So, know you've done it. You've told the family you're going to Disney World. The smiles on everyone's faces seem like they are pasted there for eternity, the kids have finally stopped bouncing like Tigger, and you have to figure out what to do next.

This blog will help with the first steps of planning. I will not go into making reservations and all that, but most of those things can be done on the internet or over the phone with the Disney Cast Members.


The Disney Website: http://http//disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_US/index?name=HomePage
is a great starting point.

On this site, besides looking at the parks, accommodations and restaurants, you have an option of ordering a FREE Disney Planning Video. You Should Do this! Not just for the planning tips, but for the views of the parks, and the other activites to be done. Even though we've gone every year for the past 5 years, I still order one of these every year or so, not only to see what's new, but to get my Disney fix.

A few years ago, we ordered one of these DVDs and one of the tour guides on it kept trying to find the best bench to sit on in Walt Disney World. This was my son's favorite part of the DVD. When we went down that summer, it seemed like he tried every bench in every park. It is a memory we still have, along with a few pictures of him checking out benches.

There are many other great web sites for finding Disney information. You only have to google "Disney World" or "WDW" to find the Official Disney sites. Some really great Fan based (or non-official) sites will have pictures, videos, and information to get you started and excited about your trip. The fan based sites are very helpful. They have many pictures and thoughts about accommodations, places to eat, and the many activites that are offered through-out Disney World, and outside of Disney.

Once you research your trip on the internet and have gotten your DVD, you can make a decision on where to stay, when to go, and for how long.

Something to remember, you can't do everything in Disney World in one trip- it is impossible. You need to think about how your family enjoys a vacation and what you want out of it. Over the next many blogs, I will tell you things that people miss the first time, because they try to do too much.

I know today's blog doesn't seem like things people will miss out on when they come to Disney for the first time, but the Disney Planning DVD and the Fan based web sites, are part of
the Disney Experience that many people don't think about. As the Old Saying goes, getting there is half the fun!