• For crowds, I’d avoid any time schools are typically on breaks for the holidays and even for summer. Spring break and the weeks of Christmas and New Years can be some of the highest crowd levels at the parks. I would recommend January (avoiding MLK Day), February (avoiding Presidents’ Day), early May (after Spring Break crowds and before Memorial Day/Summer crowds), September (be prepared for rain, always get travel insurance, but fall decorations are up!), early November (before Thanksgiving week, fall decorations are still present), and early December (Christmas decorations go up by the first weekend in December usually, before the holidays). 
• For weather, if you’re vacationing to Walt Disney World, you’ll likely have an afternoon shower nearly every day.  It’s central Florida and there’s no getting around that.  Just pack a poncho and enjoy the lighter crowds in the afternoon when people head back to their hotel!  Hurricane season is June 1 to November 30 with the peak times being mid-August to late October so that is definitely something to consider, especially if sailing with Disney Cruise Line in the Caribbean or Bahamas. Protect your vacation during these times always with Travel Insurance.  For cruises, I recommend January and February (a great escape from Winter!) and November and December. As far as Disneyland, every day is beautiful in southern California!
  

For Walt Disney World, I always recommend flying into Orlando International Airport-MCO for complimentary roundtrip transportation to Walt Disney World on Disney’s Magical Express;

For Disneyland: there is a fee for Disney’s airport transportation.

For Disney Cruise Line: There is a fee for airport transportation. If you fly into Orlando Sanford International Airport (or any other central Florida airport besides Orlando International Airport-MCO) you’ll need to rent a car or find private transportation.

For Walt Disney World:

• 180 days – Advanced Dining Reservations become available. For guests of the Walt Disney World resorts, this is 180+10 days (this allows you to make reservations for up to 10 days into your stay.
• 60 days – FastPass+ selections become available for guests of the Walt Disney World resorts.  Online check-in is open.
• 30 days – FastPass+ selections become available for non-guests of the Walt Disney World resorts. Vacation packages (basically excludes Room-Only reservations) must be paid in full. MagicBands should be customized in My Disney Experience by this point. 
• 10 days – MagicBands can be customized up until this point for reservations made less than 30 days to arrival.

For Disneyland:

• 60 days – Dining Reservations become available.
• Note: Disneyland does not have advanced FastPass+ planning like Walt Disney World, they have MaxPass+.

For Disney Cruise Line:

• 120 days – Platinum Castaway Cay Members can book Port Adventures, Adult Dining, Spa experiences, and Kids Clubs.
• 105 days – Gold Castaway Cay Members can book Port Adventures, Adult Dining, Spa experiences, and Kids Clubs.
• 90 days – Silver Castaway Cay Members can book Port Adventures, Adult Dining, Spa experiences, and Kids Clubs.
• 75 days – First time Disney cruisers can book Port Adventures, Adult Dining, Spa experiences, and Kids Clubs.
• Note: The balance due date as well as the corresponding cruise cancellation fees, ranging from loss of the deposit per guest through 50%, 75% or 100% of the vacation price per guest, vary depending on the length of cruise (1-5 nights, 6-9 nights, or 10+ nights), whether it embarks/debarks in the United States, whether it is a “holiday” sailing, and whether it is a suite or concierge stateroom. For details on balance due dates and cancellation fees for your sailing, view your Disney Cruise Line Terms and Conditions in your confirmation email or ask me. 

In my opinion, Disney is a one size fits all type of place! Any age is a good age because all ages can have fun! Often times I hear, “My two-year-old won’t remember the trip”.  That may be, but think of the magical moments they will make, the memories you’ll make for yourself, and the adorable photos you’ll capture. As long as you don’t push too much with little ones into each day, you take the time to enjoy yourselves and experience the magic of Disney, and maybe sneak in a nap or two, you’ll all have a great time! 

Learn more about Childcare Services, including In-Room Babysitting and Children’s Activity Centers, at Walt Disney World.

Learn more about Baby Care Centers presented by Huggies® at Walt Disney World.

Learn more about Baby Care Centers presented by Huggies® at Walt Disney World.

Learn more about Traveling with Little Ones on Disney Cruise Line.

Yes! Absolutely! 100% I have visited Walt Disney World with and without the Dining Plan and I’ll never go without it again. Once you break down the cost of paying for the Dining Plan versus paying out of pocket for each quick-service meal, table-service meal, including character meals, you can see how it’s easily worth it.  While you are on vacation and enjoying all of the magic, you are not having to spend any thoughts about how much you are spending on this lunch or dinner tomorrow.  You can then sit back and relax and enjoy your trip without worrying about an added expense.

Note: Things not included are

• Items that are more than a single serving (such as a box of doughnuts or a jar of peanut butter)
• Items (such as popcorn or drinks) that are served in a souvenir container
• Items sold from recreational rental counters
• Items considered to be merchandise (such as bottle toppers, glow cubes, and bottle straps)
• Special dining events offered at certain Table-Service locations
• Gratuities are not included except at Dinner Shows, Private In-Room Dining and Cinderella’s Royal Table.
  • An 18% gratuity will automatically be added to your bill for parties of 6 or more.

Learn more about the Walt Disney World Quick Service Dining Plan here.

Learn more about the Walt Disney World Dining Plan here.

Learn more about the Walt Disney World Deluxe Dining Plan here.