Newb~!

[cola1016]

I have a family of 5 and really wanting to plan a vacation to WDW, but I literally have no idea where to start! Does anyone have any suggestions on how to even begin planning?

 

[Camshell]

I have a family of 5 and really wanting to plan a vacation to WDW, but I literally have no idea where to start! Does anyone have any suggestions on how to even begin planning?

https://www.disneyvacations.com/dv/en_US/VacationPlanningDVD/
Start by ordering the vacation planning video.

I'm sure others will chime in with advice. It would be helpful if you gave the ages of kids, your budget (very tight, moderate, skys the limit), what time of year you are able to go, and how long you are hoping to spend.

 

[kelconic]

I would start by choosing your dates and resort, then going from there. I planned our first trip for our family of five last year. There is plenty of great info on the disney world website and these boards, things like FP+ info, dining info, etc.! Once you have your date and resort you can look at crowd calendars and park hours and decide which parks to visit each day, as well as which attractions you want to do in each park. One thing I really wished I had done before going was study maps of the park layouts. We knew everything we wanted to do but spent a lot of time in the parks looking at the map trying to figure out where things were!

 

[Alesia]

Start here: **************.net/

Then, for more detailed information, go here: www.easywdw.com/

If you're looking for a guidebook, this is the one to buy: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/19...Code=as2&tag=ea03e-20&linkId=2IR2LU46BGY32SRS

 

[Disney Khaleesi]

First off:

Start off with planning the dates. Head over to the resorts board to see what resorts you may be interested in. Explore around a little, and ask as many questions as you'd like! We're all here to help!

 

[whositsandwhatsits]

Another great resource is the Disney Parks Moms Panel. Browse through the questions and answers and feel free to ask away. They have great advice.

I also use allears.net and undercover tourist to help plan.

I will be honest, planning is half the fun!

 

[ElizabethG]

I would start by choosing your dates and resort, then going from there. I planned our first trip for our family of five last year. There is plenty of great info on the disney world website and these boards, things like FP+ info, dining info, etc.! Once you have your date and resort you can look at crowd calendars and park hours and decide which parks to visit each day, as well as which attractions you want to do in each park. One thing I really wished I had done before going was study maps of the park layouts. We knew everything we wanted to do but spent a lot of time in the parks looking at the map trying to figure out where things were!

This is very close to what I would recommend.

First, pick a resort. Info and pictures:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/resorts/resortmain.htm

Then pick your dates. easy WDW has a nice crowd calendar that is free:
http://www.easywdw.com/

Then be an avid DisBoards lurker. I have found out so much that I didn't even know to ask about by reading the threads.

Other great info-
Restaurant locations and menus:
http://allears.net/dining/menu

Mesaboy's FP+ info thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3143281