Planning for your Disney vacation is just as fun as actually taking your Disney vacation. Below are 10 planning tips that should be done prior to your Disney World arrival. Planning for my Disney trip helps create excitement before the magical trip.
1. MagicBands
Any guest who is staying at a Walt Disney World Resort will get a MagicBand. Customize your MagicBand through My Disney Experience app or website (at least 14 days prior to arrival date), and they will be shipped to you prior to your vacation. If you do not customize your color, you will receive gray. Learn more about MagicBands,
2. Download App
Download the free Walt Disney World app, My Disney Experience is your go-to for Fastpass+ selections or changes, PhotoPasspictures, Bus wait times at your resort (those staying on-site) and more. Be sure to also link your reservation/tickets on the app. Read the My Disney Experience App Guide to learn more.
3. 180 Days Before Arrival Date
ADR’s (Advanced Dining Reservations) can be made at 180 days out from your arrival date (+ 10 days after). Do some research and note any restaurants you want to dine at that accept reservations. If you want to eat in these 5 restaurants, you have to make 180 days in advance.
4. 60 Days Before Arrival Date
The Fastpass+ system at Walt Disney World is free to use with park admission and saves guests time. Simply enter the Fastpass Entrance at your time (and up to 1 hour after) and skip the line. For example if your Fastpass+ is for 10am, you may arrive at the attraction between 10am-11am.
Guests staying at a Disney Resort can book their Fastpass 60 days out from their arrival day (+ up to 10 days after) at 7am (EST). Guests staying off site can book at 30 days out. Some of the hardest Fastpass+ options at Disney World, and the first one guests should try for are: Slinky Dog Dash (Hollywood Studios), Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (Magic Kingdom), Avatar Flight of Passage (Animal Kingdom) and Frozen Ever After (Epcot).
5. Something for Autographs
Do you plan on collecting Character Autographs at Disney World? Meeting your favorite Characters at Disney is a magical moment. Remember the moment by having them sign something, it doesn’t have to be a book. Characters will sign just about anything (except anything you are wearing). Think outside the autograph book and pick up a Vinylmation Figurine or one of these 11 creative ideas. For a fun and unique autograph, ask a Cast Member for theirs!
6. Visit Dollar Tree
Do you have a Dollar Tree near you? Dollar Tree is a true dollar store, meaning everything is just $1.00. Dollar Tree contains several items useful for a Walt Disney vacation. Consider these 16 items from the Dollar Tree to buy for your next Disney vacation. Even if you do not have this particular store, the items can be found at many other dollar stores.
7. Disney Apparel
Wearing a Mickey shirt at Disney World really puts you in the spirit. Save by purchasing before your trip, t-shirts can cost as little as $5 versus $30 or more at Disney World. Consider these 10 best Retail Stores to buy Disney T-shirts from. If you have a little princess in your group, here are 7 places to buy a Princess Dress from, prior to trip which also will add up to big savings.
8. Packing
Start a box or basket, and slowly put small items in it for your Vacation. This will help to feel less overwhelming, by collecting items months in advance. For clothing, consider the Weather at Disney World the month you go. Even though it is Florida, a light sweatshirt or sweater may be needed for the evening.
9. Tip Money
One thing to plan prior to your trip are tips. This is often forgotten about, however it is great to have cash on hand for tipping. Learn who you should have cash on hand for, what you need to know about tipping while dining out and non-tipped positions at Disney World. Plus, Cast members are not able to accept cash tips, therefore learn other ways to thank them with items they can keep.
10. Start A Countdown
Part of the fun of a Disney Vacation is counting down the days until arrival. Check out these countdown ideas from readers. There are also Countdown Apps to download.
Learn more tips and tricks for your next Walt Disney World vacation. Destinations in Florida can also help you add tips and tricks to your next vacation.