Not all Disney vacation planning tips are created equal! Between social media, blogs, podcasts, Facebook groups, and friends who have been to Disney numerous times, there is so much planning advice out there – and it can be tough to figure out which things really deserve your attention.
After years of planning Disney World and Disneyland vacations for my own family and my clients, these are the six tips I come back to again and again and genuinely believe can make a difference.
Arrive Early
The early bird really does get the worm at the Disney parks, and plans for sleeping in are best saved for your rest days!
If you’re hoping to experience a lot of attractions, those first couple of hours after the parks open can be some of the most productive of your entire day. Crowds generally build as the day goes on, so getting an early start can help you accomplish several of your must-dos before the parks become busier.
Have a Plan
You don’t need to plan every minute of your Disney vacation, but giving your park days some structure goes a long way toward making the most of your time.
Before your trip, think about what is most important to you. Which parks do you want to visit? What attractions or experiences are at the top of your list? Are there restaurants or snacks you really want to try? Or shows and characters your family doesn’t want to miss?
You don’t necessarily need a minute-by-minute itinerary for all of those things. But knowing what you want to accomplish, prioritizing your must-dos, and having a general idea of how you want your day to flow will give you some direction once you’re in the parks.
But Don’t Overplan
You can’t do it all, and that is totally ok! There are so many attractions, restaurants, shows, characters, snacks, shops, and experiences that you could spend weeks at the parks and still have plenty left to do. Trying to fit everything into one trip can leave you exhausted and frustrated.
One approach I like to suggest when helping clients plan their park days is the 3-2-1 planning strategy. Start by building your day around 3 attractions that are must-dos for your family, 2 experiences (like a parade, show or character meet-and-greet), and 1 sit-down meal. This gives your day a bit of structure, while also leaving room for some spontaneity and flexibility.
It’s not a strict plan, and it certainly doesn’t mean that it’s all you’ll do that day. It’s simply a starting point for thinking realistically about what you can accomplish while still leaving room for relaxing and enjoying the parks in general.
If It’s Important, Book It
Your vacation doesn’t need to be booked from morning until night. But if there’s something you have your heart set on, I’d make sure to get it on the calendar.
Disney vacations have many experiences with limited availability, whether that’s a popular restaurant, a private tour, or special experiences like Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and lightsaber building at Galaxy’s Edge. If you’d be really disappointed to miss something during your vacation, make sure to reserve it as soon as you’re eligible to do so.
Don’t Overlook Your Resort
When you’re focused on everything you want to do and see in the parks, it’s easy to overlook your resort. But your Disney resort isn’t just where you sleep – it’s part of the vacation, too!
Whether you’re staying at Disney World or Disneyland, your resort can be such a fun part of your trip! You could build in a full resort day, take a morning to sleep in and enjoy the pool, or head back to your resort for an afternoon break and a meal before returning to the parks in the evening.
Nobody does resorts quite like Disney! Their immersive theming is every bit as thoughtfully designed as what you’ll find in the parks and meant to be part of the experience. Spending a little time enjoying all of those special details is worth making room for in your vacation.
Plan for the Little Things
And then there are all the little things that aren’t necessarily part of your itinerary, but can make a surprisingly big difference once you’re on vacation. Taking care of some of the basics ahead of time can save you money, time, and a few unnecessary headaches once you’re there.
For example, I like ordering some groceries for the resort room. Having water, snacks, and a few breakfast basics on hand can save money compared with buying everything once you’re in the parks or at the resort. And having something quick to grab in the morning can make early rope drop mornings much easier.
I also recommend buying things like ponchos and other basic essentials before your trip. Hopefully you won’t need the ponchos – but if you do, you’ll be glad you already have them instead of discovering you need them in the middle of a rainy park day.
And don’t forget about your phone! Between taking photos, scanning tickets, checking the Disney apps for attraction wait times, mobile ordering, and general everyday use, your battery can disappear much faster than you expect. If you don’t already have one, a portable charger is another item I’d recommend purchasing ahead of time and having ready to go.
None of these things are nearly as exciting as planning your dining reservations or deciding which attractions you’re going to ride, but taking care of them before you leave home means fewer little problems to solve once you’re on vacation – and more time to just get right to the fun!
Enjoyed These Disney Planning Tips?
If you found these tips helpful and are planning a Disney vacation (or just love talking Disney!), come join my private Facebook group, Disney Vacation Travel by Elisa.
I share planning tips, Disney news, destination inspiration, and plenty of fun along the way, and it’s also a great place to ask questions and connect with other Disney-loving travelers.
Planning Disney vacations isn’t just my job - it’s my passion.
I know how truly special these trips are because I’ve experienced the magic myself. From my first glimpse of Cinderella Castle to the joy of watching my kids meet their favorite characters, these are moments I’ll never forget - and they’re my inspiration for helping other families create their own Disney magic.
The best Disney trips aren’t one-size-fits-all. They’re sprinkled with little details that make them yours. That’s where I come in! With expert guidance (and a touch of pixie dust), I’ll make your planning feel easy, exciting, and full of possibility.
