BENTON, KY – America’s number one family destination site, Walt Disney World, sits on 27,000 acres, or 40 square miles. On that land, which is roughly the same size as the city of San Francisco, there are 4 parks – Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios; a shopping and eating district known as Downtown Disney; two water parks – Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach; 31 resort hotels, and over 140 restaurants.
“Planning a Disney vacation is intense,” says Tammy Blackwell, Branch Manager of the Marshall County Public Library @Calvert City, who ventured down to “the happiest place on earth” last year with her family. “You think it’s as simple as deciding where to stay and how many days to visit the parks, but then you’re suddenly hit with meal plans, FastPasses, and scheduling character appearances. I quickly found myself overwhelmed.”
With many local families making the trek down to Florida for Disney vacations every year, the Marshall County Public Library realized a need for a workshop focusing on how to plan for such a trip.
“Libraries are all about information and education, and there is nothing people want to be more informed on than a trip that not only requires a significant amount of money, but one that has the potential to build family memories that will last a lifetime,” says Blackwell. “On my trip, I quickly realized the more informed you are going in, the less stress you’ll have standing between you and the fun and magic that is a Disney vacation.”
The library’s program will be lead by Jennifer Hart, a travel agent who specializes in Disney vacations. Disney newbies and life-long fans are equally invited to attend on Monday, November 2.
“There is so much to do at Disney World, there is simply no way for anyone to know all there is to know,” says Blackwell. “We’re hoping this workshop not only attracts families who have never been, but also people who have been before and are willing to swap tips and tricks with other families.”
The Disney Planning Workshop will be held at the library’s @Benton branch from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm on Monday, November 2. The program is free and open to the public.