he number of available Disney packages is , in the words of Mary Poppins , “ Supercalifragilistic !” Finding the right one will help you make the most of your stay . Start by calling an AMA Travel counsellor : Disney has designated AMA Travel an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner , thanks to our experts ’ focused knowledge .

Whether you ’ re heading to California ’ s Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort in Florida , your specialist can recommend hotels , airport transfers , tips for ride lineups and pre-booked dining tailored to your family ’ s ages , interests , budget and preferred length of stay .

And they don ’ t just talk about Disney — they ’ ve truly been there and done it . AMA Travel ’ s Deb Fong has visited Disney resorts 21 times . Her advice for structuring a day : Do your research in advance . “ Use park maps ( disneyworld . disney . go . com / maps ) to plan each day ’ s hit-list of attractions while building in some downtime ,” she says . “ And bring a stroller , even for older kids . It gives them a rest and you a place to store essentials like water , snacks and sunscreen .”

Disneyland Resort

Anaheim , California

YeAr openeD 1955

FlighT TiMe , FAsTesT rouTes

Edmonton : 3h , 30m Calgary : 3h , 15m

resorT size

200 hectares : 2 theme parks ( Disneyland park , Disney California Adventure park )

recoMMenDeD sTAY 3 full days , plus travel

enTerTAinMenT DisTricT

Downtown Disney

nuMber oF on-siTe hoTels 3

WhY We love iT

the world ’ s first Disney resort , founded by Walt Disney himself , is perfect for short-haul trips . You ’ ll find the original Cinderella ’ s Castle and Main street , u . s . A ., along with new attractions like Radiator springs Racers and Guardians of the Galaxy : Mission Breakout .

Walt Disney World Resort

Orlando , Florida

YeAr openeD 1971

FlighT TiMe , FAsTesT rouTes

Edmonton : 7h , 10m ( 1 stop ) Calgary : 5h , 5m

resorT size

12,000 hectares : 4 theme parks , 2 water parks , 4 golf courses , a wilderness preserve

recoMMenDeD sTAY 7 full days , plus travel

enTerTAinMenT DisTricT

Disney springs , Disney ’ s Boardwalk

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WhY We love iT

Best for longer stays , Walt Disney World ’ s size and variety allows you to balance your time between attractions and R & R — at on-site accommodations that range from budget hotels to luxury villas . A favourite attraction is Disney ’ s Animal Kingdom , a real safari park .

fAMIlY : ChlOE RICE / DIsnEY ; ChARACtERs : DIsnEY ; EpCOt : GEnE DunCAn / DIsnEY