Planning a trip to Disney World is an exciting adventure, but it can also be a little overwhelming if you’re not prepared. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney enthusiast, taking the time to plan ahead can make all the difference.
Here are 7 essential pre-trip planning tips to help you make the most of your Disney World experience.
1. Pack Like a Pro: Essentials You Can’t Forget
When packing for your Disney World vacation, it’s easy to forget the little things that can make your trip more comfortable. Beyond the usual travel essentials, consider these must-haves to ensure you’re fully prepared:
Comfortable Shoes
You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so make sure to pack comfortable footwear that will keep you at your best throughout the day.
Sunscreen and Sunglasses
Protect yourself from the Florida sun with sunscreen and a good pair of sunglasses.
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated throughout the day by bringing a refillable water bottle. Disney provides free cups of water at counter-service restaurants, but a refillable bottle will make it easy to stay on top of hydration.
MagicBands or Tickets
If you’re staying at a Disney resort, make sure your MagicBands are ready to go. These serve as your room key, park ticket, and more.
Portable Charger
With all the photos and apps you’ll be using, a portable charger will keep your devices powered up so you don’t miss out on the fun.
Pro Tip for Returning Guests: Consider packing a portable power bank or a multi-charger if you’re visiting multiple parks in one day. These gadgets can be lifesavers for staying connected during long days at the parks.
Packing smart will help you stay organized and make your Disney World experience much more enjoyable.
2. Get in the Disney Spirit Before You Go
One of the best ways to build excitement for your Disney World trip is by immersing yourself in the magic before you even leave home. Here are a few fun ways to get in the Disney zone:
Watch Disney Movies
Whether you’re revisiting classics or watching new Disney+ releases, watching Disney movies will get you in the right mood.
Create a Disney Playlist
Curate a playlist filled with your favorite Disney songs to play during your trip. It’s a fun way to start the magic before you even arrive.
Practice Wearing Your Park Shoes
Spend some time walking around in the shoes you’ll be wearing at the parks. This will help break them in and avoid discomfort while you’re there.
Pro Tip for Returning Guests: If you’re a repeat visitor, consider revisiting favorite movies or theme park songs for a nostalgic pre-trip experience. Watching updated park commercials or planning videos can get you excited about new attractions and events you may have missed.
3. Pre-Shop for Snacks and Essentials
One way to save time and money while at Disney World is by shopping ahead for some of the basics. Many guests find it helpful to order groceries online before their trip, especially if they’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel. Here are a few essentials to consider:
Best Breakfast Options
Pack some quick breakfast items like cereal, granola bars, or fresh fruit for the mornings before you head out to the parks.
Top Snack Picks
Stock up on snacks like trail mix, chips, or granola bars to keep your energy up throughout the day.
Drinks
Buying bottled water or other beverages ahead of time can save you from having to buy them in the parks, which can be pricey.
Having these items ready when you arrive will save you time during your trip and ensure you have everything you need.
4. Make Your Trip Extra Special with DIY Projects
Adding personal touches to your trip can make your Disney vacation even more memorable. Here are a few fun DIY projects to help you get ready for the big adventure:
Custom Disney Shirts
Create matching family shirts or themed outfits to wear during your park visits. It’s a fun way to add a personal touch and get into the Disney spirit!
Decorate Your MagicBands
If you’re using MagicBands, consider decorating them with fun accessories or stickers to make them stand out.
Countdown Calendar
Build excitement by making a countdown calendar to mark the days until your trip.
These DIY activities can make the planning process even more enjoyable and build anticipation as the big day gets closer.
5. Reserve Your Dining and Lightning Lane Spots Early
Popular dining reservations and Lightning Lane selections fill up quickly, so it’s crucial to plan ahead. Here are some key reservations to make well in advance:
Dining Reservations
Disney allows guests to book dining reservations up to 60 days before their visit. Be sure to book early for popular spots like Cinderella’s Royal Table or Be Our Guest Restaurant. Make sure to explore some of the newer dining spots that may offer better availability.
Lightning Lane Selections
Lightning Lane allows you to skip the regular standby line at select attractions. Book your Lightning Lane selections as soon as you’re eligible to maximize your time in the parks.
Pro Tip for Returning Guests: Make use of Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane purchases. For repeat visitors, knowing which rides have the highest demand will allow you to select the best options and avoid the longest wait times.
Booking these spots early will help you secure your desired experiences and avoid long wait times.
6. Plan Your Park Days for Maximum Fun
One of the key steps in planning your Disney World vacation is deciding which parks to visit on which days. Here are some things to consider when creating your park itinerary:
Check for Early Theme Park Entry
If you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel, take advantage of Early Theme Park Entry or Extended Evening Hours to enjoy the parks before or after regular operating hours.
Familiarize Yourself with Park Offerings
Each Disney park offers unique experiences, so make sure you’re aware of the attractions you want to visit. For example, if you’re interested in the newest Disney attractions like Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway or Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, plan to visit the appropriate parks on those days.
Consider Park Hopping
If you’re planning to visit multiple parks in one day, consider purchasing the Park Hopper option.
Pro Tip for Returning Guests: If you’ve already seen all of your favorite rides, consider focusing on experiences like EPCOT’s Luminous: The Symphony of Us or the new updates to Magic Kingdom. These fresh experiences can make for an exciting trip even if you’ve visited before.
By planning your park days in advance, you’ll be able to maximize your time and see the attractions that matter most to you.
7. Book Your Stay Well in Advance
Booking your Disney Resort hotel early is essential to securing your preferred accommodations and dates. Here’s why you should book as soon as possible:
Availability
Disney hotels can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Booking early gives you a wider range of options and ensures you get the room type and location that works best for you.
Discounts and Promotions
If Disney offers any discounts, booking early means you can often take advantage of them. Disney sometimes honors discounts for existing reservations, so you may be able to apply a new promotion even after you’ve already booked.
With everything secured, you can focus on the fun details of your trip, knowing your accommodations are in place.
Start Your Disney World Adventure the Right Way
A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to planning your Disney World vacation. By packing smart, getting in the Disney spirit early, making reservations in advance, and carefully planning your park days, you’ll be setting yourself up for a magical experience.
The more effort you put into planning, the more time you’ll have to enjoy the unforgettable attractions, delicious meals, and amazing entertainment Disney World has to offer.
What’s Your Favorite Disney Trip-Planning Tip?
Have you already planned your Disney trip for 2025? What’s your biggest planning challenge? Share your best tips or ask any questions in the comments below—we’d love to help you get ready for the most magical vacation ever!
