A Step-By-Step Checklist to Planning Your Disney Park Vacation
- Kate O'Neal-Eaton
- Oct 23
- 40 min read
Updated: Oct 25
You’ve decided you want to visit a Disney resort? Congratulations! There’s nothing quite like a Disney vacation. However, not planning ahead for a visit to a Disney theme park can result in standing in long lines, overspending, missing out on magical moments, and struggling to find a good meal. I've planned many Disney vacations for my family friends and these are the steps I've found work every time.
So how do I begin planning? Disney vacations are formidable to prepare and organize. For first-time planners and Disney pros alike, the planning process can be stressful and overwhelming. There are innumerable resources available online, dedicated Disney travel agencies, and extensive official Disney resort webpages and apps to navigate. It’s enough to make your Mickey ears spin!
So here is my concise step-by-step guide to make the planning process simple and ensure you have a fantastically fun trip.
Complete this checklist to prepare the Disney vacation of your dreams in just 20 steps!
CHECKLIST FOR PLANNING YOUR DISNEY VACATION
INITIAL PLANNING
Start here as soon as you decide to take a Disney vacation!
Set a budget and start saving money
Choose when to visit and how long you want to stay
Download and explore the Disney resort mobile app and familiarize yourself with the resort website
THE BASICS
Work through these steps as soon as you are ready, ideally up to 8-12 months in advance, but certainly aim for more than 60 days in advance.
Choose a hotel and make a reservation
Make travel arrangements (plane tickets, airport to hotel transportation, rental car, etc.)
Choose your desired type of park ticket
Purchase park tickets and link them to your Disney account
Plan which parks you’ll visit on each day of your vacation and make park reservations (if necessary)
Link all members of your travel party so you can share your itinerary and make reservations together
THE FUN STUFF
These steps can be done closer to departure but if you want the best chance at securing your favorite restaurant or extra experience, be prepared to book as soon as the reservation windows open, usually 60 days in advance. You should already know which park you’ll be visiting each day before you try to reserve dining, tours, or extra experiences.
Explore dining options
60 days in advance, start making dining reservations
60 days in advance make special bookings for tours, prince or princess makeovers at Biddidi Bobbidi Boutique, and lightsaber or droid building
Explore park maps, ride descriptions, and entertainment options and have a general idea of your priorities and daily park plan
Research park time saving strategies and effective line-skipping or rope dropping plans to ensure you make the most of your days in the parks
THE DETAILS
These can be taken care of less than 60 days before arrival.
Make advance Lightning Lane selections: (if you are going to WDW in Florida) 7 days in advance if staying on property and 3 days in advance if staying off property (advance reservations are not available at Disneyland)
Secure rentals and deliveries of strollers or mobility devices if needed
Order grocery delivery to your hotel or accommodations if desired
Familiarize yourself with travel times and transportation options from your hotel or lodgings to the parks and locations of security and park entrances so you can accurately plan park arrival times
Plan what you want to pack so you’ll have everything you need on your vacation
If staying at a Disney hotel, you can usually check in a few days before arrival to streamline your first day.
GUIDE TO COMPLETING YOUR STEP-BY-STEP CHECKLIST
Let’s break down each step in this planning checklist and give you some details to consider so you can start checking off steps and building a Disney adventure that’s right for you.
Wait…wasn’t this post supposed to make the Disney planning process simple?! Don’t worry, if the options, considerations, and suggestions explained under each checklist item are too overwhelming, just follow my simplified advice at the end of each one!
So let's get started!
INITIAL PLANNING:
Start here as soon as you decide to take a Disney vacation!
Start saving money/set your budget
Disney vacations are expensive. Even with money-saving tips, you’ll probably need to have a plan for how you’ll pay for your trip. Starting to save early will prevent stress later and may also help you stick to your budget when you find yourself getting caught up in the excitement of all Disney has to offer.
As a rule of thumb, for a family of four, a budget trip might cost about $5,000 and a longer trip with more splurges could be $10,000 or more. These are just ballpark figures and depend on how long your trip is, what kind of lodging you decide to book, how far you are traveling from, what kind of meals you choose, what kind of park tickets and souvenirs you buy, and whether you choose to partake in any extras like tours, professional photo passes, or special ticketed events.
Everyone likes to vacation differently. For some it’s all about the food. Others want luxurious accommodations. Some just want convenience and relaxation no matter the cost. You might be visiting a Disney theme park to see your favorite characters, or maybe you are just there for the rides and attractions. Think about what is most important to you, and then consider the following options. Where is it worth cutting costs, and where do you want to splurge to make your vacation right for you?
Some ideas to save money on lodging:
Stay at a Value Resort on Disney property or budget-friendly off property hotel or vacation rental. If you stay off property, be sure to factor in the extra cost of parking at the theme parks or otherwise traveling to them each day.
Keep your trip as short as possible to reduce extra nights in a hotel and extra meals.
Try not to stay overnight on weekends since they tend to be the most expensive nights in hotels.
If you don’t mind preparing some of your own meals or are a larger traveling party requiring multiple hotel rooms, consider renting points from the owner of a Disney timeshare (the DVC) or getting an off property vacation rental with a kitchen.
If you are a military member or spouse, call 407-939-7830 (Walt Disney World) or 800-453-5911 (Disneyland) and ask about Disney’s military discount on rooms.
Some ideas to save money on dining:
Carefully consider Disney’s dining plan to see if it makes sense for your family before purchasing it just for convenience. If you decide to use it, be sure to follow its guidelines so you don’t end up paying extra at meals that don’t qualify for the plan. Unless it is offered for free with a vacation package that works for you, I generally wouldn’t recommend it.
Bring your own food and snacks and/or eat quick service rather than table service or character dining. Order kids meals rather than adult portions or share a meal with your companions rather than each buying an entree. If you’re still hungry after sharing or eating a smaller portion you can always get a snack somewhere else later on.
Remember that most restaurants will offer water for free to quench your thirst and if your family enjoys popcorn, you might consider a refillable bucket for your snacks. Similarly, some Walt Disney World resort hotels offer a refillable insulated mug that might help you save money if you drink a lot of fountain drinks, coffee or tea and are staying somewhere that offers free refills or will be passing by a resort that offers them regularly.
Some ideas to save money on souvenirs:
Buy souvenirs at less expensive stores that sell Disney related merchandise before your trip rather than on property or get dual-purpose souvenirs like refillable popcorn buckets and refillable mugs.
Collect free souvenirs like park maps, celebration buttons (given out by cast members at hotel front desks and in front of the Emporium on Main Street that say things like “First Visit” or “It’s My Birthday”), or coasters from your favorite restaurants.
Skip souvenirs and just take lots of photos to remember your vacation!
Some ideas to save money on park tickets:
Skip the park hopping option and commit to staying at a single theme park each day.
Instead of paying more for perks like line-skipping lightning passes, do research ahead of time to maximize your efficiency in the parks and make the most of your time such as: arriving before park opening to “rope drop”, staying until closing, getting in line for rides during fireworks and shows, utilizing mobile food orders rather than standing in line to order, use single rider lines when available, and take advantage of perks like early park access or extended evening hours if staying at a qualifying Disney hotel.
Plan a day (or a few days) without visiting the theme parks. Instead do less expensive things like: swimming in your hotel pool or taking the kids to the arcade or ice cream shop at your Disney hotel. Even if you’re staying off property, you can visit Disney hotels to see their decor and visit their restaurants and gift shops. Attend the campfire and outdoor movie viewing at one of the resort hotels in the evening (the Chip N Dale singalong campfire at Fort Wilderness is recommended). Watch the fireworks without having to buy a ticket to the parks from resort hotels with a view (including the beach at the Polynesian near Walt Disney World or the pool deck at Pixar Place near Disneyland) or other locations nearby such as Disney’s Boardwalk near EPCOT. Go mini-golfing at the Disney course or to one of the Disney water parks (if you’re at Walt Disney World in Florida). Shop, explore, eat or even go see a show or go bowling at Disney Springs or Downtown Disney. Rest in your accommodations and binge Disney movies from the comfort of your bed. Enjoy fun free rides with views of the parks or hotels on the Skyliner gondolas, water taxis, or monorail.
Look for deals that bundle tickets with accommodations or a vacation package for a discount.
If you are a military member or spouse, inquire about the Military Salute tickets from your base ticket office.
If you are a member of AAA or AARP, ask about discounted tickets.
If you live in a state that hosts your Disney park (Florida or California) look for resident discounts.
Some ideas to save money on transportation:
Utilize the free transportation options on property rather than paying for a ride share, renting a car or paying for parking once you get to your Disney resort.
Take advantage of credit cards with airline, gas, rental car, or other travel rewards.
Use a membership to retailers like Costco or a travel agent to help you find deals.
Try to time your airline ticket purchase when prices are lower (often around 1-3 months ahead of travel) and fly on less expensive days of the week (often Saturdays and mid-week).
Use price comparison websites, consider alternative nearby airports, and consider budget airlines.
Pack snacks, refillable water bottles, and groceries from home so you don’t eat at restaurants or pay gas-station or airport prices for refreshments.
If you are road-tripping to Disney, drive the most fuel-efficient car you can and don’t speed. Avoid routes that require tolls when possible and stay in budget hotels or hotels with free breakfast along the way.
General money saving ideas:
Visit during off-peak seasons like late January to February and shoulder seasons such as May and September.
Check the Disney resorts websites for special offers and promotions.
Discounted Disney gift cards might sometimes be available to you from retailers like Target if you use their credit card or are members. Disney gift cards can be used most places at Disney theme parks and resort hotels.
Use a Disney visa card from Chase to get some discounts and some other perks like special photo opportunities.
Ask about ticket, hotel, and vacation package discounts for Florida or California residents, military members and families, or memberships like AAA and AARP.
Pack smart: use our packing list to think ahead and bring items you already own or can purchase affordably before your trip rather than paying theme park prices for a last minute rain poncho, emergency sun protection, or a warm layer for chilly evenings.
If saving money is not your highest priority, consider the following splurges that add convenience and memorable magic:
Seasonal and special behind-the-scenes tours
Princess makeovers at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, droid or lightsaber building
Fireworks cruises
Dessert parties and fireworks viewing dining packages
Cabanas at hotel pools and water parks
Celebration cakes, decoration or flowers in your room or at you restaurant reservation
VIP tours
Golfing
Spas
Club level stays at Disney hotels
Special ticketed events
These specialty services certainly come at a cost, but can also add incredible memories and conveniences such as reserved seating for nighttime shows so you don’t have to arrive early to stake your claim, and food provided so you don’t have to plan meals. While not necessary to have a great trip to Disney, some may be worth the cost to you.
For example, while VIP tours are definitely expensive, they also can help you squeeze in the most magic in a short period of time. So much so that you may even feel you can take a shorter vacation! Up to 10 people can be on a VIP tour. If these 10 people are made up of multiple households splitting the cost, and it allows you to skip paying for a second or third day in the theme parks and extra nights in a hotel and days eating out, you might find it's affordable. VIP tours can give you an incredible experience including skipping ride lines, preferred seating for shows, special snacks, direct transportation between parks, use of strollers, ponchos, and other extras if needed along the way, and a personal cast member guide with lots of Disney knowledge and enthusiasm to lead you every step of the way so you don’t have to navigate the park apps, make a touring plan, or figure out where to go and what to do next. They are the ultimate in convenience and pampering and if the cost can be shared and allows you to cut hotel and food costs by taking a shorter vacation, it might not be totally out of reach.
Feeling overwhelmed? Here’s my advice:
Set a budget you can afford and remember to enjoy each moment without worrying about what you’re missing. I have had wonderful Disney experiences on a tight budget as well as on generous ones. If you can’t afford your top vacation priority consider post-poning and saving up until you can.
Choose when to visit and how long you want to stay
If your trip is planned around a celebration like a birthday or graduation, or a break from school then you probably already know when you want to travel. However, if your travel dates are flexible, there are several things to ask yourself when timing your trip and deciding how long to stay:
How crowded are the parks likely to be?
Will the weather be unbearably hot for me?
If I have my heart set on experiencing the water rides, water parks, or amazing Disney hotel pools, will the weather be too cold to enjoy them?
Have we considered the possibility of hurricanes or daily summertime thunder storms if we’re headed to Florida?
Will there be holiday or seasonal decorations or ride overlays and food options? Do I want to experience these or would we rather have a more “standard” park experience?
Will there be any special events that might make the parks close early, be extra crowded, or require special tickets? These might include nights for graduating high school seniors in the spring, seasonal events at Halloween and Christmas time, in-park marathons, etc.
Will my favorite ride be closed for refurbishment?
How long can I afford to stay?
Would it be less expensive to visit at a different time (shoulder seasons and off peak times like January)?
How many days do I want to spend and will I have enough time to visit all I want to see?
Will my traveling party need an extra day for resting away from the theme parks since the parks require a lot of walking and standing each day?
The answers to these questions and others you may be considering can be found with the help of online searches for Disney crowd calendars, local weather, and exploration of the Disney resorts websites and mobile apps. Prioritize the considerations that are most important to you and decide on a time that works best.
Feeling overwhelmed? Here’s my advice:
Plan on a travel day to the resort without park entrance on that day in case of travel delays, instead use any extra time after arrival to swim at your hotel, shop at Disney shopping districts, or explore other Disney resort hotels and restaurants. Then plan on one full day per theme park. If you can add more time, add a second day for Disneyland or Magic Kingdom.
If you are visiting all four Disney World theme parks and can add another day, schedule a non-park day in the middle of your trip for resting and exploring other options outside the parks.
No matter when you are traveling, just pack for the weather. Our packing list will help you make rain or heat bearable.
If you have your choice of when to visit, I recommend May or September for the relatively nice weather at both Disneyland or Walt Disney World and the relatively lower crowds as well as reasonable travel costs.
Disney vacations can be magical no matter the time of year, so go when you are able and make the most of it! Each season comes with advantages and drawbacks so don’t sweat the timing too much and just prepare to have fun!
One of the best ways to prepare for the fun is to learn about your Disney resort. Which brings us to the next item on our preplanning checklist- familiarizing yourself with the official Disney resorts mobile apps and websites.
Download and explore your Disney resort’s mobile app and familiarize yourself with the resort website
You will most likely be utilizing the mobile app extensively during your visit to the parks so it is best to learn all it has to offer before you arrive. Similarly, much of your trip planning will be achieved on the resort websites (and/or app) so you’ll want to become familiar with these resources and check back with them frequently as your vacation approaches. Some information such as which rides will be closed for refurbishment and parade and show times might not be posted until a few weeks ahead of time. Even so, now it is time to do a little research by downloading and exploring the official mobile app of the resort you plan to visit and spend time navigating their website. If you don’t already have one, create a Disney account to save and manage your hotel reservations, tickets, dining reservations, tours, and more!
Some things to discover in the official Disney resort apps:
Where to access your tickets
How to use your digital hotel room key
Park maps with attraction wait times, restaurant locations, character meet and greet locations, restroom locations, photo pass locations, and more!
Ride height requirements and accessibility
Mobile food ordering and restaurant menus
Photos from rides and Disney photographers
Car locator
How to leave a cast compliment
How to navigate the resort on Disney transportation
Showtimes, park hours, and tip board from the Disney Genie
Lightning lanes and virtual queues
Feeling overwhelmed? Here’s my advice:
If you really don’t have much time to explore before your trip, at the least, create your Disney account and spend ten minutes tapping on each icon or menu in the mobile app so you know where to find things in the app later when you need them. If you have time on a plane ride or drive on your way to the parks, look through the app then. Earlier is best, but anytime before you arrive in the parks is better than not at all.
THE BASICS:
Work through these steps as soon as you are ready, ideally up to 8-12 months in advance, but certainly aim for more than 60 days in advance.
Choose a hotel and make a reservation
When choosing accommodations consider how important each of the following aspects are to your travelling party:
Cost
Location and transportation options to the parks
Theming and decor (keeping the Disney magic alive even outside the parks!)
Pools, restaurants, and other hotel amenities
Perks of Disney on-site hotels
Choosing where you are going to stay during your vacation is a major decision in the planning process. For some travelers their hotel is considered just a place to sleep and shower in between the fun stuff. For these folks, price may be the most important consideration and doing a price comparison and booking low cost accommodations online or through their favorite app may be the way to go. But for other Disney visitors, where they stay during their vacation is part of the magic. They may weigh the theming and decor, restaurant or spa options, and hotel swimming pools, and arcades as more important factors in their choice. Exploring the Disney resort and “Good Neighbor” (nearby Disney approved partners) hotel pages online will offer up to date information and help you make the right decision for you.
Other important things to keep in mind when deciding where to book your lodging are the location relative to the theme parks and time and cost of transportation options. If it will take you an hour to drive through traffic and find parking, and then cost you $35 to park, and then take another 30 minutes to get from the parking to the entrance of the parks, and require you to do it all in reverse before you can get back to your bed at the end of a full day of fun, you may find that staying at a more expensive hotel closer to the action is worth the cost.
In addition, Disney hotels on property come with some perks. These change from time to time, but often include being allowed to enter the parks before visitors who are not staying in a Disney resort hotel and/or being allowed to stay later in the parks at the end of the day. Other perks might include getting a free line-skipping pass, being able to book dining and Lightning Lanes earlier than off-site guests, or getting reduced cost or free entrance to a Disney water park or a round of minigolf. And of course, if you stay on property there are multiple free Disney transportation options to get you to and from the parks each day. For example, The Grand Californian has its own entrance directly into California Adventure and several hotels at Disney World are on the monorail or Skyliner gondola route. Explore the Disney websites to see what free transportation options each hotel has access to and what perks are being offered to on-site guests before deciding on a hotel. You may also find a package deal that bundles discounted park tickets with a hotel stay that saves you money.
You can book Disney accommodations online, or over the phone (for Walt Disney World 407-939-5277 or 1-800-327-2996 and for Disneyland 714-956-6425). Calling may be useful as they can answer your questions and provide you with quick comparisons of cost and available options for the time of your visit. Also, even if you have already booked your accommodations for a Disney resort hotel, if you hear of a discount deal after you’ve booked, give Disney a call and they can often apply the discount after the fact if you’re eligible.
Feeling overwhelmed? Here’s my advice:
Prioritize location and pick the hotel nearest the entrance of Disneyland within your budget. It is not necessary to stay at a Disney hotel when visiting Disneyland unless you really want to stay in the Disney decor and theme. They offer fewer perks than the resort hotels at Walt Disney World.
If you are going to Disney World it is best to stay on property and take advantage of the free transportation to the parks. If you can afford it, try the Beach Club for its fabulous pool, onsite character dining, and popular ice cream parlor, or if you prefer a more affordable resort, try the Pop Century on the Skyliner route. For something in between, choose Coronado Springs for its fun water slide.
Make travel arrangements
Whether you are driving to the Disney resorts or flying from halfway around the world, you will need to make some travel arrangements. There are a number of airports near Anaheim so it may be worthwhile to compare flights at different nearby airports. Los Angeles International (LAX) is the largest with the most options. John Wayne (SNA) is the closest. Other options include Long Beach (LGB) and Ontario International (ONT) and Hollywood Burbank (BUR). The airport most used for Disney World in Florida is Orlando International (MCO).
If you are flying to Orlando or one of the airports near Anaheim, don’t forget to make arrangements to get from the airport to your lodging. Ride shares and taxis are a good choice if your traveling party is small. If you have a larger number of people or a lot of luggage, you may want to book a shuttle or van ahead of time. There are a number of companies that can be found online that frequently transfer Disney guests directly to their hotels such as MEARS connect (mearsconnect.com) in Orlando and Karmel (karmel.com) in the Anaheim area. Of course you can also rent a car and drive yourself but remember to factor in the cost of parking. There are some public transportation options as well, that could be less expensive, but these are a hassle with luggage and complicated to navigate so they are not recommended for most travelers.
Feeling overwhelmed? Here’s my advice:
Booking flights, rental cars, or hotel transfers for Disney is the same as for any other type of vacation. Just proceed as you normally would, or enlist the help of a travel agent. Revisit some of the money-saving tips discussed in the first budgeting section of this book.
Choose a park ticket option
There are a number of ticket options for entering Disney theme parks. Here are some things to consider to help you make your decision:
How many days will you spend in the parks?
Will you visit one park per day or move between multiple parks in the same day?
Do you want to add on access to water parks and minigolf or a sports complex in Disney World either with your theme park entrance or separately (not available in Disneyland)?
Do you already know if you’d like to add one of the line-skipping lightning passes?
The first thing to decide is how many days you want to be in the theme parks and therefore what number of days your ticket should allow you entry. For example, are you only popping down to Disneyland from LA for a day and just need a single day ticket? Or are you taking a weeklong vacation to Disney World and need a five-day ticket?
Then decide if you will be staying in a single park per day or plan to go between multiple parks in a day (a hopper ticket). Let’s take our first example of someone coming down from LA for a single day at Disneyland Resort. If they want to experience both Disneyland and California Adventure, they will need a hopper ticket so that when park hopping opens for the day (usually after 11am) they can walk back and forth between parks. If we consider the other example of someone on a weeklong vacation to Disney World, they might decide because the parks are further apart in Florida taking up a fair amount of time to travel between during the day and because there are four of them, they will stick with a single park per day ticket and visit each park once and then go back to their favorite for their fifth day. Or they may decide they want to be able to move between all the parks on any given day despite the travel time involved and go for the hopper option.
At Disney World you can also add on access to a certain number of visits to water parks and or sports activities like minigolf in addition to your theme park entrance to your tickets. Sometimes these activities are offered separately as perks for staying in a Disney resort hotel as well. Separate tickets just for the water parks are also available without theme park entry.
And finally, if you know in advance that you want to purchase the access to the fast lanes while waiting in line (“Lightning Lanes”) you can purchase these passes with your ticket to Disneyland or when you enter the parks in the morning. If you are going to Disney World you will make these purchases separately from your tickets as follows: If you are staying on property you can purchase Lightning Lane Multi passes a week in advance or first thing in the morning when you enter the parks if you are not. The LL Premier Pass can be purchased for Disneyland one week in advance. LL Premier Pass for Disney World can be purchased one week in advance if you are staying on property and three days in advance for those staying off property.
Feeling overwhelmed? Here’s my advice:
If you are visiting the Disneyland resort and it is within your budget, get pack hopping tickets since the parks are so close as this will give you more flexibility. Lightning Lane Multi passes are generally not necessary in California Adventure unless you are visiting at peak crowds and don’t take advantage of less busy times like when the park first opens. Lightning Lane Multi pass is more useful at Disneyland park and if it is within your budget is recommended. Otherwise, be sure to do some research on how to save time and skip long lines before you arrive if you want to make the most of your day in Disneyland park.
If you are visiting Disney World, it is more efficient to plan on staying in one park per day since it takes time to travel between parks. Hopper tickets are not necessary unless you do not have enough days in your vacation to dedicate a whole day in each park. There is so much to do at Disney World, don’t expect to be able to see and do it all unless you have a very extended vacation. Lightning Lane Multi pass is most useful in Magic Kingdom so if you can afford it, purchase the LL Multi pass for the day(s) you plan to be in this park. It is not as necessary in the other parks unless the crowd levels are high. Advance research on time saving tips and strategies in the parks is always recommended.
My recommendations for how long to spend in the parks are to plan on one day per theme park at a minimum (so that is 2 days at Disneyland and 4 days at Walt Disney World). If you can afford to stay longer, add a second day for Disneyland park or Magic Kingdom (so now that's 3 days at Disneyland and 5 days at Walt Disney World). And of course, if you can afford even more, go for it, though you really don’t need more than 2 days in each theme park in my opinion.
Purchase park tickets and link them to your Disney account
You can purchase tickets online directly from the Disney resort websites (unless you are purchasing military discounted tickets- get these at your base ticket office). Once you have purchased the type of tickets you chose in the previous planning step, link those tickets to your Disney account.
In the official Disney World or Disneyland app, tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner, and select Tickets and Passes, then tap the blue plus sign in the upper right corner and select Link Tickets. You can open the camera to scan the code or type in the ID code.
Feeling overwhelmed? Call for help:
If you are having trouble purchasing or linking your tickets, you can call Disney for help and a cast member can walk you through it or even do it for you. 407-934-7639 for Walt Disney World and for Disneyland 714-781-4636.
Plan which parks you’ll visit on each day of your vacation and make park reservations (if necessary)
It is important to know ahead of time which park you will visit (or at least start the day at) each day of your trip. Not only will this save you time and confusion in the mornings of your vacation, it will help you maximize your time and take advantage of perks you might be eligible for. So look at crowd calendars online and keep in mind general trends like the parks will usually be more crowded on weekends so it might be better to visit a less popular park on the weekend days of your trip. Look at the park websites to see if any parks will be closing early for special events or staying open late so you can choose whether or not to visit that park on that day. Some attractions only happen on certain days of the week (like fireworks only on weekends at some times of the year) and decide if that’s something you don’t want to miss so you can be sure to be at the right park on a given day. If you are eligible for early entry or extended hours, be sure you plan to go to the right park on the right day so you can take advantage of it.
If you’ve decided you want to include some days of your vacation that you will not enter the theme parks in order to rest or enjoy other activities like shopping at Disney Springs, visiting a water park, or lounging at your hotel pool, be sure to factor those in and build your park visits around them.
Once you know where you want to be each day, be sure to check park availability and make a park reservation for all members of your party if they are still required. Currently most tickets do not require a park reservation at Disney World but most Disneyland tickets do still require a park reservation. This means that in order to visit the theme parks in Anaheim, you must purchase a ticket, and then also pick which park you will visit (or start your day at if you have a hopper ticket) and make a reservation for that park on that day. Do this as soon as you can after purchasing your tickets.
Feeling overwhelmed? Here’s my advice:
Try not to plan to visit parks on your arrival day in case of delay. If you need to do so, pick a less favored park so if you end up missing out it won’t be on your favorite.
If you are visiting midweek, save the most popular parks (Disneyland/Magic Kingdom) for Tuesdays-Thursdays as they will likely be less crowded than on weekends. Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World and California Adventure at Disneyland generally have lower crowds so if you may want to plan to visit them on a busier weekend day.
If you have a must see fireworks show that only happens on certain days, a perk of extra hours for a resort guest that you want to take advantage of, or if a park is closing early for a special event, assign that park to the most ideal day first and just fill everything else in around it.
Don’t forget to make park reservations if going to one of the theme parks in Anaheim (Disneyland and California Adventure).
Link all members of your travel party so you can share your itinerary and make reservations together
In the Disneyland app, just add all tickets of your traveling party to your account so you can make reservations for them as well. To link tickets, tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner, and select Tickets and Passes, then tap the blue plus sign in the upper right corner and select Link Tickets. You can open the camera to scan the code or type in the ID code.
If traveling to Disney World, open the app and tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner, scroll down to Profile under your account information. Select Family & Friends List. Scroll down and tap + Add a Guest. Then either scan the linking code from your friend or family using the phone camera (this is found under your friend or family’s Profile in their app and titled “Show My Linking Code”) or have them provide you with their manual linking code that you can enter on the Add a Guest screen. Everyone in your traveling party that you are linking will need a Disney account.
Feeling overwhelmed? Call for help:
If you are having trouble linking your travel partners, you can call Disney for help and a cast member can walk you through it or even do it for you. 407-934-7639 for Disney World and for Disneyland, 714-520-6222.
THE FUN STUFF:
These steps in planning can be done closer to departure but if you want the best chance at securing your favorite restaurant or enchanting extra experience, be prepared to book as soon as the reservation windows open, usually 60 days in advance. You should already know which park you’ll be visiting each day before you try to reserve dining, tours, or extra experiences.
Explore dining options
For some Disney enthusiasts, food options are a major reason for visiting the resorts. If trying out Disney treats and delectables is a priority for you, spend some time exploring the dining options in the theme parks, hotels, and shopping districts of the Disney resort you’re headed to before the reservation window opens so you can hop on the app or Disney website as soon as you’re allowed to make a reservation during your vacation and try to snag a coveted spot at popular dining venues. The Disney resort apps and websites have information on location, hours, cost, theming, menus, allergy accommodations, and type of service available such as mobile ordering, table service, or quick service. You may also want to check out some reviews from other Disney foodies on YouTube or your favorite social media platform. The Disney Food Blog (disneyfoodblog.com) is a well established source for dining reviews.
If you consider meals just a means to fuel your body so you can power through more rides and theme park exploration, then you should utilize mobile ordering and quick service options to eat at whatever is nearby when you are hungry. Or perhaps even bring your own food. Disney does allow you to bring food into the parks but remember you will have to lug it around with you or rent a locker to store it in.
Feeling overwhelmed? Here’s my advice:
Plan on trying foods from whatever quick service options are nearby when you are hungry and don’t worry about knowing what every restaurant has to offer ahead of time if this stresses you out.
If someone in your travel party has allergies or is a very picky eater, search out a couple good options for them in each theme park and stick with those.
If you just want to try a few Disney classics, be sure to get the Dole Whip and something Mickey shaped (waffle, pretzel, ice cream bar) and if you can afford the time and money of a character dining experience, choose one of these sometime during your trip.
My favorite dining experiences are Oga’s Cantina (Disneyland and Hollywood Studios), Beak and Barrel (Magic Kingdom), and Trader Sam’s (Polynesian Resort and Disneyland Hotel) for the immersive experiences. For quick bites I prefer the hand dipped corn dogs at the Red Wagon in Disneyland or Corn Dog Castle in California Adventure, Woody’s Lunchbox in Hollywood Studios, Pinocchio Village Haus in Magic Kingdom (bonus, some tables overlook Small World ride), and Sleepy Hollow Refreshments in in Magic Kingdom. For character dining my family always wants Tusker House in Animal Kingdom, O’Hana breakfast at the Polynesian, or the Garden Grill in EPCOT, or at Disneyland Resort the Storyteller’s Cafe at the Grand Californian. For fine dining, try Topolino’s Terrace at Walt Disney World (at the Riviera Resort) or at Disneyland try the Napa Rose at the Grand Californian.
60 days in advance, start making dining reservations
It is important to note on your calendar or set a reminder in your phone when your 60 day window begins because the most sought after reservations will get snatched up within minutes of this window opening. If waking up to sign in to your Disney account at the crack of dawn is not your idea of fun, don’t worry there are always other options for quick service dining somewhere around.
Also, keep checking back periodically as your trip approaches or even during your vacation days because people do cancel reservations as their plans change and you may have the chance to pick up a reservation later. You can make reservations online, on the app, or over the phone. You can modify and cancel reservations if necessary and if availability allows.
If you plan to get an early start to your park adventure and are able to snag one of the earliest breakfast reservations to fuel up for your day, you may be allowed to enter the park before other guests. Ask at the entrance of the parks about getting a head start in order to get to your reservation. However, those magical morning moments may be better spent on shorter than usual ride wait times than on dining, so you’ll have to decide which is right for you.
Feeling overwhelmed? Here’s my advice:
You can eat delicious and festive foods without making advance dining reservations as long as you don’t have your heart set on one of the most popular venues that fill up fast. If you miss the moment and don’t snag your dream reservation at 60 days out, just keep checking back each day before and during your trip to see if a spot opens up. Or, just choose to eat at venues that don’t require reservations at all. There are lots of choices of places to eat all over the parks.
60 days in advance make special bookings for tours, prince or princess makeovers at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, and lightsaber or droid building, or other extra experiences if desired
There are a range of unique and special opportunities to enhance your Disney vacation available. Look through the apps and websites and search out reviews on blogs, social media or YouTube to decide if any of them are a can’t miss experience for someone in your traveling party. Then be ready to make a reservation in advance of your vacation.
Feeling overwhelmed? Here’s my advice:
You can have a wonderful vacation without any special add-on reservations, but if you are looking for extra magic, don’t wait until the last minute as many of these reservations will go quickly. But just as with dining reservations, keep checking back because plans change and you may see something open up closer to or even during your trip.
Explore park maps, ride descriptions, and entertainment options and have a general idea of your priorities and daily park plan
Taking some time to look at how the parks are laid out and what the rides and shows are like if you are unfamiliar with them ahead of time is a good idea. Make note of what rides, shows, and park areas are “must do’s” for you as well as which ones you don’t need to waste your time on will help you have the most enjoyable time. You can watch ride videos on Disney+ or YouTube or read reviews about them online. The official park website and apps give many details including height requirements and accessibility, which have Lightning Lanes, which have single rider lines, and which might be closed during fireworks or rain, or are under refurbishment.
Showtimes for parades and nighttime projection shows and other nighttime entertainment options are also in the apps or websites. These are popular and fun parts of a Disney day and are not to be missed.
A note about water rides:
Keep in mind that you might get wet and that walking around the parks in wet socks or shoes or wet shorts all day can get mighty uncomfortable. So, leave riding these until just before you plan to leave the park, take extra precautions to stay dry (silicone shoe covers, ponchos etc.), or bring an extra change of clothes and stash them in a rented locker when you enter the parks just in case.
Feeling overwhelmed? Here’s my advice:
Have each member of your travel party choose their top couple of experiences (rides, shows, restaurants) and compile a list by park location. As you wander through the parks, focus on hitting those items and then move on. Plan to go back and do more if you have time. Add these selections to your Visual Vacation Plan to bring with you into the parks each day. Read the Tips and Suggestions section of this book before your trip.
Research park time saving strategies and effective line-skipping or rope dropping plans to ensure you make the most of your days in the parks
It is important to remain flexible and enjoy each moment as it happens when you are vacationing at Disney resorts. Don’t map out every moment or have a rigid schedule in mind because in real life not everything will go according to plan. However, a little advance research will help you know your options to ensure you don’t spend all your time in line or feel like you’ve wasted your time or money with inefficient strategies in the parks.
General tips and strategies for saving time in the parks:
Use the mobile app to check wait times for rides and attractions (start looking at this before your trip so you know which rides tend to have long or short lines to fill in your day when you need something quick to do or when you want to take advantage of a better than average wait time).
Arrive before the parks open to allow time to get through security and the entrance gate. Then position yourself for the morning “rope drop” so you can fit in a few rides first thing in the morning while the park is less crowded.
When available, if you are alright with splitting up your party, use single rider lines.
Stay late after the crowds start to thin at the end of the night and shop for souvenirs or get on rides during or after the fireworks, parades, or nighttime shows.
Use mobile ordering to save time waiting for food and dine during off-peak meal hours.
Go to a character dining experience to get the chance to greet multiple characters without waiting in lines and while getting a meal.
Don’t book multiple sit-down table service meals a day - they take up more time and will limit your chances of taking advantage of short lines in other parts of the park.
Do your souvenir shopping at the end of the day as guests are leaving the park. Shops on Main Street stay open a bit past closing time so you can continue to shop.
If you are going to purchase a Lightning Lane pass, it is especially important to understand how to use them well before you get to the parks. So take the time to do some online research on how to best utilize Lightning Lanes before you arrive. If you purchase the multi pass option, you will be making reservations for a selection of rides throughout the day to ride once each as demand allows. If you purchase the single pass option, you get to use the Lightning Lane entrance to one specific, high demand ride once per day. If you purchase the premier option, you get to ride a selection of rides throughout the day once each but do not need to make a reservation time for each one.
At Disneyland you can start making selections for your multi pass as soon as you enter the park and then every two hours or as soon as you redeem a selection subject to availability. You can only redeem Lightning Lane on each ride once per day. At Disney World you can make some selections ahead of arrival and then make additional selections after you redeem one depending on availability.
A note about virtual queues:
Occasionally an attraction is so popular that the standby lines are unwieldy and cause guests to spend too much of their day waiting in line for just one ride. When this happens, Disney will sometimes switch over to a Virtual Queue. To utilize this feature, you just join the virtual queue on the app as soon as possible (often first thing in the morning on the day of your visit). You will be assigned a return time to come back to the attraction and get in the physical line to ride. Currently this system is just being used for World Of Color at California Adventure and allows guests to join the virtual queue starting at noon for the evening show(s).
Feeling overwhelmed? Here’s my advice:
If getting up early and staying late, constantly scouring your phone for the best wait times on rides, and feeling pressured to make every moment count is not your idea of a vacation, then just go with the flow, and instead manage your expectations. Know that you may end up choosing between standing in a long line or skipping a ride, food option, character meeting, or attraction because the wait is too long. Know that you might not have the best view of the fireworks or parade. Be ok with that and enjoy getting to relax and be in the moment. If you can afford it, pay for the flexibility and convenience of getting to lessen wait times with options like Lightning Lane Multi-Pass, Single-Pass, or even Premier Pass or a VIP tour. Review the Tips and Suggestions section of this book for a condensed primer on planning a good day in (or out) of the parks.
THE DETAILS:
These can be taken care of less than 60 days before arrival.
Make advance Lightning Lane Multi-pass selections: (if you are going to WDW) a week in advance if staying on property and three days in advance if staying off property (advance reservations are not available at Disneyland)
Lightning Lane information is outlined on the resort websites or in how-to videos from Disney bloggers and enthusiasts on your favorite online platform. It can become an art form to make the most of your LL bookings and to maximize your usage. A whole book could be written on these strategies alone. If you are interested in this, invest time and research and become an expert. If not, just look at what attractions are available as soon as you can book and choose the one that is a highest priority for you and your travel partners. Everyone has a slightly different strategy on what works. In the end, it is dependent on what your group is most interested in doing and how you want to structure your days in the parks. Be sure to book your first selection at Disneyland as soon as you enter the parks and no matter what resort you are at, always book your next selection as soon as you redeem a previous one by entering the line for that ride.
Feeling overwhelmed? Call for help:
If you are having trouble with advance booking, contact Walt Disney World 407-939-5277. If you are struggling while already in the parks, speak to a cast member or head to Guest Relations for guidance.
Secure rentals and deliveries of strollers or mobility devices if needed
Most guests will cover a lot of ground during a visit to a Disney park. If you or someone you are traveling with may have trouble keeping up or walking or standing as much as is required to fully experience the parks, Disney is quite stroller and ECV friendly.
Stroller and electric conveyance vehicles (ECV’s) can be rented from Disney parks near the entrances, but they must be returned at the end of the day (or between changing parks if you are in Walt Disney World) so you cannot use them to get to and from your hotel and they may not be the most comfortable or affordable option. They are also offered on a first come first served basis and may not be available if you arrive after the crowds. However, there are a number of companies that can rent these items and deliver them directly to your hotel. Disney World and Disneyland have partnered with Scooterbug (scooterbug.com/orlando or scooterbug.com/anaheim) but there are many other options as well. Shop around for deals and discounts. Of course, if you own your own stroller and electric conveyance vehicle and want to bring it from home you can do so. There are some size restrictions so be sure your stroller or ECV is within the limits on Disney’s website.
If you are not sure if you’ll need a rental, or end up needing one last minute, just get to the parks first thing in the morning so they don’t run out and rent one of the strollers or ECV’s directly from Disney.
Feeling overwhelmed? Here’s my advice:
Bring your device from home if you can- you know how to use it already and don’t have to deal with the hassle of rental policies, rules, and scheduling. If you need to rent one, while I have had wonderful service from ECV rental companies other than Scooterbug, for simplicity if you are overwhelmed just go with Disney’s partner company and make a booking. Afterall, they rent to Disney guests all the time and have lots of experience!
Order grocery delivery to your hotel or accommodations if desired
If you want to save some money on meals and snacks in the parks, you can order groceries and have them delivered before or during your stay. If you are staying in accommodations with kitchen facilities you should have a lot of options to meet the needs of your family or traveling group.
You may also order non-food items such as sunscreen, batteries, ponchos, and pain relievers if you run out, forgot to pack them, or just didn’t want to bring them on the plane with you. They might be cheaper and more convenient to purchase this way than looking for them in the shops and hotels on property and in the parks.
Feeling overwhelmed? Here’s my advice:
I prefer to pack carefully before my trip and not order anything once I get there unless it is an emergency. If ordering grocery delivery is a hassle for you, be assured that you can find all kinds of things at Disney resorts to purchase and can ask cast members to help you find them, though they may cost you more.
Familiarize yourself with travel times and transportation options from your hotel or lodgings to the parks and locations of security and park entrances so you can accurately plan park arrival times
Transportation to and from the parks is relatively simple in Anaheim. The resort is very walkable with the hotels, parks and Downtown Disney all right next to each other. The park entrances face each other across the plaza at the end of Downtown Disney. Many hotels are within walking distance. For hotels a bit further out, ride shares and shuttles are a good option. If you are driving into Disneyland, there are buses or trams to take you to the park entrances from the parking areas. And for a fun transportation choice, the monorail runs outside Disneyland park to the far end of Downtown Disney.
In Disney World, the parks, hotels and Disney Springs shopping district are much further apart. Luckily, there are also many free transportation options - buses, monorail, Skyliner gondolas, water taxis and ferryboats. The best way to navigate from one part of the resort to another is to use the app to help you plan a route. Buses start running about 45 minutes before park opening and continue for about an hour after park closing. Explore navigation options in the app before arrival so you know how to use it. You can also always ask a cast member for help. For a fee, Disney World has a van service available to book through the Lyft ride share app as well (the Minnie Vans).
However you are traveling around the Disney resorts, don’t forget to factor in time to transfer from one mode of transportation to another as well time to walk to and from the station or stop. You also need to factor in time to wait in security lines and lines at the entrance turnstiles.
If you are traveling with a ECV or large stroller, you may have to wait a little extra as each bus or car only has space for a few ECV’s at a time so you’ll need to allow extra time just in case.
Feeling overwhelmed? Here’s my advice:
Plan to leave early, plan in an extra buffer, and then factor in even a bit more extra time! You don’t want to feel rushed on your vacation, so expect things to take a while to get from one place to the next and for there to be lines at park entrances. If you arrive early, you can use the time to hop on a ride, grab a snack, or start making reservations or plans on the app.
Map out travel routes and options the night before so you can at least start your day on time and can take advantage of those magical morning moments in a less crowded park.
If you are behind the time you wanted to be, try to let it go and don’t stress about being late- afterall, you’re on vacation! Cast members will try to work with you if you are a bit behind on a reservation, but don’t push it too far because they can’t infringe on other guest’s reservations just because you missed yours. Always check the app for the option to cancel or modify reservations if you know you are going to be very late.
Plan what you want to pack ahead of time so you’ll have everything you need on your vacation
I recommend packing by outfit- that is, figure out a complete outfit for each day of your trip ahead of time. You are going to be tired in the mornings and most likely trying to get a quick start, so figure out what to wear before packing and just grab an already styled outfit each morning of your vacation and get on your way.
Disney is a place for fun clothes and being yourself. If you like to get fancy and show off your dapper Disney style, go for it. Just be sure you’re comfortable for long days in the sun and walking all over the parks. If you are casual and want to stick with sneakers, gym shorts, and a T-shirt, you will fit right in at Disney in that too. Disney guests often like to coordinate their outfits with other members of their family or travelling companions. It is common to see whole families in matching shirts. Many visitors to Disney like to find inspiration from Disney characters and dress in a style that evokes that character (think a pink and purple striped shirt and fluffy pink Mickey ears for the Cheshire Cat or a purple tank top and green skirt for Ariel). This is referred to as “Disneybounding.” Please note that costumes or attire that could be confused for actual Disney characters are not allowed for those over 13 years old. Even if you don’t plan to Disneybound or wear matching shirts, it’s useful to think about what you’ll need to be comfortable and feel like yourself while in the parks.
The only things you should not plan to wear are full costumes if you are over 13 as mentioned above, as well as clothes with offensive or obscene images or words, clothing that might be considered extremely revealing for a family oriented environment, and anything that drags on the ground because it might be unsafe on some rides or be a tripping hazard.
Thinking through what you might encounter on your trip will help you be prepared ahead of time so that you don’t have to waste time finding a pharmacy or ordering grocery deliveries or shopping for essentials when you could be getting in line for your favorite attractions.
Remember to consider the weather, first aid and medical needs, sun and bug protection since you’ll be outdoors much of the time, as well as festive and comfortable clothes for lots and lots of walking around the parks. If you plan to swim or visit a water park, or go out for a signature (fancy) dining experience, or other special activities like a round of golf at one of the Disney World courses, or a horseback ride at Fort Wilderness, think carefully about what you should bring so that you will have whatever you need for those things too.
Bring your travel essentials like a neck pillow and ear buds for the plane or car ride to the resort as well as your necessary toiletries, electronics like a tablet and smart watch and their charging cords, your pajamas, your wallet or purse, a day bag, and perhaps earplugs. Several other potentially useful items you may want to pack are listed in my post on Disney Packing including a nightlight, some items to help you do a bit of laundry in your hotel room, a sewing kit for emergency repairs, your glasses or contact lenses if you need them and Magic Bands and Mickey ears if you choose to use them.
*The most essential items you do not want to forget to pack are comfortable walking shoes and your phone with the Disney resort apps loaded with your reservations and itinerary and a backup external battery to keep your phone charged all day long.
Feeling overwhelmed? Here’s my advice:
Use the list of packing ideas in my post on Disney Packing to help you pack and double check that you have the two most essential items on any Disney park vacation:
comfortable walking shoes
your phone with the Disney resort app ready to use and preferably, an extra battery charger to keep it going all day
Anything else you find that you need, you can probably purchase in the parks or learn to live without.
If staying at a Disney hotel, you can usually check in a few days before arrival to streamline your first day
If you want to hit the ground running when you arrive for your vacation, see if your resort hotel or off-property hotel has early mobile check in so you don’t need to spend a lot of time at the front desk before you start getting settled in your room and heading out to use the pool, shop, or to find a meal.
Feeling overwhelmed? Here’s my advice:
Don’t sweat it, you can always check in the old-fashioned way and enjoy a friendly greeting from cast members or your off-property hotel staff.
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