Planning a Disney vacation should feel magical — but let’s be honest: in the beginning, it often feels like stepping into an unfamiliar land without a map.
If you’ve found yourself buried in browser tabs, second-guessing travel dates, comparing hotel options until midnight, or wondering where to even begin… you’re not alone. Many families start their Disney journey excited, but quickly run into the same roadblock: decision overload.
You might know you want to go — or at least you’re thinking about it — but the sheer number of moving parts can be enough to stall your momentum. When should we go? How much will it cost? Where should we stay? Should we do Disney World, Disneyland, or a cruise? It’s easy to feel stuck before the fun even starts.
That’s exactly why I created a simple, expert-designed guide to help you take the first five steps — in order, without the guesswork. These are the foundational decisions that will give you clarity, direction, and a confident path forward… whether this is your first Disney trip or your fifth.
Why Disney Vacation Planning Feels So Overwhelming
Let’s be honest — planning a Disney vacation isn’t like booking a weekend getaway. It’s more like organizing a multi-day event with entertainment, transportation, dining, accommodations, and timed activities… for people of all different ages and preferences. And you’re in charge of all of it.
It’s no wonder so many families start out excited and then hit a wall.
First, there’s the pressure to “do it right.” With so many blogs, videos, Facebook groups, and reels promising secret tips and perfect itineraries, it’s easy to feel like you’re already behind — or that you’ll miss something important if you don’t research for hours.
Then, there’s the ever-changing Disney landscape. Park reservation rules, Genie+/no more Genie+, Lightning Lane strategies, early entry policies… they change often, and keeping up can feel like another job. Add to that your family’s unique needs — different age groups, nap schedules, thrill-seeker preferences, food allergies — and the planning starts to feel less like magic and more like math.
And of course, there’s the financial piece. Disney trips are an investment. Whether you’re working within a tight budget or simply want to make sure you’re getting the most value, there’s a constant undercurrent of, “Am I spending wisely?”
The 5 First Steps That Make Everything Easier
Instead of diving into ride strategies or debating MagicBand colors, what if you could start with a simple framework — just five essential steps — that give you the clarity and direction to move forward with confidence?
That’s exactly what this guide will help you do.
What You’ll Get Inside the Guide, I’ll walk you through:
- How to choose your ideal travel window (without relying on complicated crowd calendars)
- What to consider when deciding between Walt Disney World®, Disneyland®, or a Disney Cruise
- How to think through hotel options — and what “moderate” really means
- The smart way to approach budgeting (even if you’re not a numbers person)
- And how to decide if you want to plan it yourself or get expert help
Want the Full Guide (for Free)?
If you’re ready to take that first step, I’ve got you covered.
My free guide — Start Your Disney Vacation With Confidence — is a simple, expert-designed tool that walks you through the 5 essential planning decisions every Disney-bound family should make early on.
You’ll feel more in control, more excited, and a whole lot less overwhelmed.
Pin this post to come back to when you’re ready to plan!
You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone
You want this trip to be magical — not stressful. And you don’t have to go it alone.
If you’re a busy mom trying to plan a vacation your family will never forget, this guide is the easiest, most helpful place to begin.
Let’s take the first step together.
—Allison Jensen, Disney Travel Planner & Mom Who Gets It
