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.

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

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 is in Orlando, Florida. It is so big it is the size of the entire city of San Francisco! Disneyworld is a huge draw, bringing over 50 million guests a year to enjoy the 4 theme parks, 2 water parks,  22 amazing resorts, over 170 immersive rides, plus character meat-and-great, and many amazing shows including parades and over-the-top fireworks.

  • Go on a safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, watch the colorful Festival of the Lion King. and then ride the guest favorite Avatar Flight of Passage in Pandora.
  • In Epcot  you can journey all around the world. Firs on the popular ride Soarin then as you walk around the world showcase to visit all the countries – enjoying their architecture, food, and culture. A visit wouldn’t be complete withour riding Guardians of the Galaxy, Frozen Ride, Mission Space, Test Track, Remy’s Ratatoille Adventure.
  • Hollywood Studios takes you into the movies! Head in a cartoon in Mickey’s Runaway Railway ride., join the resistance or pilot the milenium falcon in Star Wars Land or shrink to toy size to ride Slinky Dog Coaster in Toy Story Land.
  • Enjoy 2 distinct two waterparks – Typhone Lagoon or Blizzard Beach.
  • My favorite is the nostalgic Magic Kingdom where feel like a kid again with favorites like Pirates of the Caribbean, Peter Pan’s Flight, Big Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain, Seven Dwarf Mine Train, and more.

**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!

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
Frozen ride at epcot in Disney wold FLorida

Epcot

Disney World
Hollywood studios in front of millenium falcon in star wars land

Hollywood Studios

Disney World
Kilamanjaro Safari in Animal Kingdom Park at Disney World Florida

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!

disney cruise
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 these disney locations!

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

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!

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