- Decide on a travel plan – specific destination, how many days, what activities, etc. The attention given to this first step will ensure smooth sailing in making the travel arrangements.

- If the destination is a foreign country, make sure all information that would be needed in making reservations are on hand.

Airline Reservations

- If booking on online, use a reservation site where ticket prices for all airlines are shown so a comparison can be readily seen.  If booking for more than one person, check also the ticket price for both a single passenger and multiple passengers. Some airlines quote different prices.

- If notification of your reservation is done by e-mail, make sure that the ticket price quoted is the same.  Sometimes, some airlines claim the airfare booked earlier is no long available.

Hotel Reservations

- Ask if the rate is a flat rate or per person.  Ask how many beds are in the room and what the size is.  Make sure to finalize a rate before getting off the phone.

- Ask about tax rates that would be added.

- Will breakfast be included with the price of the room?  What time is it served and what is included.

- Are there guarantee and cancellation policies? Most hotels require guarantee for reservation with a credit card.  Will they ask a check deposit?

- If this is a standard reservation, make sure there is a confirmation number.

Proper Season

It is best to go to Disney World during off season, which is roughly around early January to mid February, or after Labor Day through mid December. During off season, there are less people, less congestion and less headaches. What’s more, it rarely gets cold in Florida, even during winter season, and it gets swelteringly hot and humid during summer, so winter, really is the time to go.

The Proper Lodgings

Although it is cheaper to stay in hotels outside of Disney World, the extra cash you’ll have to cough up if you stay inside is more than made up for by the comfort and convenience of an inside stay.

Imagine traveling from your room, then going through the 47 square mile area that is Disney World, then traveling back to your hotel? exhausting isn’t it?

The Proper Schedule

Where to actually go once you get there is determined by your choice of companions, kids, teenagers or adults.

Kids

Go through Cinderella’s Castle and Visit Fantasy Land or Mickey’s Toon Town, the little tots will surely love all the characters roaming around that area. The rides in these parts are built for 6 year olds and below, but mommy or daddy can still squeeze themselves in if they want.

Adults or Teens

A trip to the Magic Kingdom may be in order if you’re with big kids. You can go to Splash Mountain to get wet or to Space Mountain to get some indoor rollercoaster, and fun for the bumpy person, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad should be enough to satisfy their taste for adventure.

Rides for Everyone

If you want something that everyone can enjoy, a ride in the Walt Disney World Railroad, can rest those tired feet and at the same time give you an enjoyable view of Magic Kingdom.

Haunted Mansion, although not really for very young kids, can be a thrill for toddlers, it’s a ride not a walk through so there’s no tripping or running involved.

For relaxing walks, try the Tiki Room Show or the Swiss family Tree House.

The Proper Dining Experience

For cute snacks, try the Aloha Isle inside Adventureland, they conjure up creative drinks and snacks, a good place to try something cute and different.

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe provides a cool indoor dining area between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland where you can enjoy your food to your hearts content.

* Search the internet, look for great deals.  There are various types of hotels that offer great discounts on the web for online customers.  Be sure to check these out.

* Plan your trip during the off season months.  These are the times when big discounts are given.

* Call the hotel of your choice.  Ask them about offers and discounts that they can give.  List all promotions.

* Certain hotels can give discounts to credit card holders of certain card establishments.  Ask for the manager and ask him about it.  The manager is the best person to ask, since if you can make negotiations, he has the authority to make negotiations with you.

* Ask if they give discounts to students or senior citizens.

* Simply ask through the phone how can you qualify for a discount.  If at certain day of the week or at certain times of the year they give discounts, ask them about it and ask how much or how less can they give, then ask if you could get still a higher discount.  Usually at off peak seasons, hotels will be willing to give in, just to fill the empty rooms.

* Ask for certain packages.  Hotels usually offer rooms with free breakfast. 

* Do name drop.  If you know of someone who frequently stays them, mention his name.  It can help.  Tell them your friend referred you to them and ask for a discount.  Don’t ever give up if they say no.  A statement like “is that the best you can do?” can encourage a big discount.

* Often, people in the military get good hotel rates.  Usually, discounts are offered to government employees.

* At off peak seasons, you could definitely ask for special rates.  Then if they don’t budge after you have offered a discount, ask some extras, like breakfast.

* When negotiating, it is very important to write down all agreed discussions.  Write too, the names of the persons that you have been talking to, the time as well as the day and date. Ask for a number that you can call before checking in to the hotel for confirmation.

* Upon arrival to the hotel, look around and ask for negotiations once more.  For instance if you feel that the hotel is not fully booked, ask for a room with a better view than the one you are in, if you don’t agree with what you see.

Enjoy your stay!