Considering the current state of the US economy, this is the first article in a series regarding the 'art' that is planning a Disney Vacation on a budget. The articles in this series will address various planning issues relevant to both Disney World and Disneyland vacations.

When planning a Disney vacation there are many factors that need to be addressed. These factors can be overwhelming for someone who hadn't been to the parks, or planned a full Disney vacation before -- they can even overwhelm experienced Disney planners! In fact, many people start their planning, feel swamped by all of the details and give up, leaving their planning in the hands of a travel agent.

While this may remove some of the 'planning stress', it means that if there are problems, you won't know about them until the last minute or worse yet - until you arrive! And the last thing you want is to arrive at Disney to begin your holiday only to find that the travel agent got something wrong.

Additionally, although we tend to think of travel agents as experienced in getting their clients a good deal, travel agents frequently are not aware of the many discount codes and package deals available for Disney. As a result, by using a travel agent you may end up paying hundreds of dollars more than you would if you organized your own vacation! In this economy, that is hundreds of dollars that could be used for other things - like souveniers!

Planning a Disney vacation may entail a variety of details, but when done correctly, the planning can be part of the family fun, building up to your vacation. If you have older children, it is a great idea to involve them in the planning process --let them help you find out information and make decisions.

Next post... The number one question - WHEN to go?

Welcome to 'Disney Destinations', a blog devoted to providing you practical information, reviews and tips for planning a Disney vacation. I know some of you are probablying thinking...

Oh great...another Disney blog. She's probably going to try to sell me an e-book on planning a Disney vacation, or else promote some travel agency that is giving her kickbacks.

Unlike many of the Disney oriented sites out there, I have started this blog to share the information and strategies I have learned over my many years of going to Disney and planning Disney holidays for myself and others.

Yes, I could probably write an e-book and might make some money from selling it. The difference is that I don't think I should charge people to share the tips and tricks that I have learned over the years about how to plan an enjoyable and stress-free Disney holiday.

I have more than 100 trips to Disney in the past 20 years and have planned both short and long Disney vacations, learning ways to save money while maximizing my fun. Through this blog I will share what I've learned as I discuss:

• the pros and cons of staying on and off site at Disney Resorts,
• Disney restaurant, resort and ride reviews,
• touring plans and guidebooks (and why you don't need to pay for them!),
• Disney Dining Plans,
• and many more Disney vacation topics.

Given the current state of the economy, October's them will be 'Disney on a Dime'. Yes...that is the title of a Travel Channel show. But, having seen the show numerous times, I have to tell you that what they show is hardly a look at how to 'do Disney' on a budget!

If you have questions that fit this theme, or just a question or topic you'd like me to discuss, please feel free to drop me a line (my email is in my profile).

And as always....

Have a Disney Day!