Walt Disney World Vacations are unlike any other vacation. They are fantastic fun, but expensive, and involve significant planning and research. Preparing for a Walt Disney World vacation starts long before your holiday begins. Our Walt Disney World Planning Timeline contains all the key dates to help you plan a perfect vacation.

As soon as possible
- Download our free Disney World Vacation Planners and start writing down your plans.
- Set a budget. Remember, there will be extra expenses when you arrive at Walt Disney World.
- Check if your passport, if needed, is valid. Also, check on any US Visa or ESTA requirements.
- Check on the latest travel advice. COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for International Travelers to the United States Ended on May 12, 2023.
- Research resort options. Should you stay on-site or off-site?
- Research flights. Flight prices vary, and the best time to book varies by country.
- Will you book the vacation yourself or use a Disney Vacation Planner/Travel Agent?
- Research Walt Disney World via online media, guidebooks, etc. Look into when offers are historically released for Disney World Vacations. As an example, the free dining offer for UK residents is usually released in late April or early May for the following year.
- Consider ticket options. Are they included as part of your package, or will you need to buy them independently?
- Do you want to purchase a Memory Maker to obtain a copy of your photographs during your visit to the parks?
- Do you want to visit Universal Orlando or other Orlando parks?
- Pick your dates and arrange any annual leave requests.

Six months plus
- Book your Walt Disney World Vacation Accommodation.
- Book your flights.
- Book park tickets.
- Create a My Disney Experience account.
- Start making a provisional daily plan, including the days you intend to visit parks and the dining reservations you want to make.
- Please make a note of park hours as soon as they are released. Check for any scheduled special events on the days you plan to visit, which may result in shorter park hours, and replan if necessary.
As soon as you book Park Tickets or a Disney Vacation Package
The majority of guests no longer have to make a Park Reservation. The process was introduced following the resort’s reopening, but has now been stepped down for most guests. The following ticket types no longer need a reservation:
- Date-based 1-day ticket
- Date-based multi-day ticket
While this covers the majority of guests, certain ticket holders may need to make reservations. If you do not have one of the above tickets, you should make your park reservations as soon as possible.

60 Days
- Book your Disney World Advance Dining Reservations. The most popular restaurants fill up fast, and you must be ready to book when reservations are open. Bookings are open for all restaurants 60 days in advance. Guests staying at a Disney Resort can book reservations for their first ten days once they hit the 60-day mark.
- Book any special experiences you plan to do during your visit. Reservations are open for Droid Depot, Savi’s Workshop, Oga’s Cantina, and Enchanting Extras Collection experiences. Guests staying in a Disney Resort can also book for the first ten days of their vacation at this point.

30 Days
- Disney no longer offers the free Magical Express from Orlando International Airport. Consider how you are going to get to your resort. If you are not hiring a car, we recommend Uber or Lyft. You can book this when you arrive through the App and usually will wait no longer than a few minutes for a car.
- If you need to use a Mobility Scooter, book now.
- If hiring a car, ensure you have booked and have any required permits. Our guide to Orlando without a car has further information.
20 Days
- Time to make any final changes to your plan.
- Print out a fresh copy of our Disney Vacation Planners to ensure everything is current.
- Decide if you want to book any Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass reservations. Guests of Disney Resort hotels and other select hotels can purchase passes up to 7 days in advance of their stay. Guests staying elsewhere can purchase passes up to 3 days in advance of their park visit. If booking a Multi Pass, you can book up to 3 attractions before you arrive.
- Start
packing

One week
- If you want to get Memory Maker, the price increases three days before your arrival; make sure you have booked it.
- Check you have all the required documents packed, including passports & credit cards.
- Check weather forecasts
- If you have decided to book any Lightning Lanes, start booking as soon as your window opens.
- Check your plan one last time.
- Complete packing
Arrival Day
- Relax
- Have fun!!

Read More
Modern Life is Good contains handy guides to plan your Walt Disney World Vacation. Our Guide to Walt Disney World for Beginners is a great starting point for planning any vacation.


