Walt Disney World

Many families consider a trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, Disney's largest themed resort in the world, a rite of passage and bucket list trip.

I was lucky enough to grow up within driving distance of the parks, and my family regularly took our spring break and summer vacations there when I was a kid. I've been able to return with my own kids a generation later, watching the growth and evolution of the resort and picking up all the latest tips and tricks.

With four theme parks, two water parks, and over two dozen on-property hotels, Disney World is truly enormous. Because it is so huge, planning a vacation there can seem really daunting. You've probably seen the headlines about the complexity and cost. But it is possible to visit Walt Disney World without breaking the bank or doing a Ph.D.'s level worth of studying as you prepare for your trip.

Here, I've assembled my best advice to get you up to speed quickly so you can have a magical vacation with your own family.