Preparing for a Walt Disney World vacation can be a lot of work. You want to ensure that you are ready for a magical trip, but what exactly do you need to do? We have some significant steps you need to take to ensure you are prepared for your trip. Doing these steps ahead of time will help you have a more magical journey. They will help you be prepared, educated, and ready for fun.
Make Park Pass Reservations
Make your Park Pass Reservations when your Walt Disney World tickets are booked. These can be made on the My Disney Experience website. Guests will link their tickets and select which of the four Disney Parks they want to visit daily.
Doing this as soon as possible is essential to ensure you can enter the Disney Parks of your choice. We consistently see Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios book up as days get closer. You don’t want to show up at the gates of Magic Kingdom only to learn that all Park Passes are booked.
You need to take this crucial step as soon as possible.
My Disney Experience
Another critical step when preparing for your Walt Disney World vacation is downloading the My Disney Experience app. This app is the official app of Walt Disney World, and it will be your connection to all the magic during your trip.
There are a lot of essential features that are found in the app, but it can be overwhelming to navigate. By downloading it early, you can begin to look over where features are located that you need to access during the trip.
We have a few posts on How to Disney about My Disney Experience. Use those to help you figure out how to navigate the app. Figure out where mobile ordering is located, how to see wait times, where Genie+ is, and even how to see bus wait times at your Disney Resort.
Taking time to navigate the app can make it much easier to use at Walt Disney World. If you wait until you arrive at Walt Disney World to download the app, you will find it frustrating and overwhelming instead of helpful.
Study the Map
As your trip gets closer to your trip, take time to look over the maps of the Disney Parks you are planning to visit. Knowing where rides and other attractions are located can help you navigate the magic.
Within the My Disney Experience app, you can see the maps of the Parks and the wait times. Use this to familiarize yourself with the Parks’ layouts and make general touring plans. You don’t want to waste time running back and forth in the Parks. Use those maps, so you feel prepared.
Take time to also look over your Walt Disney World Resort map. This can help you learn where essential amenities are located, such as food, transportation, and entertainment. By looking over the map ahead of time, you will feel more at home when you arrive at the Disney Resort.
Watch Videos
Take time to prepare by watching videos for your upcoming trip. There are two sets of videos that you can watch to get everyone in the family ready for the magic. First, start by watching Disney and Pixar movies that will help you connect to the different experiences in Disney Parks.
Think about what rides and shows you will experience and watch the movies they are based on. Watch Peter Pan, Toy Story, Dumbo, and Snow White before heading down to experience the rides that bring these stories to life in the Disney Parks.
The other videos that you can watch to prepare for your trip are YouTube videos. Take time to watch some ride-through videos to help little ones understand what the rides will be like before they get there.
By watching videos, you can prepare everyone for what they will experience at Walt Disney World. From the rides and shows to the Disney Resorts and restaurants, videos are a fantastic way to get everyone excited about the trip.
Dining Prep
Don’t forget to take time to think about your dining options at Walt Disney World. There are many fantastic dining options throughout the Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, and Disney Springs, but you need to be prepared with a plan before showing up.
For quick service, make sure you are familiar with mobile ordering. This feature is found on the My Disney Experience app. It will allow you to place your food order ahead of time by selecting a specific pick-up window. This is important for avoiding long lines during peak dining times.
If you prefer to enjoy some of Disney’s table service restaurants, these reservations can be made starting sixty days before you arrive. Some of the most popular meals, such as Topolino’s Terrace, Chef Mickey’s, Ohana, and Cinderella’s Royal Table, book up at the sixty-day mark. If these are important to your family, you must book them immediately.
Don’t wait until you arrive at Walt Disney World to make a food plan. You will want to think about how your group wants to eat throughout the trip and plan accordingly.
As you prepare for your Walt Disney World vacation, take these steps to ensure you are ready. From getting familiar with the Walt Disney World Parks to scheduling dining and Park reservations, you want to take time to prepare for your vacation. Doing these steps ahead of time will allow you to enjoy the magic.
