My Guide to Planning Disney
Fireworks over Disney
If either Walt Disney World® Resort or Disneyland® Resort is on your wish list for 2026, you’re in luck. From parks to cruises, hotels to timing—I have the tips and tricks you need to make your Disney vacation magical. And let’s be honest, planning it yourself can be overwhelming. I’m here to help you:
Choose the right resort for your family’s style and budget.
Build a realistic, stress-free park strategy.
Navigate Lightning Lane access, advanced dining reservations, and other Disney terms (more below).
Plan special extras, from Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique to fireworks dessert parties.
Maximize value by timing promotions, ticket options, and seasonal events.
My goal for you: more magic, less stress
When to go
If you’re flexible, I’d encourage you to consider school calendars when planning a trip to Disney. When kids are back in school during January and September, there are fewer crowds. If you can, it’s best to avoid spring break, summer months, and winter holidays. Weekends tend to be especially busy at Disneyland, since it’s more of a local park than some of the others.
For the best Disney park experience, book 12–14 months out. This tends to be right when availability releases. Disney Cruise Line® books even earlier. Example: I’m booking May 2027 cruises now.
Special offer
Waldorf Astoria Orlando Resort
Waldorf Astoria Orlando, an Official Walt Disney World® Hotel, is offering 30% off all suites now through September 30, 2026. Book before March 31, 2026 to lock in your discounted rate and unlock early entry to Walt Disney World theme parks.
I’ll also be able to add breakfast for (2) two guests daily, a $100 resort credit, and an upgrade (based upon availability at check-in).
How long should I stay
Walt Disney World Resort (Florida): 6–7 days is great
Disneyland Resort (California): 3–4 days (perfect if you’re looking to extend into a longer SoCal vacation)
Disney Cruise Line: 3–7 nights depending on your sailing itinerary
Character experiences
If characters are a big part of the experience for your group, I can match your favorites to the right attractions, lands, or hotels. It’s important to note that Disneyland has more character experiences than Walt Disney World.
Did you know Bing Bong from Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out® only appears at one Disneyland hotel? And that Marvel® is only at Disneyland, not Walt Disney World? Instead, Florida visitors will find Marvel at Universal Orlando. (Fun fact: this is because of a deal made in the ’90s, where Universal holds theme park rights to certain Marvel characters east of the Mississippi.)
These little nuances are exactly where I come in handy.
Glossary
Advance Dining Reservations (ADR): Table service dining reservation, which we can make up to 60 days before the start of a visit.
Character Dining: Any restaurant at which Disney characters are present. They may walk from table to table or be located in one area guests can approach.
Dining Plan/Disney Dining Plan/DDP: Allows guests to prepay for a certain number of meals.
Rope Drop: To arrive at a park so you’re there when they drop the rope to open for the day.
Attraction: A ride, show, or other park entertainment.
Rider Switch/Child Swap: Allows a person to go on a ride while another person stays to supervise a non-rider (typically a child). Then the person who waited gets to ride while the other person supervises, without having to wait in line again. Note: not available at all attractions.
Lightning Lanes: Paid express lines available at certain attractions.
Standby line: Standard queue for guests without Lightning Lane access.
My Disney Experience/MDE/MDX: A portal where you can organize hotel and dining reservations, view park hours, and check attraction wait times. Dining and other reservations are made with this account.
Park Hopper® (PH): Type of ticket that allows you to visit more than one park in one day.
Park Hopper Plus (PHP): Same as a Park Hopper but it also allows you to visit Disney water parks and play miniature golf.
International Disney
An option I love to share with clients is that you can pair a far-flung adventure trip with your Disney dreams, and you’ll likely even save money. Tokyo Disney Resort® is only about a half hour outside of the city, and both park tickets and merchandise are more affordable than they are in the States. If Japan’s been on your list for a while, maybe it’s time to consider two birds, one stone.
There are also parks in Paris, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.
Cruising
With new ships, destinations, and private island stops like the beloved Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Disney Cruise Line is a terrific way to fulfill your Disney dreams without the theme-park crowds. Plus, there are shuttle buses available from Orlando airport to Port Canaveral.
To Know: Disney has a fleet of seven ships. The newest addition, Disney Destiny, just sailed her maiden voyage in November. Sailing 4- and 5-night journeys from Fort Lauderdale to The Bahamas and western Caribbean, the ship’s theme is heroes and villains, with characters from iconic Disney, Pixar, and Marvel stories.
Coming this Spring, Disney Adventure will be offering 3- or 4-night itineraries setting sail from Singapore.
Ships’ Registry: The Bahamas