2026 Walt Disney World Vacation Planning (A Step-by-Step Guide)
Imagine. You’re strolling down Main Street, U.S.A., the scent of popcorn in the air, cheerful music all around you, and your heart brimming with excitement. All those months of planning have finally paid off, and here you are, surrounded by the magic of Walt Disney World. Whew! It took a ton of research to pull this trip off! But it was well worth it.
If that sounds like the perfect start to your vacation, you’ve come to the right place. Our step-by-step Disney World vacation planning framework is designed to help you make informed decisions about when to visit, where to stay, how to plan your days, and what to prioritize along the way. This approach works for first-time visitors, returning guests, and those who feel overwhelmed, because each step can be adjusted to meet your individual needs.
I’ve been visiting Walt Disney World regularly since childhood, and later continued those visits with my son, often traveling in multi-generational groups that included grandparents. Over the years, that experience expanded beyond the parks to the resorts, and I even spent a few years living in the area. While we visit the parks casually, we also understand what it takes to plan a full vacation for family and friends who don’t visit often. When that is the goal, we know how to prioritize, plan, and make the most of the time available.
That said, the heart of Resorts Gal is derived from our two anchor beliefs. We believe that you can have an incredible time exploring the resorts at Disney World without ever setting foot in a theme park. We also believe the entire resort experience can enhance your vacation in a way that makes other destinations incomparable. We stand out by offering practical guidance that encourages our readers to take advantage of resort amenities, downtime, and the often overlooked benefits of staying on property.
It’s true what they say: there is no tired like Disney tired. But if you’re feeling rough by the end of day two, from our experience, the plans start getting rearranged, reservations dropped, and you feel overwhelmed.
Below, we’ll walk you through how to plan a realistic Walt Disney World vacation that accounts for your needs and those of your family. We’ll also address some common concerns that tend to surface during the planning process, including:
- Can we afford to go to Walt Disney World?
- If so, when should we go?
- I’m not good with directions. How will we get around?
- This stuff is complicated. How am I going to figure it all out?
Trust me, we’ve spent years figuring this stuff out and practicing it. Our planning process will help you figure out what works best for your vacation, one step at a time. You don’t have to do everything all at once. It’s that simple. Are you ready?
Last Updated: December 18, 2025
A Quick Overview of Walt Disney World
If I had to sum up Walt Disney World in a nutshell, it would be like this: Disney World offers far more than most visitors expect. Spanning over 25,000 acres in central Florida, the destination includes multiple theme parks, water parks, resort hotels, a dining-shopping-entertainment district, and recreational areas. For planning purposes, most vacations revolve around four theme parks:
- Magic Kingdom
- EPCOT
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Depending on your interests and the time of year, you may also include a water park or time at Disney Springs. Everything else is optional and can be added or skipped, based on your priorities. That’s all you need to know to get started. Our steps below focus on helping you make sense of these options in a realistic, manageable way. That way, you can plan with intention instead of trying to do everything all at once.
Step 1: Figure Out the Cost of a Disney Vacation
For most, a Disney World vacation is a considerable investment. And the truth is, you cannot budget for something if you do not know how much it actually costs. We recommend setting aside any assumptions about what you think you should spend and starting with a blank slate. From there, list the realistic costs for your family and then determine your budget. If the final number is higher than expected, you can always scale back where it makes sense.
The goal of this step is realism. If this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, you may choose a higher budget that includes special events and experiences that are important to your family. However, if you visit Disney World somewhat regularly, you might cut a few experiences to keep costs in check, knowing you can always plan them for a future trip. Disney is not the kind of place where you want to skimp on everything, but you don’t have to splurge, either.
Put simply, you don’t want to be standing in line for a Mickey pretzel at Magic Kingdom while wondering whether your credit card will go through. Walt Disney World is not an all-inclusive vacation, and there are many costs that most guests don’t even consider until they’re already there.
That’s why we consider budgeting the most important step in the planning process, and why it comes first. When you’re ready to get started, see How Much Does It Cost to Visit Walt Disney World in 2026. This guide walks through the full budgeting process and serves as the foundation for the steps that follow.
Step 2: Choose Your Disney World Vacation Dates
If your dates are fixed, you can skip this step. But for those with flexibility, choosing the right time to visit can help you find better hotel offers, upgrade your resort category or room type, or enjoy slightly lesser crowds.
You might even visit during the off-season! I’m kidding. When I moved to the area, I made it a point to visit the theme parks every week and gauge the crowds. There is a busy season (all the time), a busy-busy season (summer, spring break, minor holidays), and an exceptionally busy season (the weeks of Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s).
I recommend avoiding the “exceptionally busy season” at all costs. However, it’s important to note that it will probably be crowded no matter when you visit. So, if you have no experience gauging the crowds in the parks regularly, what feels “packed in like a can of sardines” could be the slowest day of the year. As an example, a 45-minute wait for Peter Pan’s Flight might sound ridiculous, but it averages 70 minutes on a typical day.
Some of the lower crowd times are:
- Mid-April through Memorial Day: Crowds are generally lighter after Spring Break and Easter, with some school groups in the parks. The weather is warm but manageable.
- After Labor Day through early October (before Fall Break): You can expect lower crowds, though September is often extremely hot. (We do not recommend this time if you can’t deal with the heat.)
- Late October through Veterans Day (after Fall Break): This is a great time for Halloween and/or early Christmas decorations.
- First two weeks of December: Comfortable weather and full Christmas preparations. Expect moderate crowds as many families take advantage of early holiday vacations.
- January and February: These months can feel surprisingly busy due to international guests, winter school breaks, the Walt Disney World Marathon, and Presidents’ Day. Many visitors assume it’s quiet after the holidays, but crowds can be significant.
If you have flexibility, we expand on each month in our guide: When to Visit Walt Disney World in 2026. Once you select your 2026 dates, return to that guide to locate your specific month. Each month is updated with last-minute crowd insights and planning tips leading up to your vacation.
Step 3: Begin the Process of Choosing a Disney Resort Hotel
Our next step is a Resorts Gal favorite! You get to begin the process of choosing a Disney Resort Hotel. Of course, you’ll want to consider budget, needs, wants, and location. In some cases, you might even need to stay off-site. However, in most cases, we recommend staying in the Disney bubble if at all possible.
Disney Resorts fall under four categories: deluxe, moderate, value, and villa. Each category defines the style of the resort and the amenities it offers. For example, value resorts feature exterior buildings spread across the grounds, pools, and classic Disney theming. They won’t, however, offer extras like interior rooms, water slides, and hot tubs. Moderates fall in the middle, a step up from values, yet not offering as many amenities as the higher-end options. Deluxe and villa resorts, the most expensive, provide more upscale accommodations and additional amenities.
For a complete comparison, our Disney World Resort Rankings is a good place to start. It highlights each resort’s strengths, compares amenities, and helps you make an informed choice.
Step 4: Do You Need a Travel Agent for Disney World?
We say yes. An authorized Disney Travel Planner can make your reservations, provide customized advice, help secure dining reservations, and make sure any discounts or promotions are applied to your trip. When choosing an agent, ask about fees and what services are included. Make sure that if someone is offering a “free service,” they are clear about accountability and what you’ll receive.
Travel insurance is also worth considering, especially if someone in your party might be at higher risk for emergencies or if unforeseen circumstances could prevent travel. A small policy can provide peace of mind without breaking your budget.
Step 5: Planning Dining for Your Disney World Vacation
Now that you’ve gotten several big decisions out of the way, it’s time to start thinking about dining. Dining is a tremendous part of a Disney World vacation, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. You might first want to decide whether the Disney Dining Plan makes sense for your trip. In our experience, it rarely breaks even, and most guests end up with more food than they can eat. That said, some people really enjoy paying for the plan upfront and not having to get out their wallet at every meal and snack break. There is no wrong answer here. It’s really about what works best for your budget and plans.
Once you’ve made your decisions, it’s time to make dining reservations. Here’s how that works:
- Guests with a Valid Disney Resort Hotel Reservation: Make reservations for your entire length of stay (up to a 10-night stay) up to 60 days before your arrival!
- All Other Guests: Make reservations up to 60 days in advance. (If you’re staying off-site, you must do this day by day.)
- At approximately 6:00 a.m. daily, new reservation booking windows become available for select Walt Disney World restaurants.
You’ll want to mark the date on your calendar so you can secure your preferred restaurants as soon as the booking window opens. (If you’re using a travel agent who offers this service, make sure you have the details to them well in advance.)
As far as planning, start by listing the restaurants you want to try. For an eight-day trip, we recommend an average of 3-4 table service dinners, one character dining experience, and at least one table service breakfast. This gives structure to your week without overplanning and leaves room for flexibility.
For detailed guidance on Disney dining, including strategies for table service, quick service, and character meals, see our Disney World Dining Guide. It’s really the best place to start, and you’ll find additional resources that can help you decide whether or not the dining plan works for your group.
A Quick Recap Before Moving Forward
We’ve covered a good deal of ground already. By this point, you should have a general idea of the following:
- How to Create a Budget (You can be at any stage of the process.)
- Have an idea of where you want to stay (Narrowed to three or fewer options.)
- Whether or not to use a travel agent or purchase a dining plan.
- A list of restaurants you would like to try.
When you’re ready, it’s time to take the next step. But I want to caution that these next steps will take some time. During this process, you might find yourself overthinking things or packing stuff into your schedule that doesn’t fit. Remember how I mentioned that you don’t want to realize on day two or three that you’ve planned too much and end up canceling things mid-trip? You also don’t want to promise your family that you’re doing this or that only to realize that it’s not feasible last minute. Keep these things in mind as you plan each day.
Step 6: Tickets
Theme park tickets are either included in your resort hotel package or purchased separately unless you’re an annual passholder. The main decisions here will be what kind of admission you want to purchase, how many park days you want, and whether or not you want upgrades. Here are the upgrade options:
- Park Hopper Option
- Water Park and Sports Option
- Park Hopper Plus Option
Deciding whether or not to park hop can be challenging. As someone who visits regularly, I enjoy park-hopping immensely. But I have no agenda other than to see what’s happening around the parks. So, if you do not consider yourself a seasoned pro, I would skip the park hopper ticket and make the most out of your days in each park.
There is one exception. If you plan to stay at a Magic Kingdom or Epcot Area Resort, I would 100% upgrade to the park hopper option. You’ll be within walking distance of a park, which is a luxury not afforded to everyone. As an example, if you’re staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, you might spend a day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, have dinner at the resort, and then waltz into Magic Kingdom to see the nightly fireworks.
Another example is if you’re staying at Disney’s Beach Club (or any of the Epcot Resorts), you might take advantage of early entry for a few rides at Epcot or Hollywood Studios, and then hop elsewhere for the day. These are just a few examples.
It’s also best to consider how many days you want to purchase. You can play around with the prices when creating your budget. If I were coming for eight days, I would want a 6-day ticket at the very least. Would I go to the parks for the entire time on those six days? No way! This might be a hard pill for you to swallow, but here goes:
You do not have to be at the park when it opens and stay until it closes to get the value out of your ticket. Yes, tickets are expensive. But you determine value and how good a time you will have, not how many hours you logged in the park.
Don’t get me wrong. There is a lot of excellent touring advice. But the mindset of “we only sleep and shower in our room when we’re at Disney” is not for everyone. So, do not feel guilty if you’re not at the parks for the entire hours of operation. It’s just as important to plan breaks and rest days.
Step 7: Itinerary Planning
This step is where you begin organizing your park days and downtime, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start by laying out each day of your trip and deciding which park you’ll visit. Consider operating hours, early entry options, and any special experiences you want to include.
At this stage, keep things flexible. Park hours can change closer to your visit, and your plans may evolve as you fine-tune your days. The goal is to create a framework that balances park time with rest, meals, and resort enjoyment, so you’re not overpacked or stressed.
For a step-by-step approach to building a full itinerary, see our Disney World Itinerary Planning Guide. It walks you through everything from choosing park order to planning character meet-and-greets, attractions, entertainment, and downtime, so you can maximize your vacation without feeling rushed.
Step 8: Know Your Benefits
Now that you’ve tackled budgeting, dining, and itinerary planning, it’s time to consider how your choice of resort can impact the ease and enjoyment of your trip. Staying at a Disney Resort isn’t just about theming or luxury. It’s about convenience, transportation, and access. Some of the main benefits include:
- Disney transportation: Buses, monorails, boats, and the Skyliner make getting around the parks and Disney Springs straightforward – even if you’re not great with directions.
- Early park access: If you’re eligible, early entry at select parks gives you a head start on popular attractions.
- Proximity to the parks: Shorter travel times mean more flexibility for midday breaks or quick trips back to the room.
- Resort amenities: Pools, activities, and dining on property let you enjoy downtime without leaving the Disney bubble.
When planning your days, these perks can make a huge difference in keeping your vacation smooth and stress-free. If you haven’t already, review your resort options with these advantages in mind. They can help determine the best fit for your family. For a primer, see our overview of the benefits of staying at a Disney World Resort.
Step 9: Familiarize Yourself with Disney Transportation Options
As we just discussed, one of the biggest advantages of staying at a Disney Resort is having access to complimentary transportation options. As Disney says on their bus broadcasts: Sit back, relax, and leave the driving to us. Whether you’re not confident with directions, traveling with kids, or just don’t want to deal with the hassles of parking, Disney transportation makes your trip so much easier. Here’s a quick overview of options:
- Buses: Most resorts offer bus service to the theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. This service is reliable and convenient for those who prefer not to drive.
- Monorail: This classic form of transportation is available at select resorts, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and the Transportation and Ticket Center.
- Boats: Some resorts and Disney Springs are connected via scenic water taxis or ferries. This can be a relaxing and convenient way to travel.
- Skyliner: The gondola system connects EPCOT and Hollywood Studios with several resorts, offering quick access and a unique aerial view of the property.
We have a wealth of guides covering Disney World transportation, from the buses and boats to the Skyliner and monorail. That said, the most important guide for you will be the one for your resort. Each hotel has unique transportation options, routes, and connections. Therefore, understanding in advance how your chosen resort gets you to the parks, water parks, and Disney Springs will make your vacation so much more efficient. When you’re ready, you browse the list of transportation guides for every Disney Resort Hotel.
Step 10: Final Preparations
As your vacation approaches, review your plans, travel arrangements, and reservations, making note of confirmation numbers. Check for dining reservations you haven’t secured or better times. More openings often appear around 30 days before your trip, and sometimes even the day before.
Double-check park hours and your daily schedule, and make sure you’re familiar with the My Disney Experience app. Add your hotel confirmation, practice mobile ordering, and explore key features—it can save you a lot of time in the parks.
If you’re flying into Orlando International, confirm transportation to and from your resort. Options include private car services, Mears Connect, or other shuttles. Here are a few other tips for a smoother vacation:
Packing: You do not want to overpack for a Disney World vacation. Read our list of packing tips for Disney. They won’t weigh you down!
Lightning Lanes: Depending on your touring goals, you will likely want to purchase some of these extras. If you’re in a group that wants to experience the newest thrill rides with minimal wait times, these options are a must. Make sure to study our Disney World Lightning Lane Guide to learn about Multi Pass, Single Pass, and Premier Pass Lightning Lanes.
Height Requirements: If you have a little one, you might want to read our list of height requirements for every park.
Rider Switch: This service is for those with someone who doesn’t meet a height requirement or a child who doesn’t care to experience an attraction. If this applies to your situation, our rider switch guide will fill you in on the details.
Disability Access Service (DAS): This service is for guests who might not be able to wait in a conventional queue. You can read more about the DAS service on Disney.
Final Thoughts
Remember, this guide is designed to give you a clear starting point, not to be completed all at once. Planning a Walt Disney World vacation works best when you take it step-by-step, making decisions as they make sense for your family.
If you would like more guidance working through these steps in order, you can join our free Disney World vacation planning course. It follows the same framework, with guided lessons, tools, and reminders to help you apply each step without feeling overwhelmed.
As you continue planning, focus on balance. Leave room for resort time, half days, and downtime, and avoid the urge to schedule every hour of your day. A flexible plan often leads to the best memories. Be sure to check back with Resorts Gal and join our email list for updates, planning tips, and seasonal changes as your trip approaches.
The Road Map to Magic
Unlock the magic of a perfectly planned Disney vacation—sign up for instant access. It’s completely free!
In the Comments
Tell us which step of the planning process you’re on right now. Are you still setting a budget, or have you started narrowing down resorts? We would love to know!