Disney Vacations come in many forms: families can visit Disney World in Orlando, or Disneyland in California, Tokyo, Paris, or Hong Kong; they can take Disney Cruises (with great kids programs, and even nursery care); they can take family adventures to Wyoming, Costa Rica, Italy.
1. Overview - Vacations at Disney World
With four major theme parks, two waterparks, 22 themed resorts, other attractions, and a total area the size of Boston, Walt Disney World is a vast destination. Start with this overview.
2. When to Visit
In choosing your time to visit Walt Disney World (or Disneyland), you want to balance four factors: crowds; weather; park hours; and special events. Busy times of year do have some benefits, such as extended evening hours, extra night parades and fireworks.3. Disney Vacations: Cruises
Photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line.
Disney vacation cruises are generally considered a top family cruise choice, with excellent kids programs and top-quality entertainment. Nursery care is available too (at an extra cost.) Cruises regularly leave from the east coast of Florida, not far from Orlando; many people do a combined Disney Vacation, i.e. theme parks-plus-cruise. Mickey's cruise ships ply other waters, too: the Costa Maya, the Mexican Riviera, even the Mediterranean.
4. Adventures by Disney
Photo courtesy of Adventures by Disney.
"Family Adventures" are typically small-group tours that offer families a best-of-the-best itinerary in top locations, with all details handled. Disney has entered this niche market, and offers trips to London and Paris, Italy, Costa Rica, Yellowstone, Canadian Rockies, and more.
5. Disneyland - California & Around the World
Photo courtesy of Disneyland Hong Kong.
The original Disneyland, in Anaheim California, has The Magic Kingdom theme park that's also a cornerstone of Walt Disney World in Orlando, and of the other Disneylands around the world. Find tips about planning all aspects of a trip to Disneyland California. Also: Tokyo, Paris, and Hong Kong Disneylands.
6. Disney Vacations - Christmas
Photo courtesy of Disney World Resort.
Disney World goes all out for Christmas. Holiday lights go up in November; every park is beautiful but Disney's Hollywood Studios has the most wattage, with the spectacular Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights. You don't need more than your regular park pass to enjoy the Spectacle of Lights, or the Holidays Around the World at Epcot; but you do need to buy special tickets -- and buy early!-- for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party in the Magic Kingdom, and for the Candlelight Processional in Epcot.
7. Disney Vacations: Save Money
Mousesavers.com is a site dedicated to saving you money, at Disneyworld, at Disneyland, on cruises, the whole gamut of Disney vacations, including theme park admissions, where to stay, car rentals, and any other aspect of your trip.8. "Magical Beginnings": Disney Vacations for the Preschool Set
Photo © Teresa Plowright
Special amenities make it easier to visit the theme parks with tots, such as stroller rental, Baby Care Centers (for nursing, changing, and feeding babies). Quick online tools find the best attractions and entertainment for wee visitors. And Disney World has "Little Ones Travel Time" in early fall, with special entertainment and "Little Ones Magic Hour" in Fantasyland.
