Our family took our first Walt Disney World vacation in 2018 — just the four of us, with our 5-year-old son and our daughter who celebrated her 3rd birthday on that trip.

Before I started planning, I had no idea what to expect. Honestly, I didn’t even know whether the Disney park in Florida was Disneyland or Disney World. I went into the process feeling completely overwhelmed and unsure of where to start.

At the time, I didn’t have big expectations for that trip. I thought it might be a “one and done” experience for us.

But that vacation turned out to be absolutely magical — and I know that sounds cliché, but there really isn’t a better word for it. I left Disney that first time (and every time since) already thinking about when we could go back.

Somewhere along the way, I fell in love with the planning process itself. I found myself geeking out over crowd calendars, resort options, and dining plans. I realized I enjoyed planning the trip almost as much as I enjoyed being there. Over the years, that love for planning turned into a simple, 9-step process designed to help other families plan their Disney World vacations one step at a time — without the overwhelm.

Here’s what I’ve learned along the way — No one is more qualified to plan your family’s Disney vacation than you. You know your family’s wants, needs, and personalities better than anyone else — and that’s exactly what makes you the perfect Magic Maker.

And even if you’ve been to Disney before, there’s always a new “first time” waiting. Maybe it’s your first stay somewhere totally different, like Fort Wilderness. Your first build at Savi’s Workshop. Or your first Mickey Bar with your toddler.

Every trip has a little first time magic tucked inside it, and I’m here to help you plan for all of those firsts — big and small.