by Daisy Rosario

Created on: July 11, 2008   Last Updated: July 22, 2008

From a Disney insider's point of observation, many families think it's spontaneous and fun to take a last minute trip in less than four months without planning it through. Getting the most from your costly yet memorable Disney vacation does require organization, planning, and scheduling which parks to visit, when, and where to dine. Most vacationers would think that four months of planning would be sufficient to properly lay-out the order of things during your stay. Most people feel if they are going on vacation, why bother with the planning?

The truth is, as a Disney Dining reservations agent, I have to state that planning far ahead does pay-off, it eliminates last minute frustrations of where to eat, last minute decisions of settling for a mediocre 2 star hotel, last minute family members wanting to come
along, and last minute cancellations which only add to the aggravation of facing that your vacation didn't go as you expected. I have observed how carefully families plan a whole year in advance lodging on Disney property, make advanced bookings of their dining restaurants, and get the most time of the Disney Theme Parks! My goal is to give you just a few "tips" on how to plan out your Disney vacation so you really enjoy it and stretch out your hard earned dollar bill!

First, select a low season. Every day in Disney is a "packed" day. There are no slower days nor lighter days. Disney is always filled with families, children, and youngsters. By low season, I mean January, February, and September. What makes these specific months greater to travel? The walking traffic inside the park is lighter. These months offer the best Disney hotel packages with the best prices! Imagine staying at a Disney resort for $69.00 a night or even $149.00 for one of its popular resorts like the Polynesian or the Port Orleans Riverside Resort! In September, Disney offers resort guests a free dining meal plan! Each of these meals cost about $30.00 per person and to a Disney guest staying during the last week of August and the first two weeks in September, it's free! Add it up; if you're staying for 5 nights, dinner alone for one person will cost you $150.00 (without tax nor gratuity). If you stay on Disney property, you have supper for free!

Secondly, once you have decided which season to visit, go on line (www.disneyworld.com) and select the resort and tickets that mostly accommodates to your needs and budget. Enter your preferred days. If you are staying for 5 nights and 6 days

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