Planning Your First Disney World Trip
To plan your first Walt Disney World trip, decide your dates and budget, choose how many park days you want, pick a resort that fits your plan, then add tickets, dining and the details. The sequence matters, because early choices limit later ones. 7220 Travel is run by Dave Engel, a Disney-certified advisor who helps first-time families make those decisions in order.
A step-by-step order for planning
- Dates and budget. Decide when you can go and what you can spend, including flights, lodging, tickets, food and extras.
- Trip length. Choose the number of park days and rest days. Our guide on how many days you need at Disney World helps.
- Where to stay. Pick a resort area that fits the parks you want and your family’s stamina.
- Tickets. Decide on park days and whether you want a Park Hopper option.
- Dining. Choose a few meals that matter, such as a character breakfast, and plan the rest casually.
- Park priorities. Pick two or three must-do experiences per park.
- Packing and logistics. Flights, transportation and a packing list. Use our free Disney packing guide.
Choosing where to stay
| Option | Good for | Tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| Monorail resorts (Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian) | Families who want easy access to Magic Kingdom | Higher cost |
| Skyliner resorts (Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, Riviera) | Quick trips to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios by gondola | Other parks need a bus |
| BoardWalk, Yacht and Beach Club | Walking access to EPCOT | Pricier than value resorts |
| Value resorts (All-Star) | Budget-minded families | Bus-dependent, with more crowding at peak times |
| Off-site hotels | Lower cost and more space | Longer commutes and parking fees |
Common first-timer mistakes
- Trying to do everything. You will not, and that is fine.
- Skipping rest days. Tired kids and adults lead to bad days.
- Forgetting booking windows. Dining and some experiences open on set dates.
- Picking a resort by photos. Transportation time affects every day.
- Ignoring the heat. Florida summers are hot, so plan breaks.
Free first-trip resources
We offer free guides for each park on our Disney vacation planning page, including Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. For official park information and current tickets, see Walt Disney World.
How Dave helps
Dave asks about your family, dates and budget, recommends a short list of resorts and ticket options, helps schedule dining and rest days, and monitors your reservation after you book for eligible promotions. There is no up-front charge to start the conversation.
Related reading: Disney World with toddlers, Disney World vs Disneyland and the Orlando destination guide.
A sample budget framework for a first trip
| Category | What to decide | Where to save |
|---|---|---|
| Lodging | Disney resort or off-site, and room size | Travel on less crowded dates or choose a value resort |
| Tickets | Number of days and whether to add Park Hopper | Buy only the days you will use |
| Food | Which meals are table service vs quick service | Plan a few special meals and keep the rest simple |
| Transportation | Flights, rental car or Disney transportation | Skip a rental car if you stay on property |
| Extras | Paid line-skipping options, souvenirs and photos | Decide your limits in advance |
Planning timeline for a first trip
- 9 to 12 months out: pick dates, budget and trip length.
- 6 to 9 months out: book a resort and tickets, and plan dining as windows open.
- 3 months out: flights, transportation and the first outline of park days.
- 1 month out: packing, final reservations and a plan for each day.
Frequently asked questions
What should I plan first for Disney World?
Start with dates and a rough budget, then decide how many park days you want and where to stay. Dining, rides and the details come after.
How far ahead should I plan my first Disney trip?
Six to twelve months is a good window. Resorts, dining and some experiences open for booking on set schedules, and popular dates sell out.
How many days do we need for a first trip?
Most first-time families do well with 5 to 6 days: the four parks, a rest day and flexibility. See our guide to how many days you need at Disney World.
Is a travel agent helpful for a first Disney trip?
Many families find it helpful because the choices are linked. See whether a travel agent is worth it for Disney World.
What is the biggest mistake first-timers make?
Trying to do everything. Choosing a few priorities per park and building in rest days usually leads to a better trip.
Ready to plan your first Disney trip?
Dave Engel will build a plan around your group, dates and budget. No up-front charge to start.
Start Planning My Disney Vacation