by Kristy Stevens-Young

Created on: July 26, 2008   Last Updated: September 09, 2008

Planning a trip to Disney World can be a bit overwhelming with all the accommodations and ticket choices before you arrive and then all the Park choices and ride options once you get there. This article will guide you through the different choices available to help you plan your dream vacation and then have more time to enjoy it while there.

Disney World Accommodations

When visiting Disney World, you have the choice of either staying on-site or in a nearby location.

The on-site resorts are normally more expensive but they have taken extra efforts to help extend the whole Disney experience through dcor. Their best amenities is that all Disney hotel guest are eligible for an hour early (or up to 3 hours late) addmissions at one of the theme parks daily.

There are literally hundreds of off-site hotels in the Disney World area, with many serviced by the airport shuttle and offer free service to Parks.

Disney Tickets

Children ages 3-9 qualify for a child ticket while everyone aged 10 and up must buy an adult ticket. There are two main ticket choices to choose from which range from one day to a season pass. You can purchase tickets for one park or all four and can add on a water park option as well.

The Magic Your Way Base Ticket allows entrance into one theme park per day while the Park Hopper Option allows each ticket holder the ability to go from Theme Park to Theme Park on the same day.

Inside Disney World

On your way into the parks, all of your bags will need to be checked before you head to the entrance lanes and WAIT in line.

Once inside, the first thing you need to do is get a guide map and a times guide for the day. These are available right past the entrance, at Guest Relations and in most of the shops. This will tell you the parade, fireworks and character-greeting schedule to help you organize your day.

Use your guide map to see where your favorite rides are located. You can either join the crowds and run there or, hop on the Disney train at the main street station and ride there.

Disney World Rides

The popular rides at Disney World can have unbearable lines but you can cut that time down with timing. For short lines, hit the most popular rides early in the morning, during dinnertime, right before closing and during the parades.

The other way to spend less time in line is to use a fast pass option, which allows you to get a ticket for a later time. Get one for a popular ride then ride some of the shorter lined ones (or go eat) until it is your ticket time. Repeat the process throughout the day.

Disney World has something for everyone: if you want it fast, slow, wet, dry, scary or bland they have a ride for you! Hard to believe it all started with just one mouse.

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