summers are hot and humid, while winter months are cooler and more comfortable.
Special Events: Festivals like EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival or holiday celebrations can add extra magic to your trip.

Pro tip: If your dates are flexible, I can help you find a sweet spot where crowds are lower and the weather is more manageable when you book your trip with me!

Step 2: Decide on Your Budget & Resort Category

Your resort will shape the feel of your trip. Disney offers three main categories:

Value Resorts – Budget-friendly and super fun theming (think giant character statues and bright colors).
Moderate Resorts – A balance of affordability and amenities, often with beautiful theming and great pools.
Deluxe Resorts – The most convenient locations, luxurious rooms, and extra perks like walking to parks or monorail access.

Insider tip: Staying on Disney property also gives you access to early park entry and other perks that make a big difference.

Step 3: Pick Your Tickets

Disney has a few options when it comes to park tickets:

Base Ticket – One park per day.
Park Hopper – Flexibility to visit multiple parks in one day.
Water Park & Sports Option - This gives you access to the Water Parks as well as other offerings like Mini Golf
Park Hopper Plus - This gives you the perks of a Water Park and Sports ticket AND allows you to visit multiple parks in one day.

How many days should you spend in the parks? That depends on your family’s pace and priorities, but a good starting point is at least four full park days (one for each park).

Step 4: Think About Dining

Dining is a huge part of the Disney experience! You’ll want to know if your family prefers:

Quick Service Meals (more casual, order at a counter).
Table Service Meals (sit-down restaurants, often with characters or themed experiences).

Reservations for popular restaurants open 60 days in advance and go quickly! Having a plan for dining will keep you from missing out on those must-do experiences.

Wrapping It Up

That’s it! If you can answer these four questions: when to go, where to stay, what tickets to buy, and how you’d like to dine—you’ve already built the foundation for an incredible trip.

And remember: you don’t have to figure it out alone.

👉 This is exactly what I help my clients with—so they can skip the overwhelm and just focus on the magic. If you’re ready to start planning your Disney vacation stress-free, fill out a quote request form HERE!

✨ This post is part of my Disney 101 for First-Timers series. If all of this planning feels like a lot, that’s exactly why I help families book their trips! I’ll keep track of deadlines, reservations, and details—so you can focus on the fun. Ready to get started? Fill out my quote request form HERE and let’s make your Disney vacation stress-free and magical.

✨ Disney 101 for First-Timers – Series Roadmap ✨

Follow the full series to plan your perfect Disney World vacation step by step!

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Part 1

Where to Start

Dates, budget, tickets, and dining basics to begin your Disney planning.

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Part 2

Planning Timeline

Month-by-month guide for booking your resort, tickets, dining, and Lightning Lane Multi-Pass.

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Part 3

Choosing a Resort

Tips to select the perfect resort for your family, including upgrades and insider advice.

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Part 4

Lightning Lane Tips

Maximize your park days with ride planning strategies.

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Part 5

First-Timer Mistakes

Avoid common pitfalls so your first Disney trip is smooth and magical.

🏰 Feeling overwhelmed? I help families plan Disney vacations stress-free. I handle all the details so you can focus on the fun! Fill out my client form here to get started.

Where to Start When Planning a Disney World Vacation