Answering Your Top Disney Travel Questions
When it comes to planning a Disney vacation, I know there are lots of questions! So, let’s go over the questions I get asked the most as a travel coach specializing in Disney Destinations.
Question 1: When is the best time to visit Disney?
You’re probably looking for a simple answer of specific dates that are perfect for visiting Disney - but truly, that looks different for everyone. This is where I can assist with selecting when you want to travel. The best times to visit Disney World, Disneyland, Aulani or other Disney destinations depends on what’s most important to you and your family. Here’s what you’ll want to consider when deciding when the best time to visit Disney is for you:
Decide what is your top priority/most important to you and your traveling group:
Is it lower crowd levels?
Is it better weather?
Is it special events like Epcot festivals or Run Disney races?
Is it when kids are out of school or around kids sports schedules?
Is it pricing and discounts?
Let me know what’s most important to you and your family - and I’ll suggest the best times to consider traveling.
Question 2: What’s the difference between Disneyland and Disney World?
If you’re a Disney travel beginner, this question and answer is for you!
The Walt Disney World Resort is located in Orlando, Florida and consists of 4 theme parks and 2 water parks - plus Disney Springs, a shopping and dining destination that does not require tickets. There’s also LOTS of “on-site” Disney owned resorts to choose from on Disney World property (and many off-site options that are great, too).
Disneyland is located in Anaheim, California and was Walt Disney’s first park. Here, there are 2 theme parks, '“Disneyland” and “California Adventure” - but they are right next to each other so “park hopping” from one park to the other is easy to do here. There are 3 Disney owned hotels on Disney property - and many off-site hotels available, some within walking distance.
Here’s what I’ve found between the two: my family’s heart still lives at Walt Disney World. However, we loved Disneyland to see the original park details from Walt Disney, the marvel and cars land features in California Adventure, and it was an enjoyable trip with only 2 parks, vs. 4 in Disney World.
Question 3: How far in advance should I book my Disney trip?
This is another popular Disney travel question that isn’t one size fits all. The short answer is… 6-12 month lead time to begin booking your Disney trip - but any time is acceptable!
The closer you get to the travel dates, the less hotel availability there will be. That is likely the biggest factor in trying to book early.
Also, dining reservations are made 60 days in advance so it is best to begin planning before then.
However, a ‘last-minute’ trip is definitely do-able! My family’s last Disney World vacation was in mid/late March and we booked it in early February, having just about 45 days from booking to travel. We were still able to get all of the dining reservations we wanted (I’ll share my dining reservation tips with you after we book your Disney vacation package).
THIS is what I’m here for - contact me with your preferred travel times and we’ll work on a step by step personalized plan for booking everything you need!
Question 4: What is Lightning Lane Multi-pass…and all of those skip the line options?
Disney has updated their skip the line option many times over the years so it can feel confusing and some resources out there on the internet and social media platforms are outdated. Here’s where I come in because once you book your Disney vacation with me you’ll get our Doing Lightning Lane Like A Total Pro guide - plus, you have me as your resource to ask any questions to!
Lightning Lane is a separate, faster line available at select rides. Some lightning lanes are included in the lightning lane multi-pass, which you purchase per day, and some require the purchase of an individual lightning lane pass - also paid, but purchased for select rides exclusively.
Don’t worry - I also have a planning guide for you if you’re the planning type - where you can review all of the rides included in Lightning Lane Multi-pass and Single Pass and even rank your priorities for you and your travel group.
There’s also a somewhat new feature at Walt Disney World for lightning lane selections - you can select up to 3 rides ahead of time on your lightning lane multi-pass: 7 days ahead for guests staying at a Disney Resort or 3 days ahead for guests staying off-property.
Question 5: How much does a Disney vacation cost?
As with any type of trip, this can vary… a lot! Depending on how many people are traveling, which type of hotel you’d like to stay in, how many parks you want to visit…etc.
Here’s what will be included in your FREE trip quote from me:
Hotel/Resort Accomodations
Park Tickets
I can also include Trip Insurance & Rental Car if you’d like to considering booking those through me
Disney also offers Dining Plans for guests staying on property - this is a great way to pre-pay for your dining so you can enjoy your trip without pulling out your wallet with each snack and meal. Just let me know if you’re interested in this during the initial planning and I’ll provide these options for you to consider!
Other costs associated with a Disney trip that you’ll want to consider during your planning process:
Transportation (airfare or gas if you’re driving)
Dining (unless you book a Disney Dining Plan!)
Lightning Lane passes
Special experiences (Bibbidi Boppidi Boutique, building a droid or lightsaber, etc.)
Here’s my pro tip for managing your Disney trip costs: decide what’s worthy of splurges and savings when it comes to costs for you and your travel group. Maybe you’ll be fine with a quick protein bar as breakfast on the way to the park but would love a nice sit-down character meal for lunch. Run any of your questions by me - I’m happy to help you navigate where to save and when to splurge on your trip!
Don’t worry - nothing is locked in with your Free Quote - it’s just our starting point to see if you like what I put together for your personalized vacation plan - then, we can make changes to go up or down…and get it booked! Because, you deserve the trip!
Question 6: Where should I stay: on-site or off-site?
Here’s another time where there’s no “one size fits all” answer! Deciding where to stay is an important key decision in your Disney trip planning process - but it depends on your group’s needs and wants.
If there’s a specific character or theme you or your family just love, let me know and I’ll recommend the best resort to fit that theme.
If room space is most important to your family - let me know and I’ll suggest some larger room options.
If using Disney transportation is important to you - let me know your favorite parks or transportation type and I’ll direct you to the best resort for those likes.
There are so many options - truly - but with a little info from you about yourself and your travel group I can make some amazing suggestions to create a magical trip!
Question 7: Is Disney good for toddlers / teens / adults?
Disney is amazing for all ages. Yes, I’m sure I am a bit biased, but I’ve seen it through my own eyes how every Disney trip is different, yet amazing in its own way. At some point, those trips turn from “I might see every character” to “I must ride every roller coaster” - so, take the trip…at every stage and every age.
For The Toddlers:
Keep in mind, Disney park tickets are FREE for kids under 3 years old!
Parades and shows are the perfect colorful and engaging experiences that still allow some space for wiggling around.
Lots of gentle rides for this age group are available - Dumbo, Winnie the Pooh and Peter Pan are some of our favorites.
Magical character experiences are simply amazing. There’s nothing better than meeting Mickey, Minnie, and Disney princesses.
For The Teens:
Thrill rides - think Guardians of the Galaxy, TRON, and Expedition Everest
Park-hoppping: this age group can make it long stretches and fast pace walking from ride to ride to make park-hopping well worth it!
For The Adults:
Luxe dining & lounges - if you’re traveling as adults without kids…take it easy and enjoy the trip while enjoying great food an drink options along the way.
Epcot’s festivals were made for the adults - Food & Wine, Flower & Garden, etc.
Question 8: Do I really need a travel coach for Disney?
You can book your Disney trip without a travel coach/advisor/agent - but here are some reasons why you might want to work with a Disney Travel Coach:
Save Time & Stress
Disney vacations are amazing, but also a bit overwhelming - park reservations, lightning lane selections, dining, transportation, resort selection, special events… there’s a lot to manage. Booking your trip with me means you have my support in simplifying it all for you.
Maximize Your Trip
As a travel coach certified in Disney destinations, I know:
when to visit (for lower crowds, or better weather, or special events - whatever is important to you!)
must-do rides and experiences I will suggest for your ages and interests
Lightning Lane strategies
dining options that match your family’s style
resorts that suit your style and budget
Get The Best Deals
I’m always on the look out for new discounts - even after you’ve booked. That’s right, I’ll monitor all discounts and promotions announced by Disney and can make adjustments or rebook your package to save you money when possible.
It’s Free!
Yep - that’s right! Disney pays travel coaches, not you. You get all the support and planning help for free.
Ready To Get Started Planning Your Next Disney Vacation?
As a Disney travel expert, I'm here to help you make the most of your magical getaway — whether you’re a planner like me or want everything planned for you, I can help you throughout the planning process from start to trip, saving you time! From custom itineraries to insider tips, feel free to reach out with any questions or for personalized planning help!
