Heading to Walt Disney World is always exciting, but there are a few key steps you need to take before your family vacation to ensure everything goes smoothly. From selecting your resort to making dining reservations, these essential tips will help you prepare for a magical Disney experience. Let’s break down what you need to do before you arrive at Walt Disney World.
1. Choosing Your Disney Resort
The first major decision in planning your Disney vacation is choosing the right resort for your family. Walt Disney World offers three different resort categories: value, moderate, and deluxe. Each option provides a unique experience, so it’s important to determine which suits your needs and budget.
- Value Resorts are more affordable and offer a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.
- Moderate Resorts provide a balance between comfort and cost with upgraded amenities and themed pools.
- Deluxe Resorts delivers the ultimate Disney experience with larger rooms, prime locations, and luxury dining options.
When choosing your Disney resort, consider room size, dining options, pools, and transportation to the parks. Take time to explore the different resorts and their offerings to pick the one that’s right for your family’s needs.
2. Selecting Your Ticket Type
Once you’ve decided on a resort, the next step is selecting your Disney park tickets. There are two primary options to consider:
- Base Tickets allow you to visit one park per day. You can enter and exit the park as many times as you like throughout the day, but you cannot visit multiple parks.
- Park Hopper Tickets allow you to hop between parks starting at 2 p.m. This option is great if you want the flexibility to visit more than one park in a day.
Think about your family’s schedule and preferences before deciding on the ticket type. If you’re planning to spend a full day in each park, a base ticket may suffice. However, if you want the option to explore multiple parks in a single day, a Park Hopper ticket will give you that freedom.
3. Understanding Individual Lightning Lanes
Before heading to Walt Disney World, familiarize yourself with Individual Lightning Lanes. Certain high-demand attractions (like TRON Lightcycle Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance) are available through Individual Lightning Lanes, which require an additional fee.
Learning how Lightning Lanes work before your trip is crucial. If you plan to use this service, factor it into your budget and overall park strategy to make the most of your time at Walt Disney World.
4. Familiarize Yourself with the My Disney Experience App
The My Disney Experience app is an essential tool for navigating your Disney vacation. It allows you to:
- Check wait times for attractions
- Make dining reservations
- Order food using mobile ordering
- Manage Genie+ and Lightning Lane reservations
Make sure to download the app and explore its features before you arrive. Knowing how to use My Disney Experience will help you streamline your day and reduce stress, allowing you to focus on enjoying the magic.
5. Book Your Dining Reservations Early
Dining at Walt Disney World is a highlight for many guests, and reservations for table-service restaurants can fill up quickly. To secure your spot at popular restaurants like Cinderella’s Royal Table or Ohana, you need to make dining reservations 60 days in advance of your trip.
Popular locations tend to book up fast, so it’s important to prioritize your reservations and be ready when your booking window opens. If you don’t get your desired reservation initially, keep checking back as availability can change. Alternatively, consider using the walk-up waitlist feature through the app.
6. Plan Your Transportation Time
Walt Disney World is massive, and getting from one location to another can take time. Whether you’re using Disney buses, boats, the Monorail, or the Skyliner, be sure to allocate enough travel time in your daily plans.
Disney recommends allowing at least 90 minutes to travel between resorts and parks, especially if you’re heading to a dining reservation. Being aware of the time it takes to get around will help prevent delays and reduce stress during your trip.
7. Stick to Your Routine
When planning your day at Disney, try to stick to your family’s usual routine as much as possible. If you have young children who need naps or regular meal times, make sure to build that into your schedule.
Skipping naps or pushing through hunger can lead to frustration and meltdowns. Take breaks when needed, especially during the afternoon when the parks are busiest. Returning to your resort for some downtime can help keep everyone happy and energized for the rest of the day.
8. Don’t Over-Plan Your Day
While it’s important to have a plan, it’s equally important not to over-schedule yourself. Disney offers so much to see and do, but trying to fit everything into one day can lead to exhaustion and disappointment.
Focus on a few must-do attractions or shows each day and allow time for spontaneous fun. This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and ensure that you have a relaxing, enjoyable experience. Remember, it’s okay to leave room for flexibility—you never know when a magical moment might come your way!
9. Learn the Layout of the Parks
Take time to familiarize yourself with the Walt Disney World park maps before you arrive. Understanding where key attractions, dining spots, and shows are located will make navigating the parks much easier.
Knowing the layout can also help you adjust your plans if things change, such as unexpected ride closures or delays. The more prepared you are, the smoother your day will go.
10. Have a General Plan (But Stay Flexible)
Having a general plan for each park day is essential. Start by creating a must-do list for rides, shows, and dining experiences. This will help you stay focused and ensure that everyone in your group gets to experience their top priorities.
Once your must-do list is complete, enjoy the freedom to explore and take in the magic. Be flexible and adjust your plans as needed—sometimes, the best Disney moments happen when you least expect them!
Final Thoughts
Planning a Walt Disney World vacation can feel overwhelming, but by following these essential steps, you’ll be well-prepared for a magical experience. From choosing your resort to familiarizing yourself with park maps, these tips will help you make the most of your time and ensure that your Disney vacation is one to remember.
