So You've Decided to Go to Walt Disney World - Here's What You Should Do Next

3. Book a hotel

There are so many options in terms of lodging when you visit Walt Disney World. You have a vast array of Disney resorts to choose from as well as a multitude of hotels in the surrounding area. Determine your budget and pick a place to stay from there. If you want to be close to the parks and not have to worry about transportation, staying on property is your best option—and there are value resorts that are sure to be in your budget. If you’d prefer to pay a little less and use that money toward more experiences during your trip, staying off property is the better option.

2. Buy your tickets

You can do this at any point during your planning process, but it should be done once you’ve decided when you’re going. If you’re staying on property, you can purchase theme park tickets as part of a package. This is a great option as you’ll be able to know just how much you’re spending up front and not have to worry about it later. If you’re staying off property, you can still purchase your tickets in advance—and it is cheaper if you buy multi-day tickets.

1. Select your FastPasses

The FastPass+ system will take some getting used to if you’ve never visited Walt Disney World or haven’t visited in four or more years. Basically, you are able to reserve three fastpasses in advance for whichever park you plan on going to that day. While you can’t book fastpasses in multiple parks (1 in Magic Kingdom, 1 in Epcot and 1 in Disney’s Hollywood Studios), you can hop to another park once you’re done with your initial three and make an additional fastpass. If you’re staying on property, you can make FastPass+ selections 60 days in advance. If not, it’s 30 days.

Once the excitement of deciding to go to Disney wears off, you have to go into serious planning mode. While the intricate details and trying to get dining reservations and fastpasses may be a little frustrating, it will make your trip as fun and smooth sailing as possible. Now, get to planning!