Hello, my name is Anne and welcome to my series of video guides that show you how to plan your Disney World vacation. We're going to use my book, Mouse Map, to help plan your vacation.

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World can be divided into three steps: Discover, Decide and Document. You might be tempted to just jump in and start making reservations. My experience with travel planning has proven to me that taking time to do some research and make some basic decisions before you start making reservations increases your ability to have the vacation of your dreams.

Let's start with the first step: Discover the Walt Disney World resort. Disney World is a huge, all inclusive vacation destination with four theme parks, two water parks, two entertainment districts and more than 20 hotels. In Mouse Map, start with the first chapter on Page 2 to get an orientation to the entire resort. Then discover what makes each theme park unique by continuing to the theme park chapters. In other videos, I'll show you how to use the Mouse Maps to plan your vacation and gather more information on each of the major parks. Continue through the chapters to discover even more recreation options, the Disney hotels, and transportation.

As you use the maps and checklists in Mouse Map, you'll begin the second step: Decide. It's impossible to do everything at Disney World, so as you go through the Disney World maps, use the checkboxes to mark the attractions and restaurants that are most interesting to your family. This will help you decide how many days to spend in each park. In the chapter on resort hotels, use the checklists to decide which hotel is the best match for your family's budget and preferences.

After you've discovered the Disney World resort and decided on some basics, you'll be ready for step 3: Document. The final chapter is the Vacation Planner. Beginning on Page 80, you can go step by step through a few more decisions, then begin making reservations and documenting your Disney World vacation plan. Some guests prefer to make very detailed plans, while other guests just make basic reservations, like their Disney hotel and airline travel. The Vacation Planner easily adapts to both styles.

And there you have it. My three steps for planning the perfect Disney World vacation: Discover, decide and document. I'll be sharing more details about planning your Disney World vacation in other videos.

If you already have a copy of Mouse Map, you can get started right away be turning to Page 2. If you don't have a copy, visit the Mouse Map order page for details on how to receive your ebook or spiral version.

Hello, my name is Anne and welcome back to my series of video guides that show you how to plan your Disney World vacation. We're using Mouse Map as our planning guide.

In this video, you'll see how to use a Disney World map to plan your vacation. Using a theme park map might seem a little different from using a road map. But they are actually very similar.

When you use a road map, you usually start by locating where you are starting. Then you find where you want to go and plot the best route between the two locations. Use a pencil or a highlighter to mark the way.

When you look at a Disney World map, you'll want to do that same thing... Discover the attractions, decide on your favorites, then plan your day in the park. The maps in the Mouse Map include short descriptions on the maps...That makes remembering important details and enjoying your days in theme park so much easier!

As you look at each Mouse Map, use the entrance to the park as your starting point. On each park overview map, the entrance is located at the bottom center (even if that doesn't put north at the top of the map). Look for the ticket booths, lockers, stroller rentals and restrooms.

Then follow the walkways to explore the park. Use a pencil or highlighter to mark the attractions and restaurants that are most interesting to your family. Notice how the park is arranged... This will help you get around faster when you visit the park.

The Magic Kingdom and Disney's Animal Kingdom use the classic "hub and spoke" layout. That is... A main walkway leads to the center of the park, then other walkways radiate out from the center to lead you to the other areas of the park.

Disney-MGM Studios is a modified "hub and spoke" design. Some areas of the park aren't directly connected to the center hub. Follow the walkways to reach the back side of the park.

And Epcot is arranged like two circles side by side... From the main entrance, you'll enter Future World, which is mostly like a "hub and spoke" design. By walking through Future World, you'll reach the World Showcase. The attractions are arranged on an oval walkway around a lagoon.

No matter what park map you are exploring, check out each attraction, restaurant and other points on the map. Highlight the areas with the most interest, then plan your trip to the park by drawing a route on the map... just as you would on a road map. So, think of the theme park map as your road map to your vacation.

If you already have a copy of the Mouse Map, you can start exploring Disney World right now. If you don't have a copy, check out the links on this page for details on how to order.

Hello, my name is Anne and welcome back to my series of video guides that show you how to plan your Disney World vacation. We're using Mouse Map as our planning tool.

In this video, we'll explore the four major theme parks at Disney World. Walt Disney revolutionized the amusement park concept by focusing on "themes." He arranged his theme parks into "lands" with attractions that all related to a central theme. Understanding the theme of each Disney park will help your planning.

Let's start with the Magic Kingdom on Page 14. Fantasy is the central theme of the Magic Kingdom. This park was designed for those who are kids or at least kids at heart. At the Magic Kingdom's seven themed lands, you'll find the most famous classic attractions, like Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean. If you have small children, you'll probably spend the most time enjoying Dumbo Peter Pan, Pooh's Adventures, and other attractions in Fantasyland.

Next turn to Page 24, where you'll see Epcot, the second park. Exploration of culture and learning is the major theme of Epcot. Attractions are designed to help guests learn something new or experience different cultures. Epcot is divided into two major areas: Future World is an interactive view of current and future technologies. The World Showcase features entertainment, dining and shopping experiences at 11 pavilions representing countries from around the world. I love closing a day at Disney World with IllumiNations, the exciting fireworks and musical display held at the lagoon each night.

Now, turn to Page 34 -- Disney's Hollywood Studios. The world of entertainment is the theme of this park. Attractions, shows, restaurants and shops are all designed to bring the movies, television and music to life for guests. The Studios is divided into seven areas, each named for a street or area famous in the entertainment industry -- and it is also home to the most thrill rides and high-energy shows at a Disney park.

And last, let's go to Page 34 and visit Disney's Animal Kingdom. The theme here is the world of animals -- living, extinct and fantasy. Telling the stories of our animal neighbors and the environment is the center of all attractions, including restaurants and shops. Animal Kingdom is a delightful mixture of thrilling adventures, relaxing exhibits, kid-friendly activities, and ethnic dining and shopping.

So that's your introduction to the four major theme parks at Walt Disney World. To explore other entertainment choices at Disney World, turn to Page 54 where you can explore the water parks and Downtown Disney.

If you already have a copy of the Mouse Map, you can start exploring the parks right now. If you don't have a copy, click here to order your own PDF or spiral-version of Mouse Map.

Hello, my name is Anne and welcome back to my series of video guides that show you how to plan your Disney World vacation. Remember that we are using the Mouse Map to help plan your vacation. In this video, we'll discover more about rides and attractions at Walt Disney World.

What's the first thing you think about when you think of Disney World? It's probably the rides and attractions! And Disney offers everything from gentle, child-friendly rides to high-energy thrill rides that knock your socks off, from impressive cultural exhibits to rollicking musical extravaganzas. So how do you know what's what?

First, get to know each theme park. As we discovered in the video guide to Disney World parks, each theme park has its own "personality." Each area of the park also has its own personality. As you go through the maps in the Mouse Map, start by reading the description there. Then look for the boxes with red arrows and letters -- these are the rides and attractions. Read the description for a summary of the attraction's storyline.

You'll also see any official ride restrictions or warnings, like minimum height or health warnings. I've also added some recommendations, especially if the attraction might be particularly interesting to kids or if it might not be appropriate for some reason.

For example, here on Page 47, we see Asia at Disney's Animal Kingdom. There are three boxes in red... that is, three attractions: Expedition Everest, Kali River Rapids, and Maharaja Jungle Trek. By reading the descriptions, you'll see that two have a minimum height requirement. I've also given you an insider tip on how to avoid getting soaked on Kali River Rapids... and I've suggested allowing extra time to enjoy the Jungle Trek.

You'll also see two tips that will help you avoid the long lines for popular attractions. FastPass allows you to reserve your ride time later that day. And I've added a note to "Ride Early" for attractions that are the most popular.

Some of the attractions at Disney World are shows or other entertainment. These are marked with orange arrows and letters. Here's one in Asia: Flights of Wonder. Even if you don't think of your family as "stage show fans", some of the most unique attractions are Disney World are the shows. Take time to read the descriptions and consider adding them to your touring plan.

Remember that Disney World offers all kinds of rides and attractions: Gentle, kid-friendly rides and shows; rides that are a little more adventurous but still appropriate for children; high-energy thrill rides; cultural exhibits, concert-style shows, Broadway-style shows, pop music; fireworks and parades.

If you already have a copy of the Mouse Map, you can start exploring Disney World rides and attractions right now. If you don't have a copy, click this link to order now.

Hello, my name is Anne and welcome back to my series of video guides that show you how to plan your Disney World vacation. Remember that we're using the Mouse Map to help plan your vacation. In this video, we'll explore the basics of Disney World tickets and help you decide the best options for your family. You may want to turn to Page 11 in the Mouse Map to follow along.

Disney calls the basic theme park admission the Magic Your Way ticket or base ticket. You buy a ticket with the number of days you want to visit the theme parks. For example, if you're planning a weeklong vacation, you'll probably get the 7-day ticket. The base ticket is valid for admission to one theme park for each day on your ticket. You chose one theme park to visit each day. And the ticket is good for 14 day after you first use it.

The cost of a one-day adult base ticket is about $72. The price per day goes down with each day that you add. The 7-day adult base ticket is about $220, and that's about $30 for each day so it's a good value. Children's tickets cost about 15 percent less than adult tickets.

Now, if you want to visit more than one theme park each day, you must purchase the Park Hopper Option to add to your base ticket. This costs $50 per person for your entire stay. Just so you'll know, the base ticket that's automatically included with most Disney vacation packages gives you admission to only one park each day. If you want to "park hop," you must add the Park Hopper Option.

Okay, what if you want to visit one of the water parks or DisneyQuest? That's another ticket. You can buy separate tickets for about $40 per adult. However, you can buy another add-on to your Magic Your Way ticket -- the Water Park Fun and More Option. It's a flat rate of $50 per ticket for adults and children. That's a great bargain if you are planning two or more visits to a water park or DisneyQuest.

Remember that the Magic Your Way ticket is good for 14 days. What if you're planning to stay longer than two weeks? Disney offers yet another add-on called the No Expiration Option. My feeling is that the recent increases in the cost of the No Expiration Option have reduced its value. But do the math to see if it would work for you.

If you're thinking about returning to Disney World within a year, you might want to look at the Annual Pass. You could squeeze the most out of your Disney World tickets by scheduling your next vacation in 11 and a half months.

Look on Page 11 for more details on the Magic Your Way ticket. Then turn to Page 81 for other ticket choices and a worksheet to calculate prices. This chart will help you decide on the best ticket choices for your Disney World vacation.

If you already have a copy of the Mouse Map, you can start calculating your Disney World tickets right now. If you don't have a copy, click here to order your copy.

Hello, my name is Anne and welcome back to my series of video guides that show you how to plan your Disney World vacation. Remember we are using the Mouse Map to help plan your vacation.

In this video, we'll explore the Disney World hotels. You'll discover the basics of each resort hotel category and decide which one may be the best match for your family's budget and style.

First, turn to Page 72 in the Mouse Map. Notice that all resorts have many of the same benefits. Most importantly, each includes free transportation from Orlando International Airport and free transportation from your hotel to the theme parks and Downtown Disney. And if you stay at a Disney hotel, you will have access to Extra Magic Hours. Each day at least one Disney park opens one hour early or stays open three hours later just for guests at Disney hotels. That means more time in the parks, which is priceless during busy seasons like Christmas or the heavy summer season.

Let's turn the page and look at the resort categories.

First are the Value Resorts. These are casual hotels with bold colors and decor. Each room has two double beds, with a small bureau, table and two chairs. You'll have access to two pools and a food court. They have the lowest room rates, but are further from the Magic Kingdom. Value Resorts are closest to Animal Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios. Read more on the official Disney website:

• All Star Movies
• All Star Music
• All Star Sports
• Pop Century

Next are the Moderate Resorts. These casual resorts are themed like favorite vacation destinations. Each room has two double beds, with an armoire, table and two chairs. Each Moderate Resort has multiple pools and other recreation, such as watercraft rental, plus a table-service restaurant and food court. The room rates are moderately higher. Most are closer to Epcot and the Magic Kingdom. Read more on the official Disney website:

• Caribbean Beach
• Coronado Springs
• Port Orleans French Quarter
• Port Orleans Riverside

Then, we have the Deluxe Resorts. These are upscale resorts that immerse you in unique cultural experiences. Each room has two queen beds, one day bed, a large armoire, a table and two side chairs. Each Deluxe Resort has two or more table service restaurants, a food court and room service; and most have character dining. The Deluxe Resorts also have themed pools and extensive recreation options. Most are very close to the Magic Kingdom and offer monorail and boat service. The room rates are higher and vary quite a bit. Read more on the official Disney website:

• Animal Kingdom Lodge
• BoardWalk Inn
• Contemporary Resort
• Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
• Polynesian Resort
• WDW Swan and Dolphin (non-Disney site)
• Wilderness Lodge
• Yacht Club Resort
• Beach Club Resort

Next, the Deluxe Villa Resorts. Accommodations range from studios to three-bedroom villas. Each resort has table-service and counter-service restaurants, shops and recreation. These are the highest priced Disney resorts. You'll find the Deluxe Villas located throughout Disney World. Read more on the official Disney website:

• Disney's Beach Club Villas
• Disney's BoardWalk Villas
• Disney's Old Key West Resort
• Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
• The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
• Disney's Vero Beach Resort (off-property)
• Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort (off-property)
• Disney Vacation Club Official Website

And last, my favorite: Fort Wilderness Cabins and Campground. Fort Wilderness features log-style cabins and campsites. You'll find one table-service restaurant and two dinner shows. The shops have a nice selection of groceries, and there's a wide choice of recreation. Fort Wilderness is closest to the Magic Kingdom. Read more on the official Disney website:

• Fort Wilderness Resort

Check out the links in the expanded section below or contact your travel agent for detailed pricing information. After you've made your reservations, be sure to document them on the Fun Sheets beginning on Page 82.

If you already have a copy of the Mouse Map, you can start discovering Disney World hotels right now. If you don't have a copy, click this link to order now.

Hello, my name is Anne and welcome back to my series of video guides that show you how to plan your Disney World vacation. Remember we are using the Mouse Map to help plan your vacation.

In this video, we'll explore Disney World dining. You'll discover the basic options for meals and snacks at Disney World and make some decisions on which restaurants or dining selections may be the best match for your family's budget and preferences.

Let's talk about basic types of restaurants at Disney World -- table-service and counter-service. Table-service means your basic sit-down restaurant. Reservations are recommended and prices begin at about $15 for an adult entrée. All character meals and dinner shows are table service, and prices go up to $50 per adult.

Counter-service is more like fast-food. You stand in line to order and pick up your food, then you seat yourself. Most counter-service restaurants are large indoor seating areas. Some are what's called Quick Bite, which are more kiosks with small outdoor seating.

Let's look the map of the World Showcase at Epcot on Page 28 in the Mouse Map to see how to find dining options in the parks. On the Mouse Maps, restaurants are marked in green. There's a short description of the kind of food served, the type of service, and the price range.

Here's one of the most recently updated restaurants here at Epcot: Tutto Italia Ristorante. The description says, "Pasta and classic Italian specialties, desserts. Family-style service available." We see the "LD" symbols, meaning lunch and dinner are served.The price code is two to three dollar signs, and the map key tells us that means the cost per person is 15 to 29 dollars.

I'm sitting here at one of favorite counter-service spots at Epcot: Liberty Inn. The description says, "All-American burgers, hot dogs, hot sandwiches, salads, apple pie and ice cream, beverages. Counter service, indoor and outdoor seating." We see the "LD" symbols means lunch and dinner are served. Note that the price code is one dollar sign. That's under $15 per person.

If we're looking for a snack, we see the Refreshment Cool Post here at the Outpost: Beverages, snacks, fruit and ice cream. Quick bite, with outdoor seating. Again, one dollar sign. At quick bite locations, the food is actually under $5.

You can also purchase packaged foods at your resort shop and many food courts. That's the least expensive option for light meals at your resort.

Disney offers several options for dining discounts. Check out the expanded section below for links to more details. Calculate your estimated dining cost, and write it on the Fun Sheet on Page 85.

If you already have a copy of the Mouse Map, you can start exploring your dining options right now. If you don't have a copy, check out the links on this page for details on how to order.