Preparing for a trip to Walt Disney World is as exciting as it is essential. Whether you’re a seasoned Disney enthusiast or planning your first magical adventure, the week leading up to your departure sets the tone for your vacation.
To help you make the most of your time, we’ve crafted a guide packed with helpful tips and strategies. These steps will ensure you’re ready to experience the magic stress-free. Here are six important steps to take before your Disney trip:
1. Prioritize Rest and Recharge
Disney vacations are action-packed, with long days of walking, standing in line, and experiencing attractions. To prepare for the physical demands, prioritize sleep during the week before your trip.
Create a bedtime routine that helps you wind down and ensures you’re well-rested. Arriving at Disney World with plenty of energy ensures you’ll fully enjoy the magic of every day.
2. Pack Smartly and Personalize Your MagicBands and MagicMobile Options
Packing for Walt Disney World can be both fun and a little overwhelming. Start by creating a packing list to ensure you don’t forget essentials, like comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and your favorite Disney-themed outfits.
Don’t forget your MagicBands! These handy wristbands act as your room key, park ticket, and purchase payment method. Take personalization a step further by decorating your MagicBands. Add stickers, paint designs, or use Disney’s BandIts to give them a unique touch.
Customizing your MagicBands makes them easy to identify and adds an extra dose of Disney magic to your trip. For those who prefer digital options, Disney’s MagicMobile service allows you to access the same features directly from your smartphone, offering added convenience.
3. Complete Online Check-In for Your Resort
Disney offers a convenient online check-in option for resort guests, saving you time upon arrival. Using the My Disney Experience app or website, you can provide essential details, such as your estimated arrival time and room preferences.
Once your room is ready, you’ll receive a notification. This allows you to skip the front desk and head straight to your accommodations, which not only saves time but also ensures your trip starts smoothly.
If you’re arriving early, take advantage of your resort’s amenities, such as dining, pools, and recreational activities, while waiting for your room.
4. Organize Disney Gift Cards and Discount Cards
Disney Gift Cards are a popular way to manage your vacation budget. During the week before your trip, gather all your gift cards, Annual Passholder cards, or any discount cards you plan to use.
Organizing these items ensures you’ll take full advantage of available discounts on dining, merchandise, and experiences.
Pro Tip: Consolidate multiple Disney Gift Cards into one card to simplify spending during your trip. You can do this online via the Disney Gift Card website.
5. Review Your Dining Reservations
Dining at Disney is a highlight of many vacations, so double-check your dining reservations to ensure everything is in order. Use the My Disney Experience app to review your schedule and see if better time slots or new dining options have become available.
If you’re eyeing popular experiences like Wish Makers Enchanted Dining, staying flexible can help you snag a last-minute reservation. Be sure to cancel any reservations you no longer need to avoid no-show fees.
This is also a great time to research park snack options to enhance your culinary experience.
6. Fine-Tune Your Touring Plans
As your trip approaches, take another look at your touring plans. Whether you’ve mapped out every attraction or prefer a more spontaneous approach, it’s worth revisiting your plans to account for any new park updates or entertainment options.
For example, if your itinerary includes shows like Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! (located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom) or the nighttime spectacular Luminous: The Symphony of Us (currently featured at EPCOT), confirm their schedules and plan accordingly.
Use the My Disney Experience app to stay informed about ride wait times and Lightning Lane availability. This real-time information can help you make the most of your day and avoid unnecessary stress.
Additional Tips for a Magical Start
- Plan Your Arrival Day: Consider arriving early to explore Disney Springs or enjoy your resort’s amenities. Disney Springs offers fantastic dining, shopping, and entertainment, including new additions like the popular Salt & Straw ice cream shop and the immersive Star Wars Galactic Outpost store. This makes it a perfect prelude to your park days.
- Pack Snacks and Water Bottles: Staying hydrated and energized is crucial during your trip. Pack reusable water bottles and non-perishable snacks to keep your energy levels up while exploring the parks.
- Set Up Notifications: Enable notifications on the My Disney Experience app to stay updated on dining, attraction updates, and park news throughout your trip.
Following these tips and preparing thoughtfully, you’ll set yourself up for an unforgettable Disney vacation. Whether indulging in delicious meals, enjoying the thrills of Space Mountain and Expedition Everest or discovering the wonders of World Celebration, your magical getaway awaits!
Let the countdown to the magic begin!
