What to consider when planning a trip to Disney

Alright you are going to be visiting Disney, now what? What do I need to know to plan the most magical trip ever!

2/6/20257 min read

Planning a trip to Disney is an exciting adventure that can create unforgettable memories for you and your loved ones. Whether you're visiting Disneyland in California or Disney World in Florida, the magic of Disney parks offers something for everyone. However, to make the most of your experience, proper planning is key. From choosing the right time to visit and budgeting for the trip, to booking park reservations and dining experiences, there are many aspects to consider. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to help you plan a smooth, enjoyable, and magical Disney vacation. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make your dream trip to Disney a reality!

Budgeting Your Trip

Tickets: Disney tickets can be a significant portion of your budget. Decide if you want to visit only one park or if you want to "Park Hop" between different Disney parks (this is an extra cost). Tickets can range from $100 to $200+ per day per person depending on the park and season. Look into multi-day tickets or park hopper passes to save money.
Accommodation: There are Disney hotels, which provide benefits like early park entry and free shuttle service to the parks, but they tend to be more expensive. Off-property hotels might offer cheaper rates but won’t have these added perks. You can also consider renting a vacation home or staying at a nearby Airbnb. While staying off-property is usually cheaper if you are looking to stay at a Disney resort there are a few different types of Disney resorts to select from.
If you are planning on visiting Disneyland in CA there are 3 Disney resorts to select from: Disneyland Hotel, Pixar Place Hotel and the Grand Californian Hotel. All three hotels are within walking distance of the Disney parks and Downtown Disney and offer additional Disney benefits like early park entry.
If you are planning on visiting Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL there are a variety of resorts to choose from with 4 different categories of Disney resorts to consider: Value, Moderate and Deluxe. They all feature resort amenities along with Disney resort benefits like early theme park entry, Disney provided transportation, earlier access to Disney dining reservations, MagicBands, free resort parking, early access to Lighting Lane and park reservations, and access to purchase Disney's Dining Plan. Check out my Disney Resort blog as I dive deeper into the different resort options at Disneyland in CA and Walt Disney World in FL.
Dining: Food can get pricey at Disney, especially if you're eating at sit-down restaurants. Some options to consider include:
- Quick Service meals for more affordable choices.
- Table Service meals for unique dining experiences, including character dining (e.g., breakfast with Disney characters, which is very popular).
- You can also plan for snacks and souvenirs, as Disney is known for its themed treats and collectibles.

Timing Your Trip

Peak vs. Off-Peak Times: Disney parks can be overwhelmingly crowded during peak times like the summer, major holidays, and spring break. If you want shorter lines, aim for the off-peak seasons. Ideal times are typically mid-January through mid-February, late April to early June, or late September through early November.
Weather Considerations: Depending on the time of year, weather can vary significantly. Florida (for Disney World) can be hot and humid in the summer with daily rainfall, while Anaheim (for Disneyland) has more mild, year-round temperatures with minimal chances of rain in the winter months. Plan accordingly with sun protection or rain gear.
Special Events: If you want to experience seasonal events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival, or the Holiday decorations, you might want to plan your visit to align with these.

Theme Park Tickets & Reservations

Theme Parks: Disney World has four main parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Disneyland in California has two main parks: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure. Consider the rides and attractions at each park to help decide which ones you want to prioritize.
Reservations: Disney has a park reservation system, which means you must reserve your spot at the park ahead of time after buying your tickets (especially in post-pandemic times). Be sure to make these reservations as soon as you purchase tickets to guarantee entry to your preferred park.
Park Hopping: If you're staying multiple days, you might want to purchase a Park Hopper option. This allows you to visit more than one park in a single day, but it’s an additional cost. It's especially helpful if you want to explore multiple parks on the same day.

Dining & Food Planning

Advanced Dining Reservations (ADR): For popular restaurants, especially character dining experiences (like dining with Cinderella at Cinderella’s Royal Table), it’s best to book reservations as far in advance as possible (typically 60 days before your trip). These spots fill up fast. For Disneyland in CA Advanced dining reservations, you can contact them at 714-781-DINE (3463) or book reservations via the Disneyland App. For Walt Disney World Advance Dining reservations, you can contact them at 407-WDW-DINE (939-3463) or book reservations via the Walt Disney World app.
Mobile Ordering: Disney has a mobile ordering system via the My Disney Experience app (Disney World) or the Disneyland app, which can save you time when getting food at quick-service spots. This is a great way to avoid long lines during peak times.
Dietary Restrictions: Disney is known for being very accommodating to guests with dietary needs (e.g., gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.). You can request specific accommodations at restaurants, and they will often prepare meals to fit your needs.
Snacks and Beverages: Don't forget about the iconic Disney snacks, such as churros, Mickey-shaped pretzels, Dole Whip, and more. They’re fun to try and can make the experience feel even more magical.

Packing & Essentials

Comfortable Clothing & Footwear: You’ll be walking a lot, so comfortable shoes are a must. Also, check the forecast and pack accordingly: breathable clothing for hot days, or layers for cooler weather. Bring light jackets or hoodies for cooler evenings in Florida or California.
Ponchos & Sunscreen: Florida, especially, can be prone to afternoon rainstorms, so pack a poncho or small umbrella. Sunscreen is also crucial, even if it’s cloudy. You’ll be outside for long periods of time, so reapply sunscreen throughout the day.
Backpack/Bag: Bring a small backpack or bag for carrying water bottles, snacks, and any essentials like sunscreen. You’ll want to keep your hands free for rides or taking photos, so a crossbody bag or a small backpack works best.
Portable Charger: With all the photos, videos, and app usage (to track wait times, reservations, and mobile food orders), your phone’s battery can drain quickly. A portable charger can save you from running out of battery before the day’s over.
Stroller Rental: If you're traveling with young kids, consider renting a stroller at the park. It’s easier than bringing your own, and it helps kids navigate the park comfortably. Make sure you also pack items to entertain them during long waits or lines.

Extra Tips:

Lighting Lane: Disney has a system to skip regular lines for certain attractions. Lighting Lane is a paid service (in place of the old FastPass system), allowing you to reserve times for certain rides to avoid long lines. There are several types of Lighting Lane passes to select from, and it can get confusing. What is Lighting Lane? Lighting Lane allows guests to access the Lighting Lane que at select attractions through the parks and even though you still may have a wait time it is a shorter line then the Standby que. Lighting Lane is available for all guests to purchase with valid theme park admission and park reservation for that day. It is available at select attractions in Disneyland parks in CA and Walt Disney World parks in FL. Depending on the attraction you want Lighting Lane access to as to which Lighting Lane pass you need. Usually, most guests get confused as to which Lighting Lane pass, they need to access certain attractions. Check out my blog on Lighting Lane as I dive deeper into the different pass options and the attractions you have access to.
Be Prepared for Disney Magic: Be ready for some magical surprises, from parades and fireworks to the character meet-and-greets! Sometimes the best parts of Disney are the unexpected moments.

By considering all these details, you’ll be set for a smoother, more enjoyable trip! Check out my other blogs as I go into further detail about planning your trip to Disney.

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