Are you planning a visit during the Walt Disney World holidays? A Disney vacation during the Christmas season can be especially magical, filled with fun, festivity, and good food as well. This article will focus on what you should know about meals at Disney World during this time of year, and some strategies for the best way to plan a Disney vacation to make the most of your time and dining budget.

First of all, when making your dining plans….and if you are going between Christmas and New Year’s you MUST make dining plans….you need to realize that you will be at Walt Disney World during the busiest time of the year. While this does not mean that you can’t have a wonderful vacation, what it does mean is that you have to plan ahead, because you will be visiting with many, many, many other people.

So the first tip is to make your dining plans in advance, and if you plan to have any table service meals, make your Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs) before you leave for Disney World. More importantly, if you are visiting during Christmas week, make them now.

It is important to understand that, when it comes to ADRs, Disney policy allows people the chance to make Advanced Dining Reservations months ahead of time, currently’0 days in advance. So this means that folks have been making ADRs for Christmas week for a long time now. The most popular restaurants and times fill quickly, especially for the big days of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve, and New Years Day. So it is not realistic to expect to just walk up and get a table during this week: you might get lucky, but why chance it? If table service dining is something you really want to do, then don’t delay on this.

What do you do if you can’t get ADRs for any of your restaurant choices? All is not lost, because while the most popular ones at the parks may be full, it is likely that the ones at the hotels are still available. The resort hotel restaurants are frequently quite good, and it is a great way to see some of the lovely Holiday decorations at the resorts. Plus, it can be very nice to get away from the crowds at the parks for a few hours.

You can also think about eating meals at “off” times. Try having your main, table service meal for lunch instead of dinner. Eat early: lunch at 11, dinner at 5…or late: lunch at 2, dinner at 8. You may actually be able to get table service seating this way, and if you want counter service meals, the crowds are usually a little thinner this way, especially the earlier times.

Of course, typical advice about eating some meals in, especially if you have access to a kitchen, can be helpful. Many folks with these types of amenities in their accommodations actually do the entire turkey and fixings, which can be very nice and a great way to create some special memories….and save some money in the process.

So what is the best way to plan a Disney vacation during the Walt Disney World holidays when it comes to meals? Plan ahead. You will be rewarded with less stress for dining, and a wonderful trip filled with special holiday memories.

Nancy Bobby has been visiting Disney World (and doing it frugally) for over a decade, and has experienced 11 (and counting) family vacations to Walt Disney World. To learn how to plan an affordable Disney family vacation, and to receive a free Disney vacation planning guide, visit www.theaffordablemouse.com.

If you have ever driven through the Walt Disney World resort property, you are certainly familiar with some of the well-known landmarks. Cinderella’s Castle at the Magic Kingdom, Spaceship Earth (the “golf ball”) at Epcot, and Hollywood Studio’s Tower of Terror all are readily recognizable by the millions of Disney vacationers each year. Yet there are two more Disney landmarks that you can’t miss when visiting Disney World and yet they may very well be the “hidden gems” of Walt Disney World: The Walt Disney Swan and Dolphin resort hotels.

The Walt Disney Swan and Dolphin resorts are actually owned by Starwood, the parent company of the Sheraton and Westin hotels. However, they are on Disney property, and as such, there are a number of great benefits available to guests who stay there. The first is the convenient location: the Swan and Dolphin are just a short walk or boat ride from both Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. And that is just the beginning of a host of other great benefits.

Each building is visually striking, having been designed by renowned architect Michael Graves. With stunning and beautiful interiors and grounds, the two resorts share a fantastic pool area. They also have a host of wonderful amenities that equal any of the deluxe Disney resort properties.

In addition, there are a number of full-service restaurants and lounges, in all price ranges, tastes, and styles.

A definite benefit to staying at the Swan and Dolphin is that guests have Disney resort privileges. This means that, in addition to the great location and transportation that have already been mentioned, Swan and Dolphin resort guests can attend the Disney parks Extra Magic Hours, receive free parking at the theme parks, and also can have their theme park packages delivered to their resort hotel.

One of the nicest benefits to staying at the Swan or Dolphin, are the Westin “Heavenly Beds”. Consisting of a luxurious pillow top mattress, triple sheets, down blanket and comforter, and goose down/feather pillows, relaxing in a Heavenly Bed is truly the perfect ending to a long, busy day at the Disney parks.

Although the Swan and Dolphin are “deluxe” resorts, their prices are usually less than a similar Disney resort. Additionally, frequent discounts are available for Florida residents, senior citizens, government employees, members of the military, nurses, and teachers.

Don’t overlook these lovely resorts. The Walt Disney Swan and Dolphin resort offers many benefits, beautiful accommodations, a convenient location, Disney resort perks, and at a great value. Discover them on your next visit!