Planning a trip to Disney can be overwhelming, but not if you take it step by step.  The goal of this blog is to take out the guesswork.  You just have to be patient and do one thing at a time.

1. When are you going?

Are you willing to take your kids out of school? Obviously there are surges during the year when crowd levels peak, but overall, Disney is always going to be pretty crowded. I like to go in thinking it’s going to be jammed, and when it’s not as bad as I thought I’m pleasantly surprised. But thinking you’re going to stroll around the parks without another person in site isn’t realistic.  http://www.magicalmadesimple.com/2016/08/18/when-to-go-to-disney/

2. Where are you staying?

This question really depends on what you want to do during the day. Is Magic Kingdom the only park you want to go to? Then don’t stay far away at Animal Kingdom. Do you want to be able to walk into Epcot every night for dinner? Then somewhere on the Boardwalk is your best bet.  Check out this article I wrote on the hotels closest to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot: http://www.magicalmadesimple.com/2016/08/18/best-hotels-for-proximity-to-magic-kingdom-and-epcot/

3.  What is going on while you’re there?

After you decide when and where you are staying, look up what’s going on at Disney during that time of year. For example, October is the wine and food festival and typically the weekends get very crowded with locals.  You might take this into account and choose a different park to visit on one of those days.

4.  Make an itinerary!

Decide what you want to do. What are the most important rides and attractions to see?  Talk with everyone in your party about what they want to do.

by Ellen Volpe – Co-Owner ET Family Travel

*Photo credit:  Disney