Planning your Walt Disney World® Itinerary
hen you make the decision to take a Walt Disney World vacation, timing is everything! We all tend to get wrapped up in the excitement of taking a magical Disney vacation that we sometimes forget the small details that can be critical in the planning process. A lot of the planning details that are an important factor in a Walt Disney World vacation, such as dining, all have a date on when you can start booking. You and your family don't want to miss the boat! Below you will find a detailed timeline that goes over each step in the planning process and tells you when to start taking action.
Planning a Walt Disney World vacation can be stressful and overwhelming. The key to enjoying all of the magic that Disney has to offer is to plan accordingly. Let us take care of all of the important planning details for you while you and your family await the adventure of a lifetime. Contact us today!
Planning a Walt Disney World vacation can be stressful and overwhelming. The key to enjoying all of the magic that Disney has to offer is to plan accordingly. Let us take care of all of the important planning details for you while you and your family await the adventure of a lifetime. Contact us today!
The very first step!
Hotel and Air - Once you have decided to take a Walt Disney World vacation, you need to book your hotel reservation. This needs to be done as far ahead as possible. Disney Reservations for rooms and packages usually allow you to book one or the other a year out or longer. Be sure to secure at least your room if packages for your travel year are not available yet. Rooms in Walt Disney World tend to fill up more than 6 months in advance. Once you have the resort booked, you have the most important part taken care and the rest will come easy. You will also want to schedule your transportation. Airfare tends to fluctuate and is usually cheaper when you don't purchase it last minute.
Park Hours - Be sure to check the park hours for your desired vacation dates. You can check them here on our website or by visiting www.disneyworld.com. These tend to change from time to time and can be beneficial to you when figuring out what parks you will want to visit each day.
At least 6 months before you arrive:
Make your dining wish list - This period is critical and very important in the planning process. During this time, you need to start deciding on your dining locations that you and your family will want to take advantage of while on your Walt Disney World vacation. Reservations for all table service restaurants can be made 180 days prior to arrival and the later you wait to book, the less likely you will get in to some of your chosen establishments. Here at Mouse Ear Magic Travel, we can call and make your dining reservations for you so you don't have to worry with waking up early to call. We have you covered! *Be sure to have your credit card when booking your dining reservations as all table service restaurants require a CC to guarantee them. *Most dinner shows can also be reserved 180 days in advance (these must be paid in full at the time of booking). Be sure to contact your Travel Specialist for details.
Special magic - Things like the Pirates League, Bibbidy Bobbidi Boutique, Harmony Barber Shop, the Tomorrowland Dessert Party and the Illumination's Dessert party can also be booked 180 days in advance. These fill up quickly! Make sure to reserve these no less than 180 days prior to your arrival. These can all be booked on a credit card guarantee with the exception of the dessert parties. You must pay these in full at the time of booking.
Park tickets - If your reservation did not include tickets for your vacation stay, this is the time to order your tickets!
Recreational magic - If you plan on taking part in a specialty cruise, a golfing tee time, fishing excursion, trail ride, behind the scenes tour or water activity such as parasailing or waterskiing, now is the time to book and reserve these as well.
To book a behind the scenes tour, you can call 1-407-939-8687 or if you booked with us, we can take care of all that as well.
At three months prior:
Park Hours - You will want to double check these to make sure they haven't changed or been updated since you first booked your vacation. Most people plan their days around the hours in each park so this information is very useful.
Refurbishment Schedule - Walt Disney World does a great job of keeping all rides and attractions updated and in tip top shape. This means that to do so, they will from time to time need to close down the ride or attraction for a refurbishment period. You will want to check the schedule for vacation dates so you know in advance what might be undergoing a touch of magic while you are here. You can check the current refurbishment schedule here.
You are now at 10 days until your magical vacation starts:
Documents - By now, you should have received what we like to call "Mickey Mail" for your upcoming Walt Disney World stay along with any flight information or flight reminder emails. If you have not received any documentation, be sure to contact your Travel Agent or the Travel Company directly.
Check in now - If you haven't already, be sure to check in online for your upcoming vacation, it's almost time! You can go to www.disneyworld.com and click on the check in tab under My Disney Experience. This helps save time waiting in line once you arrive at your Disney resort.
One week until you arrive in Walt Disney World®:
Confirm everything- By now you should be all packed and ready to go with thoughts of Mickey Ice-Cream bars, hugs from Characters and all of the magical memories you are about to make with your family.... but WAIT! Your last and final but most important step is to confirm everything. This includes all of your dining reservation numbers, flight times etc. Be sure to keep a hard copy of everything with you and in hand in case you need it during your travels. Your Travel Agent should have touched base with you by now. Be sure to contact them or the Travel Agency you booked with should you have any last minute questions or concerns.