Vacation Planning

Don't let anyone tell you different, a trip to Walt Disney World requires planning.  The amount of planning depends on what type of vacationer you are: from the commando traveler who likes to go, go, go to the relaxed wanderer, both require a degree of planning ahead.

Here are some basic things you may want to consider and plan ahead for before you leave.

1.  Dining-  This is HUGE!  When my family is hungry they get grumpy.  Not just grumpy but like Beast kind of grumpy.  The last thing you want to do when you are hungry is wander around a huge amusement park and resort like Walt Disney World trying to decide where to eat and then waiting forever for a table.  If you plan nothing else for your trip have at least one meal reservation for each day of your trip.  Even if the parks aren't crowded and you decide to go somewhere else, having that reservation as your backup plan will save you lots of aggravation should the parks be full and everyone is trying to eat at the same time you are.  

2.  What park will you visit each day?- Not required but having some idea of where you want to go each day will help you to maximize your vacation time.  For example, we like the Evening Extra Magic Hours at the parks.  The wait times for rides can be almost non-existent, plus in the summer much better to not have the sun beating down on you.  If Evening Extra Magic Hours are being held at EPCOT and you are planning on attending you probably don't want to be at EPCOT when it opens.  That can make for a very long and exhausting day.  Instead you may want to head to the resort pool or water park for the morning or early afternoon.  If you have teenagers, this may be a good day to sleep in or you may want to sleep in a little the morning after Extra Magic Hours.  

Knowing which park you want to visit each day also helps when making those dining reservations.  Which you ARE going to do before you leave....Right?

3.  What shows would you like to see?-  If you can't leave WDW without seeing Indiana Jones Stunt Show or Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show then you will need to find those show times upon entering the park and plan your day around getting there.  Plan to get to whatever show you want to see at least 30 minutes before the start time.  This gives you some wiggle room in case a wait time is longer than expected or your path to get there is blocked by a parade or street performance.

Of course there are many. many more things you may want to plan for; rent bikes to explore your resort, golfing, fishing, para sailing, boating... the list is endless.  I am only giving what I think are the 3 most important ones that will help you get the most out of your Disney vacation.  Feel free to plan more or less.  Planning your trip can be almost as exciting as the actual vacation.

Here are some great websites to help you with your vacation planning.

AllEars.net
Passporter.com
MFLboards.com
WDWinfo.com