DIsney World Florida fireworks at the Magic Kingdom

Disney Trip Planning

One of my favorite places to visit as a family is a Disney park, Disney cruise, or explore with Adventures by Disney. Not only do they deliver amazing entertainment and immersive experiences that take you into stories or a galaxy far far away, they are a place my family can play together. Some vacations you feel like you are dragging your kids through museums, or enduring many hours or driving for road trips, or even trying to get them to sit still to look at the beautiful nature around them – not so with Disney! Disney vacations have something for everyone in your family. And my favorite part is that my kids play together. From my 5 year-old to my 16 year-old, they enjoy riding together or sitting together for an amazing show.

See all Disney Posts

Making Memories to Last a Lifetime!

minne giving autograph to girl dressed as snow white

Disney Cruise line private island Castaway cay private beach characters engaging wth little boy

Jafar and teen dressed up as Jafar at Halloween party at Disney World Magic Kingdom

Meeting Mickey mouse at Epcot Character Spot

Disney World, Florida

Disney Cruise

Disneyland, California

Adventures by Disney

Aluani
Hawaii

Shanghai Disney

Hongkong Disney

Tokyo Disney

Disneyland Paris

Hilton Head
South Carolina

4 Reasons to Take a Disney Vacation

family dessed in coordinating mickey island clothes with hoola dancers at aluani lual

Family Time

Unlike many locations, Disney activities are made for the whole family to do TOGETHER! Make memories WITH your kids instead of watching them have fun from the sidelines.

kids trying to scare sulley from disney movie monsters inc

Escape the Ordinary

Disney will transports you to a whole new place outside of your daily life! Head to a galaxy far away visit storybook princeses, take a safari, head to Arandelle for dinner with Olaf, or head into the Pirates of the Caribbean movies!

child fighting darth vadar with light saber at hollywood studios

New Experiences

Meet a huge variety of characters, try new food, experience the trill of Disney fireworks, enjoy having a soundtrack to your activities, marvel at the costumes and firebreathing dragon in a parade.

having fun on slinky dog roller coaster in hollywood studios disney world

Fun and Laughter!

Get ready to have some fun as you feel like a kid again with thrills, surprises, and fabulous experiences that will leave you feeling WOW!

Disney Locations

Most people dont’ realize how many different Disney vacations are possible! From action-packed Disney parks to restful resorts and fun cruise ships to tours that show you the world – Disney has something for everyone!

The biggest theme park in the world which is the size of the entire city of San Francisco can be found near Orlando, Florida. Disneyworld has over 50 million visitors a year and boasts 4 parks, 2 waterparks, 22 resorts, over 170 rides, character interactions, and many amazing shows, fireworks, and parades.

At Disney World you can go on a safari at Animal Kingdom, then visit Pandora and ride Avatar Flight of Passage and watch the Festival of the Lion King.
Journey around the world showcase at Epcot where you can go Soarin around breathtaking vistas, design your own car on Test Track, try Mission Space, visit Arendale on Frozen ride, head to the kitchen to try the Remy’s Ratatoille Adventure, or join the Guardians of the Galax on the brand new Cosmic Rewind coaster.
Immerse yourself in the world Disney has created at Hollywood Studios as you venture to Star Wars Land to try the popular Rise of the Resistance, become a toy to join in Toy Story Mania or Slinky Dog Coaster, scream on the thrilling Hollywood Tower of Terror, or join in with Mickey and the Gang in Mickey’s Runaway Railway ride.
Take a splash at one of the two waterparks – Typhone Lagoon or Blizzard Beach.
Last, but certainly not least marvel of Cinderella’s Castle in the Magic Kingdom where you can go on Space Mountain, Tron, Splash Mountain, Pirats of the Caribbean, Peter Pan’s Flight, Big Thunder Mountain, Seven Dwarf Mine Train, catch Festival of Fantasy parade, and more! It’s BIG so you will need some tips and tricks to make the most of your time there, see below!

**Plan to spend 5-7 days on this vacation

Disneyland is Walt Disney’s original theme park which was fist opened in 1955 in Annaheim (just south of Los Angeles) California. This more manageable experience has 2 parks – Disneyland and California Adventure Park which are walking distance from each other. Here you will find Marvel Web Slingers, Star Wars Rise of the Resistance, Space Mountain, IncrediCoaster, Soarin, Pirates of the Carribean, classic rides like Mr Toad’s Wild Ride, Jungle Cruise, Indiana Jones Adventure, and the amazing Carsland featuring Radiator Racers. See our review below for what is very different between the two rides.

**Plan to spend 2-5 days on this trip

Disney Cruise began sailing on July 30, 1998. Since then Disneycruise line has grown to a fleet of 5 beautiful ships: Magic, Wonder, Dream, Fantasy, and Wish. The Treasure will debut at the end of 2024. Each of these midsize ships feature amazing broadway style productions, Disney’s revolutionary rotating dining through different themed restaurants, Pirates IN the Caribean deck party with the only cruise ship that does fireworks at seas, many visit their hugely popular private island Castaway Cays, a mind blowing kids club, and innovative game shows and scavenger hunts.

**Itineraries are available all around the glove for 2-14 day voyages

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa is a luxurious family-friendly resort located in Ko Olina, Hawaii. It offers a mix of Disney magic and Hawaiian culture, with beautiful accommodations, dining options, and activities for all ages. Experience the best of both worlds at Aulani!

Adventures by Disney is a guided travel experience offering vacations to stunning destinations around the world. From exploring iconic landmarks to exclusive VIP access, each trip is filled with unforgettable experiences and magical moments. Discover the world through the lens of Disney and create memories that will last a lifetime.

**Trips vary in length

Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort is a waterfront vacation destination located in South Carolina. The resort offers a relaxing escape with a variety of accommodations, including villas and cottages. Guests can enjoy activities such as biking, kayaking, and relaxing on the beach. It’s the perfect spot for a family-friendly getaway filled with Disney magic!

Discover the magic of Disneyland Paris! With its unique blend of European charm and Disney enchantment, this park offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience that sets it apart from other Disney parks around the world. From the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle to the dazzling parades and shows, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Disneyland Paris. So whether you live in Europe or are passing through, you will love the Indiana Jones roller coaster, drone nightime spectacular, and other distinct offerings this Disney park in France offers.

Shanghai Disney Resort was officially opened on June 16, 2016, becoming the first Disney resort in mainland China. The resort includes the Shanghai Disneyland theme park, two hotels, a shopping district, and recreational facilities. With unique attractions and experiences, Shanghai Disney has become a popular destination for visitors from around the world. From the futuristic Tron Lightcycle Power Run and the enchanting Peter Pan’s Flight to the elaborate Tarzan: Call of the Jungle show – there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Guests enjoy the uniquely Chinese zodiac gardens, the largest Disney castle in the world, and a bolder Pirates of the Caribbean that is both trackless and unique in the immerse storytelling from the movies themselves.

Hong Kong Disneyland Park offers a unique experience with its blend of Chinese culture and Disney magic. It opened in 2005 as the first Disney park in China. From attractions like Mystic Manor to seasonal celebrations, there’s something for everyone at this magical destination.

Tokyo Disney Park was opened in 1983 as the first Disney theme park outside of the US. It quickly became one of the most popular attractions in Japan, with a unique blend of traditional Disney magic and Japanese culture. Discover the unique attractions at Tokyo Disney Park that set it apart from its US counterpart! Experience rides you won’t find anywhere else such as the first Tangled ride, a Beauty and the Beast ride, plus complete new takes on Peter Pan with a 3D experience and Frozen land!

What Type of Vacation is Right for Me?

Disney parks offer a fun-filled vacation with lots of choices!

lots of walking (we have lots of fun and come home with lots of memories, but we are not relaxed or refreshed)
crowds (the Magic Kingdom has about 57,000 guests a day; you will be sharing your day with lots of other people)
weather (Florida can be hot and muggy and rain shuts down many Disneyland rides)
can be somewhat budget friendly (you can choose less expensive hotels, get deals on tickets, bring sack lunches, etc.)
most entertainment options (because there are more people, there are more options for shows, rides, character interactions, etc.)
seasonal offerings – food, decorations, parties, and even characters vary based on the time of year. For example at Disneyland, fall offers pumpkin decorations, Haunted Mansion transforms into Nightmare Before Christmas, and Not so Scarry Halloween parties.
lots of food choices! There are plentiful character restaurants, quick serve locations, snack carts, and food from around the world at Epcot to get just the food you are looking for, and yummy options you didn’t know you wanted!

Disney crusies are relaxing, fun-filled vacations

restful (walk as little or as much as you’d like)
less crowds (with only about 4000 people on your boat you will be able to find spaces with fewer people)
weather (while there can be rain or waves on cruises, generally the captain tries to avoid bad weather. Plus you can always head inside for a movie, charater greeting, food, or activity)
more expensive (although there are deals to be had, generally the Disney cruises are more expensive than a park vacation or cruise with another cruiseline)
easy to plan – less planning as you don’t have to make restaurant reservations and figure out how much to budget for food – food and soft drinks are included!
planned entertainment (you can be as busy or relaxed as you want; there is always a movie on the funnel vision/stateroom tv/theatre, character meet & greet, planned activities like gameshows, deck parties, drawing, trivia, etc.)
seasonal offerings – Halloween on the High Seas, Holiday sailings, Marvel cruises, etc.
get to see new places – unlike the parks, cruises can take you to new places like the Mediterranean, Alaska, Australia, the Carribean, and more
fabulous staff – expect a whole new level of service from the staff like cleaning your room daily, towel animals and chocolate on your pillow at night, friendly staff greeting you everywhere, and wait staff that will quickly know your name and preferences
less thrills – my teens would want me to point out that although there are things to do, it is less adrenaline filled

Looking to slow down and relax by the water with familiar Disney offerings?

restful (walk as little or as much as you’d like)
weather (check the weather before you leave home to plan accordingly, if it is raining all week you will have limited options)
limited activities (sure there is the beach, lake, walking trails, and a few planned options – but expense much less planned and no adrenaline packed rides or immersive story lands/dining either)
not inclusive – you will need to budget for food and there are limited options available
less new experiences – unlike the parks with shows, parades, fireworks, rides or cruises that take you to new places, resorts are a come – rest and enjoy and leave.

See a new place without the planning or stress that goes along with traveling!

almost no planning (Disney does all the work of planning amazing, unforgettable trips filled with unique and memorable activities)
less stress (Disney handles all the details and chauffers the small group around so you don’t have to worry about navigating a new city or unknown language)
most expensive (this premium experience that comes with guides to help you with everything come at a pretty hefty pricetag. Prices begin around $5000 per person for short 5 day itineraries and go up to around $10,000 or so for longer trips.
planned entertainment (you will enjoy cultural shows and demonstrations that will create authentic experiences, but don’t expect rides / fireworks / etc)
get to see new places – unlike the parks, you get to visit new and amazing places around the glove from African safaris, Pyramids in Egypt, Machu Pichu in Peru, and many more!
fabulous staff – expect to be watched over, taken care of, and escorted from place to place.

Micheys not so scarry halloween party at magic kingdom in disney world florida

Goofy, donald, mickey, minnie, pluto in front of magic kingdom disney world castle

25 uniquely themed Disney World hotels
200 restaurants
4 parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywod Studios, & Animal Kingdom
2 waterparks
Disney Springs
2 fantastically themed minigolf courses

Take a Disney World Vacation

Most people find themselves drawn to the epic 25,000 acres of Disney World in Florida. It is hard to compete with all the offerings of this massive site. You can spend a day or two at each park and still want more time to enjoy the waterparks, mini-golf, shopping at Disney Springs, or taking in the immersive and charming hotels.

There are a LOT of decisions to make if you plan to head to Disney World. From what time of year to visit to how long to stay, how to plan an itinerary to fit in all the rides, which restaurants to eat at, and what to bring with you. Plus you have to decide what hotel to stay at – the Cars Suites at Art of Animation, princess rooms at the charming Port New Orleans, Polynessian hotel with a volcano pool and beach view of Magic Kingdom fireworks, or the Boardwalks playful entertainment.

We have everything you need to know to plan the best Disney World vacation!

Plan a Disney World Vacation

Disney World Parks

You can jump right in and learn more about the different parks Disney World has to offer!

peter pan with little boy captain hook and two girls dressed as tinkerbell

Magic Kingdom

Disney World

Epcot

Disney World

Hollywood Studios

Disney World

Animal Kingdom

Disney World

Go to Where it all started

Disneyand California

This park has it’s own unique character and charm. We love that the two parks: Disneyland and California Adventure Park are adjoined by a plaza, making them easy to visit together. These parks boast some classic attractions not available in any other park such as Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Alice in Wonderland ride, Snow White’s Enchanted Wish, and more. In addition you will find the EPIC Carsland, Marvel land, and a Monsters Inc ride as well. This just scratches the surface of the fun in store for you at Disneyland in California!

Discover Disneyland California

Sail Away on a

Disney Cruise

If you are looking for the most relaxing experinece, a Disney cruise is the perfect vacation! Get ready to experience Disney’s world-class service, decadent food, and uniqe entertainment that can only be found on one of Disney’s ships. Disney cruises are unlike any cruise you’ve taken – the service is better, the fabulous food is served many times with a show, experience fireworks at sea, kid spaces that will have you wishing you were a kid again, and so much more!

Learn More about Disney Cruises

learn more about these disney locations!

Click on the images/title to the right to learn more about planning a trip to these unique destinations!

lual show at Aluani Disney resort in Hawaii

Aluani Resort

Hilton Head

Disneyland Paris

Tokyo Disney

Shanghai Disney

Hong Kong Disney

All Disney Planning Articles

Text Link

disney goofy in toontown giving kids high five

Which is Better Disneyland or Disney World

By Beth Gorden

World of Color nightime show at Disneyland California Adventure Park

Visiting Disneyland California – Tips, & Tricks for Planning!

By Beth Gorden

hanging out on deck when captain hook and mr smee come walking by to say hi

Is Disney Cruise Worth it? 55 Reasons Disney is BEST!

By Beth Gorden

Explore all the fabulous restaurants onboard the Disney Wish cruiseship along with lots of pictures, food, and menu for a truly unforgettable dining experience!

Disney Cruise Wish Food – Restaurant Dining Menu

By Beth Gorden

Tips and Tricks on Disney Wish Cruise Ship

By Beth Gorden

Disney crusie line has amazing kids programming with character interactions

Disney is the Best Cruise Line for Families

By Beth Gorden

Disney Fun!

Here are some more pictures to inspire you at the possibilities for your next trip. Plus don’t forget to follow along with us on Facebook and Instagram for more travel ideas to Plan the Best Vacation!

Follow on Facebook Follow on Instagram