You’re ready to pull the plug on a Disney World vacation, but where do you begin? (Hopefully with a Disney vacation planning agency like Hi Ho Vacations.)
With so many things to consider – dining, fast passes, park days, special events, memory makers, transportation and more – having an outline and taking things a step at a time is the best way to keep your head from spinning like the teacups at the Mad Tea Party.
At this point, you’ve booked your resort, decided on your ticket package, and possibly added a dinning plan. You’ll also need to secure your spot by making a $200 deposit. At this point, nothing else is due until 30 days before you travel.
Now, you WRITE down your important dates:
Create reminders in your phone, post-it’s on the fridge, and write it on your calendar.
- When you can begin making your dining reservations (180 days in advance).
- When you can reserve your FastPass+ (60 days in advance).
- When you can check-in online (60 days in advance).
- When your final payment is due (30 days in advance).
- Also make note that you need to order your magic band colors. Getting mail from Mickey is super exciting and Magic Bands delivered to your home are the best! If you forget to do this, your bands will be given to you when you arrive at your resort.
Set up your My Disney Experience account:
It can take up to 24 hours for your reservation to show up in the Disney System. After that, you’ll need to register with your email and password at mydisneyexperience.com. Be sure to have your confirmation number handy, because this is how you’ll link your reservation to your account.
Once your set up with your My Disney Experience (MDE) account, its a good idea to play around and get to know where things are. If you haven’t already, you’ll want to download the app on your phone so that you can use it in the parks. You’ll be able to check wait times for attractions, modify dining reservations, pull up your itinerary, see information about special events, and snag more Fast Passes after you’ve used up your initial three passes for the day. The MDE app also features information on bus stop times and waits. This new feature is going to be especially useful when you’re trying to get to your dining reservation on time.
Plan your transportation:
Are you flying or driving? If you’re driving, keep in mind that Disney resort guests now pay to park on hotel property. The costs vary based on resort with a value resort costing $13/night, moderate resort costing $19/night, and deluxe resort costing $24/night. You can read more information online.
If you choose to fly, rest assured that you won’t need a car until you touch ground at home after your Disney vacation. Disney’s Magical Express will pick you (and your luggage) up from the airport and transport you to your resort. Just be sure to link your flight information in your MDE account so the bus will be waiting on you. In my client’s cases, I take care of linking flight information to be sure that it is done correctly. Disney will send you luggage tags that you will attach to your checked bags. Your bags will arrive at your resort within three hours after they are picked up from the airport, so be sure to pack items in your carry on that you’ll need for the day (swimsuits AND MAGIC BANDS included).
Read as little or as much as you’d like between now and 180 days before your trip.
If you have a Disney-related question, you can find an answer online. Just be sure that you pay attention to the date the information was posted. Years ago, you could meet Elsa and Anna at the Magic Kingdom, but now, if you want to meet the Frozen sisters, you’ll have to wait in line at Epcot. It would be a real run away sleigh if you wore your coronation gown to Fantasyland when you should have saved it for Norway.
Don’t stop researching, but share you goals and dreams for your Disney vacation with your travel agent. Not only will she have the most up-to-date information, but she will also help you plan out your days to ensure that you check off all of your must-do’s.
Book your dining reservations 180 days before you travel.
My clients get a list of dining options when they book their Disney vacations, but a lot of times, it ends up getting lost in inboxes. I like to check-in about a week before their dining window opens so that we can discuss their first, second, and third choices OR encourage them to take a look at dining options before their reservation window opens. Once we narrow down their dining spots, we talk a little about what days and times would be best. It’s always a good idea to take a look at the park hours when you’re dreaming up your park days. Might as well take advantage of early morning or late night magic hours whenever possible!
Snag those FastPass+ reservations 60 prior to your travel date.
You’ll get your FastPass+ advice from me as well, but in the end, you pick what works best for you or your family. Some of the hottest, new rides include Flight of Passage, Na’vi River Journey, Slinky Dog Dash, Toy Story Midway Mania, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Soarin’, Test Track, and Expedition Everest. If you’re planning to attend character meals, you’ll get a chance to meet some of your favorites, but don’t forget to prioritize meet and greets too.
Customize your Magic Bands.
Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, pink, or grey. Be sure to select your colors prior to ten days before your travel. You’ll receive your bands in the mail if you’ve customized them in enough time to arrive before your trip; otherwise, you’ll be able to pick them up at the check-in desk on your arrival. Don’t forget to pack your bands in your carry-on! Once you enter the Disney bubble, those are your keys to the kingdom.
Happy planning!
Disney Planning with Katie 