Thinking about a going on a Dream Vacation to Walt Disney Resort in Florida but don't know where to start? You won't miss a step when you follow our planning calendar!
12 Months before travel or More: Get Educated and Set a Budget.
Planning a Walt Disney World vacation is complicated. Having an understanding of key components and dates will guarantee that you will not be disappointed when you arrive in Florida.
It is no secret that a Walt Disney World vacation takes a good amount of cash. There are also so many options to choose from. Where you stay and what type of ticket you choose will take the largest chunk of your budget. Setting a budget early will help you decide which areas of your vacation you can splurge on.
No idea what it costs to go on a Walt Disney World Vacation? Contact Castle Sisters to get a no obligation quote or access to our budget planning worksheet.
6 Months before travel or More:
It’s time to book your hotel, tickets and make your park reservations.
Don’t hesitate if you think a little Disney Magic is in your future. We recommend that you book a complete Walt Disney World vacation package. These packages currently only require a $200 deposit, which is refundable until 45 days before travel. Also, if Disney releases a promotion that saves you some cash, many bookings can transfer to the new offer. Bonus, if you book your vacation with Castle Sisters, we will watch all the deals for you!
Make your Walt Disney World Park Reservations. Currently, to enter a Disney Theme Park all guests 3 and older must hold a ticket AND have a park reservation to enter a park on a particular day. By choosing these days well ahead of your vacation, you have the best choice of which park you would like to visit each day.
You will also need to download, login, and connect family members in My Disney Experience App. This app allows you manage all your vacation plans including dining and other experience reservations.
A Castle Sisters vacation planner would love to help you make your reservations, answer questions about current promotions, decide which park to go to each day, and suggest how to add extra magic to your vacation.
90 Days before travel:
If you are planning to fly, watch flights. Many travel studies show that the best price on airfare can be found 50-70 days from your departure date. Watching flights from your town will help you to be confident when you have found a good deal. However, don’t wait too long as flights tend to increase in price once you reach 30 days from departure.
Decide which Walt Disney World restaurants you MUST dine at! If you are a foodie you need to plan in advance or you will be disappointed during vacation when your choices are very limited. There are several restaurants that are very difficult to get a reservation at including amazing character dining experiences. By choosing which experiences 90 days or more in advance you will be ready when your dining reservation window opens.
60 Days before travel 5:45am EST:
Dining reservations go live for your entire vacation 60 days from your arrival date. This will give you an advantage when making reservations towards the end of your vacations.
Set your alarm!!! This is very important and you will forget all about the early morning when you are in the middle of your vacation and having once in a lifetime experiences.
Other reservations go live such as Savi's Workshop, Spa, Golf, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique reservations will also be available at this time. Castle Sisters recommends that you book these experiences for mid afternoon when crowds tend to be larger and the weather may be hot!
30-45 Days before travel:
Final Walt Disney World Package Payment due. Please make note of your specific payment date on your reservation or contact your Castle Sisters Travel Agent for details.
Check in Online to your Disney World Hotel. This will let you skip the line at the check in desk at your Walt Disney World resort. You will get a text message and email when your room is ready. You can also use the My Disney Experience App to open the door to your room!
Make airport transfer or car rental arrangements. If you are traveling through 2021, the Magical Express will transport your from Orlando International Airport to your Walt Disney World Resort free of charge. Beginning in 2022 you will need to make your own transfer arrangements. Mears will be providing the same type of large scale transportation service, but at a cost per person. You may also choose to contact smaller private car service companies. This will save you from paying surge pricing for an Uber or Lyft when you arrive in Orlando.
A second option is to rent a car for the duration of your trip. Each Walt Disney Resort will have a parking fee that you should consider. The fee varies based on the category of hotel. Once you pay for parking at your resort, you will not need to pay for parking if you choose to drive to any of the theme parks.
Morning of Park Visit 7am EST:
Reserve Boarding groups and make Lightning Lane Reservations:
Currently 1 ride at Walt Disney World requires your to join a virtual queue to ride - Remi's Ratatouille Adventure. The best chance you have is to set your alarm to 6:55 and use the My Disney Experience Apps as soon as they open. Many mornings these passes are gone in a matter of minutes. There is no charge currently to use the virtual pass system.
Starting October 19th you will also have the option to pay for Lightning Lane Reservations on some of Walt Disney Worlds most popular attractions. Pricing ranges from $7-$15 per person per attraction. Those stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel will have access to these passes starting at 7:00a.m while others will have to wait until the park opens. You may book 2 Lightning Lane reservations per day.
Does all of this seem like too much? Want a little help? Want a lot of help? Castle Sisters are here for you! We are experts in making all your Walt Disney World Vacation Dreams come true!
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