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I have been waiting for this moment since my first son was born. Next month, I’ll be surprising my boys with a trip to Walt Disney World!
I can not wait to see everything through their eyes from waking them up with our surprise, to walking on an airplane for the first time to seeing the excitement on their face when they meet Mickey Mouse!
I started planning our trip about a year ago and it was overwhelming. Everyone has a different opinion on where to stay and how to organize the trip, and I felt so confused.
Over the next month, I’ll be sharing some of my tips on what worked and didn’t work for my family.
Also, I’ll be taking tons of photos and videos that I’ll be sharing as well. I’ll be shooting some of the videos with our GoPro Hero3, so you’ll get to see what it’s like to actually be on the rides!
Today, I wanted to share a few resources that were very instrumental in helping me plan my trip.
#1: Travel Magic - the backbone in planning my trip. At no cost, they’ll help answer any questions, book hotel & meals, make sure you are given any special promos or discounts, plan out your itinerary to fit your family’s need and share insider tips on how to navigate through each park. I owe all of the planning and organization to them and I’d highly recommend their services.
#2: The unofficial Guide to Disney World 2013 – My cousin recommended that I purchase this book and I’m so glad I did. It includes everything from planning before you leave home, accommodations to how to map out each park to save you 4 hours of your time! I read this book, highlighted parts that were important and added tabs so I can reference those pages later.
#3: Apps! I haven’t used them yet (until I get there), but I have them ready to go on my phone for when we arrive. I already started playing around with them and my favorite (so far) is the My Disney Experience app.
Here are a few FREE apps I downloaded per recommendations:
#4: Disneyed Blog - Colleen does a great job at highlighting the attractions at the parks and sharing insider tips like pirate makeover for boys, which we are totally going to do! If you want to get excited for your trip, check out her videos!
#5: GardenGrocer.com - You can order groceries ahead of time and have them shipped directly to your hotel room. How cool is that? Even though we have a meal plan, my boys always want to snack. We have stocked up our room for when we have down time plus it will save us money bringing snacks and water to the parks. TIP: Order a few weeks ahead of time as they book up fast!
Do you have any resources to share that helped you plan your Disney trip? I’d love to hear them!
Want more Disney tips?
How To Be Chosen For The Jedi Training Academy at Disney Hollywood Studios
10 Tips For Keeping Your Child Safe At Disney World
My Thoughts on the Port Orleans Riverside Resort with video
Disclaimer: I was not compensated in any way for this post. I just thought I’d share resources that helped me when planning my Disney trip.
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
This is a great resource, thank you! I actually just got back from Disney last week for business and am very excited about starting to plan for me and my son (6 1/2) to go next year for a few days. This will help tremendously! Have a great time next month!
Thanks Jen! I’m super excited
Thanks, perfect timing, as we hope 2013 will be our year with Mickey for our youngest two. I’ll be sure to pay attention to your posts. We’re torn between Disney Land and Disney World. We only know the later, but we might consider a drive from Colorado to Land.
Rajean´s last [type] ..Great Debate – Ironing – A Chore of the Past?
I will keep you posted on how it goes!
We ordered from Garden Grocer before our Disney trip in August and our fridge was full when we arrived at our room. What an incredibly helpful option to have for the trip.
Jessica @FoundtheMarbles´s last [type] ..I Am Malala. Aren’t You?
Yes, so excited we will have food waiting for us!
I’d like to have my own copy of this guide as well. It’s been my dream to have a disney vacation. a child fantasy that has never came to life yet. Hopefully this December I can go to any Disneyland!
-Andrea
Andrea´s last [type] ..read this
Crossing fingers for you!
I am definitely going to keep watch for the rest of your tips. We are taking our daughters to Disney early next year. The last time I was at Disney was over 10 years ago so I am sure a lot has changed. I love the tip to get groceries delivered to your hotel room. Will they deliver to hotels on Disney property? We are staying at Port Orleans.
Jen V´s last [type] ..Make Your Own Doll Plates From Canning Lids
Yes, the last time I was there was before I was married! Yes, Garden Grocers deliver right to your room. You tell them where you are staying, when you arrive and what time you want delivery. Also, I’m staying at Port Orleans too! I’ll take some video and share my thoughts.
Oh – I’m so glad I was referred to your site! This is a great, resourceful post that I’ll be referencing for our trip!! Thanks so much!
Andrea´s last [type] ..SAFESKIN for Kids Saves the Day
So glad I could help!
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