Not sure that a WDW Orlando vacation is what you would like? 

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Important Things to Consider

Planning your Disney trip is part of the fun! Use this checklist to cover all the important points with your travel group before diving into reservations. 

• Preferred Trip Dates: Discuss the best time for your visit. Consider school breaks, crowd levels, and seasonal events. 
• Preferred Parks: Which parks are must-visits? Decide between Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom - or all four. 
• Ticket Types: Will you stick with single-day tickets, or splurge on Park Hoppers, water park access, or special ticket bundles? 
• Water Parks: If your trip falls in a warmer season, consider skipping a park day to enjoy Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon?
• Other Theme Parks: Thinking beyond Disney? Add Universal Studios, Legoland, or SeaWorld to the itinerary. 
• Other Activities: Explore non-park options like golfing, Kennedy Space Center, or even add-on a Disney Cruise from Port Canaveral. 
• Favorite Disney Movies and Shows: Identify beloved classics to help guide character meet-and-greets, attractions, and souvenirs. 
• Favorite Disney TV Shows: Include Disney+ favorites for a complete picture of everyone’s must-see experiences. 
• Favorite Disney Characters: Narrow down who to prioritize for meet-and-greets, character dining, or themed experiences. 
• Preferred Ride Types and Shows: Discuss preferences for thrill rides, shows, and motion-sensitive attractions to plan the best mix for everyone. 
• Dining Reservations: Research and list preferred restaurants to snag hard-to-get reservations. 
• Character Dining: Decide which characters you want to meet over a meal - options range from princesses to Mickey and friends. 
• Lightning Lane / Premier Pass (formerly Genie+ Pass): Will you use these services for shorter wait times? Discuss the budget and priorities for premium access. 
• DAS Disability Access Pass: If someone in your group needs accommodations, plan to register for this service. 
• Getting Magic Bands: Decide if you’ll purchase Magic Bands for park access, Lightning Lane, and tracking purchases. 
• Memory Maker for Photos: Consider adding this photo package to capture professional shots throughout your trip. 
• Fireworks and Parades: Schedule time for nighttime spectaculars and iconic parades to end the day on a high note. 
• Character Meet-and-Greets: Plan which characters to visit and where to find them in the parks. 
• EPCOT Festival Schedule: Check for seasonal festivals or concerts to add unique experiences to your itinerary. 
• Movie Theater at Disney Springs: Factor in a movie night for some downtime during your trip. 
• Minigolf at Disney Springs or Boardwalk: A fun, low-key activity to balance high-energy park days. 
• Magical Extras: Consider splurging on dessert parties, private photo sessions, behind-the-scenes tours, princess makeovers, archery, or horseback riding for unforgettable memories.

Your choice of accommodations can greatly influence your Disney experience. Here are key factors and options to discuss: 

• Preferred Accommodation Type: Decide if you want to stay at a Disney Resort, an off-site hotel, or a vacation rental. Each option has its pros and cons in terms of convenience, amenities, and cost. 
• Budget: Establish a budget for accommodations. Disney Resorts range from budget-friendly Value Resorts to luxurious Deluxe Villas. 
• Special Deals: Check for discounts or packages, such as room-and-ticket bundles, annual passholder deals, or promotions through travel agencies (that's me!)
• Proximity to Parks: Consider how close you want to be to the parks. Disney Resorts offer unparalleled convenience, but nearby hotels or rentals can also be affordable and comfortable options. 
• Transportation Options: Research transportation. Disney Resorts offer free transportation to the parks, while off-site accommodations may require a car rental or rideshare. 
• On-Site Disney Perks: Staying at a Disney Resort gives access to perks like Early Park Entry, Extended Evening Hours for Deluxe guests, and the ability to book Lightning Lane selections earlier. 
• Room Size and Features: For larger groups, look into suites, family rooms, or vacation homes with multiple bedrooms. Consider kitchens for cooking meals or extra bathrooms for convenience. 
• Themed Resorts: Disney Resorts are uniquely themed—from the African savanna at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge to tropical vibes at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. 
• Pools and Recreation: If you plan downtime at your hotel, look into pools, kids’ play areas, and recreational activities like movies under the stars or arcades. 
• Dining Options: Many Disney Resorts feature character dining, quick-service restaurants, and fine dining. Check if your accommodation offers food options that suit your preferences. 
• Other Amenities: With offsite resorts, check for essentials like Wi-Fi, fitness centers, shuttle services, and parking options. 
• Nearby Attractions: If you plan to explore beyond Disney, consider accommodations close to other destinations like Universal Studios, SeaWorld, or shopping areas like Disney Springs.

I'm here to guide you through all the options associated with where to stay during your Orlando vacation. By choosing the right accommodations, you’ll set the stage for a comfortable and enjoyable Disney adventure! 

• Crossbody bags, sling bags, or small backpacks (Makini’s favorite: Osprey Daylite Sling).
• Hats or visors for all.
• Sunscreen for face and body, plus lip balm with SPF.
• Tiny can of spray deodorant so everyone can have a spritz mid-afternoon.
• Travel sized packets of baby wipes to clean sticky fingers after eating treats.
• Sunglasses for all, even little ones (consider Dollar Store's floating sunglass cords, excellent at the Water Parks).
• Portable phone chargers / power banks with charging cords.
• Ziplock bags (quart size) for food leftovers or to keep phones dry.
• Frogg Togg cooling neck wraps or towels, neck fans, and handheld misting fans.
• Stuffie backpacks for kids (though they can be one more thing to track).
• Disposable ponchos or light windbreaker jackets for rain.
• Comfortable, moisture-wicking, or quick-dry activewear and sports bras.
• Apple AirTag wristbands to keep track of kids and strollers.
• Character autograph books or other items for signatures (insulated tumblers, photo mats, pillowcases).
• Loop Earplugs or over-ear noise-cancelling headphones for sensory-friendly enjoyment of the entertainment
• Swimwear, rash guards, and swim goggles for water play.
• Prescription and rescue medications and eyeglasses.
• Disney gift cards for easy spending (but see my note in the Apps section on how to protect the spending money on your gift cards.)

Ensure your Disney trip is smooth and stress-free by downloading these essential apps:

• Disney World MDE (My Disney Experience): Manage park reservations, dining, Genie+ bookings, and more.
• Touring/Lines Apps: Plan your park strategy and monitor wait times efficiently.
• Play Disney Parks: Interactive games and trivia to keep the whole family entertained while waiting in line.
• Uber and Lyft: Convenient for rides to and from the parks, especially if you’re staying off-site.
• Other Theme Park Apps: For side trips, download Universal FL, Legoland, or other relevant theme park apps.
• Orlando MCO Airport App: Stay updated on flights and navigate the airport with ease.
• TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry App: For streamlined security checks at the airport.
• Starbucks:Every terminal at Orlando airport has a Starbucks. Use the mobile ordering feature to grab a coffee before boarding the tram to your terminal. every terminal at Orlando airport has Starbucks and they offer mobile ordering! 
  • My trick is to queue up my order while standing in line at TSA and then press order before I get on the train to the terminal)
• Instacart: Perfect for grocery deliveries, including snacks, essentials, and even alcohol to your hotel.
• DoorDash or UberEats: For meal deliveries after a long park day.
• Apple Wallet: Enable features and load at least one credit card for easy mobile ordering in the parks.
• Important: Disney Gift Card (Not an app but still useful) Register all your physical Disney gift cards, even the kids' ones, prior to your trip. That way, if one is misplaced you can quickly login and transfer the balance to another card that's already registered.
  • You will need at least two gift cards to toggle between but they are available like everywhere in the parks!

These apps ensure that everything from transportation to food and entertainment is just a tap away, helping you make the most of your Disney adventure!

• Practical and Iconic: Popcorn buckets (refills are under $3), themed water bottles, special edition Starbucks tumblers, and photo frames.
• Wearable Memories: Mouse ears (headbands and ear hats), Loungefly backpacks, themed tee shirts, and lanyards.
• For the Kids: Trading pins, stuffed toys, bubble wands, light-up toys, glow sticks, or bracelets.
• Unique Collectibles: Pressed pennies, LEGO sets exclusive to Disney, character autograph books (bring a Sharpie for signing creative items like photo frame mats or pillowcases).
• Experience-Based Souvenirs: Custom Star Wars lightsabers and droids (must book the experience), Christmas ornaments (can be personalized), and hand-crafted items like silhouette portraits, caricatures, or custom candles at Disney Springs.
• Artistic Keepsakes: Painting, tie-dye, glass mosaics, and craft activities available at select Disney resorts.
• Behind-the-Scenes Tours: Immersive experiences that double as unforgettable memories.

Make your Disney adventure unforgettable with these simple, practical tips. A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your trip is packed with joy and wonder.

Affiliate Disclosure: When you book travel through links on Travel with Makini, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend places, products, and services that my family and I personally use and trust. These commissions help keep this blog running and allow me to continue providing free travel resources like guides and checklists. I'll always clearly mark any sponsored content as "Paid Partnership" or "Sponsored." Thank you for supporting my independent travel advisory work through your bookings.