Actually, once you have decided to head to Disney, working out 'what' to do is less important than working out when to go.

Disney (as well as other resorts) charge different rates for different seasons based upon park/resort attendance and booking. If you want to go at Christmas, you can expect to pay more for transportation and hotels (both on Disney property and off) because this is a high attendance period due to school holidays. For example here are the 2008 seasons and rates for the DisneyWorld value class resorts:

• Value Season (from $82 per night for a family of 4): 1/1-2/13; 8/3-10/1; 11/30-12/18
• Regular Season (from $99): 3/30-5/21; 10/2-11/29
• Summer Season (from $109): 5/22- 8/2
• Peak Season (from $119): 2/14-3/29
• Holiday Season (from $129): 12/19-12/31
  

DisneyDiva Key #1: As a general rule, you will pay more during any time period when there is a school holiday this includes: Summer months (no surprise there), but also Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, New Years Day and Easter/Spring Break.

Being a teacher in my other life, I can sympathise with those of you who look at that list and immediately think "it is impossible, we can never go!" If you are limiting yourself to going only during a school holiday, then yes, finding a 'cheap' time of year to go will be difficult. However, if your children are younger (elementary school age), you might consider taking them out of school on a Monday and Friday to plan a 4 day trip. In particular, taking them out in late August or early September means they would only be missing the 'review' part of the curriculum.

Disney Diva's Top Time Picks for Disney:

• End August-September 25th: Yes, school has just started and most families are at home. If you can manage it, this is a fine time to visit the World. It is still quite warm, so if you detest hot, humid weather, I'd suggest one of the other times (see below). But, if you like warm weather and reasonable crowds, this is a good time to visit. September features the 'Star Wars Weekends' at Disney's Hollywood Studios, so unless you are a real fan, I'd hit the other parks and avoid the Studios. The other plus to this time period is that for the last 3 years Disney has offered 'Free Dining' if you book a Disney resort package (hotel & tickets) - more about this later this week!
• Mid-October - Thanksgiving: Weather is cooler which is ideal for a leisurely stroll around 'the World'. Having done Disney in July on my honeymoon, I will never again go in the summer (unless I win a free trip!). Also, during October the crowds are more manageable meaning more ride time. Be warned, Canadian Thanksgiving is over Columbus Day, so crowds may pick up then - particularly as the US Dollar has declined (more out of country tourists). Also note that days which have the "Mickey's Not-So Scary Halloween Party" will have larger crowds, particularly after 4pm. I'd also avoid the "Food and Wine Festival" at Epcot during early October. BUT, one of the most enjoyable trips I've ever had to Disney World was Thanksgiving Day! Weird, but true.
• Early December: It sounds crazy, but early December (from the 1st - 15th) is a fine time to visit the World. Again, it is cooler, but the crowds are bearable. The crowds pick up on days when the 'Very Merry Christmas Party' is on, but are still manageable.

So, if you are thinking about planning a 'quick' Disney get away for October-Early December, NOW is the time to start making your arrangements. There are some great 'last minute' deals available (check out Travelocity or undercover tourist). But, even if you are thinking you might go next September, now is the time to start sorting out the details.

Next post...How Long Should You/Can You Stay?