Going to Disney World is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, especially for families with children. You need to take them to meet Mickey Mouse, ride It’s a Small World, and watch toddlers screaming (or crying) next to Pluto and friends.
Disney World is probably the top travel destination in the world, alongside Las Vegas and Paris. It’s also not a cheap vacation, mostly because you'll be buying theme park tickets for your whole family, paying for character dining experiences, and covering a few extras that can really add up in the end.
This guide is all about how you should prepare for your trip to Disney World. We’ll set up specific timelines for when you should start thinking about your budget, the best time to book a hotel, buy theme park tickets, and more. Are you ready? Let’s go!
1 - Understand Disney World and your Budget
- Timeline: 12 months before your trip
1.1: Understand Walt Disney World
You should start thinking about your Disney World vacation a whole year before you finally set foot in the Magic Kingdom. Do some research on Disney World - read about the theme parks, things to do, hotels, and any new rides or lands that might be open when it's your time to visit. Also, consider visiting Universal Orlando, especially now with the opening of Epic Universe, which can make your trip more expensive, but definitely more special.
1.2: How Much Are You Willing to Spend?
You need to know what your budget is for a trip to Disney World. Are you going with just your significant other, or bringing the kids along too? Do you also plan to visit Universal Orlando, or maybe even drive to Tampa to check out Busch Gardens?
Here are some estimates of how much families typically spend when visiting Disney World, including food and park tickets (airfare is not included).
- A 4-night trip at Pop Century (Value Resort) for three guests: $3,200
- A 5-night trip at the Grand Floridian (Deluxe Resort) for two guests: $8,000
- A 4-night trip at BoardWalk Inn (Moderate Resort) for four guests: $8,300
As you can see, depending on the size of your party, you can easily spend up to $10,000 at Disney World, and that’s without visiting Universal Studios. Check your budget carefully, and always plan to spend a bit more than what’s shown in our estimates. Better safe than sorry!
1.3: Flights
It’s time to check out flights and decide when you want to visit Disney World. Disney World is great in January, February, September, and October… but honestly, the best time to go is whenever you can go. If you're flying, now’s the time to check airfare and book your plane tickets several months in advance. We can help you with that too!
2 - Plan an Itinerary and then it’s time to book!
- Timeline: 8 months before your trip.
2.1: What Do You Actually Want to Do at Disney?
This really depends on your group. Are you visiting Disney for the first time and planning to explore all the theme parks? If you’re traveling with young children, Magic Kingdom will be a huge hit, while teenagers might prefer Hollywood Studios. Seniors often enjoy strolling around EPCOT and Animal Kingdom.
You’ll need to figure out how many days you want to spend at each park, and whether you want to visit Universal Orlando as well. Plan your itinerary in advance and map out what you’d like to do each day. You don’t need to follow it like it’s the Ten Commandments, but it’s good to have at least a starting point.
2.2: Where Do You Want to Stay?
If you're heading to Disney World, you have the option of staying at an Airbnb, a standard hotel, or a Disney World Resort. One of the perks of staying at a Disney Resort is Early Entry - you’ll get into the parks 30 minutes before regular guests. Some resorts also offer direct transportation via the monorail, Skyliner, or even a boat to Disney Springs, Hollywood Studios, EPCOT or Magic Kingdom.
Hotel prices are typically lower during the off-season - think late January, early February, late August, September, and early November. Here are the starting nightly rates for Disney Resorts, depending on the category:
- Value Resort: $150
- Moderate Resort: $350
- Deluxe Resort: $550
Your choice of hotel should also match your planned itinerary. If you're visiting Magic Kingdom more than once and traveling with young kids, you might want to stay somewhere with quick access to the park, like the Contemporary Resort. On the other hand, if you're an EPCOT fan, consider staying somewhere within walking distance to World Showcase and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, like the BoardWalk Inn.
2.3: Buy your Tickets
You already know when you’re going to Disney World, and you’ve secured your hotel, now you just need tickets! Do you want standard tickets or Park Hopper tickets? How many days are you planning to visit, and do you want to return to a specific park more than once?
This all depends on your personal preferences, but you can always contact us. We’d be happy to lend a hand, and maybe even get you some gift cards!
2.4: Rent a Car (Optional)
If you want to drive around Orlando, now is the time to rent a car and start tracking rental rates. Having a car can be a big advantage, especially if you plan to visit Universal Orlando or explore other places like Tampa or even Key West.
However, if you’re planning to stick to Disney World, you can stay at a hotel that offers complimentary transportation, or use Uber or Minnie Vans to get around.
3 - Get Used to Disney World
- Timeline: about 3 months before your trip
3.1: Download the My Disney Experience App
You should download the My Disney Experience app on your phone and get familiar with it. You’ll use it to join Virtual Queues, purchase Lightning Lane passes, and much more. If you’re not sure what any of that means, now’s the time to learn about Disney World’s FastPass alternatives and special add-ons that can save you a lot of time in the parks.
3.2: Book Your Favorite Restaurants!
Now is the time to book your favorite restaurants, whether it’s Le Cellier at EPCOT, Cinderella’s Royal Table at Magic Kingdom, or many others. If you’re staying at a Disney World Resort, you can start booking dining reservations 70 days before your arrival; if you’re staying off-property, the window opens 60 days in advance. Once again, Famvia will give you a hand with this!
4 - Your Disney World Vacation Starts Now
- Timeline: 7 days Before your Trip
4.1: Start Booking your Lightning Lane Passes
We like to say that your Disney World vacation actually starts seven days before you even set foot in the parks. If you’re staying at a Disney World Resort, you’ll have a full week to purchase and book your Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass. Make sure to plan your itinerary accordingly, and book popular attractions in advance, like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Slinky Dog Dash.
4.2: Finish Packing
This step can be done a day or two before you travel, but make sure to pack smart. December and January can be chilly in Florida, so don’t forget to bring a jacket. Also, pack a pair of slippers not just for wearing around your hotel, but for visits to theme parks with water rides, like Animal Kingdom.
4.3: Have Fun!
Now sit back, relax, and enjoy your trip! Even if your itinerary doesn’t go exactly as planned, whether you miss out on a Lightning Lane spot for a favorite ride or the park is more crowded than expected, remember: you’re at Disney World.
A bad day there is still better than a good day working from home… right? Well, unless this is your job, then, yeah.
