Top Tips for planning a Walt Disney World Vacation

You’re ready to plan your Walt Disney World vacation and not sure where to start? I am hoping this list will help make your planning a little simpler and your vacation a little more magical.

1. Tip number one and probably the most important thing to keep in mind- You Can Not Do It All. This can be a hard thing to overcome when you’re reading all the blogs and listening to all your friends of their must do lists. Walt Disney World is so large and there is so much to do, there is no way no matter how long your vacation is, you can you fit it all in. As you’re starting to plan come up with your must do list, and it is ok to put things on your list to check out if you have time and if you’re not too tired. Know that Disney does this for a reason, they want you to come back…. and you will want to come back too. Save somethings for next time!

2. Decide on a budget. When you book your Walt Disney World package it currently can include park tickets and a resort stay. Dining plans are not back yet, so this will be an out of pocket expense. After you have the initial cost of the resort and park passes know the next thing you will have to pay for is food and souvenirs. I always like to have a stash or plan to spend a little more. It could be spending money on a ride share when you want to get from point A to point B a little faster. When traveling with children I like to give them gift cards to spend. It helps them learn the value of budgeting and making a choices. One thing you can add to your package that will save you money if you do it in advance is the memory maker. This currently costs $169. and will include all your photos from ride pictures to when you see a photographer in the parks, this is an added expense that is worth it!

3. Make some dining reservations when your window opens. I know it is hard to think about where you’d like to eat two months in advance, but trust me when you’re spending the day on your feet walking 20,000+ steps you will be glad you have at least one sit down meal planned. Booking your dining reservations opens for all onsite Walt Disney World resorts 60 days prior to check in for your week (up to ten days) of your vacation. This is a great benefit to staying onsite. As those really hard to get reservations like Space 220 will be a little easier if you plan to go to Epcot at the end of your vacation. Otherwise, if you’re staying offsite you can make your dining reservations 60 days prior to when you want to dine in that restaurant. If you’re looking for some dining ideas here is my personal must do list: Must Do Walt Disney World Dining. There are many many many more wonderful spots to eat, but I found this to be my list of recommendations when people wanted to eat the more iconic Disney World spots.

4. Wear proper footwear!! I see this question asked a lot online, and I mean a lot! It might be in the top 5 Walt Disney World planning googled things ‘what kind of shoes should I wear in Disney World’. There is no one answer for everyone. There is no right or wrong answer. What you have to do when planning what to wear is find something comfortable to you. You will be walking 5+ miles a day. What can you walk a lot in? I have a friend who can walk around the parks in flip flops and she is perfectly comfortable all day. Me, I need to wear my very best sneakers. My personal favorites are these Hoka One One. I have worn a couple styles of Hoka’s over the years, Bondi’s seem to be my most popular go to pick. But we are all different find a shoe that fits and is comfortable for an all day park marathon. It doesn’t matter if you drive in or take the monorail, you will be walking a lot!

5. If this is your first time visiting, plan a rest day or at least some quiet time. I find that no matter the age of the kids, or if this is an adult only trip. There is no tired like Disney tired. Take time to get the rest you need so you don’t wear yourself out & you can still enjoy the magic! When you see people, kids or adults, have complete meltdowns a lot of that has to do with the lack of rest (or maybe even being hangry). You’re off your routine, eating different foods and at different times. No matter how much money you have spent on the vacation getting proper sleep and nutrition will help keep everyone a little happier.

6. Book your trip through an authorized Disney Vacation Planner. This is not some selfish promotion, if I am not the planner for you find one that fits your style. A Disney vacation planner will be there to help you, give you tips, send reminders and even advocate for you when needed. If you want to have complete control over your vacation, no worries nothing will change other than the payments being processed through the travel planner. If you are a coupon cutter or big budget person, no worries the vacation planner will be there to apply the latest specials and deals for you. Or if you’re someone who wants help with just making dining reservations, no worries they are there for you too. It does not cost anything extra to book your trip through an authorized Disney vacation planner like MickeyTravels.com, but can only help you.

Bonus tip- pack snacks or at least plan for snack time. Like I said above when kids or even adults are having a meltdown there are a couple reasons, one of the main ones is being hangry. The lines for rides or character meet and greets can be long. It is hot in Disney & you’re probably walking more than you do on a daily basis. Even if you have a lunch reservation coming up, it doesn’t mean you will sit and eat right away. Here are my top snacks to keep in my bag to avoid people getting hangry-

1. Peanut butter crackers

2. Small single serving of jerky

3. A non-chocolate granola bar

4. Individual packs of goldfish or similar

5. Refillable water bottle, ok not technically food, but just as important. Stay hydrated friends!