A magical vacation at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida promises the most fun and excitement any family can have on any trip. Because of all there is to do at Disney, planning a trip to the parks is no small undertaking. But the work you put into planning your trip will pay off exponentially once you’re finally there! Here are 20 of our best tips for planning the most magical vacation on earth.
1. Start planning early!
Disney World is chock full of options—from your choice in resort hotels to your choice in parks and attractions, you’re going to have lots of fun decisions to make. And because of this, you’ll never be able to plan a trip to Disney unless you start early. So don’t delay! Once you’ve set your dates of travel, it’s time to get the proverbial ball rolling!
2. Remember that you are the only one to decide whether your kids are old enough.
One of the most frequently asked questions about Disney World among parents is “Are my children old enough to enjoy the parks?” And because you’re about to spend a sizeable amount on this trip, it makes sense that you’d want to know if the kids will even remember it. What you need to remember is that ultimately, that decision must be yours. Some kids have vivid memories of Disney from a young age. Others do not. You know your kids better than anyone. So aside from telling you that most kids ages 3 and under probably won’t remember too much, and if your little ones panic when they meet Santa at the mall, it’s quite possible the same will happen when Mickey says hello to them. Even so, the decision has to be yours.
3. Download the MyDisneyExperience app. It will save your life.
Looking for a way to streamline your Disney World trip planning? The MyDisneyExperience app is for you! It allows you to make and modify Disney dining reservations, as well as FastPass+ selections. It’s free to download and free to use, so as soon as you know you’re headed to the parks, you’ll want to download it. It’s an invaluable planning tool to use before you’re at the parks and once you get to Disney World, you’ll be able to use the app’s maps, lists of wait times for attractions, character locations and more.
4. Choose your mode of transportation.
If you don’t live near the Central Florida area, transportation to Disney World will be a notable expense you’ll have as you plan your trip. If you’re flying, be sure to book your flight early—especially if you’re traveling during peak vacation seasons. If you’re driving to Disney World, take care of any necessary maintenance items and repairs well in advance of your trip.
5. Book your resort hotel as early as possible.
If you’re staying at a Disney World resort hotel, it’s important to know that you can book your stay up to 499 days in advance. And while you might not make your plans that far in advance, remember that if you wait too long, you might not get to stay in the hotel you have your heart set on.
