Think about your ideal trip length, including number of park days, any rest days (highly recommended!) or days to visit other areas around Orlando. Research the theme parks and sketch out a rough itinerary. 

Choose your dates and book your hotel. Look out for special events that might impact your visit such as Spring Break, RunDisney marathon events, holidays, and Halloween and Christmas evening events August – December. 

Consider travel insurance, or see if your credit cards offer any trip protection. It may be a good idea if you’re booking nonrefundable items. Generally if you’re buying travel insurance, you should do so as soon as you first book any part of your trip. 

Download the Disney World app.

Book your flights

Reserve a car rental

Traveling August – December? Look into Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tickets. Halloween event tickets typically go on sale in May for August – October events, and in July for November – December events. While the events don’t usually sell out quickly, certain dates are more popular and can sell out sooner, so if you really want to go or you’re planning a trip around these events, I recommend buying as soon as you’ve confirmed your plans.

Start thinking about which (if any) table service reservations and Enchanting Extras you’ll want to book, such as Bibbidi Bobbiti Boutique, Lightsaber/Droid building, fireworks dessert parties and special tours. Familiarize yourself with the reservations process via the Disney World website (you can also do this via the app, but I think the website is easier).

Map out your ideal park and rest day schedule. 

If you’re not already in great physical shape, start a workout routine to get you ready for the intense days on your feet. This can also include your kids! If they’re not already used to walking a lot, start going for walks around your neighborhood or local hikes.

Planning on dining at Yak n Yeti or Rainforest Cafe at Animal Kingdom, or T-REX or Rainforest Cafe at Disney Springs? Easily secure reservations when you join the Landry’s Select Club for $25 (gives you a $25 dining credit so you break even). Yak n Yeti in particular is almost impossible to get reservations for via Disney, but as a Landry’s member it’s easy and you can make reservations up to 60 days in advance. They also give priority to walk-ins. Sign up here and allow a few weeks to receive your card in the mail.

Check park hours on the Disney World website or app. Though they won’t be final at this point, you’ll see many special events in advance.

If you’re staying at a Deluxe Disney Resort Hotel, check out which Extended Evening Hours are available during your visit by looking at park hours.

If you’re buying any single day tickets and going at a very busy time such as Spring Break or around Christmas/New Year’s, I recommend you buy your park tickets and secure your park reservations to make sure you get the park you want.

Reserve any airport transfers or parking needed in advance.

Reserve any special equipment you’ll be renting from outside of Disney such as strollers, wheelchairs or ECVs.

Midnight Eastern Time: Reserve Enchanting Extras

6am Eastern Time: Reserve Dining

If you’re applying for DAS (Disability Access Service), complete your live video chat.

If you’re planning to buy Lightning Lanes (check out my guide here!), start familiarizing yourself with how to buy Lightning Lanes in the Disney World app, and thinking about which rides you’ll choose.

Pre-purchase any Disney gear you might want from DisneyStore.com to allow for shipping time, such as MagicBands, or physical Gift Cards (I recommend purchasing from Disney direct to avoid fraud!). If you’re looking for apparel to wear in the parks, look out for deals that Disney may offer.

Confirm park hours for each day of your visit. These are finalized 2-3 weeks in advance.

Purchase multi-day park tickets (if you haven’t purchased a package).

Measure any children to see if they meet height limitations for rides you’ll want to do.

Choose your ideal Lightning Lane picks and approximate times.

Make sure you have the latest version of the Disney World app downloaded and familiarize yourself with how to view park maps, wait times, and access Lightning Lanes.

(If staying in a Disney Hotel) 7am Eastern Time: Reserve and purchase Lightning Lanes via the Disney World app.

Purchase Memory Maker for the advance purchase discount (website only, not available via app).

Start looking at the weather, but don’t make any packing decisions based on it yet!

Make sure your Disney World app is set to always use your location, and that Bluetooth is enabled, so that you can automatically get your ride photos and make the best use of the app in the parks.

Set up MagicMobile to have your park tickets available on your phone/smart watch/digital wallet.

(If not staying at a Disney Hotel) 7am Eastern Time: Reserve and purchase Lightning Lanes via the Disney World app. If you have a multi-day “date based” ticket that don’t need reservations, you can reserve Lightning Lanes for each of your days today. If you have tickets that require park reservations, this must be done for each park day 3 days out, so you may need to do this several different days.

Place a grocery delivery order if you want groceries delivered to your resort close to your arrival.

Get super excited! You’re going to Disney tomorrow!

Look at the weather and pack your clothes (and pack for many weather contingencies).

Check in for your flight and pay any bag fees in advance for savings.

Cancel any dining reservations you’ve changed your mind about.

Uber/Lyft can be reserved once you land at MCO and collect your bags

Make sure to download your PhotoPass photos you want before they expire! If you have a lot of photos, you can download them all at once via your computer.