We’re here to make planning your Walt Disney World vacation a breeze, whether you’re booking Disney directly or exploring other options like using a travel agent or renting Disney Vacation Club points. Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is a magical destination with four theme parks, two water parks, themed hotels, and endless dining and entertainment offerings just waiting to be experienced. For the full Disney experience, we recommend planning at least 3-5 full days to explore all the parks and resorts.
There are several ways to book your Disney World getaway, from booking a package deal directly through Disney to booking rooms and tickets separately through third-party sites. We’ll guide you through the pros and cons of each booking method, helping you find the option that suits your needs and budget best, whether you’re looking for the cheapest times to visit in January or August or seeking the ultimate Disney splurge.
Booking Directly with Disney
Booking directly with Disney offers several advantages and perks that can improve your overall vacation experience. Here are some key benefits to consider:
- Full Control: You have complete control over the booking process, allowing you to customize your package according to your preferences and requirements.
- Exclusive Discounts: Disney World annual passholders and Disney Visa cardholders may have access to exclusive discounts and offers when booking directly with Disney.
- Disney Perks: Staying at a Disney hotel provides perks like Early Theme Park Entry, Extended Evening Hours, and the ability to charge purchases to your room. Additionally, you can enjoy complimentary transportation within the resort.
- Flexible Cancellation/Modification: Disney package bookings generally have more flexible cancellation and modification policies compared to room-only or third-party bookings.
- Discounted Gift Cards: Using discounted Disney gift cards can save around 8-10% on your Disney bookings when booking directly.
- Package Deals: Booking a package through Disney directly, which includes a room and tickets (and potentially a dining plan), can sometimes be cheaper if Disney is offering package-specific discounts.
- Ticketless Packages: Disney offers ticketless packages that include a room and dining plan (but no park tickets) for annual passholders or those who want to purchase discounted tickets separately.
While booking directly with Disney can be advantageous, it’s essential to monitor for discounts and be prepared to rebook if better deals become available. Additionally, consider booking the room and tickets separately if you can find better prices on the individual components through Disney or third-party sites.
Using a Travel Agent
Using a travel agent, especially one who specializes in Disney vacations, can be an excellent way to streamline the planning process and potentially save money on your Disney World trip. Here are some key advantages of working with a travel agent:
- Expertise and Personalized Service: Disney travel agents have extensive knowledge and first-hand experience with Walt Disney World Resort. They can provide personalized recommendations, create tailored itineraries, and offer insider tips to improve your vacation experience.
- Time-Saving: Planning a Disney World trip can be time-consuming, especially for first-time visitors. A travel agent can handle all the reservations, monitor for discounts, and take care of the intricate details, saving you valuable time and effort.
- Cost Savings: While some agents may charge a fee, their services are often free as they receive commissions from Disney. Additionally, they have access to special discounts, package deals, and group rates that can potentially save you money on your overall trip.
- Assistance and Advocacy: Travel agents can assist you if any issues arise before or during your trip, advocating on your behalf to ensure a seamless experience. They can also help with rebooking if better discounts become available.
- Insider Access: Disney travel agents receive extensive training from Disney and have access to insider information and resources, enabling them to provide valuable insights and recommendations for your perfect Disney World vacation.
To maximize the benefits, it’s crucial to choose a travel agent with recent, direct experience planning Disney World trips. Look for agents designated as Disney experts or specialists who book thousands of Disney vacations annually.
Renting Disney Vacation Club Points
Renting Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points can be an excellent way to save money on your Disney World stay while enjoying the benefits of staying at Deluxe Disney resorts. Here’s what you need to know:
- DVC is Disney’s timeshare program, allowing members to purchase points that can be used to book resort accommodations.
- DVC members can rent out their unused points to non-members, providing significant savings of 40-60% or more compared to booking directly through Disney.
- Companies like David’s Vacation Club Rentals and DVC Rental Store facilitate the process of renting points from DVC owners, offering convenience and peace of mind.
Key Benefits of Renting DVC Points
- Cost Savings: Stay at Deluxe resorts like Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort or Animal Kingdom Villas for around the cost of a Moderate resort when booking directly.
- Resort Amenities: Enjoy larger villa accommodations with kitchenettes/kitchens, laundry facilities, and access to Disney resort perks like Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours.
- Flexibility: Rent points to stay at Disney’s beach resorts like Aulani in Hawaii or Hilton Head Island in addition to Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
Considerations
- Book well in advance (7-11 months) as popular resorts and dates fill up quickly.
- Less flexibility with reservations and stricter cancellation policies compared to booking directly through Disney.
- No daily housekeeping services or ability to bundle with Disney packages like tickets or dining plans.
To maximize savings and convenience, consider renting DVC points through an established company rather than individual owners. With proper planning and research, renting DVC points can unlock a more affordable and comfortable Disney vacation experience.
Booking Through Third-Party Websites
Booking through third-party websites can provide an alternative to booking directly with Disney or using a travel agent. While these sites may offer discounted room-only rates, it’s crucial to weigh the potential savings against the potential drawbacks:
- Discounted Room Rates: Third-party sites like Kayak, Priceline, and Expedia can offer discounted room-only rates, especially during periods when Disney isn’t offering many discounts or promotions. These rates can be particularly attractive during Disney’s “dry seasons.”
- Ticket Options: Sites like Undercover Tourist offer discounted tickets, which can be advantageous when combined with a discounted room rate from another source.
- Limited Perks and Flexibility: Booking through third parties often means missing out on Disney perks like Early Theme Park Entry, Extended Evening Hours, and the ability to charge purchases to your room. Cancellation policies may also be less flexible compared to booking directly with Disney.
- Linking Reservations: Linking third-party reservations to your account can sometimes be challenging, potentially limiting your ability to make dining reservations or access other features.
- Alternative Options: Consider renting points, utilizing credit card perks like Citi Prestige’s 4th Night Free, or booking with hotel points at resorts like the Swan and Dolphin, which offer Disney perks while potentially saving money.
While third-party sites can offer cost savings, it’s essential to carefully evaluate the trade-offs and ensure that the potential savings outweigh the potential drawbacks for your specific situation and travel preferences.
Factors to Consider
Planning a successful Disney World vacation requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience. Here are some key elements to keep in mind:
- Timing and Advance Planning:
- Plan your trip at least 7 months in advance to secure desired accommodations and lock-in rates.
- Determine your budget, trip length, and preferred Disney resort hotel early in the planning process.
- Start familiarizing yourself with the My Disney Experience app and Disney World queues, Genie+, and Lightning Lane options 4-6 months before your trip.
- Logistics and Preparation:
- Finalize transportation plans, order MagicBands, and make any necessary changes to your Disney vacation package 45 days before your trip.
- Set up DAS Advance reservations if using the Disability Access Service 30 days before your trip.
- Place grocery delivery orders, finalize your touring plans, and make last-minute dining reservations 14 days before your trip.
- Review the weather forecast and finalize your packing 7 days before your trip.
- Check-in for flights, print or screenshot important travel documents, and finish packing 24-48 hours before your trip.
- Optimizing Your Experience:
- Schedule breakfast reservations for late morning to avoid interfering with prime park touring time.
- Utilize the Early Theme Park Entry benefit if staying on-site to get a head start on attractions.
- Don’t book restaurants until after creating your daily park touring plan to ensure convenient locations.
- Practice using the My Disney Experience app ahead of time to get familiar with its features.
- Don’t plan early mornings after late nights to ensure you and your party are well-rested.
- Don’t be afraid to eliminate things from your plans – the goal is to have fun, not see everything.
Remember, the key to a successful Disney World vacation lies in careful planning, and considering your preferences, budget, and desired experiences. By factoring in these elements, you can create a magical and memorable trip tailored to your needs.
Final Thoughts
Planning a Walt Disney World vacation can be an exciting yet daunting task, but with the right information and strategies, you can create a truly magical experience for you and your family. Whether you choose to book directly with Disney, work with a travel agent, rent Disney Vacation Club points, or explore third-party options, the key is to find the approach that aligns best with your preferences, budget, and desired level of convenience.
Ultimately, the most important aspect of your Disney World trip is to follow the magic and make lasting memories with your loved ones. By following the tips and considerations outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the planning process, optimize your time in the parks, and create an unforgettable Disney adventure tailored to your needs and desires.
FAQs
If you still have questions about the art of booking a Disney World trip, check out the section below.
1. Is it Beneficial to Use a Disney Trip Planner?
Absolutely! Working with a Disney travel planner can significantly enhance your experience. They handle all the details, ensuring your trip is tailored to your desires. This is particularly valuable for busy individuals who appreciate having fewer things to worry about while planning a vacation.
2. When Should You Start Planning Your Disney World Vacation?
It’s advisable to begin planning your Disney World trip approximately 6 months in advance. This timeframe allows for careful consideration of your family’s schedules and sufficient time to manage your budget for the trip.
3. What Are the Best Ways to Find a Disney Trip Planner?
Finding a Disney trip planner can be done in several ways:
- Ask for Recommendations: Inquire with friends, family, or members of online Disney communities for their suggestions.
- Search Online: Look for Disney travel agents through Google or on social media platforms.
- Use a Disney Travel Agency: Consider hiring a travel agency that specializes in Disney vacations for expert assistance.
4. How Many Days Are Needed to Fully Experience Disney World?
To visit all four Disney World theme parks and enjoy the majority of the rides, it’s recommended to plan for at least a four-day visit. This will give you enough time to explore each park without feeling rushed.
