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Start Your Vacation Planning Today!

Planning a Disney® or Universal vacation? For over 25 years, Undercover Tourist has helped millions of families plan a Disney® trip, map out their Universal adventure and prepare for their dream cruise using our free planning tools. From deciding when to visit, where to stay, and which rides you won't want to miss, we've got everything you need in one spot to make planning your vacation easier than ever.

First-Timer? Start with our Jump Start Planning Guides to plan a Disney® trip or Universal vacation with confidence.

Hop to the Guides

Already know the parks?

Skip the lines with advanced tools and expert tips.

Jump Start Your Vacation Planning

Our Jump Start Planning Guides are the easiest way to get started! These visual, downloadable guides give you a quick-and-easy overview of your theme park destination, and answer common questions you might have, like:

When is the best time to visit Walt Disney World® / Disneyland® Resort?
Where should I stay (and how long should I visit)?
How much are tickets, and which one should I get?
Where should I eat, and do I need a reservation?
What is Lightning Lane, and how do I use it during my Disney® trip?
What do I need to know to visit Universal Orlando Resort's newest theme park, Universal Epic Universe?
When is the best time to visit Walt Disney World® / Disneyland® Resort?
Where should I stay (and how long should I visit)?
How much are tickets, and which one should I get?
Where should I eat, and do I need a reservation?
What is Lightning Lane, and how do I use it during my Disney® trip?
What do I need to know to visit Universal Orlando Resort's newest theme park, Universal Epic Universe?

Walt Disney World® Resort Planning Guide

You're going to Walt Disney World®! This guide covers all of the benefits of staying on-site, when you can book Lightning Lanes (and how!) and must-eat food by theme park.

What's Inside

Intro 1
Park Overview 2
Popular Rides and Attractions by Park 5
Disney Water Parks 10
Ticket Types 11
Where to Stay 12
How Much Does It Cost? 13
Disney Dining Plan 14
Where to Eat 15
Advance Dining Reservations 16
Skip the Lines with Disney Lightning Lane Passes 17
When to Book and Important Dates 21
Tips and Tricks 22
Learn More 22
Guide Preview

Disneyland® Resort Planning Guide

Planning a Disneyland® vacation? Use this guide to get to know the original Disney® Park, including our top food picks (and where to find them), how to book a theme park reservation and how to save on your Disneyland® vacation.

What's Inside

Intro 1
Park Overview 2
Popular Rides and Attractions by Park 5
Disney Water Parks 10
Ticket Types 11
Where to Stay 12
How Much Does It Cost? 13
Disney Dining Plan 14
Where to Eat 15
Advance Dining Reservations 16
Skip the Lines with Disney Lightning Lane Passes 17
When to Book and Important Dates 21
Tips and Tricks 22
Learn More 22
Guide Preview

Universal Orlando Resort Planning Guide

Start planning your trip to Universal Orlando Resort with this quick guide to all the thrills, plus the lowdown on Express Pass and how to get to the parks from each Universal hotel.

What's Inside

Intro 1
Park Overview 2
Popular Rides and Attractions by Park 4
Seasonal Events 8
Ticket Types 9
Where to Stay 10
Where to Eat 12
Skip the Lines with Universal Express Pass 13
When to Book and Important Dates 14
Tips and Tricks 15
Learn More 16
Guide Preview

Universal Epic Universe Planning Guide

Get ready for Universal Orlando Resort's newest theme park, Universal Epic Universe! Learn more about the five new worlds to explore, transportation options and how Universal Epic Universe fits into your Universal Orlando Resort itinerary.

What's Inside

Intro 1
Universal Epic Universe Worlds 2
Celestial Park 3
Dark Universe 6
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ 10
How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk 14
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ - Ministry of Magic™ 18
Tickets 22
Where to Stay 24
Family Must-Dos 27
Know Before You Go 29
Planning Checklist 30
Park Map 31
Ride Guide 32
Learn More 34
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Disney Cruise Line Planning Guide

Dreaming of a Disney cruise? Our Sail Away guide covers everything you need to know to set sail, including an intro to the fleet, everything to know by age group (did someone say Kids Club?) and what to pack.

What's Inside

Overview 2
What's Included 3
Meet the Fleet 4
Ports of Departure 9
2026 Itineraries 10
2027 Itineraries 12
Island Destinations 14
How to Choose Your Cruise 16
Stateroom Options 17
What to Know by Age 18
Disney Cruise Dining 21
Disney Cruise Line Navigator App 23
When to Book and Important Dates 24
What to Pack 27
Embarkation and Debarkation Day 32
Tips and Tricks 34
Know Before You Go 35
Learn More 36
Guide Preview

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start planning a Disney® vacation?

Start with our Jump Start Planning Guides! They cover everything you need for your first Disney® vacation, including when to go, where to stay and how to save!

How far in advance should I book my vacation?

Most families book 3 to 6 months out. Spring break and holiday periods can sell out hotel reservations well in advance! At Walt Disney World® Resort and Disneyland® Resort, dining reservations open 60 days in advance of your trip.

Is Undercover Tourist an authorized ticket seller?

Yes! Undercover Tourist is a fully authorized seller for Walt Disney World®, Disneyland® Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood and more.

Explore all faqs

Get to Know Undercover Tourist's Additional Planning Tools

When is the Best Time to Visit?

Crowd Calendar

Check Crowd Calendar
Where Should I stay?

Hotel Comparison Guide

Compare Hotels
Which ride should I do first?

Theme Park Itineraries

Explore park plans
What's new at the parks?

Blog

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