GETAWAYS DESTINATION GUIDE
Walt Disney World and Orlando
Orlando is the trip families ask us about most, and it's the one where a little planning changes everything. Which resort, how many park days, when to go, and how to build in a day to just breathe. Here's our honest take!
Where to go in Orlando
Walt Disney World
Four parks, two water parks, and dozens of resorts. Value resorts for budget, moderates for the sweet spot, and deluxe for walking or boating to a park. Staying on property buys you convenience more than anything else.
Universal Orlando
Three parks now that Epic Universe has opened, and the easiest add on to a Disney week. Older kids and adults often love it most, and the premier hotels include express passes for two people per room.
Beyond the parks
Kennedy Space Center, springs you can swim in, dinner at a real neighborhood restaurant, and a rest day at the pool. Every good Orlando itinerary has at least one non park day.
Add a cruise
Port Canaveral is about an hour away, so a few park days plus a short Disney Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean sailing is one of our favorite family combinations.
When to visit Orlando
January to early February
Lowest crowds of the year and pleasant weather. Our top pick if school allows.
March to April
Spring break and Easter bring peak crowds and pricing. Beautiful weather, so book far ahead.
May and September
Hot but quieter, with better rates. September is one of the best value months of the year.
June to August
Peak family season, very warm with afternoon storms. Plan morning park time and pool afternoons.
Mid November to December
Holiday decorations and special events, with the last two weeks of December the busiest of all.
Questions we hear most
How many days do you need at Walt Disney World?
Five to seven nights is the comfortable range for four parks with a rest day in the middle. Four nights works with two park days and a pool day if you're pairing it with a cruise.
How much does a Walt Disney World trip cost?
For a family of four for a week with a moderate resort, park tickets, and flights, plan on roughly $5,500 to $8,000. Value resorts trim that, and deluxe resorts or club level push it well past $10,000.
Is Lightning Lane Multi Pass worth it?
For most families, yes, on your busiest park days. It replaced the old system and is booked in advance through the app, and we walk you through exactly which attractions to grab and when.
Do you charge to plan a Disney trip?
No. Our planning comes at no cost to you, and your pricing is the same as booking direct. It does support a small business, so there's no harm in letting us handle the details.
Let’s plan it together
Let's plan your Orlando trip
Tell us your travel window, who's coming, and the ages of your kids. We'll send resort and ticket options with an honest day by day plan.