Disney World Vacation Memories Are Forever

Do you think a Disney World vacation is just something you do for your kids? Or are you already a Disney World regular? One of the most unusual things about Disney World vacations are that they just keep getting better. Twenty plus years ago when I first visited Disney World it was only the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, which had just opened. It was, I thought, just OK, but really more for my small children. Maybe, it was me and I just didn't tune into it that trip, but my most recent trip with all four of the theme parks in operation was totally different. Again I was with two small children filled with the excitement and magic of all of Disney World. For me, it was like I'd never been there before - and in a way I hadn't because the Disney parks change with new attractions, modifications and upgrades of older attractions and of course the new (to me) Disney-MGM Studios and Animal Kingdom. EPCOT too was more developed, more sophisticated.

Aside from the joy it brought to my children and the fun I had on rides and in the attractions, what struck me most was the incredible care taken to make the visitor's experience overwhelmingly pleasant. The theme parks are beautiful and brilliantly designed with so many details that most people never consciously notice but all of which contribute to the atmosphere and help make the imaginary real. Over the years the Disney imagineers have become ever better at creating not only incredible rides and animatronic critters of various sorts, but also at the details that can recreate the look and feel of a distant country. This is probably most obviously visible in the Animal Kingdom with its reproductions of African and Asian settings. With the addition of Expedition Everest, Animal Kingdom now has it's own world class roller coaster and the scenery for it is unbelievable. Even the areas you pass through while in line have gotten rave reviews. While waiting in line at theme parks may be unavoidable, it's rarely even slightly entertaining. To create a queue/waiting area that actually makes the time pass quickly is an awesome achievement. And it's something that non-Disney theme parks would do well to learn.

When you take a Disney World vacation you are going to be in the midst of a 47 square mile city of fantasy. The size of San Francisco, Disney World has the four theme parks, some 20 themed hotels, themed villas, 2 water parks and associated entertainment complexes such as Pleasure Island, Disney Downtown with DisneyQuest and the Wide World of Sports. And for you golfers, Disney offers 5 full championship courses as well as the 9 hole Oak Trail walking course.

When you are planning your Disney World vacation there are four basic ways to do it. First you can order via the Disney Website or directly with Disney World. This is not a good way to get the best prices, however. You'll end up paying full or nearly full price for everything. Second you can put all the pieces together for yourself through different internet sites or by calling airlines, hotels, rental car companies. This can get a little tedious, but it may offer substantial savings. Third you can go with a full tour package from one of the major tour operators. This is probably the easiest and quickest option and although it probably isn't the cheapest, it will save you money. Finally you can work with a smaller local travel agency and get a package tailored exactly to your needs. With a local agency, you may also be able to negotiate some additional discounts on tickets. That's part of the advantage of dealing with someone face-to-face. However, you do need to double check any prices you are quoted to make sure the agent is really doing his or her best for you. By doing some online research for various parts of the package, then also checking Disney World tour package prices from major operators, you'll have a much better idea of how good a job your local agent is doing.

As a final consideration, think seriously about staying at a Disney World Hotel. Yes, you will be paying a premium over an off-site hotel or motel, but it isn't entirely about money. Staying at Disney World offers you advantages from convenient park access through special privileges such as early and priority park access and unlimited use of the Disney transportation system, including to and from the airport. Disney themed hotels offer a refreshing difference from the typical bland standardization of most hotels and motels plus the round-the-clock Disney magic. And, if you're Disney World vacation is going to be almost all pure Disney, then you can defray part of the cost by not renting a car. And perhaps the best parts of a Disney World vacation are the richness of the memories and the subtle magic of a different reality that will stay with you forever.

Use the links to discover more about a Disney World Vacation and also uncover some lesser known tips and secrets about those Florida Attractions