If you’re planning a trip to Disney World, there’s no doubt that you’re excited about all the magic that awaits you. There’s lots to do to best prepare for your trip. I’ve put together a pre-Disney World trip checklist to help ensure that you arrive prepared, to have the best stress-free Disney day ever!
Some of the information below includes affiliate links. When you click these links I may make a commission from your purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Planning Your Disney World Trip
Before you can start packing and getting ready for your trip, you need to make sure you have everything planned out. This includes deciding on your travel dates, booking your accommodations, purchasing park tickets, and making dining reservations.
When it’s time to plan your outfits, I have a whole post dedicated to putting your outfits together for a trip to Disney World.
The checklist below will guide you through each of the trip planning steps to ensure that you don’t forget anything important.
Disney Planning Highlights
- Planning ahead is key to a successful Disney World trip.
- Make sure to book your accommodations, purchase park tickets, and make dining reservations in advance.
- Use the pre-Disney World trip checklist to ensure that you don’t forget anything important.
Planning Your Disney World Trip
Planning a trip to Disney World can be overwhelming, but with the right preparation, it can be a magical experience. Here are some important things to consider when planning your Disney World trip.
- Choosing When to Visit
- Set a Budget
- Select Which Resort Fits Your Family the Best
- Purchase Tickets
- Get Dining Reservations and Experiences
Choosing the Right Time to Visit
The time of year you choose to visit Disney World can greatly impact your experience. Consider factors such as crowd levels, weather, and special events when selecting the dates for your trip. If you have flexibility, visiting during the off-season can result in shorter wait times and lower hotel rates.
Setting a Budget
Disney World can be an expensive vacation, so setting a budget is crucial. Consider the cost of transportation, hotel, tickets, food, souvenirs, and any additional experiences you want to have. It’s important to be realistic about your budget and plan accordingly.
Selecting Your Disney World Resort
There are many hotels to choose from when staying at Disney World, each with its own unique theming and amenities. Consider factors such as location, transportation options, and budget when selecting your hotel.
Staying at a Disney World hotel can provide benefits such as early park access and transportation to the parks. If you’re trying to decide which resort is the best fit for your family, I have detailed reviews of every level resort on MomswithMouseEars.com.
Purchasing Theme Park Tickets
There are several ticket options available for Disney World, including single-day and multi-day tickets, park hopper options, and annual passes. Consider your length of stay and desired park experiences when selecting your ticket option.
Dining Reservations and Experiences
Disney World offers a wide variety of dining options, including character meals, quick service restaurants, and signature dining experiences. It’s important to make dining reservations in advance, as popular restaurants can book up quickly.
Consider purchasing a dining plan if you plan on eating at several table service restaurants. We like to plan one table service dining experience each day. Any more seems like too much food and scheduling for the day.
Using a Travel Agent
If planning a Disney World trip seems overwhelming, consider using a travel agent. They can help with all aspects of your trip, from selecting a hotel to making dining reservations. They can also provide valuable advice and insider tips to make your trip even more magical.
These services shouldn’t cost you anything additionally and can be a great way to relieve stress if you’ve never visited Walt Disney World before.
Preparing for Your Stay
When it comes to preparing for your Disney World trip, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your stay.
Packing Your Bags
Packing for a Disney World trip can be overwhelming, but with a little planning, you can make sure you have everything you need. Start by creating a packing list that includes essentials like comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle. Check out our full packing list post with all of the essentials! Plus our free printable below!
Don’t forget to pack clothing appropriate for the weather and any special events you plan to attend. You may also want to consider bringing a backpack or tote bag to carry your essentials around the parks.
Refer to our Disney park bag packing list for more help on the essentials to bring into the parks!
Managing Reservations with My Disney Experience
My Disney Experience is a powerful tool that can help you manage your reservations, view wait times, and even make dining reservations. Download the My Disney Experience app to your phone to have access to all of your reservations and park information at your fingertips.
You can also use the app to customize your MagicBands, which will serve as your park tickets, hotel room key, and even payment method for purchases made on Disney property.
Understanding Disney Transportation Options
Disney World offers a variety of transportation options to help you get around the parks and resorts. From buses and monorails to boats and even a gondola system, there are plenty of ways to get where you need to go.
Once you’re on Disney property, we find it very easy to get around. Just make sure you build in enough time to get from place to place, especially if you’re trying to get to a dining reservation. Typically transportation between locations can take 30-45 minutes, once you factor in time waiting for the mode of transpottation to arrive, and then subsequently transport over to your next location.
Arranging for Groceries and Essentials
If you’re staying at a Disney World resort, you can arrange to have groceries and other essentials delivered to your room through services like Amazon Prime Now. This can be a convenient way to stock up on snacks, drinks, and other essentials without having to leave the parks. Be sure to place your order in advance to ensure timely delivery.
Before You Leave Home
When planning for your Disney World trip, it’s important to take care of a few things before you leave home.
This will ensure that you have a stress-free vacation and don’t have to worry about anything back home. Here are some things you should consider doing:
Handling Mail and Bills
Before you leave for your Disney World trip, make sure you have a plan for handling your mail and bills. Make sure anything that can be scheduled before you leave is scheduled, including any payments or responses to inquiries.
Also, don’t forget to put a hold on your mail before you leave, which can easily be done at the USPS.com website if your address is available for Hold Mail service.
Double Check for Essentials
I always double check to make sure we have essentials that maybe missed making it into the suitcases, like sunscreen or goggles for swimming. I have a digital list on my phone but I also like using a written list as well!
These are some of the electronic travel essentials that I bring with me on every trip! A foldable charger for Apple products, a cord keeper case, and luggage scale.
Preparing Your Devices
Make sure your devices are fully charged before you leave for your trip. You don’t want to be stuck without your phone or camera during your vacation. Also, consider bringing extra chargers and portable battery packs in case you need to charge your devices on the go.
In addition, make sure you have a pre-vacation checklist that includes everything you need to pack for your trip. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you don’t forget anything important.
The Day of Departure
Checking Flight and Airport Information
Before leaving for the airport, it’s important to double-check your flight and airport information. Check the airline’s website or app for any updates or changes to your flight schedule. Make sure you have the correct terminal and gate information for your departure and arrival airports.
It’s also a good idea to download any necessary airline or airport apps, as they can provide real-time updates and information about your flight and airport procedures. Keep your ID and boarding pass in a safe and easily accessible place, such as a designated pocket in your carry-on bag.
Transportation to the Airport
Plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight’s departure time. Consider booking a reliable transportation service, such as Mears Connect, to have a confirmed pickup. Lyft and Uber are also readily available ride shares available at MCO airport.
Pack your bags at least the night before and make sure to weigh them to avoid any additional fees. Keep your travel documents and essentials, such as your passport, phone charger, and medication, in your carry-on bag.
Airport and Boarding Procedures
Upon arrival at the airport, proceed to the check-in counter or kiosk to drop off your checked bags and receive your boarding pass. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask a customer service representative.
After passing through security, locate your boarding gate and wait for boarding announcements. Make sure to have your ID and boarding pass ready for boarding. Once on board, stow your carry-on bag in the overhead compartment and take your seat. Follow all instructions from the flight attendants and enjoy your flight!
Arriving at Disney World
When you arrive at Disney World, there are a few things that you should keep in mind to ensure a smooth and stress-free check-in process.
Hotel Check-In Process
Most rooms at Disney World are able to use the online checkin option via My Disney Experience. This will allow you to let the resort know what time you anticipate arriving and if you have any special recommendations.
You are also able to check in at the front desk upon arrival, if you need to speak directly to a Cast Member with any questions or concerns.
Understanding Disney’s MagicBand System
If you opted to receive a MagicBand or MagicBand+, these can serve as your room key, park admission ticket, and can even be used to make purchases throughout the resort. Your smart phone should also be able to unlock your room, and you can get a keycard if you need one.
To use your MagicBand around Walt Disney World, simply touch it to the Mickey symbol on the touchpoints located throughout the resort.
Exploring Your Resort and Amenities
After we arrive, we love taking some time to get settled in the room and explore the resort. We will check out the times for recreational activities at the resort, the kids usually want to see the pool, and I also make sure to get our things unpacked so that we can begin to use our room.
Enjoying the Parks
When it comes to enjoying the theme parks at Walt Disney World, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make the most of your visit.
Navigating the Theme Parks
Navigating the parks can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time visiting. To make the most of your time, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and prioritize the attractions and experiences you want to see. Use the My Disney Experience app to check wait times, make Genie+ and dining reservations, and view maps of the parks.
It’s also a good idea to arrive early and take advantage of Extra Magic Hours, which allow guests staying at select Disney resorts to enter the parks before or after regular operating hours.
Maximizing Genie+ Service
Genie+ is a paid service that offers even more attractions and experiences, including Lightning Lane access to select attractions.
To make the most of getting the Genie+ service, it’s important to book your selections as early as possible and prioritize the attractions and experiences you want to see most. Keep in mind that availability is limited, so it’s a good idea to book your selections as soon as your booking window opens.
Dining and Character Experiences
Dining reservations and character experiences are popular at Walt Disney World, so it’s important to plan ahead and book early. Use the My Disney Experience app to make reservations up to 60 days in advance.
There are a variety of dining options available, from quick-service restaurants to fine dining experiences. Character dining experiences are a great way to meet your favorite Disney characters while enjoying a meal.
Shopping for Souvenirs
Shopping for souvenirs is a fun way to remember your visit to Walt Disney World. There are a variety of shops located throughout the parks, offering everything from apparel and accessories to toys and collectibles.
Keep in mind that some items may be limited edition or exclusive to certain shops, so it’s a good idea to check the stock availability if it is something you really want and purchase the items before you leave the theme park for the day.
Download the Checklist
Download our simple one page checklist to remember all of these important items when you’re preparing for your trip!
Let’s Go to Disney World!
I hope all of these tips will help you make the most of your visit to the Walt Disney World parks. It’s one of our favorite spots to vacation as a family, and when you put in the planning time before leaving, you can sit back and enjoy the vacation while you’re there!
Check out these posts for more helpful information:
Watch our Disney review videos on YouTube to see some of our favorite experiences:
For even more Disney tips, visit our sister website MomswithMouseEars.com for Disney World reviews, tips, and more!
** All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. Being Mommy with Style is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
