Jenna SaxtonPlanning a Disney vacation can feel overwhelming, but our Disney World planning checklist and Disney World planning timeline make it simple to stay on track and stress-free. From booking your resort and park tickets to securing dining reservations and Lightning Lane passes, there’s a lot to juggle, especially since Disney’s most popular experiences can sell out months in advance. This guide breaks down exactly what to book and when, with clear checklists and timelines to help you plan every detail like a Disney pro. Whether you’re visiting in six months or six weeks, we’ll help you build a perfectly timed plan for your best trip yet!
Overview of the Disney World Planning Timeline
While there’s never a bad time to start planning a Walt Disney World vacation, we always say that the earlier you start, the better! From hotel reservations to park tickets to dining reservations and more, there are a lot of things to keep track of, and if you aren’t on top of your planning timeline, you risk something selling out before you can book.
Luckily, we’re taking the guesswork out of planning and bringing you COMPLETE CHECKLISTS to help you stay on track with planning your vacation. If you’d like to get straight to the Disney World planning checklists, just click the appropriate timeline below to jump to:
And, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to have our FULL DISNEY WORLD PLANNING GUIDE delivered directly to your inbox, including an easily printable Disney World planning timeline checklist!
Importance of Planning Ahead
If you’re a Type A person, the thought of planning for a trip a year or so in advance probably sounds pretty exciting. However, if you’re a Type B person, you might be wondering: why would I need to plan so far in advance?
Disney World operates on a reservation-based system that requires advance booking for nearly every aspect of your vacation. Popular dining experiences and resort accommodations fill up months in advance, especially during peak seasons.
And Disney doesn’t wait for you to be ready to start planning. Most Disney World hotels can be booked OVER a year in advance, with bookings for the following year usually opening in April or May (though this can change).
And, if you’re still not convinced, keep in mind that planning early can save you money. Disney often updates pricing on hotels, tickets, and special events throughout the year, and you don’t want to miss your chance at the better rate for the same dates!
Typical Timelines and Booking Windows
Your Disney World vacation planning should begin 6-12 months in advance with resort and ticket purchases. Keep in mind that resort reservations and theme park tickets usually become available for the next year in April or May, so this may alter exactly how far in advance you can begin planning. For example, if you’re planning a February 2027 trip, you’ll need to wait until April/May 2026 for reservations to open.
Here are the key booking windows you’ll want to know as you start planning:
- Resort reservations: Up to 499 days in advance
- Theme park tickets: Up to 499 days in advance
- Special Event Tickets: Up to 3 months in advance
- Behind-the-scenes tours and activities: 60 days in advance
- Dining reservations: 60 days in advance
- MagicBand order deadline: 11 days in advance (for resort guests only)
- Lightning Lane purchases: Up to 7 days in advance for resort guests; up to 3 days in advance for regular ticket holders
Major Deadlines to Remember
Dining reservations and Lightning Lanes are two things that often sell out the day that they open and should be prioritized. Instead of viewing these key dates as when the booking windows open, it’s better to think of them as critical deadlines. If you end up missing them (or even just wait until later in the day) to book them, there’s a good chance that you’ll miss out on the most popular restaurants, attractions, and dining/return times.
Mark your calendar for these critical deadlines:
- 60 days out: Dining reservations open at 6 AM EST for resort guests
- 7 days out: Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Single Passes, and Premier Pass purchases available for resort guests at 7AM
- 3 days out: Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Single Passes, and Premier Pass purchases available for resort guests at 7AM
It’s also important to mark payment deadlines and cancellation windows in your calendar, so that you don’t have any issues when you arrive. The final payment for a Disney vacation package (resort and tickets) is due 30 days before your arrival date. However, for a room-only reservation, the balance is not due until check-in. Also note that if your travel is within 30 days of booking, the full amount is required at the time of booking.
Now that you’ve got the gist, let’s dive a little deeper into the nitty-gritty planning details with our complete Disney World planning checklist and timeline!
Complete Disney World Planning Checklist & Timeline
12 to 6 Months Planning Timeline: What to Book First
This far out from your trip, you’re focused on the basics. Here’s what to do 12 to 6 months before your Walt Disney World vacation.
Choose Your Travel Dates and Budget
So, when are you going to Disney World and for how long? That’s the first question you’re going to need to answer!
We recommend choosing your travel dates based on crowd levels, weather preferences (whether you want it to be hot or a little cooler), and personal schedules (like school, work, holidays, and other family commitments). Peak seasons like summer, holidays, holiday weekends, and school breaks bring larger crowds and higher prices, so you can easily rule these out if you’re hoping to avoid the busy season and travel on a budget.
Here’s a look at what your travel dates should be based on different factors that may be important to you:
- Cheapest time to visit: January, February, August, and September
- Least crowded: January, February, late-August, September
- Best weather: October, November, December, January, February, March
- Holiday Celebrations and Events: November, December
CLICK HERE for our MONTH-TO-MONTH GUIDE to Disney World crowds, weather, pricing, and more!
Your Disney World vacation budget will also play a huge role in when you visit, where you stay, and what you do, so it’s important to set that early and stick to it. Be sure your budget includes:
- Resort accommodations
- Park tickets
- Dining expenses
- Transportation costs
- Souvenirs and extras
Select and Book Your Resort
Disney World offers three resort categories, each with different benefits and price points but all in the “Disney Bubble.” Value resorts are the most basic (and cheapest) accommodations; Moderate Resorts are the middle-of-the-road hotels with additional dining offerings; and Deluxe Resorts are the most luxurious (and expensive) hotels with the most guest benefits.
When deciding where to stay, you’ll want to consider:
- Budget
- Transportation options to parks
- Pool and recreation amenities
- Dining locations and meal preferences
- Room configurations for your party size
We dive deep into all of the different hotels, what they offer, and why you should (or shouldn’t) stay at each one in our complete guide to Walt Disney World hotels–CLICK HERE to check it out!
Purchase Park Tickets
Now is also the time to book your Disney World theme park tickets! Currently, Disney offers four ticket types, including:
- Base tickets for one park per day
- Park Hopper Option for visiting multiple parks daily
- Park Hopper Plus Option for visiting multiple parks daily and water park access
Disney’s ticket pricing gets cheaper the more days you visit, so be sure to book all of them at once to maximize your savings. First-time visitors typically need 4-5 days minimum to experience the four theme parks adequately.
12 to 6 Months Before Your Trip Planning Checklist
Make planning early simple – check these seven action items off your list as soon as possible!
- Set vacation dates
- Determine budget
- Choose and book accommodations (Disney Resort or off-site hotel)
- Research and decide on ticket options (number of days, Park Hopper, etc.)
- Decide if you want add a dining plan to your vacation package
- Research travel insurance plans
- Start saving for the trip
3 to 5 Months Planning Timeline: The Research Phase
As your trip gets closer you should be focused on securing travel arrangements and researching what you want to do on your trip so you’re ready when your booking window opens. Here’s what to do 3 to 5 months before your Walt Disney World vacation.
Book Flights (If Traveling By Air)
Unlike Disney World theme park tickets, the price of airfare can change a lot. However, this is about the time that costs typically stabilize, making it the best time to book your flights. We recommend monitoring prices online for about 2-3 weeks before you purchase to get the best deals.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the closest airport to Disney World, located about 25 minutes away. However, if you’re looking for the cheapest flight possible, also look at flights to Sanford International Airport. This airport offers budget airline options, but it is closer to 45 minutes from the parks, and transportation options to and from your Disney World Resort hotel are more limited from here.
Speaking of transportation, once you have your flights booked, don’t forget to make Disney shuttle or car rental reservations. Learn more about your airport transportation options in our full guide here!
CLICK HERE to find out the best ways to get from Orlando Airport to Disney World!
Research Dining Options
Disney World features over 200 dining locations across four theme parks, Disney Springs, Disney’s BoardWalk, AND the Disney Resort hotels. While there are plenty of quick service options, you’ll likely want to sit down for a meal or two during your trip, and you’ll need a reservation to do so.
Dining reservations open 60 days before the first day of your trip, and you’ll need to know when and where you want to eat by then if you want to have the best chance at securing those hard-to-get reservations. Read online menus and check out reviews on our website to help you decide which restaurants to prioritize. Be sure to note which restaurants line up with your planned park days to minimize travel time.
Here are a few of the most popular restaurants to start with (just don’t forget to expand your search to others as well!):
- Cinderella’s Royal Table at Magic Kingdom
- Be Our Guest Restaurant at Magic Kingdom
- Space 220 at EPCOT
- Oga’s Cantina at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Tusker House at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera at Disney’s Riviera Resort
Research Special Events and Tours
Just like dining reservations, you’ll need to know what special add-on experiences you want to book before the reservation window opens to ensure you get a spot before they sell out. This includes things like:
- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
- Savi’s Workshop
- Make Your Own Droid at Droid Depot
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
- Disney After Hours Events
- Behind-The-Scenes Tours
- Fireworks Dessert Parties/Dining Packages
Keep in mind that all of these are a separate cost in addition to your theme park tickets, so research pricing early and make a prioritized list of must-do experiences for you and your family. This will help you make reservations strategically when reservations open.
Build Your Daily Itinerary
Now comes the fun part – deciding what to do every day! Your daily schedule determines dining reservations, Lightning Lane purchases, and overall trip flow, so it’s really, really important to start nailing this down early. Use crowd calendars, theme park hours, and your hotel location to start planning which parks you’ll visit each day.
Here are our suggested itineraries for each Disney World theme park to help you plan:
- Magic Kingdom itinerary
- EPCOT itinerary
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios itinerary
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom itinerary
3 to 5 Months Before Arrival Disney World Planning Checklist
Make planning simple as your vacation gets closer – check these seven action items off your list as soon as possible!
- Book flights if traveling by air
- Arrange for transportation to and from the airport (if flying)
- Research table service restaurants you want to dine at
- Research and plan which parks to visit on which days
- Start a rough itinerary of must-do attractions and experiences
- Consider purchasing Memory Maker photo package
- Research special events happening during your trip (festivals, holiday celebrations, etc.)
2 Months Out Planning Timeline: Important Reservations
At the two-month mark, you’ll focus on securing dining reservations for your preferred restaurants and setting up your Disney account and app. Here’s what to do 2 months before your Walt Disney World vacation.
Download and Set Up My Disney Experience App
The My Disney Experience app serves as your digital command center for your entire Disney World vacation. You’ll use this app to manage park reservations, select and modify Lightning Lane return windows, view wait times, make dining reservations, and so much more. The bottom line is: the sooner you start familiarizing yourself with the app and using it, the better.
Now is the time to download the app on your phone and create an account using the same email address you used for hotel and ticket bookings. Be sure to link all family members’ tickets and reservations to your account through the “My Family & Friends” section if they aren’t already there.
CLICK HERE to get the 101 on the My Disney Experience App!
Make Dining Reservations
Disney World dining reservations open exactly 60 days before your check-in date at 6AM EST. And, BONUS, if you’re staying at a Disney World Resort hotel, you can book dining reservations for the entirety of your stay at that time. This is a huge advantage, so don’t skip out on the perk!
Log into the My Disney Experience app or website before 6AM on your booking day and have your list of restaurants and preferred times close by. Start with your top priority restaurants first (prioritizing character dining and signature restaurants) and then work your way through the rest of your list. We also recommend having backup restaurant choices ready since first preferences may be unavailable.
You can modify or cancel most reservations up to two hours before your reservation time, so get those booking fingers ready!
CLICK HERE for step-by-step instructions on making dining reservations!
Arrange Stroller Rental (If Needed)
If you’re traveling with young kids, you’ll likely want to have a stroller with you when those little legs get tired in the parks. If you’re planning to bring your own stroller or rent one directly from Disney, then you can SKIP this step. However, if you’re planning to use a third-party stroller rental company, you’ll need to make your reservation now.
CLICK HERE to learn more about stroller rentals in Disney World and how to secure yours!
2 Months Before Your Trip Disney World Planning Checklist
Make planning simple with only two months to go – check these seven action items off your list as soon as possible!
- Download and familiarize yourself with the My Disney Experience app
- Create a My Disney Experience account and link all party members
- Make dining reservations (opens 60 days in advance)
- Purchase MagicBands
- Make reservations for any special experiences (Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, dessert parties, tours)
- Arrange for stroller rental if needed
- Start planning what to pack
1 Month Out Planning Timeline: Finalizing Your Plans
Your trip is almost here! It’s time to finalize the finer details – here’s what to do one month before your Walt Disney World vacation.
Finalize Transportation and Flights
If you haven’t booked your flights yet, do it now! Prices typically increase as your departure date approaches. And, be sure you have your rental car or shuttle reservation ready to go. This task should be a simple confirmation!
Make A Packing List
There’s no need to pull out your suitcase just yet, but you do need to start thinking about what you’ll pack! Check the weather forecast and start making a list in the notes app on your phone so that you don’t end up forgetting anything important.
If you’re visiting during Halloween or plan to have matching family t-shirts made, this is the time to order your outfits!
Order MagicBands
MagicBands serve as your park ticket, hotel room key, and payment method when linked to a credit card and can be an incredibly convenient accessory to have on hand (or wrist!) during your trip. Disney resort guests can purchase MagicBands, but they must be ordered at least 11 days before your trip through your Disney account. MagicBands are also sold online on the Disney Store.
Note that you don’t need a MagicBand to have a great trip (you can use MagicMobile in the My Disney Experience app or a physical Key To The World Card instead). However, if you are planning to use them, it’s best to order them before your trip to save.
CLICK HERE to learn more about MagicBands and decide if you want one!
1 Month Before Your Trip Disney World Planning Checklist
Make planning simple with one month to go – check these six action items off your list as soon as possible!
- Confirm all reservations (hotel, dining, special experiences)
- Finalize park itinerary
- Make a packing list
- Arrange for pet care if needed
- Inform your bank and credit card companies about your travel plans
- Check passport expiration dates if traveling internationally
1 to 4 Weeks Before Your Trip Planning Timeline: Key Preparations and Booking Windows
The final weeks before your Disney World vacation are when you want to focus on confirming all your trip details and making last-minute preparations. Here’s what to do 1 to 4 weeks before your Walt Disney World trip.
Review Reservations and Park Hours
When you have all your plans finalized, log into the My Disney Experience app and double-check all of your reservations including your hotel booking dates, dining reservations, and any other special experiences you’ve booked.
Then, be sure that the park hours haven’t changed since you put together your itinerary. Disney typically releases updated hours about 2-3 weeks in advance and park hours can change in this timeframe. Check the official Disney World website or My Disney Experience app for the most current operating schedules.
And, don’t forget to review your travel details! Print your boarding passes if you’re flying or confirm pickup times for rental cars if needed.
Check The Weather And Begin Packing
We recommend monitoring the Orlando weather forecasts 1-2 weeks before you leave to make sure you pack appropriate clothing. Florida weather can be unpredictable, especially during the summer thunderstorm season and winter months. If you’re not sure what to wear based on the weather predictions, check out our What To Wear To Disney World Guide HERE!
Start packing 3-4 days early and create a staging area where you can organize items without rushing. This prevents you from forgetting important items like medications or phone chargers. And, don’t forget to check airline baggage restrictions if you’re flying!
CLICK HERE for our Disney World Packing List!
Purchase Lightning Lane Services (If Applicable)
Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Single Pass, and Premier Pass services become available for purchase 3 to 7 days before your trip so you’ll want to be sure you have an alarm set! Disney resort guests can purchase 7 days in advance, while off-site guests can buy 3 days ahead in the My Disney Experience app.
It’s best to know what days/parks you plan to purchase these services for, what rides you want to prioritize, and have a general strategy for getting the most out of your purchase. You can learn more about Disney’s Lightning Lane services and how to maximize their effectiveness in our full guide here!
1 to 4 Weeks Before Your Trip Disney World Planning Checklist
Make planning simple with only a few weeks to go – check these seven action items off your list as soon as possible!
- Begin packing
- Confirm transportation arrangements to the airport or Disney World
- Print or screenshot important documents (reservations, tickets, etc.)
- Check the weather forecast and adjust packing if necessary
- Purchase any last-minute items (Disney-themed clothing, accessories, etc.)
- Arrange for mail and newspaper hold if necessary
- Purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass and/or Single Pass for the length of your trip (the pre-booking window opens 7 days before check-in for Disney hotel guests and 3 days before your first park day with date-based tickets)
The Week Of Your Disney World Vacation Planning Timeline: Last Minute Details
Your Disney World trip is almost here! Here’s what to do the week of your Walt Disney World vacation.
Complete Online Check-in For Your Resort
Online check-in opens 60 days before your arrival date for Disney Resort hotel guests and we recommend completing it before you leave your house.
Checking in online can easily be done through the My Disney Experience app or website. You’ll finalize your payment method, add any final requests (like cribs, room location, etc), and confirm your reservation. On your arrival day, you’ll receive your room assignment via text and in the My Disney Experience app so you can skip the check-in desk and get straight to vacation mode!
Activate & Link MagicBands To Your My Disney Experience Account
While your MagicBands should already be activated and linked to your My Disney Experience account if you ordered it with your Disney World Resort hotel reservation, you should double check to be sure. If you’re using MagicBands from a previous trip or purchased them without a Disney hotel reservation, you’ll likely need to link them yourself.
If you find that your MagicBands aren’t linked appropriately, follow these activation steps:
- Open the My Disney Experience app
- Select “MagicBands and Cards” from the menu
- Choose “Link a MagicBand or Card”
- Enter the ID number from inside your MagicBand
Each family member needs their own linked MagicBand, so be sure you scan through each person in your travel party to double check!
Pack Park Day Bag With Essentials
You’ve likely already got your suitcase packed, so now it’s time to be sure that all of your park day essentials are in reach and ready to go! This includes things like a phone charger, sunscreen, water bottles, first aid supplies, medication, ponchos/umbrellas, and snacks. Just keep in mind that you’ll want to pack lighter since you’ll be carrying this bag for 10-12 hours every day. We recommend choosing a comfortable backpack or crossbody bag with multiple compartments.
CLICK HERE to See What Park Essentials Everyone Forgets to Pack
The Week Of Your Disney World Vacation Disney World Planning Checklist
Make planning simple as the excitement builds – check these eight action items off your list as soon as possible!
- Complete online check-in for your Disney Resort hotel
- Check-in for flights (if applicable)
- Ensure MagicBands are linked to everyone in your travel party
- Activate MagicBands
- Double-check all reservations and confirmation numbers
- Pack park day bag with essentials (sunscreen, portable charger, water bottle, etc.)
- Finish packing
- Charge all electronic devices
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal time frame for planning a vacation to Walt Disney World?
We recommend booking your Disney World vacation at least 6 months before your preferred travel dates. The earlier you book the better, so even planning over a year in advance isn’t too early!
Check out these two posts for more details on the ideal timeframe for your trip and when to plan it:
How far in advance should dining reservations be made for Disney World?
Disney World dining reservations open 60 days before your check-in date for resort guests and can be booked for the length of your trip (up to 10 days) at this time. Day guests can book reservations 60 days before each specific dining date. This is the best time to make dining reservations in order to secure a table at the most popular restaurants in Disney World.
What are the steps in creating a Disney World itinerary?
Start by selecting your travel dates and purchasing park tickets. Choose which parks to visit on each day based on crowd calendars and special events. Then, plan your daily park schedule around dining reservations and Lightning Lane return times (if you’re purchased one of the services). Just don’t forget to build in flexibility for rest breaks and spontaneous experiences.
Here are our suggested itineraries for each Disney World theme park:
- Magic Kingdom itinerary
- EPCOT itinerary
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios itinerary
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom itinerary
You may also want to check out our more specific itineraries and planning guides:
- The Ultimate Disney World Girls Trip Itinerary From a Disney Expert
- Here’s Everything You Can Do in One Day at Disney World
What are the key milestones in preparing for a Disney World vacation?
Key milestones for planning a Disney World vacation revolve around Disney’s reservation system. This includes:
- Booking your hotel reservation
- Purchasing park tickets
- Making travel arrangements
- Choosing which parks you’ll visit each day and making a rough itinerary
- Making dining reservations
- Booking Lightning Lane reservations
- Packing for your trip
Of course, these are the things that you must do for every trip. There will likely be more things that you want to book or add-on to your trip depending on your preferences.
How early should I purchase Disney World tickets for peak season visits?
While Disney World theme park tickets rarely sell out, it’s best to purchase your tickets as soon as you know your travel dates – especially if you’re visiting during peak season! We recommend purchasing tickets immediately after booking your resort reservation just so you have another to-do checked off your list and don’t risk tickets selling out for your preferred park.
Comments
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