Whether Disneyworld is your family's favorite vacation destination or one you are looking forward to visiting for the first time, planning ahead can be the key to a successful and affordable trip. There are plenty of ways to investigate your options ahead of time, online or through a travel agent, in order to figure out what will work best for you and your family.

Some of your bigger costs, such as transportation and accommodation will vary by season, so it is worth looking into how much you can save by traveling during a non-peak period. Hotels commonly charge at least $40 more per night during the holidays compared to value season rates, which adds up over the course of a week.

Your choice of accommodation will also mean deciding whether you want to stay on or off resort, or even go camping. Some hotels are walking distance from the attractions, others offer free shuttle service - all things to consider depending on what is most important to you in order to enjoy your vacation to the fullest.

In addition to airline and hotels, you will want to consider a number of other costs while planning your vacation including: car rental or other transportation; food costs (three meals a day per person); entrance fees for the various attractions; and souvenirs. Limiting the number of meals you eat out can save a lot of money, so consider buying cereal and making your own sandwiches if possible. Having a preset budget for items like souvenirs is also a good idea in order to keep spending under control.

It is particularly important to plan ahead if you will be traveling with a pet. Disney theme parks do offer kennels, as pets are not allowed inside the parks, but availability is limited. Some campgrounds allow pets, but not in tents or pop-up campers, so make sure you know the ins and outs before you arrive!

In order to control your vacation costs, you may be able to find good deals through online discount ticket sellers, or find special internet rates or email offers. The sooner you start looking, the better you'll be able to compare offers and save the most money. Another reason to start early is the ability to start a vacation savings fund, so that you are able to pay for your vacation when it arrives, rather than relying on credit and paying interest rates after the fact.

Exploring your travel options, saving ahead of time, and sticking to a prearranged budget are all great ways to make the most of a stress-free vacation. Decide in advance what everyone most wants to do in order to make the best use of your time and ensure that the whole family has a successful and satisfying trip.

About the author:

John Murray publishes a Disney World blog filled with helpful articles, ideas and thoughts about Disney world.