Ask Magically Speaking

In each issue we like to answer questions from you. What are your questions? Are you wondering about a certain attraction? Are you curious about a resort or cruise? Do you have some nagging little trivia question that you are just dying to know the answer to? If so, please send them to us. We have a great team of Disney experts and sleuths who would love to answer your questions! If you have a question, send it to us at magicallyspeaking@themouseforless.com.

Ask Magically Speaking is a regular feature in the Magically Speaking newsletter. The following Ask Magically Speaking was published in the December 17, 2007 issue
of Magically Speaking ISSN: 1556-3863

Q. I am a virtual Disney newbie, and am so confused about how to start planning our trip. There are so many resources out there -- books, websites, podcasts. We are going to Disney in 18 months. How do you recommend we prepare? (Submitted by Delilah B.)

A. Hi, Delilah. Where to begin, where to begin? You can do as much or as little advance prep as you want, but I'd say the more you can acquaint yourself with what Walt Disney World has to offer, the richer and more exciting your vacation can be. I'll describe what I'd consider the Big Kahuna of preps. You'll need to adapt it to the time and energy you're willing and able to put into your trip planning.

Walt Disney World is so large a topic that getting enough input from a single source is a very tall order. While no single resource fully prepares you for everything you need to know, a good mixture of information and advice (both in print and online) will get you well on your way to being prepared for your vacation.

Start by getting your hands on a solid, tangible guidebook. There are literally dozens of guidebooks available for WDW and you certainly don't or won't need them all, so don't be afraid to go to your local library or bookstore and poke around (just be forewarned that many stores often combine Disneyland guidebooks with Walt Disney World's). Another good resource is an online reseller, like Amazon.com, which has independent reviews and ratings from readers -- even if you don't order from there, at least you won't be shopping blind. You'll want a guidebook with thorough explanations of resorts and dining options in addition to the parks themselves and rides. Remember that at Walt Disney World, the resorts are not just hotels. Each one offers a unique experience and many offer special activities (often available even to those staying elsewhere). Big names out there include the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World, and Passporter's Walt Disney World -- both are reliable and good reads.

Before you make a purchase, keep in mind the timeframe that books are published. Most first editions for the specific year are actually published between August-November of the year before. Online retailers should give you a publication date for each year's edition, so you'll know whether it's okay to buy the book today or if you should wait for the next edition to come out (for example, if you're going in December 2008, you may want to wait until you can buy the 2009 edition). Read the book thoroughly, maybe even twice.

Now's the time to realize that Walt Disney World is extremely dynamic -- so much so that not even change is constant. This means that as fresh as that 2009 guidebook is in late 2008, it will probably have a bit of outdated information even a couple of months after publication. To remedy this, most guidebooks have a supporting website that includes WDW resort updates, so it's important to become aware of this and subscribe to any updates the book offers.

Once you're aware of the basics of the property, then comes your opportunity to clear up any questions and to start developing touring plans. Start by exploring websites and introduce yourself to one or two of the major discussion forums (most guidebooks will even provide you with some specific sites they recommend -- we like TheMouseForLess.com;-)). You'll be best served by following the message discussions, even some that don't pertain to you, because you never know -- someday they just might. After a couple of weeks of acclimating yourself to the site, begin asking your questions to help give you a clearer vision of what you hope to accomplish. Again, be aware that a lot of the information you may get on the website (even on discussion forums) can be outdated -- what was true two years ago may not be true today, let alone tomorrow. If you have enlisted the help of a Disney specialist travel agency (we like The Magic for Less Travel, of course), you can also consult with your agent for answers or advice.

A handful of sites offer newsletters and the increasingly popular podcasts. These can be good for keeping up to date with news and changes at the parks, as well as providing additional information and ideas for your vacation through feature articles. It may be a good idea when you've absorbed a lot of the basics to try out every one you can find. You'll soon find enough redundancy that you'll want to cut down but hopefully by then you'll know which resources you prefer.

Lastly, go to the parks with a plan. The idea does offend some people who don't believe it's vacation-like, but armed with the proper knowledge and an idea (even the most basic and vague), you'll have a better shot at not being one of those who come back to complain about weather, crowds, and waits. Many guidebooks offer touring plans which are good to familiarize yourself with as they'll show the trends for which attractions are most popular. Many MouseForLess.com members have used TourGuideMiKE with success. TourGuideMiKE provides you with enough information to effectively create your own touring plans. Other subscription sites offer pre-set touring plans. Also, you can have your travel agent assist you, or even purchase software that will plan your day down to the minute.

Good luck with your planning, Delilah. Magically Speaking finds it to be half the fun of preparing for a Disney trip. We hope you find it equally enjoyable.