Have You Done Your Disney Trip Homework? Follow Our Planning Checklist

2. Book Transportation

With the dates, tickets, and hotel rooms booked, you’ll need to settle on transportation. Ask yourself, “How am I planning to get to Florida?” Are you driving, flying, or taking a train? If you aren’t driving, do you want to rent a car or use cab services to travel off-property? Please note that if you’re staying on Disney property, you will have access to free buses, monorails, and boats that can take you anywhere within the WDW bubble. Also, on-property guests can book a ride to and from the airport on the Magical Express bus. Not only are these rides free, they also include free handling of checked luggage. (These rides must be booked by your Authorized Vacation Planner.) But again, while free Disney transportation is in great supply, you may need to tap into other resources depending on your needs. Just make sure you are well versed in all of the options.

3. Advance Dining Reservations, FastPass+ Reservations, and Special Ticketed Events

Since steps 1 and 2 are completed, you should be good to go, right? Not yet! Next, you’ll want to decide where you’re going to eat. Basically, if you want to eat at any sit-down restaurants, you will need reservations. (Don’t miss out on this! Many table service venues are exceptional in terms of theming and cuisine.) Advance Dining Reservations can be made 180 days prior to your trip. Additionally, this is the time to decide whether you want to add on the Disney Dining Plan. This package enables you to pay for most of your food/beverages in advance by allotting you a number of “dining credits” per day. Package types and prices vary, so do some quick math before making a decision. (Please note that you don’t need to purchase a plan to make ADRs.) After that, it’s time to start selecting your FastPass+ reservations! 30 days before your trip (or 60 if you’re staying on property), you’ll be able to select your three FastPass+ reservations for each day you have park tickets. These reservations enable you to skip the long lines for various attractions, shows, and popular character meet and greets! Best of all, once your three FastPasses+ reservations have been used that day, more can be booked through your My Disney Experience account. And lastly, if you want to attend any of Disney’s hard ticketed events (e.g. dessert parties, seasonal parties etc.), you’ll want to buy admission in advance. A trusted Authorized Vacation Planner or cast member can advise you further.