Overwhelmed, where do I start

[Cluelessmouse]

We’ve wanted to go to Disney world Florida for about 6 years and we’ve finally saved up enough. I’m just starting to plan and I am PANICKING.
People keep saying you need to plan like it’s a military operation.
This is a once in a life time holiday for us and I’m so scared about getting it wrong and not making the most of it.

Hotels (on site, off site, closest to which park, do I need special access, will I even use the hotel much?)
Genie passes - do I need it?!
When do I worry about park passes, dining reservations, ride fast passes and all that stuff.

Are there must do things on a first (only) trip?

Please help me. I don’t even know where to start.

Oh and how is best to book it? Do we go direct to Disney? Through a travel agent? A specialist place online?

Planning does make a huge difference imo. I planned our trip with military precision, and it made such a difference once we were there, we had the best time and it was stress-free. It can seem daunting but I would recommend the Dibb website and be prepared to immerse yourself in it.

I imagine a lot has changed because of covid but you'll get all the latest tips on there.

I recommend Touring Plans as a guide on every park and how to approach every day. I’ve used it for years and ensured we’ve always had a structured approach to make sure we don’t queue unnecessarily.
We’ve always booked ourselves.
In terms of hotels, I love to stay on international drive near Pointe Plaza and then we have local restaurants in walking distance which aren’t park associated (so are cheaper) and it’s easier to travel between the two parks. Rent a car and share the driving.

Can I join you clueless mouse? I also want to book but have no idea where to start!

Just do everything independently. I’m in Orlando right now. It’s our second visit. Book your flights, hire a medium sized MPV for you and your luggage (we booked via Alamo).

Have a look at aer Lingus flights as they are cheaper.

On site resorts are hideously expensive. I’ve done apart hotels and a villa. Much prefer the villa. Booked on VRBO, the current one sleeps 10 but there’s only four of us, so we have lots of room. Get something in a gated community.

Go to attractiontickets.com and buy a multi park 14 day pass. Hideously expensive but there’s no money to be saved by booking 7 day passes or on a daily basis. They will explain on the phone if you need them to.

Book fast pass express for universal studios. This is extra.

Download the Disney+ app once you have your park tickets. It’s free. You have to choose which days you want to go to which park. After 2pm you can go to any park, prior to 2pm only the park you reserved.

You need to go on the app to book your rides on the day. That means getting up early.

Consider the Kennedy space centre and a few days at the beach. Siesta key is stunning, the sand is made from quartz, it stays cold so doesn’t burn your feet.

Weather - easter is good. In the whit and summer holidays the weather can be bad, and the parks close rides/pools if there’s thunder.

My first port of call with planning holidays is to google "X hours/days in X" so "72 hours in Amsterdam" or "10 days in Singapore" - and look at the guides and itineraries other people have put together, there are normally loads available, from small blogs, to national papers. I end up using stitching the things I like best from each together along with my own ideas. I also like watching YouTube videos on more specific things when I get to that part of planning. There will be plenty of online resources for Disney Florida.