7 Ways to Prepare for Your 2024 Disney World Vacation
So you’re planning a Walt Disney World vacation this year, but you don’t know where to start? If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone.
With four incredible theme parks, two water parks, a dedicated dining and shopping district, and over 20 Disney resorts, Disney vacation planning can make even the most seasoned Disney diehard feel a little goofy!
Photo: Disney
Disney World may seem daunting, but with just a little bit of preparation, your upcoming visit will be full of magic, pixie dust…and even relaxation!
Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Beach Club Resort
For a fun-filled 2024 Disney World vacation, check out our favorite ways to prepare below!
1. Set a Budget
Disney vacations can be extremely expensive, but with a little planning and preparation, you’ll save yourself money and stay in control of your wallet. One of the most basic ways to prepare for your upcoming vacation is to set a budget.
Photo: skillastics.com
No, I’m not talking about your fantasy budget. Contrary to popular belief, Disney money is still REAL money! So commit to setting a realistic vacation budget. Then, set your mind to sticking to it!
Disney World is mighty magical all on its own — you don’t need to splurge on every extra event, cute souvenir, or limited-time treat to have an incredible Disney vacation.
Happily Ever After Fire
Once you’ve set your budget, decide where and how to spend your money.
What Disney experiences are most important to you? For fervent foodies, a Disney Dining Plan may take priority, while thrill seekers may prefer the convenience of Disney Park Hopper tickets. Traveling with a princess-in-training? A trip to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Magic Kingdom may be your non-negotiable.
Photo: Disney
Whatever your Disney travel goals, be sure to plan ahead and budget accordingly.
2. Choose the Resort That’s Right for You
Choosing where to stay is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when it comes to your upcoming Disney World vacation.
With over 20 Disney resorts to choose from, there’s a resort to fit every interest, need, and budget.
Disney’s Port Orleans — French Quarter Resort
Walt Disney World is a right-of-passage vacation for many American families, and as such, you’ll find that everyone has an opinion. But choosing the right Disney resort for you isn’t about which resort your neighbor loved or which resort your co-worker hated.
It’s all about your own personal preferences and of course, your own personal budget.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
When it comes to choosing your Walt Disney World resort, consider factors like dining options, transportation options, proximity to the parks, available amenities, and theming preferences. Financial factors like available discounts and total costs should also be taken into consideration.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
When you take the time to research your resort options and choose the one that’s right for you, you prepare yourself for a successful Walt Disney World vacation!
3. Familiarize Yourself with Disney Systems
One of the best ways to prepare for your 2024 Disney World vacation is to familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of Walt Disney World.
Disney Genie+
Yes, I realize this can be overwhelming (and this is where an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner can help!), but learning how to use Disney’s systems and platforms ahead of time will keep your Disney vacation stress-free and magnificently magical.
In the months leading up to your vacation, prepare by familiarizing yourself with the MyDisneyExperience app. Focus on learning to book dining reservations, learning to use Genie+, and learning to make Individual Lighting Lane reservations.
Lightning Lane
It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with park hours, mobile food ordering, attraction height restrictions, virtual queues, park maps, and transportation options.
An understanding of these Disney Parks basics will translate into a vacation that’s fun-filled, relaxing, and entirely magical.
Disney Skyliner
Sure, it sounds complicated, but if Disney World’s millions of annual visitors can master it…so can you! Take a little time to prepare, and you’ll be a Disney pro in no time!
4. Prioritize Experiences
Did you know that Walt Disney World is roughly the size of San Francisco? Just like any major city, Disney World offers seemingly endless dining and entertainment options.
And it’s all too easy to fall prey to FOMO.
Photo: Disney
But you wouldn’t expect to experience all of New York City in seven days, right? Well, Walt Disney World is much the same. But when you rush through Walt Disney World, you miss the magic!
Instead, set realistic expectations and accept that you won’t see or do it all in a single trip. Prepare for your vacation by learning about Disney World’s top attractions and prioritizing the ones that are most important to you.
Happily Ever After in Magic Kingdom
When you prioritize your Disney to-do list, you free yourself to slow down, relax, and enjoy all that dazzling Disney magic!
5. Make Your Advance Dining Reservations
Walt Disney World is a very busy place, and sit-down restaurants often see heavy crowds as a result.
Photo credit: Disney Wiki
While walk-up wait lists are available at some dining locations, it can be nearly impossible to score a last-minute reservation for Disney’s most popular eateries and character meals.
Credit: Disney
Unsurprisingly, one of the best ways to prepare for your Disney vacation is to decide where you want to eat and to make your Advance Dining Reservations ahead of time.
Photo: Disney
Set your calendar and make your dining reservations 60 days in advance. If you’re staying at a Disney resort, you’ll be able to make reservations for the length of your stay (up to 10 days) 60 days in advance of the first day of your stay.
6. Gather Your Gear
What to pack for Walt Disney World depends on a variety of factors from the makeup of your party to the time of year you travel. To prepare for your upcoming trip, compile a packing list and gather your gear!
Suitcases
When packing, consider your travel plans and the weather forecast and pack accordingly. Walt Disney World is generally pretty a casual place, but if you’ll be dining at one of Disney’s Signature Dining restaurants, bring along a collared shirt or a slightly dressier outfit.
Photo: Kent Phillips || Victoria & Albert’s
If you travel with kids, you already know that preparation is key! Prepare by gathering all the supplies your little one will need, and deciding whether to rent or bring a stroller from home. Consider ponchos, stroller covers, sound machines, favorite snacks, and sippy cups, along with any other conveniences that might make your family trip a little easier.
Disney Strollers
Of course, for many of us, Disney packing goes far beyond the practical. If you’re dreaming of matching family t-shirts or magical Disneybounds, now is the time to prepare.
Photo: PopSugar
Plan your outfits in advance and order any specialized Disney-inspired items ahead of time. Be sure to allow time for shipping delays!
7. Use an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
Still have questions? An Authorized Disney Vacation Planner like MickeyTravels can help!
MickeyTravels
A wealth of knowledge and information, MickeyTravels agents are there to share their expertise and make your Disney World vacation an unforgettable and magical experience.
Photo: Disney
They’ll help you choose the perfect resort, guide you through the booking process, share the best Disney tips and tricks, and get you up to speed on all the ins and outs of Disney. From Disney transportation to Disney dining, MickeyTravels will make sure you’re well and prepared for your upcoming vacation.
Best of all? Booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner can even save you money! When you book with MickeyTravels, your Authorized Disney Vacation Planner will help ensure you get the best deal possible.
Photo: MickeyTravels
Even after your Disney vacation is booked, your agent is looking out for special deals, offers, and promotions that save serious cash.
You’ll get all the expertise of a Diamond EarMarked travel agency at no additional cost. MickeyTravels services are always 100% free, so you’ll never pay a service fee.
Ready to Book Your 2024 Disney World Vacation?
If you’re ready to book your 2024 Disney World vacation — and you want to arrive feeling prepared, relaxed, and ready — contact us today to get started!
