We’ve all heard the rumors: planning a Walt Disney World vacation requires a PhD in logistics, Fairy Godmother’s magic wand, and waking up at the crack of dawn months in advance. While it’s true that Disney requires some strategy, you don’t need to stress! The secret isn’t doing everything- it’s doing the right things as the right time.
Whether you are driving down I-81 or flying into Orlando, here is the ultimate no-nonsense planning checklist to keep you organized, motivated, and ahead of the crowds.
6+ Months out
- Check online crowd calendars for weeks you may be interested in, this is a great tool to use to help decide which weeks to go, or help you prepare for an overly busy week
( Holidays, events etc.)
- Pick your Vibe! (Resort Style) Deciding where to stay sets the tone for your whole trip. Looking for the bustle of the boardwalk, or the ease of a value resort, research is on your side.
- Pro tip: Look for resorts with easy transportation layout options. Staying on the Monorail loop ( like the Polynesian or Grand Floridian) gives you instant, stroller friendly access to the Magic Kingdom, while EPCOT- area resorts let you walk right into the World showcase.
- The ticket strategy: Don’t just buy days blindly. Think about your own family’s ability to get through each day. Sometimes building in a “rest day” right in the middle of the week to enjoy your resort pool is worth way more than a 5th park day ticket.
- The food plan: Decide if a meal plan is right for you, there are a couple different options. Research if one of the offered plans makes sense. Weigh the options of having it “pre-paid” so to speak or if you want to pay as you go.
60 days out ( the Critical window):
Mark this date on your calendar and highlight it! This is when the real strategy kicks in!
- The 60- Day Dining Dash: Disney dining reservations open up at 6 A.M. EST exactly 60 days before your check in date for your entire stay. ( If you are staying on property.) If you want highly coveted character meals or popular spots like Cinderella’s Royal Table or ‘Ohana, you need to be logged into the My Disney Experience app prior to 6 A.M.
- Pro Tip: If you miss out, DON”T PANIC!! People cancel constantly. Use a free dining alert service online, such as MouseWatcher, or check the app frequently 24 to 48 hours before you want to eat. That is when most people drop their reservations to avoid cancellation fees.
- If you are staying off-site, you still get access starting at 6 A.M. at the 60-day mark but you can only to do one day at a time as each date there after becomes available.
- It is strongly suggested to be logged in for highly coveted character meals around 5:45 on the dining page you are trying to get.
30 Days Out ( the tech setup):
Disney runs on everything tech these days. You don’t want to waste any magical moments trying to figure this out once you’ve arrived on your vacation.
- Master the app- Download the Disney My experience App to your device. Make sure all of your family members are uploaded and linked under your “Friends and Family” list.
- Set up MagicBands or Magic mobile. However, you choose to check into the park and onto rides is up to you. If you choose the MagicBand option, make sure they are also loaded to the My Disney Experience App, or you can use the free Magic mobile feature on your smartphone/ Apple watch to tap into the parks and lightning lanes.
7-3 Days out ( The Final countdown):
- Book your Lightening Lanes! If you are staying on Property at a Walt Disney Resort, you get to book you passes and lightning lanes 7 days out starting at 7 A.M. EST. If you are staying off property your window to purchase opens up 3 days before you stay also at 7 A.M. EST.
- Check the weather- Make sure check the weather for the week to be prepared for any pivoting weather Florida may have.
Finally:
- Get excited because You are GOING TO DISNEY WORLD
There is so much more before, after and in-between that can and will go into planning your best trip yet. These are some important topics that can be planned out to make it all that much more Magical!
Remember, the takeaway from it all is that the perfect itinerary is the one where you are smiling with your family. You don’t have to hit every ride to make it magical. Plan the must do’s including meals and leave room for flexibility in between.
Looking for ideas to pack to help make your trip have some more Pixie dust? Check out my shop! Or Magic and Motivation favorites!
*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.