I have only been to the Disney Parks a handful of times. Walt Disney World in 1985, 1990 and 2000 and Disneyland in 1987. With my next trip being nearly a decade since my last I feel like I am starting over when it comes to planning this trip since there have been so many changes.

I decided to go with a travel agent to help me with the planning. They generally do not charge any fees and Stephanie, my agent, has done a great job helping me by explaining what kind of discounts I can expect and setting up dining reservations.

After doing a lot of research I decided not to go with one of the Magic Your Way packages that Disney offers. My reasoning was because I am going to be going down to WDW two time next year, once in June with my kids and once in December for Mousefest, more on this to come. It works out cheaper to purchase an annual pass for me and 6 day discounted tickets from Orlando Fun Tickets for both of my kids. I also had the opportunity to purchase both of these at last years prices so I was able to save a little money doing that as well. (more…)