5 Steps for a Successful Walt Disney World Vacation

If you're planning a family vacation to Walt Disney World you already know there are a lot of things to consider. When to go, where to stay, what to see.... There's so much to consider before you ever get to meet Mickey Mouse in the Magic Kingdom.

While planning a trip to Walt Disney World can be daunting and can seem like an overwhelming task, it doesn't have to be. With some simple planning a family trip to Walt Disney World can be easy and be the vacation of the lifetime.

Here are five easy steps to planning a worry-free Walt Disney World vacation.

Pick a time of year to visit Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World is open 365 days a year. Deciding when to visit is easy for some families; when school is out. Because families often visit Walt Disney World when their children are out of school, such as summer vacation or during the winter holidays, these times tend to be the busiest. If you want to visit Walt Disney World when the crowds are thinner, plan a visit when school is in session. January tends to be the least crowed time of year.

Decide where to stay

There are hundreds of hotels in the area of Walt Disney World and over thirty hotels actually within the Walt Disney World resort. While the common perception that actually staying at a Walt Disney World hotel is expensive, that isn't always the case. In fact, at some of the value resorts (that's what Walt Disney World calls there lowest priced hotels) rooms start at under $80 per night.

And by actually staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel brings you extra benifits that you would get if you stay off property. One of the best bis benefits the "Extra Magic Hours" program that gives Walt Disney World hotel guest extra time in the theme parks either before the park opens or up the three hours after the park's close.

Figure out if you need a rental car

If you're only planning on visiting Walt Disney World and don't plan on venturing out to Orlando's other attractions, then you may not even need a rental car. If you're staying at a Walt Disney World hotel then all your transportation within Walt Disney World is included. The monorails, boats, and buses of Walt Disney World cover every part of the resort.

And if you're flying into Orlando and staying at a Walt Disney World hotel then even getting to Walt Disney World (and back to the airport) is included. Disney's Magical Express service will take you from the airport to your hotel for free. They'll even take you directly to one of the theme parks and your luggage to your hotel so you can start your vacation right away!

Save money on your Walt Disney World tickets

One day, one park tickets currently cost about $80 per person. The more days you buy, the cheaper the per-day cost becomes. However, there are ways to save money on your park admission tickets. AAA members get discounts on theme park tickets. And if you're not a member of AAA the savings might outweigh the cost of a one-year membership.

And Walt Disney World sometimes extends discounts (or even free admission) to members of the Armed Services. You should check with Walt Disney World before you go to see if any of these promotions are being offered during your visit.

And finally, have fun!

Walt Disney World is huge. In fact,.it's twice the size of Manhattan. Because there is so much to see and to do, it ofter becomes overwhelming. You will never be able to see and and do everything in one visit. The best way to plan a visit to the four theme parks of Walt Disney World is to decide before you go what rides and shows you want to see and do those things first. Then, if you have time do some of the other things that Walt Disney World has to offer.

Remember, you're on vacation in the most magical place on earth... enjoy yourself and have the vacation of a lifetime.