Where do we start?

[pepperderr]

I went to WDW with my parents back in 1987 as a graduation gift. Since I have been married my husband and I took our boys to WDW when they were 4 and 8 yo in 2008 and again when my DH got back from Afghanistan in 2012. We are considering going again in 2022 when one son graduates from college and the other from high school. I know it is a long way off but it will be a lot of money to save up for too. Back then we used the Tourguide .... website and this website to almost never had to wait in line and had an awesome time. I know that the Tourguide website is no longer available so where do we start? I don't even know how the new fastpass bands or whatever they are now, work. Before we did 8 day park hopper passes and did 2 days in each park. I may want to cut it down to not 2 days for each park. We were always there from rope drop until closing. Now my kids will be 18 and 22, and so will we, so that will be a big difference too. Other than of course planning the price of the hotel and meals and tickets, would we just start by seeing what rides or shows we would even want to see in each park and then decide what to do when? What apps do you find useful?

 

[Bjkandma]

I would suggest that you start by determining when you would want to go? Disney is always busy and sometimes of the year extremely busy. Next look into the kind of accommodation s you are interested in. Would you want to share a room, get two rooms, share a suite? Would you consider park time or resort time, more important to you? What about your overall budget? Disney has rooms\resorts in value, moderate and deluxe categories (currently). Unfortunately, the price increases this year have been "ridiculously" high, in my opinion. (Been 6 years straight).

Next try to determine what you would consider your ideal length of time to visit? Some stay 3 days some stay much longer. (We enjoy resort time and enjoying our time together.). Our budget only always a value resort, but a stay of 10 nights is perfect to us.

Current tickets are priced, based on the start date of tickets.

Definitely look into the rides and what you might want to do? A lot is changing currently at Disney, getting ready for the 50th anniversary. Lines for rides - you will always find yourself in lines - no matter the time of year. You can expect waits around 20 minutes to literally hours in length.

A lot has changed since 2012, not a lot of evening extra mAgic hours but Disney is moving more towards "special events\parties" at additional costs. Basically, they have found a way to charge you now for what you previously got for free.

Honestly, a vacation know requires you to book dining reservations at 180 days out, for the most popular ones. Currently fast passes are made 60 days out.

I'd suggest you look at the Disney website to get you started, looking at rooms, ticket prices, etc. Also, a lot of helpful information on this board.

The more preplanning you do, the better!

 

[preemiemama]

I would recommend two websites: Your First Visit and EasyWDW. Both have lots of information for visitors, especially those not familiar with all the changes Disney has implemented in the last several years (fast passes, magic bands, dynamic ticket pricing...). The two men who run those sites have also collaborated on a book- The Easy Guide to Your First Visit- which is on Amazon. It puts all the vital planning information from their websites into a more step-by-step guide, including room layouts, pros and cons of different times of the year, etc.

Once you get a general plan, then these boards are the best resource to refine and get more specific information. Right now you need a "Disney 101" class that can explain all the changes that have taken place in planning for a great trip.

 

[pepperderr]

I would suggest that you start by determining when you would want to go? Disney is always busy and sometimes of the year extremely busy. Next look into the kind of accommodation s you are interested in. Would you want to share a room, get two rooms, share a suite? Would you consider park time or resort time, more important to you? What about your overall budget? Disney has rooms\resorts in value, moderate and deluxe categories (currently). Unfortunately, the price increases this year have been "ridiculously" high, in my opinion. (Been 6 years straight).

Next try to determine what you would consider your ideal length of time to visit? Some stay 3 days some stay much longer. (We enjoy resort time and enjoying our time together.). Our budget only always a value resort, but a stay of 10 nights is perfect to us.

Current tickets are priced, based on the start date of tickets.

Definitely look into the rides and what you might want to do? A lot is changing currently at Disney, getting ready for the 50th anniversary. Lines for rides - you will always find yourself in lines - no matter the time of year. You can expect waits around 20 minutes to literally hours in length.

A lot has changed since 2012, not a lot of evening extra mAgic hours but Disney is moving more towards "special events\parties" at additional costs. Basically, they have found a way to charge you now for what you previously got for free.

Honestly, a vacation know requires you to book dining reservations at 180 days out, for the most popular ones. Currently fast passes are made 60 days out.

I'd suggest you look at the Disney website to get you started, looking at rooms, ticket prices, etc. Also, a lot of helpful information on this board.

The more preplanning you do, the better!

Thanks. I checked out the fast pass info since that definitely changed since we were there too. You said you can plan fast passes 60 days out. I think I read that you can plan 3 a day. So does that mean 60 days out, we can plan 3 fastpasses per park per day?

My oldest son is not even sure he wants to go . Of course, we can decide that closer to time because a lot can happen between now and then. We will plan for the 4 of us and if he doesn't go, that is just more money for us.

 

[preemiemama]

So does that mean 60 days out, we can plan 3 fastpasses per park per day?

Yes- 60 days from your first day of vacation (if staying onsite) you can book for the entire length of your stay.

 

[Bjkandma]

You plan 60 days out, 3 per day. Only one park per day, even if you have park hopper. (A tip is to pick your top rides and try to book them at the far end of your trip.). We plan our meals, etc before 60 days and after the fast pass, adjust everything accordingly.

definitely plan for all 4 of you. It is easier to adjust a reservation minus one, than to try and,add an additional person.

 

[Dumbo777]

I went to WDW with my parents back in 1987 as a graduation gift. Since I have been married my husband and I took our boys to WDW when they were 4 and 8 yo in 2008 and again when my DH got back from Afghanistan in 2012. We are considering going again in 2022 when one son graduates from college and the other from high school. I know it is a long way off but it will be a lot of money to save up for too. Back then we used the Tourguide .... website and this website to almost never had to wait in line and had an awesome time. I know that the Tourguide website is no longer available so where do we start? I don't even know how the new fastpass bands or whatever they are now, work. Before we did 8 day park hopper passes and did 2 days in each park. I may want to cut it down to not 2 days for each park. We were always there from rope drop until closing. Now my kids will be 18 and 22, and so will we, so that will be a big difference too. Other than of course planning the price of the hotel and meals and tickets, would we just start by seeing what rides or shows we would even want to see in each park and then decide what to do when? What apps do you find useful?

The lines app for when you are in the park is very helpful. It gives you attraction wait times in real time. Also touringplans is a very good website to help plan your day and maximize your time efficiently. If you buy the Unofficial Guide to WDW ( which I highly recommend), then you get a very good discount on Touring plans.

 

[Magical2017]

In addition to the excellent information from other posters, I have also found The Unofficial Guide to WDW helpful.