Research shows that planning for a vacation boosts happiness! A person can feel the effects up to eight weeks before the trip (source)! We should all get to planning a vacation! But for some, planning a vacation to Walt Disney World can be overwhelming! There are so many moving parts. This is why it is so important to have a pre-planning checklist to follow to take the stress out of the planning and get to the happiness-boosting!
There are a lot of items on this list. I don’t expect you to need all of them. Your Key To The World Travel Agent will work with you on all of these items, making the process even more stressfree and enjoyable.
A printable PDF is available at the end of the article.
499 Days (about 1 year and 4 months)
- Book Room Only reservations (WAIT if you want to book a room reservation plus tickets and optional Disney Dining Plan)
6 months – 1 Year
- Decide on a vacation budget
- Contact your Travel Agent
- Look at crowd calendars, park hours, & event schedules
- Decide how many days you will stay
- Decide if you will stay on property or off
- Look into Disney Dining Plans & decide if one is right for your family
- Book your travel package
- Book Magical Express (free shuttle) or rental car
- Check flights on Hopper or Google flight app and track for best rates
- Book flights
190 days (6 months and 10 days)
- Pick which parks to attend each day
- Research restaurants & Character Dining
- Download My Disney Experience App
180 Days (6 months)
- Book dining reservations, parade/fireworks viewing parties & character meals (6 am EST-resort guests)
- Book Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique & Pirates League (need to call)
- Book any tours
- Purchase any special event tickets
60 Days (2 months)
- Schedule FastPass+ selections (resort guests only, 7 am EST)
- Complete on-line check in (resort guests)
- Order custom Magic Bands
- Decide if you want Memory Maker and pre-order
- Order custom Disney clothing
- Purchase or make autograph books
30 Days (1 month)
- Schedule FastPass+ selections (offsite guest, midnight EST)
- Make final payment on travel package
- Begin planning daily touring plans
- Check Disneyworld.com for updated show times, parades, fireworks, ride closures
- Print packing lists
- Arrange pet care
2 Weeks
- Schedule mail to stop
- Check weather & adjust wardrobe
- Pack suitcase & carry on
- Pack park bag
- Order grocery delivery to hotel room
2-3 Days before leaving
- Program or turn off A/C
- Unplug misc. appliances
- Talk to family about safety and rules – decide on a meetup place if anyone gets separated
- Charge cameras/portable DVD player
- Download Disney apps (i.e. Play Disney Parks, Heads up, Hidden Mickey’s)
Download your free PDF WDW Countdown checklist!
Now you have everything you need to plan your Walt Disney World vacation so you can get to those happy feelings!
Happy Travels!
Let’s book your magical vacation today! As an agent with Key to the World Travel, I can help you with everything from Disney Destinations, a cruise, a beach getaway or even a trip to Europe. Contact me today for your free, no-obligation quote at l.brown@keytotheworldtravel.com and follow me on Facebook to hear about the latest Disney updates and travel tips! Or, you can fill out and submit the form below. I look forward to helping you plan the most magical vacation for you and your family.
Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.
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