Help me get Re-Started on planning!

[CeeCee101]

Wow! We haven’t been to WDW in about 10 years. We used to go all the time but our travels have taken us elsewhere. I was an expert planner in those days and remember this board. No more! I am lost! Can you direct me to the right locations or links. Here’s background:

-Couple, no kids or grandkids, like adult time during the evening meal. We’re grey hairs now, Boomers. Able to walk and get around, but no longer going to do major coasters.
-Above moderate budget but not totally top luxury (never stayed at GrandFlo or eaten at V&As for example) but have stayed at Boardwalk and Contemporary, WL, etc.
-Like to stay half time in Epcot area and half time in MK area
-Will have rental car
-Duration at least 1 week

We used to buy an annual pass even though we do not live in FL because we could get discount on the hotel room, parking and all the little things that came with that. My head is spinning now on what to do on the ticket thing and on hotel thing. It’s been over 10 years and finding my old knowledge pretty worthless. Any links/suggestions to research on these things?

we last were there during the Fast Pass days and before the App days. Am clueless about the App and the Genie thing. Any links/suggestions on sorting this?

we were also last there pre-Star Wars.

We’d like to go 2023 Spring if we can avoid Spring Break times. We’re good pretty much anytime March, April, May.
help! Thanks.

 

[3gr8boys]

As for your memories of FP and learning about Genie+, I would start with the introductory posts on this thread:

https://www.disboards.com/threads/e...lightning-lane-please-read-posts-1-7.3856734/

As of now, park hopping is available only after 2pm and park reservations for your first (or only) park of the day are required:

https://www.disboards.com/threads/everything-park-reservations-please-read-post-1.3834951/

I also suggest perusing the Disney Restaurants forum...I am thinking you will want score some great reservations for your trip.

Enjoy the research and the planning!!

ETA you can download the My Disney Experience app and explore some of it without having reservations/tickets.

 

[MegMoves]

You'll want to plan around RunDisney, as well as Spring Breaks. Rundisney.com

If you rent or buy DVC villas, your parking is included for your stay.

If you're looking for someone else to do the work - remember you can contact Dreams Unlimited Travel and have them set everything up at no extra cost to you. If you are the type that likes the planning part (I'm in this camp.) welcome back to the boards!

 

[CeeCee101]

I am a planning nut and am reading stuff like mad (and realize you all are NOT travel agents) but feel like my head is spinning because things are SO different now. My questions are coalescing now and I am posting more specific questions on the specific board site: parks. Resorts, etc. But thanks for getting me started.

 

[MegMoves]

I am a planning nut and am reading stuff like mad (and realize you all are NOT travel agents) but feel like my head is spinning because things are SO different now. My questions are coalescing now and I am posting more specific questions on the specific board site: parks. Resorts, etc. But thanks for getting me started.

I am absolutely the planner in my group. The research and trip design is a rewarding part of the anticipation.

 

[scrappinginontario]

If you’re hoping to plan your trip yourself, this thread has many links to helpful information:

https://www.disboards.com/threads/planning-tips-for-your-disney-trip-start-here.3873895/

 

[Kelseyblue]

I am a planning nut and am reading stuff like mad (and realize you all are NOT travel agents) but feel like my head is spinning because things are SO different now. My questions are coalescing now and I am posting more specific questions on the specific board site: parks. Resorts, etc. But thanks for getting me started.

I am a travel agent, and I love to answer questions. I read your post, and a lot of things have changed since the last time that you went. But you can still have an amazing time. You can never go wrong with staying at the Contemporary. Genie+ can seem overwhelming, but it is much easier after a day or two. CM are great if you have questions about it.