 Congratulations!
You're going to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida,
one of the world's largest and most popular resorts. Planning
is the key to making the most of your time and budget, and to
enjoying this wonderful world of theme parks, shopping, entertainment,
water parks, hotels, and much more. AllEarsNet.com®
helps you plan your trip for maximum enjoyment by starting with
answering the most important questions before you go to Walt Disney
World.
In
each section below, and in the column on the left, there are links
to areas on this site that will provide you with additional information
to help you make informed decisions about your vacation. And don't
forget to subscribe to ALL EARS®, our free weekly
newsletter about Walt Disney World, which will keep
you informed and offer additional tips. Click here
to subscribe to ALL EARS® now!
WHEN
SHOULD I GO?
Ideally,
you want to go when the weather is moderate and the crowds are low.
Unfortunately between vacation schedules and school-age kids, your
options might be limited. There might be special activities at Walt
Disney World that you would like see and do, so take a look at the
Events Calendar. My favorite
times of the year are in January/early February (beautiful weather
and low crowds), April and May (Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival),
October and November (Epcot Food and Wine Festival), and December
(Holidays Around the World).
Historic
Attendance
Calendar of Events
Scheduled Rehabs and Closings
US Holidays
WHERE SHOULD I STAY?
Where
to stay is a major decision. Walt Disney World has 25 resort
hotels to fit all budgets, and they offer special perks to their
guests (like complimentary Disney Transportation). Staying offsite
is likely to cost less, but then you'll probably want a rental car.
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin as well as many of
our Preferred Off-site resorts offer AllEarsNet.com readers special
discounts! Click here
to see what's available now!
There
are advantages and disadvantages to both -- only you can decide
for yourself! Here are a few of our pages that might help you with
your decision:
Staying On or Off Disney Property
Resort Fact Sheets
Resort Photo Gallery
Resort Phone Numbers
Are Vacation Homes Right for You?
WHAT KIND OF TICKETS DO I PURCHASE?
Disney
offers a wide range of ticket options for you to choose from --
one-day/one-park admissions ticket to an Premium Annual Pass that
will get you into all the theme parks, water parks and Pleasure
Island. Read through the Ticket FAQ
and decide which is best for you.
If
you think you may return to Disney in a year, consider an Annual
Passport. By purchasing the annual pass, you can return
to Disney World next year (a few weeks earlier than this year) and
not have to pay for admission tickets again. Take a look at our
analysis of when it makes more sense
to buy an Annual Pass over other types of tickets. Sometimes
discounted hotel rates are also offered to Annual Passholders
and Florida Residents.
Looking
for discounted Orlando area tickets including Walt Disney
World? Visit
our recommended Ticket Seller, Maple Leaf Tickets!
HOW
MUCH IS THIS GOING TO COST?
Your
Walt Disney World vacation is going to be an expensive trip, no
doubt about it. There are ways to minimize the cost if you're willing
to do some work. Your major costs will be Transportation, Tickets,
Resort Lodging and Food. Planning ahead by using the information
here can save you some money, or at least give you an idea of what
the trip might cost:
WDW
Discounts
How to Find Low Airfares
Priceline "How To.."
Disney
Dining Plan
Magic Your Way Resort Packages
RENT
A CAR OR NOT?
Driving
has some drawbacks, but then again so does waiting for Disney transportation.
Then again, relying on Disney means you don't have to shell out
for parking or rentals. You can read more pros and cons and other
advice here:
Renting a
Car - Things to Consider
Ground Transportation
Directions
FAMILIES
You
can travel to Walt Disney World as a family, as a couple, as seniors,
with friends and even alone! When traveling as a family there are
a number of considerations depending on the age(s) of your child(ren).
Activities
for School-aged Children
Birthday
Ideas for Kids
Expectant Mother Tips
5-11 Year Olds Tips
Infant and Toddler FAQ
ChildCare FAQ
Stroller FAQ
Taking Your Preschooler to WDW
Teenager's Perspective
Do
You Bring Your Child's Friend?
Empty
Nesters
addresses issues for guests traveling without children!
SPECIAL NEEDS
The
Cast Members at Walt Disney World know that travelers may have special
needs and they do their best to be accommodating. Knowing the ins
and outs of how the "system" works ahead of time will
make your vacation more relaxing and pleasurable. This section addresses
those with special physical requirements, including large-sized
guests, as well as those with special dietary considerations.
Visit
our Special Needs pages. Here's just a sample of what's
included:
American
Sign Language (ASL) at WDW
Assisted Listening Devices
Mobility Disabilities
Reflective Captioning
Autism
Diabetes
Epilepsy
Latex
Allergies
Visually Impaired
Wheelchair/ECV FAQ
Animal Kingdom via Wheelchair
Epcot via Wheelchair
WDW
at Large for those who know one
size does not always fit all!
Vegetarian/Vegan
Special
Dietary Needs
Also read about PassPorter's Open Mouse for Walt Disney World and the Disney Cruise Line, written for those who face special challenges.
PLANNING
TIPS
Be
sure to check out our searchable TIPS database,
chock full of hundreds of ideas and tips to make your vacation a
magical one!
Other
planning tips and hints you might find helpful:
Packing
Tips
What to Tote Around
Summer Sun Survival
Ideas for Your First Day or Night at
WDW!
Tips for Enjoying your Stay
Two-Way
Communications
International Visitors
UK Travelers
Addresses
for Disney Officials
Disney Links
Guide Books
Newsletters
Telephone Numbers
Trip Reports
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