How to Disney PLAN YOUR WAY TO THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH (Like an Expert) STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KERRY GUICE
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y family and I went on our first trip to Walt Disney World in November. When sitting at my computer to start planning, I quickly realized that I had no idea where to start! Which parks should we visit? Which restaurants and shows? What on earth is a “Magic Band?” What if I forget something that I don’t even know we need? That’s when I called my friend Jessica Lord of Small World Big Fun. My family got the most out of every second we were there, thanks to her. She has Disney planning down to a science, and has access to planning tools that you and I just don’t have. Her services were so helpful that I’ve asked her to sit down for a Q&A so she can give you a few of her best tips. My best tip is to give her a call before you book a thing—her services are paid for by Disney, so it’s free for you! (Disney thinks of everything!) SAVVY: WHAT IS YOUR FIRST PIECE OF ADVICE FOR A CLIENT WHEN THEY BOOK YOUR SERVICES? JESSICA: Book as early as possible (9-12 months ideally). Disney has changed so much over the years, it’s really difficult to just buy tickets and show up. From dining reservations to Fast Passes, it’s important to be prepared to make the most of your time there. Without a plan, you can feel like you spent all your time waiting and walking in circles. WHAT’S THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO GO? September, October, January and February are the best times to go, taking crowd levels and temperature into consideration. DO YOU SUGGEST STAYING IN A DISNEY RESORT OR OFF PROPERTY? Disney Resort, for many reasons. Disney offers complimentary airport transportation, they retrieve your luggage from baggage claim and deliver it to your room. Your Magic Bands are free. Transportation is free to and from the parks, or if you have a car, parking is free. The Disney Dining Plan and the park’s Magic Hours are only available to Resort Guests. Purchases in the parks can be delivered to your room at no charge, and you are able to reserve your Fast Passes and your dining reservations much sooner, which is important because the popular rides and restaurants become impossible to get into very quickly! DO YOU SUGGEST BUYING THE DISNEY DINING PLAN? Disney’s Dining Plan is a great feature and while it works for several families, it doesn’t necessarily benefit all families. I can help you decide whether or not the purchase is right for your family.
34 FEBRUARY 2017 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM