RachaelStanley.com

For the introduction and part 1, click here.

In this section, I’m going to talk about some of the websites I use for planning our vacation. There are a lot of good sites out there to use. But these are:

 

The Three Biggies

 

UnderCover Tourist – This site has calendars that will let you gauge the crowd levels for the days you’re thinking of going. Use the color coding to decide which day you should go to which park. Should you avoid a particular week like the plague? Which park is open longer/shorter? In addition to Disney, it includes information for Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. And if that’s not enough, you can order tickets from them with tax already included in the price. That means, they’re cheaper than paying at the resort or the parks – and you don’t waste precious touring time standing in a line to buy tickets.

https://www.undercovertourist.com/

 

MouseSavers – Check out this site for good discounts on hotels, shopping, and theme parks around Orlando. Be sure to sign up for the newsletter because they will periodically send out a link with a special Under Cover Tourist page that will get you discounts on the already less expensive tickets available at Under Cover Tourist.

http://www.mousesavers.com/

 

DisBoards –  The DisBoards are a great place to ask fellow Disneyphiles for advice on your upcoming trip. The two boards that I’ve seen the most helpful people are Disney For Families and the disABILITIES! Board. Just a note on the disABILITIES! board, I recently helped a cousin with some information for an upcoming Make-A-Wish trip she and her family were doing with their son. They have great folks on there who are so helpful. If you have a child or family member with a Wish trip, check out that board. The Dis also has a really good newsletter you can sign up for as well as a podcast.

http://www.disboards.com/

 

Other Helpful Sites

Here are a few other helpful sites.

Kenney The Pirate –  Kenney has the typical guides to Disney World, but where he really shines is in the details on character experiences. If you’re looking for someone to tell you the Who, What, Where, When, and How of meeting characters. Go here. He’s even got an app.

http://www.kennythepirate.com/

 

WDW Prep School – Run by Shannon Albert, this site gives some good practical tips on touring. She’s got stock tour plans for families based on age of children. She’ll also send you a handy email periodically.

http://wdwprepschool.com/

 

AllEars.Net – This site has lots of helpful articles, blogs and even a fairly new podcast. They will often have a good review of a restaurant or special activity that can help you decide if you want to do something.

http://allears.net/

 

Part 3 on when to go and what to pack coming soon!