Read message boards. There are so many things to consider when planning a trip to Disney World that one of the best ways to start to organize what you should and shouldn't do and "must sees" is to learn from the army of Disneyholics out there who post on Disney message boards. These fans are more than happy to answer questions you might have on what rides are new and exciting, what's closed for repairs and how to avoid lines. There are many tips that aren't on the Disney official site that people have learned from dozens of trips and you should learn from their experience.
Plan your travel. If it 'll fit your schedule, go at a slow time of the year, when the crowds are thinner, such as January, September or October. It's best to avoid major holidays, such as the July 4 and Christmas, when the parks sometimes fill to capacity. In addition, Disney offers a free shuttle service from the airport to the hotel --- and back --- for guests staying on Disney property. You can avoid the cost and hassle of a rental car by staying at a Disney resort.
Reserve your dining choices. Disney has a relatively new dining plan that you should investigate, as it may suit your family's food desires. For a set price per person, per night of stay for guests in Disney hotels, each member in your group will get a set number of meals, based on the level of plan you order. This can save you lots of food dollars. Whether you take advantage of the dining plan, you should make your reservations as soon as you've decided on what restaurants to visit. The dining plan has made table-service restaurants very popular, and without a reservation you can face waits of several hours.
Measure your kids. While not a typical "thrill park," Disney World does have height requirements for its more intense rides, such as Expedition Everest and Test Track. Knowing how tall your children are will help you know what rides you can and cannot take them on.
Manage expectations. Remind your family that you'll likely not get to see and do everything Disney World has to offer due to its sheer size. Focus on the things your family has decided are highlights and make it a point to see those attractions. It's also a good idea to plan a mid-day break at the hotel for your family to hit the pool and catch a nap. If your family understands the parts of this trip that are tiring and stressful -- but inevitable, like the lines -- they'll handle it better when faced with those situations. You'll then get the most out of your time at Disney World.
