Orlando Trip Planning Checklist

6+ Months Before Your Trip

This is the research and decision phase. The choices you make now set the foundation for everything that follows.

• Research travel dates using crowd and weather guides
• Decide trip length (number of park days plus rest days)
• Set a realistic total budget including daily spending estimates
• Decide between Disney World only, Universal only, or a combined trip
• Research and compare resort and hotel options
• Decide whether to work with a travel advisor
• Book your resort or hotel (many offer free cancellation at this stage)
• Book flights if applicable

4-5 Months Before Your Trip

With your dates and hotel confirmed, you can now make the next layer of decisions.

• Purchase theme park tickets
• Make Disney World park reservations (required for each park day)
• Decide on park-day order and assign parks to specific dates
• Research dining options and identify must-do restaurants
• Set calendar reminders for dining reservation windows (60 days for Disney)
• Research Lightning Lane and Express Pass options for your dates
• Begin building a loose park-day strategy for each day

2-3 Months Before Your Trip

The detail phase — filling in the specifics of your daily plans.

• Make Disney dining reservations (60-day window)
• Finalize park-day plans and identify priority attractions for each day
• Decide on Lightning Lane Multi Pass or individual Lightning Lane purchases
• Book any special experiences (dessert parties, tours, character dining)
• Research transportation options (rental car, rideshare, resort transportation)
• Book airport transportation if needed
• Purchase travel insurance if desired

1 Month Before Your Trip

Preparation shifts from planning to logistics and packing.

• Download My Disney Experience and Universal Orlando apps
• Create accounts and link tickets to your app profiles
• Familiarize yourself with mobile ordering and app features
• Begin assembling your packing list
• Break in your park shoes (wear them daily for at least two weeks)
• Purchase any remaining gear (portable charger, ponchos, cooling towels)
• Confirm all reservations (hotel, dining, flights, transportation)
• Set up online check-in for your resort if available

1-2 Weeks Before Your Trip

• Check park hours for your specific dates (they can change)
• Check weather forecasts and adjust packing if needed
• Finalize packing — charge all devices, gather documents
• Print or save confirmation numbers for all reservations
• Review height requirements for attractions if traveling with children
• Set expectations with family members about daily pace and priorities
• Arrange pet care, mail hold, and home security if needed

Day Before Your First Park Day

• Charge all devices (phones, portable chargers, cameras)
• Check tomorrow's park hours and any schedule changes
• Set alarms for rope-drop arrival (plan to arrive 30-45 minutes before opening)
• Pack your park bag with daily essentials
• Review your priority attractions and general morning strategy
• Apply sunscreen before bed if you tend to forget in the morning rush
• Get a good night's sleep — tomorrow is going to be a big day

Morning of Your First Park Day

• Wake up early enough to arrive at the park 30-45 minutes before opening
• Apply sunscreen before leaving your hotel
• Fill water bottles and grab quick breakfast (do not waste park time on a sit-down breakfast)
• Confirm your park reservation in the app
• Check current wait times as the park opens
• Head to your first priority attraction immediately after entry
• Enjoy the day — you have planned well, now let yourself be present