Vacation Tips

Tried and True Tips from Visa

Thinking about a vacation to either Disneyland® Resort in Southern California, or Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida for your next family vacation? You really can't go wrong once you set foot on those magical grounds on either coast. And to build upon your ultimate magical experience, below are some added tips from Visa® to get on the inside track. Here you'll find answers to common questions to make the most of your family vacation:

1. How many days do I need for a Disney Theme Park Vacation?

A Disney Theme Park Vacation is a "Dream-Come-True" experience. Whether young, or young-at-heart, there is plenty to see and do. And depending upon your proximity to either destination and your vacation time, plan for a full itinerary of magical moments!

Disneyland® Resort
To make the most of your Disneyland® Resort vacation, you really should plan on spending at least five days here. Especially right now, during the biggest celebration in Disney history! In addition to the special 50th Anniversary shows and parades in Disneyland® park and Disney's California Adventure® park, everyone in the family will want to experience both parks' classic attractions and entertainment — as well as exciting, new additions! Plus, there's even more fun to be found just steps away in the Downtown Disney® District — Southern California's ultimate entertainment, dining and shopping district.

Walt Disney World® Resort
With so much to do and see at the Walt Disney World Resort, you'll need to take a week to see it all. With four unique theme parks, 22 wonderfully themed resorts for every taste and budget, two water parks, nightlife, world-class recreation, and unforgettable restaurants, Walt Disney World Resort is the one place where everyone can have a great time enjoying a variety of vacation experiences.

And best of all, a weeklong Walt Disney World vacation is more affordable than you ever imagined. A Magic Your Way Vacation lets you put together exactly the Walt Disney World vacation you want. On the budget you want. It's flexible. It's affordable. It's magical. In fact, a family of four can visit the Walt Disney World Resort for an entire week, including a 6 night/7 day stay in a Disney Value Resort and theme park tickets (one theme park per day) for everyone in the family for less than $1,500.*

2. What are the best ages to take my kids to Disneyland® Resort or Walt Disney World® Resort?

Any age is the perfect age for a visit to a Disney theme park. Of course, very young children love entering Disney's worlds of fantasy and magic — and getting to meet some of their favorite Disney Characters in person! Children of all ages enjoy timeless attractions, like Dumbo the Flying Elephant and "it's a small world," and memorable experiences, like Playhouse Disney^TM — Live on Stage! And for parents of small children, there are special products and services such as Baby Care Centers and stroller rentals in each of the Theme parks. Even teens get caught up in the fun with such thrilling adventures as The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror^TM, Mission Space and Space Mountain. And don't forget about those great coaster rides — from the classic Matterhorn Bobsleds to high-tech thrillers like California Screamin' and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster®! There's literally something for everyone here!

3. Is there anything for adults?

Although a Disney Theme Park vacation is known for the smiles it puts on the faces of millions of children, it also provides a one-of-a-kind getaway for adults.

You don't have to be a kid to thrill to the magic of a Disney Destination. Adults will find plenty of activities just for them — as well as many experiences to share with the whole family. In addition to the theme parks, both the Disneyland® Resort and the Walt Disney World® Resort feature a central Downtown Disney® District. Here you'll find an eclectic mix of restaurants and nightclubs that offer everything from live music to world-class entertainment. Looking for something a little more laid-back? Consider a round of golf, a relaxing spa treatment or get in a morning workout at an on-site fitness center. Venture out for a daytrip to a nearby beach or other local attraction. Whichever Disney Destination you choose, the options for grown-up fun are almost limitless!

4. What's new at the Disneyland® Resort and at the Walt Disney World® Resort?

Since May 5, 2005, the biggest celebration commemorating 50 years of Disney Theme Park Magic has been building at both Resorts — and now it's just getting ready to kick into high gear! One thing's for sure, whichever Resort you choose to visit, you're in for groundbreaking thrills, new memory-making magic and the happiest of times with a host of Disney friends. It's the celebration of a lifetime in honor of the 50th Anniversary of Disneyland® park. Don't miss it!

Disneyland® Resort
At the Disneyland® Resort, a magical homecoming celebration is well underway. Here you can share fond memories with family and friends, discover unprecedented new surprises, and experience the magic of Walt Disney's original theme park. Find out more about the latest imaginative attractions at Disneyland® Resort including: Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams, Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blaster, Block Party Bash and the exciting "re-launch" of Space Mountain.

Walt Disney World® Resort
And the Walt Disney World® Resort has brought together the best shows and attractions from Disney theme parks around the world — all in one amazing place! Three of the four Walt Disney World theme parks will feature an incredible attraction or show inspired by or imported from Disney's parks around the globe. And, at Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park a new attraction will be unveiled, Expedition Everest. Find out more about the magnificent musical coronation Cinderellabration, the exhilarating free flying adventure Soarin', and the high-octane stunt spectacular Lights, Motors, Action!^TM Extreme Stunt Show.

5. What types of theme park admission tickets are available at Disneyland® Resort or Walt Disney World® Resort?

Disneyland® Resort
Purchase your tickets in advance and save. With a multi-day Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® Ticket you can go back and forth between both theme parks — Disneyland® park and Disney's California Adventure® park — whenever you want, as many times as you want, everyday of your stay! To purchase tickets and find out more about advance purchase savings or limited time Special Offers, visit Disneyland.com or call 714-781-4400.

Walt Disney World® Resort
New Magic Your Way Tickets* let you choose what you want to do and then customize the ticket how you want it. You can select how many days you want tickets for — keeping in mind that the per-day price gets lower the longer you play. In fact, a 7-day Magic Your Way Base ticket costs less than $30 per day plus tax! Learn more

• The Magic Your Way Base Ticket gives you entry to one Theme Park a day every day of your ticket. You can also purchase three exciting options to customize each ticket to meet the needs and preferences of your entire travel party:
• Park Hopper® Option — Whereas your basic Theme Park ticket allows you admission to one Theme Park per day, adding the Park Hopper® option lets you come and go as you please through all four Walt Disney World Theme Parks on the same day, every day for the entire length of your ticket.
• Water Park Fun and More Option+ — For Disney fun beyond the four theme parks, the Water Park Fun and More Option provides a certain number of fun visits based on the length of the ticket purchased. For each fun visit you can choose to visit one of the following: the two Disney Water Parks, DisneyQuest® Indoor Interactive Theme Park, the live entertainment venues at Pleasure Island, or Disney's Wide World of Sports® Complex.
• No Expiration Option — Select the No Expiration Option to ensure any unused days are available for your next visit.

6. Are there any benefits to staying at a Disney Resort hotel?

For the ultimate Disney vacation, include a stay at a Disney Resort Hotel. Besides offering easy access to the Resort's theme parks, each Hotel features its own distinctive personality and special features. All, however, share one thing in common: Disney's legendary quality and service.

Disneyland® Resort
At the Disneyland® Resort you can choose to indulge in the luxury of Disney's Grand Californian Hotel®, surround yourself with the fantasy and magic of the Disneyland® Hotel, or soak up the laid-back beach atmosphere of Disney's Paradise Pier® Hotel. Each offers a variety of dining and shopping opportunities, as well as special amenities like fitness centers, health spas and themed pools. But best of all, you'll find a whole world of Disney wonder right outside your door — including two Disney theme parks and a world-class entertainment, dining and shopping district. After all, the Hotels of the Disneyland® Resort are more than a place to stay, they're a place to play!

Walt Disney World® Resort
Staying at a Disney Resort is the best and most relaxing way to enjoy a Walt Disney World vacation. Disney Resorts are located close to the Theme Parks; some are within walking distance. And they all come with Special Benefits that let you do more:

• Take advantage of the Extra Magic Hours benefit, special times each day when one of the Theme Parks is open an hour early or up to 3 hours after regular park closing so Guests can enjoy select attractions. Valid Theme Park admission and Resort I.D. required.
• Make your journey a breeze with Disney's Magical Express Transportation, a complimentary service available during Disney's Happiest Celebration On Earth event. Don't worry about picking up your luggage from baggage claim. We'll deliver your bags from the plane right to your room and transport you from Orlando International Airport by motorcoach to your Disney Resort hotel. When your vacation's over, you and your luggage are whisked back from your Disney Resort to the airport.
• Get around the Walt Disney World Resort with complimentary and convenient Disney transportation.
• Enjoy the renowned Disney service that makes your vacation more fun and relaxing.
• The Extra Magic Hours benefit is also available to Guests staying at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel, Lake Buena Vista Hilton and Shades of Green.

7. Can I purchase a package? If so, what packages are available?

Disneyland® Resort
Yes! Guests can select from one of two magical packages:

1. Good Neighbor Magic: With accommodations at a nearby Good Neighbor Hotel — always convenient, and comfortable — you're just a shuttle bus away from all the fun at Disney's California Adventure® park, Disneyland® park and Downtown Disney® District.
2. Resort Magic Package: Disney's Resort Magic upgrades you and your family with accommodations at a Disneyland® Resort Hotel, where you'll be just steps away from Disneyland® Resort attractions.

Packages also include:

• Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® Bonus ticket — valid for same day entry into both Disneyland® and Disney's California Adventure® theme parks.
• Including one early entry into Disneyland® park* and Mickey's Toontown Morning Madness** — Interactive Guest & Character experience
• Preferred seating at selected attractions in Disney's California Adventure® park

Walt Disney World® Resort
Yes! Guests can select from one of three flexible packages*:

1. The Magic Your Way Package — Includes a Disney Resort stay at a Value, Moderate, Deluxe or Disney Vacation Club Resort and a Magic Your Way Base Ticket that gives each member of your travel party entry to one Theme Park per day for every day. You can then add additional ticket options such as the Park Hopper® Option.
2. The Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining — Consists of everything in the Magic Your Way Package and also includes the Disney Dining Plan. For each package night, this exciting dining option allows you to enjoy two meals and one snack from your choice of over 100 participating Walt Disney World quick-service, table-service and snack locations. Children ages 3-9 must choose from a children's menu if available. Certain other conditions apply.
3. The Magic Your Way Premium Package — Discover all the delights of Walt Disney World® Resort with this outstanding package consisting of a Disney Resort stay, the Magic Your Way Premium Ticket** which includes the Park Hopper® option and Magic Plus Pack Option, breakfast, lunch and dinner plan per person, per night, plus recreation and entertainment. Children ages 3-9 must choose from a children's menu if available. Certain other conditions apply.