Disney Vacations

Ian Wilkie asked:


One lavish vacation a year is what every one looks forward to, a chance to get away from work and their daily routines. And the one place that most of them don’t mind visiting is the Walt Disney World in Florida. Whether they are a child or an adult, it makes them happy and gives them something to look forward to. Since different people have different interests, this theme park offers all kinds of entertainment and adventure.

You can either go for an affordable and relaxing Walt Disney vacation or try and get one of those rare cheap Disney Vacation Club depending on what you prefer. When you have decided on your holiday destination, thereon comes the planning of other minute details. Make sure to have someone help you with the planning lest you are left dealing with all the details on your own.

If cost is not a restriction, you can go all the way and enjoy every single luxury available, everything from a 4bedroom villa on the beach to the spa facilities. When you rent a private villa through a website, you can choose the other amenities you want to go with it, either a private pool or some of the other services. They have a shuttle that operates from these villas to the main Disney World, so you can save on money spent on transport.

Inside the theme park, be sure to reach the most popular park early to grab passes or maybe get your FASTPASS. If you are keen on exploring The Magic Kingdom and Cinderella Castle, you need to prioritize which one of their offerings you want to visit first. There is the Main Street USA, where you go back in time and walk along the streets as they were in the 19th century or earlier. Everything from the horse trams to gas lights greet you along the streets which are filled with parades and restaurants. It houses the Main Street Family fun day parade where visitors can participate and be one with the performers. Winds through the lanes towards Town square before coming to a grand finale at the City hall.

You can grab a bite to eat at the Plaza restaurant or the Crystal Palace, which has a buffet for kids and all your favorite cartoon characters. Meals here would cost anywhere from $15-$60 per person, so be careful while ordering and don’t go overboard. They have an extravagant breakfast, lunch and dinner menu, and some specially designed Disney Character based items for children.

Another area in the Magic Kingdom not to be missed while relishing your Walt Disney World vacation is the Liberty Square. Here, you can take a peek into the American history at the Hall of Presidents or get spooked at the Haunted Mansion or enjoy a lazy boat ride through the park. You can pick up a few trinkets to take back home from the Heritage House and a wide choice of home wares and eats from Yankee Trader.



Kameron

JessicaRomae asked:


My family and I would like to take a trip to Disney World, Florida this summer. I’ve been searching for vacation “deals” for the past three months but haven’t found anything less than about $600 per person…not including the park tickets. Is there a particular time to book for summer vacations? I notice right now there are many deals for ski vacations. How much is considered a “good deal”? Also, is it recommended to stay inside or outside the Disney parks and would I really save money by buying park tickets in advance?

Jadon

Ian Wilkie asked:


The holiday season is the time when everyone plans their holiday, but one should realize this is when there is bound to be crowds everywhere. If you and your family have been planning all through the year and are finally ready to head off to enjoy an affordable and stress free Walt Disney World vacation, make sure it is not when everyone is on a holiday. Especially around Christmas and New Years, the crowds get unmanageable and all holiday locations are overbooked.

Organize your trip such that you can visit Disney World, enjoy the rides and theme parks in leisure without worrying about whether the Magic Kingdom will be closed down or if the Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be open or not. It is only when they reach their limit that they shut down for a while till crowd subsides. So, it is better to be wise and plan a holiday during the off-season.

To leverage your Walt Disney World vacation, you need to have an itinerary and every member should be familiar with the plans being made. If there are children, make sure to keep them informed about your hand phone numbers or find a way to put a beeper on them so you know where they are.

When going in large groups, decide to visit the most popular sections first before crowd gathers, and this way you will save time in standing long queues. Keep a watch on the weather forecast, if it looks like it might get cold, carry winter clothing, caps, sweaters, jackets, shoes, gloves and other essentials. If you are staying at a private villa near the theme park, you can pick up your tickets from there itself. In case you are one of those excited souls eager for a free pass, you need to rise early and grab them before they are sold out. Every detail regarding the theme park needs to be planned in such a way that you get the most of the holiday and get to see Walt Disney World in its true form.

Certain attractions are busy on certain days, for example, Magic Kingdom is busiest on Mondays, Thursday and Saturday; similarly, Disney MGM Studios and The Sorcerer’s Hat on Wednesday and Sundays. This is one more detail you need to be aware of before getting ready for your relaxing and affordable Walt Disney World vacation.

One sight a visitor must not miss is the Wishes Fireworks, now don’t worry if you don’t get a spot near Cinderella’s castle, you can see just as well from various other points in the park. When getting to the Mickey Avenue, you must take a tram tour to see what adds magic to the movies. Or if you love Narnia movie, you can check out the exhibition on how the movie was created and be greeted by the Characters. At the end of the day, when you get back into your villa, you will have a big grin on your face and a Mickey hat in your hands.



Peria

Miriam Boh asked:


By planning in advance, look into Disney World vacation deals in order to seek out the best deal that fits within your budget. You can enjoy significant savings on your Disney vacation without sacrificing any of your family’s enjoyment.

Below are some tips that you may follow when you are doing research on Disney World vacation deals:

1. Look out for discounted Disney World tickets, budget accommodations and Disney vacation packages before embarking on your Disney vacation.

2. Schedule your Disney World trip during the off-season if possible or at the time when Disney has what it calls Value Rates. You will enjoy significantly lower airfares and hotel/resort rates.

3. If you are a Disney resort guest and on budget travel, take advantage of Disney buses, ferries and the monorail system when visiting theme and water parks as well as Downtown Disney.

4. Avoid buying Disney merchandise within the Disney World theme parks. Some of the area factory outlet stores such as Orlando Premium Outlets are selling the same items found at Disney World at significantly lower prices.

5. Do more research to find some of the free things that you can do during your Disney vacation. For instance, Disney Broadwalk is a place where you can enjoy free walking with your family or if your family is up to a more physical workout, your family can hike through the Disney Wilderness Preserve. In addition, Downtown Disney gives any family the opportunity to stroll along the shopping mall.

6. For a fancy feast without breaking the bank, take the family to one of the all-you-can-eat buffets that lie just outside Disney World such as Bill Wong’s Famous Buffet, Sweet Tomatoes, Boston Lobster Feast, Golden Corral, Ponderosa, Sizzler, Captain Nemo’s Seafood Feast or Angel’s Lobster, Crab & Prime Rib Buffet.

7. If you are staying at an off-site Disney property, there are numerous budget motels and hotels that you can consider. Many of these motels and hotels provide complimentary transportation to Disney World theme parks.

8. Look out for discount coupons to Disney area attractions, restaurants and specialty shops in free publications such as I Love Orlando magazine.

9. Before you book a hotel or motel, check if there is full breakfast every morning. This saves your family more time and money.

10. Check out comprehensive online guides for information on Disney World discount tickets, accommodations and Disney vacation packages.

11. For larger family reunions it may be a better alternative financially to look into renting a vacation home. This also allows for the whole family to stay together and meet without incurring traveling time.

12. If you are visiting theme parks with young children, remember to bring along a backpack with some snacks or juice boxes as dining in the restaurants can be costly.

13. Instead of spending big bucks at a Disney character breakfast, take your kids to the Town Square for autograph and photo opportunities with Disney characters.

14. Pick the appropriate Disney World ticket deal based on your family’s length of stay. Make sure you are able to use all the benefits in the time you visit Disney. Many people waste their money by upgrading to tickets with features they will never use, wasting hundreds of unused dollars. You will still want to schedule time for rest and relaxation during your trip.

15. Make lunch your big meal of the day when dining in Disney property as prices are considerably lower than for dinner.

16. Carry your own water bottle into the Disney theme park and you can fill it up at any of the abundant water fountains throughout the day. This helps to cut down costs on drinks.

17. Many off-site hotels and motels have restaurants which offer Kids-Eat-Free deals (one child eats free per paying adult). This is a good deal for those on budget travel.

18. If you are a guest of Disney resorts, take advantage of Disney’s Magical Express, which provides complimentary shuttle service to and from the Orlando International Airport.

19. Avoid Disney vacation during holiday weekends and Spring Break when prices are higher.

By following these money-saving tips and doing research on Disney World vacation deals, you will find that you have an economical and enjoyable Disney vacation at the same time.



Tania

Ian Wilkie asked:


Is this the first time you are visiting The Walt Disney World? Don’t wait any longer, make sure to enjoy the park in its full glory and savor every inch of the place. Plan the best Walt Disney World Resort vacation and spend time with your family and friends to bring back cherished memories. And one thing can be guaranteed, this won’t be the first and last trip you take the Disney World, you are bound to make it your favorite holiday destination.

The plethora of resorts available for you to stay in make the trip worth the money you spend. There are four theme parks within the Disney World and be prepared to be swept off your feet with the extravagance in the displays and the shows waiting for you. Upon landing in Orlando, make sure to grab a copy of the Disney World’s map to help make your way from one park to another. Spend a few minutes taking it all in, and once you have zeroed in on where you want to go, begin your Walt Disney World adventure.

For those who are not looking forward the long walks between the theme parks, you can avail the railroad facility. This will fit in well with your affordable Disney vacation. But the train does not stop at certain entertainment centers, so make sure to get off somewhere closeby and walk it down. The Railroad stops at Frontierland, Main Street USA, and Mickey’s Toontown Fair. All these are part of the biggest theme park called The Magic Kingdom and Cinderella Castle, also head straight to the Fantasyland for your child to have some fun with her favorite toon characters.

In case you decide to split into groups and visit different points of the park, decide on a common meeting place and make sure at least one member has a mobile phone. Or you can pick up a walkie talkie to use while staying at the Disney World, these are cheaper and easier to use by children too.

When you enter the park around 9 to 10am, you will be greeted by the parades or some sort of entertainment on the streets. Don’t get caught up in this, as crowds would gather near your favorite centers such as Animation Courtyard or the Hollywood Boulevard in Disney-MGM Studios and The Sorcerer’s Hat theme park.

In the morning, it is better to look around the park and enjoy the rides and visual treats and in afternoons, do your shopping, either for souvenirs or designer wear. Each of the theme parks has its own unique shopping arcades where you get products similar to what you see there, from autographed photos to T shirts with Mickey or Winnie the pooh. The most interesting is in the Future World, where you can get your family’s portrait done on a 3D glass. There is something for everyone in these stores, and one can get lost in the variety if they are not careful about how much they are spending.



Vivian

erinh555 asked:


I absolutely LOVE Disney and have been to Disneyland and WDW several times. I’m a stay-at-home mom who would like to make a little extra money by becoming a Disney travel agent(Disney Vacation Specialist). Has anyone done this? Have you actually made money? How much? Can you have your own travel agency, or do you have to get a host agency? What is the easiest way to do this? Are there any perks? Thanks so much!

Victor

Ian Wilkie asked:


What better way to enjoy a holiday than to have a place of your own and not worry about too many people crowding into a hotel room. When you have made up your mind to take that Walt Disney World Resort vacation, you can take a pick from the various private rentals available in Orlando area.

If you were to look around on the Internet, you will find there are many companies that run rentals of private villas and cottages for visitors. In case you don’t have any clues about these cottages, you can touch base with other travelers, who would have benefited largely thanks to these private condos. The Orlando area surrounding the park has plenty of options, from 1 room studio apartments to 3bedroom luxurious villas facing the beach.

The budget you have allotted for accommodation will determine the kind of private vacation home you opt for. If you are a group of say 5-7members, you will need two rooms if staying at a hotel, whereas if you pick up a villa or cottage, all of you can fit in with enough space to move around. An added advantage is that these places come furnished with functional kitchens and laundry services as well. So you could use them and save loads of money which can be spent going on that Kali River ride once more.

The highway 192, which is within driving distance from the Disney World, is where most of the private homes, villas and the best restaurants are situated. You can relax in one of these homes, make a day trip to the Disney World, come back at night all set for a few hours of rest. Away from the hustle and bustle of the Disney hotels, these homes offer comfort and style and make your Walt Disney vacation much more exciting. There are even a few stores where you can pick up a Mickey T shirt or some other souvenirs for your friends back home at a cheaper price.

While choosing the place to stay, check around before settling on one, for there might be some offering discounts and freebies to the park which you don’t want to miss out on. Some of the villas come in a package deal that offer discount tickets to the rides or a coupon to enjoy the Dinoland USA, a visual treat for you and your children. Also check beforehand if the homes come with basic amenities such as well equipped kitchen, hot water in the bath which will be necessary during those winter months and air conditioning for summers and finally, if they provide car rentals as well.

Since all of these private rentals compete against each other vying for that customer, they offer interesting deals that you might miss out on if you are not careful. So, while booking your affordable Disney vacation, have a discussion with the agency about all that they offer and information pertaining to other services that you might require.



Allan

Gabriel Adams asked:


A Disney vacation is loaded with magic and wonder! Be prepared for whoops of joy from family members of all ages as you propose a Disney vacation for the upcoming holidays. For kids, a Disney vacation is the stuff dreams are made up of and for adults, what better way to bring out the kid in you! You can feel the excitement in the air that starts the moment the decision is made and lasts all through the planning until the time you get there and back again. There’s something for every one to look forward to on a Disney vacation.

There are however a few things to keep in mind that will help you enjoy the best Disney vacation ever!

Start Your search on the Internet

Though you could easily make all your bookings on Disney’s website itself, there are plenty of travel and holiday sites that have special offers and fantastic deals on family packages. Sometimes a combination package that includes hotels and airfare along with theme park attractions could turn out to be considerably cheaper than if bought separately. So take some time and check out your various options.

Timing is important

Disney vacation prices vary depending on the time of year. If you plan a Disney vacation during peak holiday season, you’d have to pay peak season rates for air-fare, hotel rooms and rides. What’s more, you’d end up spending half your vacation standing in serpentine queues, jostling with hordes of other vacationer’s waiting in line for the same ride. Opting to go during the off season means you save a lot of money and can have your choice of rides without long lines to contend with.

Ages-n-stages of Disney

Disney theme parks have something for everyone. There are enjoyable rides for the little ones, thrilling rides for teenagers and other rides that the whole family can enjoy. Give younger children plenty of down time and let them set the pace. Older kids may enjoy the opportunity to go off exploring on their own. Set a few ground rules regarding safety, let them know where and how you can be contacted and then relax and let everyone experience their own magic in this most magical of all places.



Emanuel

Lucky asked:


We are planning a family vacation in january 07 and are looking for ways to stretch our dollars.

Maritza

admiredi asked:


I want to know if staying on grounds ina premium hotel and the food package is worth it- I have looked into the premium and platinum packages - but wonder if for 2 adults 5 days is a little over 4,000.00 worth it?

Also this would be during December 2007!
I would like more info about food and special events at Christmas time if possible- Booking this far in advance what are my advantages? Is it too cold to go swimming that time of year?

Aidan