Get to know these theme park advice sites
Hi everyone ~
This week on our Facebook live Disney chat, we talked about how you can use AI to help plan a vacation. Then we got silly and made up a bunch of fake theme park news (cause it's April after all). Part of the discussion was about how to find reliable, up-to-date, sources - so you don't end up basing a decision on false or outdated information.
It got me thinking about the websites I rely on when I'm planning my own trip to Disney or Universal. There are some incredibly helpful sites out there, that you should know about.
OK so this is kinda weird because I'm about to send you guys to websites that aren't mine. But really that is the beauty of the internet - while I try to fill in the niches with info like how far you'll walk at Disney World, there are other bloggers listing every food item you can buy there. Collectively we create a comprehensive mosaic to help you have a great vacation.
The 5 websites listed below (plus a guide book series you should investigate) are my go-to resources. You'll notice that none of them are the official Disney or Universal sites - those are mostly marketing. These 5 websites provide comprehensive, up-to-the-moment, information about almost everything you need to know.
I think if you have these resources at your disposal, you'll be even more prepared for a great trip. Thanks for reading!
~ Sue
Bookmark these 5 theme park websites:
Disney Tourist Blog
Website: https://www.disneytouristblog.com/
Covering not just the US theme parks, but also international and the Disney Cruise line, this expansive website has details about everything you can imagine related to a Disney vacation. Start with the "Plan" tab at the top to find advice for every destination.
Besides practical how-to information, this site does an excellent job covering Disney news. If you want to find out what is really going on with the state of Florida/Disney World thing, this is your resource.
WDW Prep School
Website: https://wdwprepschool.com/
Geared toward first-timers and infrequent Disney travelers, this Disney World website is loaded with actionable tips. Here you'll find advice covering virtually every aspect of a Disney World vacation. From basic touring plans, tips for how to get tricky dining reservations, or traveling with toddlers, WDW Prep School has practical, tested, suggestions.
The founder of this site, Shannon, also hosts one of my favorite Disney World podcasts - WDW Prep To Go.
Undercover Tourist
Website: https://www.undercovertourist.com/blog/
This site covers Disney and Universal on both US coasts. Hover over the "blog" link to find info about everything from hotels to dining to touring.
Undercover Tourist is also an official ticket reseller for both Disney and Universal. Check them out for deals on park tickets and stays.
Disney Food Blog
Website: https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/
If you want to know about every single restaurant, snack, and drink in Disneyland or Disney World, this is your ultimate resource. Besides being the premiere spot to learn about Disney food festivals, the Disney Food Blog covers every aspect of a Disney day. This is a team of pros who spend thousands of hours in the parks every year, and they share a ton of expertise on the site.
Disneyland Daily
Literally updated nearly every day, this site has everything you need to know for your Disneyland trip. Be sure to check out the "Plan Your Trip" tab at the top of the site, which breaks down every step. Casey has tips for first-timers plus lots of posts about special events, tours, and a crowd prediction calendar.
Website: https://disneylanddaily.com/
Bonus tip: Get a guide book too
Websites are great because they can contain infinite info and be updated in real time, but you have to know what to search for. This is why a good guide book can come in handy too. Everything is there on the pages - it can tell you what you didn't even know you don't know.
I love the Unofficial Guide Books for both Disney & Universal planning. They are incredibly comprehensive, loaded with everything from ride and hotel descriptions, to dining details and scientifically-proven touring plans. Plus you can find them at almost any bookstore or library.
The Unofficial Guides are updated every year, usually releasing in the fall, so be sure to pick up the most recent version. Click here to see the current editions.
Got a minute? Get the run-down!
Over on the website I've created a bunch of Disney & Universal quick-start guides that are only about a minute long. Perfect for sharing with your short-attention-span friends!
Get an overview on Disney World, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Avengers Campus, and more - all in quick visual format. Click here to watch now.