Planning your first trip to Disney? Do this first.

Here's the deal. We're a family of six with kids ranging in age from 4 years old to 21 years old. There are very few destinations that meet all of our vacay needs. It's taken us a few years to get the hang of it, but we've absolutely come to realize Disney is it -- especially with their addition of rides that serve our more daring kids with Rise of the Resistance, Everest, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, Tron and Guardians of the Galaxy. 

That said, Disney is like its own entirely separate ecosystem. There's so much to know, so much to consider and it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start. So, if you're planning your first trip to Disney World, or your first trip in years, avoid the overwhelm by simplifying your planning strategy. 

Single most important decision to make first:

PLANNING STEP #1: Where should you stay?

That's it. That's all you need to think about right now. Don't get sucked into the matrix; stay on the surface with exclusively hotel booking right now. Disney has a variety of properties to accommodate varying budgets, guest counts, proximity to parks, and other advantages. Nope, we're not going over them here. But here are some questions to ask yourself before calling Disney to book your trip. Yes, I said, "call" like a mom straight outta the 80's. Could you book online? Absolutely. But if you're a first-timer or a first-in-a-while-er, I'd call and chat with a human cast member so they can field your questions on the spot or even help you pivot as you encounter any new information. (They're wonderful - trust me.)

When deciding upon a Disney World hotel, here are some important questions to ask yourself ahead of time to help narrow down the best fit for your vacay. Then, take your answers to the filters on the Explore Resort Hotels page. (As a manager of User Experience, the UX is pretty good):

1. Budget: What is your budget for accommodations? Determine how much you are willing to spend on your hotel stay and consider factors like the length of your stay and the amenities you desire.

2. Location: Do you prefer to stay within the Disney World Resort or are you open to staying off-site? Consider the convenience of staying on-site, closer to the parks, or weigh the potential cost savings of off-site options.

3. Theme: Are you looking for a specific theme or ambiance in your hotel? Disney World offers a range of themed hotels, from classic Disney characters to more specific themes like the Caribbean, wilderness lodges, or a Polynesian paradise. How immersed do you want to be in the Disney experience?

4. Resort Amenities: What amenities are important to you? Consider the available pools, dining options, transportation services, fitness centers, spa services, and any other features that would enhance your stay.

5. Room Size and Configuration: How many people will be staying in the room? Consider the size and configuration of the rooms offered to ensure they accommodate your party comfortably. For instance, not all room options accommodate the five or six travelers in our family. With our family of five, we tend to choose the Yacht Club, but as we plan for a party of six next year, we'll look to a resort that offers an alternate room layout.

6. Dining Options: Do you prefer having a variety of dining options within the hotel? Some Disney World hotels offer multiple restaurants and quick-service options, while others may have more limited dining choices.

7. Transportation: How do you plan to get around the resort and to the parks? Consider the transportation options available at the hotel, such as complimentary buses, boats, or the monorail, to help you determine the most convenient choice for your needs.

8. Extra Magic Hours and Early Lightning Lane Reservations: Are you interested in taking advantage of Extra Magic Hours, which offer extended park hours exclusively for Disney World resort guests? Do you want to make doubly sure you wait in as few lines as possible? On-site guests can secure early Genie+ reservations, or book early individual lightning lane reservations for popular rides.

9. Reviews and Recommendations: Have you read reviews or sought recommendations from others who have stayed at Disney World hotels? Hearing about others' experiences can provide valuable insights and help you make an informed decision.

By considering these questions and factors, you can narrow down your options and find the Disney World hotel that best suits your preferences, budget, and overall vacation goals.