Thank you so much for the amazing response to the first post in my Saving at Disney Parks Series! Let’s continue today with topic #2: the best resources for planning a trip to Disney.
Now let’s be honest – there are more Disney resources (both in print and online) than any one person could probably ever read in a lifetime. So I am going to focus not just on my personal favorites, but on reader suggestions that come up time and time again whenever I ask for input. Some of you have books that you won’t leave home without. Others follow blogs that are full of Disney tips and information. I tend to do a little of both.
Recommended BOOKS for Disney trip planning
1. Birnbaum’s Walt Disney World
2. Birnbaum’s Walt Disney World for Kids 2014
3. Birnbaum’s Walt Disney World Dining Guide 2014
4. Fodor’s Walt Disney World with Kids 2014: with Universal Orlando, SeaWorld & Aquatica
Recommended WEBSITES, BLOGS and FORUMS for Disney trip planning
1. Mousesavers - I highly recommend signing up for their (free) monthly newsletter. It comes out on the 15th of each month and contain a lot of pertinent info and even booking discounts for both Disney World and Disneyland.
2. Trekaroo - An invaluable resource when it comes to planning a parks trip with KIDS. Find extensive information and tips on Disney World and Disneyland.
3. TripAdvisor – This site is good for reading reviews of restaurants, hotels and more.
4. Passporter Moms – Enjoy weekly podcasts with these moms who chat about all things Disney (parks, Disney Cruise Line) and general travel.
5. DisBoards - Hundreds of thousands of posts/threads on this forum-type site. Chances are good that if you have a question related to something Disney, the answer is already here. If not, this is a good place to ask!
6. Touring Plans – Lots of good info including up-to-the-minute wait times for park attractions. I (paid for and) downloaded their app two years ago and used it throughout the parks to estimate wait times for rides, decide which parks to avoid certain days due to crowds, etc.
7. Undercover Tourist – This website is the only non-Disney site permitted to sell Disney World tickets. They sell them at a discount as well – the prices on their website are all-inclusive with tax, etc. The prices on Disney’s site don’t include the taxes until you get to the checkout page. I purchased tickets from this site for our upcoming trip – not only did I get a discount on tickets, I was able to take advantage of a “buy 4 day park hoppers get 5th day free” promo!
8. All Ears – Great resource with a ton of park info, including sneak peaks at new rides, attractions and more.
9. Kenny the Pirate – If you have a question about a character (ie what characters are at which meals, where you can meet Princess So-and-So), you need to check out this site. It was really helpful to me when planning which character meals we were going to make reservations for!
10. Disney Parks Mom Panel – Who better to ask than Mom, right? Head to this forum-type site to ask your park questions to real moms (and dads!) who are experts in all things Disney. Bonus – they are Disney experts WITH a parent perspective… that’s very helpful when you have specific questions related to visiting the parks with kids.
11. WDW Prep School – Great blog with all sorts of information on everything Disney. I really enjoyed reading some of her comparison posts on various Disney resorts and villas. Check out her “trip plans” section for specific suggestions on things to do with princess lovers, pirate lovers, toddlers and more.
12. Disney Military Tips – Especially if you’re military, but even if you’re not, this website is PACKED with all sorts of information and advice on getting the very most out of your Disney parks vacation.
13. Disney Parks Blog – A blog run by Disney itself and full of helpful information including what rides are going to be unavailable and when for refurbishment, current resort discounts available and more. This site is a good source of general information.
14. Tips from the Disney Diva – This website filled with all sorts of great park-related information. I enjoy following them on Facebook for various tips and tricks to getting around the parks faster and more efficiently.
More suggestions from our readers!
From Cathy:
yourfirstvisit.net – This site rocks when trying to figure out what week to go and many other details of your plan.
easywdw.com – Has a lot of plans and great images of all the current menus (helps when trying to figure out how to find your picky kids food and trying to understand the meal plan).
wdwmagic.com is great for up to the minute changes at the park.