Planning 101 Archives - Explore With Catherine

What is the Walt Disney World Free Dining Promotion?

March 17, 2026

Vegan Totchos in Disney's Hollywood Studios. You can find it at Woody's Lunchbox

Every time Disney releases a new Free Dining promotion, the word spreads fast. Families start talking about it. Social media fills up with posts about it. And suddenly everyone is wondering if this is the deal that will finally make their Walt Disney World trip more affordable. Food is one of the biggest expenses during a Disney vacation, so getting your meals included is an incredible value. So,…

Planning 101• Vacation Planner

How to Prepare for Your Walt Disney World Vacation

March 6, 2026

Riding on the Tomorrowland Speedway wearing a MagicBand

Planning a Walt Disney World vacation isn’t what most people would call easy. Most families already know there are plenty of details to figure out before their trip. But around 60 days before you arrive, things start getting a lot more fun…or stressful, depending on how you look at it. When families are preparing for a Walt Disney World vacation, this is when the trip really starts coming…

Disney Dining Plan• Planning 101• Travel Tips• Vacation Budgeting

Is The Disney Dining Plan Worth The Cost In 2026?

January 25, 2026

A Nemo themed snack at Walt Disney World

The Disney Dining Plan might seem like a simple add-on when you book your trip, but is it really worth the cost in 2026? Let’s be honest. It’s not cheap. But this is one decision you can’t make based on price alone. I see this all the time. Families skip the dining plan because it feels expensive. But, then they get to Walt Disney World and realize that’s…

Planning 101• Travel Tips• Vacation Planner

Theme Park Bag Packing List That Saves You Money

December 17, 2025

A crossbody bad sitting on the grass with theme park essentials in it

Packing a theme park bag sounds easy. Grab a backpack, throw in a few things, and assume you’ll just buy whatever you need once you get there. I used to do that too. But after missed rides and spending way too much on random snacks, I knew I had think harder about what I really needed to bring. As a travel advisor and a mom who has done…

Disney With Kids• Planning 101• Vacation Planner

Best Walt Disney World Rides for Babies and Toddlers

November 20, 2025

Baby on a Disney ride, holding onto the button in Magic Kingdom

Taking a baby or toddler to Walt Disney World looks different from the trips you may have taken before. You start noticing things you never paid attention to before. You start noticing things you never paid attention to before, like where the shade is, how loud a ride gets, and whether a line moves fast enough for a toddler who can’t stand still for long. That means you…

Gift Guide• Planning 101• Vacation Planner

How to Give the Gift of Travel For the Holidays

September 30, 2025

When you think of holiday gifts, you probably picture toys, sweaters, or gadgets that seem exciting for a short time before ending up forgotten in a drawer. Today, families are starting to make a different choice. A 2025 survey found that 82% of Americans would rather receive an experience than a physical gift. The reason is simple. Physical gifts don’t last. Experiences create memories that become part of…

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