Your Enchanted Guide to Planning a Disney World Trip This Year

If you're looking for how to organize a trip to Disney World, you're in the right spot. This guide offers tips on selecting the perfect Disney World hotel that fits your budget, figuring out which ticket option suits you best, deciding on worthwhile extras, and crafting a fun, memorable vacation with minimal stress along the way.

Disney World features four theme parks, two water parks, over 25 on-site hotels, more than 200 dining options, and countless attractions, experiences, shows, and shops. Therefore, the key to creating a magical Disney World getaway lies in thoughtful planning, preparation, and maintaining realistic expectations.

Planning your Disney World adventure should be enjoyable and build excitement for your trip, and this guide will assist you.

Getting Started with Your Disney World Trip Planning

As you embark on planning your Disney World getaway, here are a few key questions to consider early on:

• What’s your budget? Your budget will influence nearly every aspect of your trip, including accommodation choices and the duration of your stay. The cost of visiting Disney World can vary significantly depending on your decisions.
• When are you planning to go? While work or school commitments may dictate your schedule, having flexibility allows you to visit during less crowded times or more favorable weather conditions. Summer can be extremely hot and rainy, while the period between Christmas and New Year's is notoriously busy; typically, weekdays during school sessions are the least crowded.
• Where will you stay? Staying at one of Disney's on-site hotels, particularly in the moderate and deluxe categories, usually comes at a higher price but offers perks like early theme park access. Consider your budget, any specific themed rooms you desire—like the Royal Guest Rooms at Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside—and proximity to your preferred parks. Pro tip: Renting Disney Vacation Club points can help you secure a stay at a deluxe hotel for a more reasonable rate.
• Which parks will you visit and on what days? Depending on your trip’s duration, you might need to decide which parks to prioritize. This choice will also affect whether you opt for one-park-per-day tickets or Park Hopper tickets that let you explore multiple parks in one day. If you're traveling with young children, make sure everyone is ready for a busy day if you choose to hop parks.
• Where will you eat? Popular dining reservations at Disney are quickly snatched up, so planning ahead for character dining or table service restaurants is essential to ensure you don’t miss out.

Booking your hotel, dining, and theme park tickets as early as possible is crucial for securing the best rates and availability. Disney also regularly offers special deals on hotels and vacation packages that may still apply even after you’ve made your reservations.

This guide will explore each of these topics in detail. After outlining your vacation based on the previous questions, here are some key dates to remember to turn your Disney dreams into reality.

When can you start booking a Disney World hotel?

Disney periodically releases hotel availability, so there isn't a specific date for when hotel reservations become available. Currently, you can book Disney World hotel stays through October 31, 2025.

Typically, Disney opens reservations for the upcoming year around May or June, meaning you can expect 2026 availability around that time next year. If your plans change, you can cancel your room-only reservation up to five days before arrival for a full refund. For ticket and hotel vacation packages, cancellations must occur at least 30 days before arrival to receive a full refund.

When can you buy tickets for Disney World?

Disney World ticket sales align with the availability calendar for hotel reservations. You can buy tickets (or vacation packages that include both hotel and tickets) until October 31, 2025. Disney usually releases tickets for the upcoming year around May or June, so expect 2026 availability during that timeframe next year.

All tickets are based on specific dates, and the price for one-day tickets varies by park. You can buy your tickets anytime before your visit; the price remains the same no matter how long you wait. Theme park tickets are nonrefundable, but you might be able to change your ticket date if your plans shift.

When do reservations for dining at Disney World open up?

You can start making dining reservations 60 days ahead of your visit. If you're staying at a Disney World hotel, you can book dining for your entire stay (up to 14 days) starting 60 days before your check-in date.

Reservations can be made on Disney's website or the My Disney Experience app between 5:45 a.m. and 6 a.m. EST, or you can call 407-939-DINE starting at 7 a.m. EST; however, popular reservations may already be taken by that time. Most Disney World dining reservations can be canceled up to two hours before your booking, with exceptions noted in your confirmation email.

If you're undecided about dining options, check out our favorite restaurants at Disney World.

FOR FREE ASSISTANCE IN PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR NEXT DISNEY VACATION, VISIT TPG'S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS.

What are the four parks at Disney World?

Each of Disney World's four theme parks features its own unique theme and is filled with excitement. You can find detailed information about each park — including attractions, shows, parade schedules, and interactive maps to navigate — in the My Disney Experience app.

Here’s some additional information about each park along with tips for selecting the appropriate ticket type to experience them all.

Magic Kingdom

Since its opening in 1971, Magic Kingdom has been the original theme park of Disney World. This enchanting park immerses visitors in a realm of fairy tales and imagination, featuring five distinct themed lands: Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Adventureland, and Liberty Square.

Magic Kingdom is renowned for housing some of Disney's most beloved attractions, such as Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Peter Pan's Flight, and the Haunted Mansion. It also boasts thrilling new rides like Tron Lightcycle / Run and the latest addition, Tiana's Bayou Adventure.

Epcot

Epcot opened its doors in 1982 and has evolved significantly over the past four decades. Nevertheless, its primary mission remains the same: to inspire visitors through the realms of science, technology, nature, and the human experience. The park is divided into distinct "neighborhoods" — World Celebration, World Nature, World Discovery, and World Showcase — allowing guests to explore pavilions dedicated to the art, culture, and traditions of 11 different countries across the globe.

Epcot has introduced a variety of exciting new experiences, including Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, and the spectacular new fireworks show, Luminous: The Symphony of Us.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Disney's Hollywood Studios is a park that celebrates the magic of movies, featuring themed lands and attractions based on hit films and cherished Disney characters. At Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, guests can take the controls of the Millennium Falcon and encounter iconic figures such as Kylo Ren, Chewbacca, and Rey.

In Toy Story Land, guests are shrunk down to the size of Woody, Buzz, Jessie (who you can actually meet), and the rest of Andy's toys. The Slinky Dog Dash coaster offers a delightful ride that's perfect for children experiencing their first roller coaster.

Beyond the film-themed areas, much of the park radiates a nostalgic Hollywood charm, making you feel like a true movie star. Here, you'll discover some of the park's most beloved and enduring attractions, including the thrilling drop of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, the high-speed Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, and the captivating Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

Disney's Animal Kingdom is home to over 2,000 animals from roughly 300 species, but it is not merely a zoo. You can encounter many of these creatures through walking trails, the Kilimanjaro Safaris ride, and even a petting zoo.

In addition to the Earth's diverse wildlife and landscapes, you can journey to another world at Pandora — The World of Avatar or travel back in time at DinoLand U.S.A. The excitement at Animal Kingdom isn't limited to its animals; ride the thrilling Expedition Everest, soar on Avatar Flight of Passage as you ride a banshee over Pandora, or plunge into the past on Dinosaur, racing through the Cretaceous period in an off-road vehicle.

What kind of Disney tickets should I purchase?

Disney World base tickets

You can buy either one-day or multi-day tickets for Disney World. All tickets are date-specific, and prices vary depending on your visit date. If you opt for a one-day ticket, the cost will also differ based on the park you choose, with Magic Kingdom being the priciest option.

Disney World Park Hopper tickets

A base ticket allows entry into just one park each day. If you wish to explore multiple parks on the same day, you'll need to add the Park Hopper option to your ticket (which can also be done in person upon arrival). While sticking to one park daily can save you money, it does limit the experiences you can have during your trip.

A Park Hopper Plus ticket allows for two visits to Disney's golf courses, miniature golf, or water parks. This option is only beneficial if you plan to take full advantage of it.

Disney World special event tickets

Certain Disney after-hours events, such as Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, require a separate admission ticket. During these events, only guests with special event tickets can enter the park. If you're attending one of these parties, you might be able to skip a general admission ticket for that day and use your special event ticket instead, as entry usually begins a few hours prior to the event.

Disney World ticket add-ons

There are two key ticket add-ons you should think about. Both options can be valuable, but they will raise the overall cost of your vacation.

Another sought-after add-on is Disney's Memory Maker. With Memory Maker, you can download an unlimited number of photos taken by PhotoPass photographers throughout your trip, including on-ride snapshots. You can opt for a one-day Memory Maker for brief visits or a multiday option that encompasses your whole vacation. Buying a multiday Memory Maker at least three days before your visit saves you $25, so it's advisable to purchase it alongside your tickets.

Ways to secure discounted Disney World tickets

In addition to Disney's official discounts, you might find savings on tickets by purchasing from an authorized third-party vendor. While several trustworthy sources exist for Disney World tickets, our preferred option is Undercover Tourist.

Depending on the type of ticket you choose, you can typically save anywhere from $5 to $100. One of the most effective ways to save money with Undercover Tourist is when Disney World increases ticket prices, which tends to happen at least once a year. Undercover Tourist often retains a limited stock of tickets at the old prices while supplies last.

If you are a Florida resident or an active or retired member of the U.S. military, there are significantly discounted Disney World tickets available directly on Disney's website.

You can also utilize points or miles to cover your Disney tickets, which is a strategy we highly recommend to manage costs. For instance, with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, you can earn a welcome bonus of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 within the first three months. These 75,000 miles can be redeemed for the equivalent of $750 toward travel.

While ticket-only packages from Disney World usually don’t register as a travel expense, purchasing them from Undercover Tourist — or as part of a comprehensive hotel and ticket package directly from Disney — typically does classify as a travel charge. Thus, you could potentially save $750 just like that.

Is it a smart choice to book a Disney vacation package?

If you're staying at one of Disney World's on-site hotels or a certified "Disney World Good Neighbor" hotel, you can opt to combine your hotel accommodation and theme park tickets into a Disney vacation package. While these packages typically don't come with discounts, they can offer great value during special vacation package promotions from Disney.

FOR FREE ASSISTANCE IN PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR NEXT DISNEY VACATION, CHECK OUT TPG'S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS.

Beyond discounts (and the fact that these often register as a travel expense for points redemption), there's a significant benefit to booking a vacation package: when you buy your tickets and hotel together, you only need to pay a $200 deposit at the time of booking. The remaining balance is due 30 days before your arrival. If you buy your tickets separately from your hotel, you'll need to pay the full amount upfront.

This highlights why you should consider booking through an authorized Disney travel planner who can help compare prices and keep an eye out for discounts.

When is the ideal time to visit Disney World?

Are you looking for the least crowded times or the most pleasant weather? Do you want to experience a Halloween party or admire Magic Kingdom's stunning 65-foot-tall Christmas tree?

The optimal time to visit Disney World varies based on your reasons for the trip.

For milder temperatures and a lower chance of rain, consider visiting between October and December. If shorter wait times are a priority, aim for late January, early May, or just after Thanksgiving, before the winter break crowds arrive. Generally, weekdays are less crowded than weekends and school holidays.

If you're planning a budget-friendly Disney World vacation, consider midweek dates in August and September 2024, when one-day tickets start at $109.

Check out our comprehensive guide on the best times to visit Walt Disney World.

What’s the most effective way to reach Disney World?

Traveling to Orlando and making your way to Disney World are two separate journeys, so let’s break them down.

Which airport is nearest to Disney World?

The closest airport to Walt Disney World is Orlando International Airport (MCO). Most major airlines operate flights to MCO, and you can get to Disney World in about 25 to 30 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic conditions. If you’re flying with Allegiant or Sun Country Airlines, you will arrive at Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). SFB is smaller than MCO and located further from Disney World, with a travel time of approximately 45 minutes to reach the park.

What’s the most convenient way to travel to Disney World from the airport?

Due to its size and closeness to Disney World, MCO offers a wider range of options for getting between the airport and the park.

From MCO or SFB, you have the choice to rent a car or use ride-hailing services like Uber or Lyft. If you rent a car from MCO, you can avoid paying tolls through the rental company (which typically includes extra charges) by opting for a Visitor Toll Pass to save on toll expenses during your visit.

Disney waives parking fees for guests staying overnight at their hotels, so if you rent a car, you can park at your hotel and drive to the theme parks without incurring additional costs.

Remember, if you don’t plan to leave Disney property after you arrive, you might not need a car. Disney provides an extensive internal transportation system connecting its on-site hotels with theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs.

You can also take advantage of Disney's official airport shuttle, Mears Connect, for your trip from MCO.

Mears Connect is a shuttle service that picks you up from MCO and drops you off at official Disney hotels, as well as a few nearby options. One-way fares start at $16 for adults and $13 for children. Mears Connect operates shared shuttles, which will stop at multiple Disney hotels on the way to your destination. For an extra fee, you can opt for an "express shuttle" that goes straight to your resort. The easiest way to book your ride is through the Mears Connect website.

What’s the most efficient way to navigate around Disney World?

If you're staying on Walt Disney World property, you can take advantage of Disney's free transportation services to travel between your resort and the theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. Disney offers bus, boat, monorail, and Disney Skyliner gondola options, depending on your hotel.

All Disney hotels provide regular bus transportation throughout the resort. Services start 45 minutes before park openings and continue until one hour after park closures.

Guests staying at Disney's Magic Kingdom-area resorts — including Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, Disney's Contemporary Resort, and Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa — can travel to the Magic Kingdom using either boat or monorail. Additionally, there’s a monorail route to the Transportation and Ticket Center, where you can switch to another monorail that goes to Epcot. These resorts also feature a walking path to the Magic Kingdom.

Guests at Disney's Riviera Resort, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney's Art of Animation Resort, and Disney's Pop Century Resort can take the Disney Skyliner gondolas to reach Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot. All Disney World visitors can utilize the Skyliner to travel between these two parks, making for a delightful and scenic journey around the resort.

Several Disney World hotels provide ferry boat transportation to nearby parks. For instance, the BoardWalk-area hotels offer boat rides to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. Fort Wilderness, Disney's Wilderness Lodge, and others also provide boat service to the Magic Kingdom. You can find a complete list on Disney's website. Additionally, it's possible to walk to Epcot or Hollywood Studios from any BoardWalk-area hotel.

No matter which transportation option you select, you can check the schedule, routes, and stop locations using the My Disney Experience app or on video displays at each stop.

You can also take advantage of Disney's Minnie Van service for direct transportation (or door-to-gate, to be precise) between your hotel and Disney's theme parks. These private rides in charming red-and-white polka-dot vans can be booked through the Lyft app. Accessible vehicles and child safety seats are also available.

While not considered "official" Disney World hotels, guests at the Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve hotels can use Disney's complimentary ferry boat service to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. There is also a walking path available. These resorts operate their own shuttles to Disney's theme parks, picking up guests approximately every 20 to 25 minutes throughout the day.

Hotels at Disney Springs have their own shuttle services that operate separately from Disney's transportation system. If you're staying at one of these hotels, be sure to ask the front desk about the schedule and pickup times.

What’s the ideal place to stay during a Disney vacation?

With over two dozen hotels at Disney World, your primary considerations will be your budget and the kind of hotel experience you desire. Whether you prefer extravagant Disney theming, a luxurious cabin in the woods, or a high-end villa with club lounge access, there's something for everyone at Disney World.

Disney categorizes its hotels into three tiers: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe.

Value Disney resorts are the most budget-friendly, with nightly rates ranging from $125 to $300. These resorts provide quick-service dining options and large pools, but lack full-service restaurants and amenities such as waterslides and hot tubs.

Moderate Disney resorts typically fall between $250 and $400 per night and come with features that Value resorts don't offer. Many include full-service dining and have more thematically designed pools with waterslides. They are often centrally located near Disney's theme parks.

Deluxe Disney resorts are the priciest option, with standard room rates ranging from $400 to $700 per night. They offer prime locations, top-notch amenities, and exceptional dining experiences. Expect spacious, well-appointed guest rooms, extensive pool areas with hot tubs and waterslides, several full-service restaurants, spas, and more.

Whichever hotel you decide on, Disney's on-site accommodations come with benefits designed to enhance your visit:

• Get a head start on your day with Disney's Early Theme Park Entry privilege, giving you 30 extra minutes in the park.
• Starting at 7 a.m. on the day of your visit, you can purchase individual Lightning Lanes for qualifying attractions (non-resort guests can only buy these once the park opens).
• Free parking at both the hotel and theme parks.
• Extended Evening Theme Park Hours available for guests at Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels on select nights (also offered to guests at Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin, Swan Reserve hotels, and Shades of Green).

Top hotels at Disney World

Choosing the ideal Disney World hotel depends on your preferences for your stay. If you won't be in your room much, opting for a Value resort can save you significant money.

If you plan to enjoy the hotel’s amenities like pools and dining, consider a Moderate or Deluxe resort for a more enriching experience.

For larger families needing more space than a standard room provides, one of Disney's family suites could be the perfect solution.

Here are some of our top recommendations.

Best budget-friendly Disney World resort: Disney's Pop Century Resort may not be the most luxurious option at Disney, but its charming 1950s to 1990s décor and starting rates around $200 per night are sure to delight. The resort features three pools, a playground, and an arcade. Rooms are equipped with either a king bed or a queen bed and a compact table that converts into a bed. Additionally, it's one of two Value resorts that provide Skyliner gondola access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Best Disney World resort for larger families: Disney's Art of Animation Resort belongs to the more affordable Value category and offers family suites inspired by beloved Disney movies like "Cars," "The Lion King," and "Finding Nemo," accommodating up to six guests. The pool here is the largest among all Disney World resorts, and you can conveniently access Epcot and Hollywood Studios via the Disney Skyliner gondolas. Standard rooms are also available.

Best Disney World resort for swimming: Disney's Yacht Club and Beach Club are sister resorts located near Epcot. Both properties offer rooms averaging around $600 per night and share access to Stormalong Bay, which is known as the best pool at Disney World. Stormalong Bay is more than just a pool; it features sandy-bottom pools, a lazy river, an activities pool with a volleyball net and daily games, as well as a shipwreck-themed waterslide.

Best luxury resort at Disney World: If your budget has no limits for a Walt Disney World getaway, the Copper Creek Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge represent some of the most exquisite lodging options available. Featuring two bedrooms, a cozy fireplace, a screened-in porch, a hot tub, and stunning lakeside views, these cabins are far from ordinary. Their seclusion allows you to relax after a bustling Disney day while still being a short boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom and the resort's main lobby amenities and dining options.

For those considering a luxury Disney experience, you might save money by renting Disney Vacation Club points. The DVC is Disney's take on a timeshare program, where members can rent out their points to nonmembers through platforms like David's Vacation Club Rentals, potentially saving you hundreds compared to booking directly with Disney. However, keep in mind that availability can be limited and cancellation policies are generally more stringent than direct reservations with Disney.

Explore our comprehensive guide to the top hotels at Walt Disney World.

Top hotels located near Disney World

Disney World collaborates with several off-site hotels, allowing you to enjoy perks such as Early Theme Park Entry and complimentary transportation while spending less than you would at an official Disney hotel. These hotels also participate in major hotel rewards programs, enabling you to earn or redeem points for your stay.

The Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve hotels are part of the Marriott Bonvoy program. Although they aren't officially Disney hotels, they are located on Disney property, nestled between Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. If you're a Marriott Bonvoy elite member, you'll enjoy benefits like complimentary upgrades and welcome amenities.

Disney Springs features seven hotels from well-known brands like Wyndham, Hilton, and Holiday Inn. All are conveniently situated near the Disney Springs shopping and dining area, with some starting at around $100 per night. These hotels are excellent choices if you're looking to save money and don't mind stepping outside the "Disney bubble" after a day at the parks.

Check out our complete guide to Disney Springs hotels here.

Which restaurants are must-visit spots at Disney World?

With over 200 dining venues available, you'll need to choose which Disney World restaurants you'd like to experience the most. The dining selections range from classic burger and fries to an extraordinary eatery set in outer space.

Explore our comprehensive guide to the finest dining options at Disney World.

The toughest Disney reservations to secure (and tips for success)

Many of these dining spots are quick-service or snack kiosks that don’t require prior reservations. However, a few popular eateries tend to fill up almost immediately after reservations open.

If you're aiming to dine with Disney royalty at Cinderella's Royal Table, it's best to secure your reservation as early as possible. Guests staying at a Disney World hotel can book reservations for their entire stay starting 60 days before check-in.

Other popular dining spots that fill up quickly include Storybook Dining at Artist Point, Space 220 at Epcot, California Grill, 'Ohana, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater at Hollywood Studios, and Topolino's Terrace, particularly for the character breakfast. All these locations offer fantastic food and ambiance, making them favorites among both new and returning visitors.

Top quick-service dining options at Disney that don’t need reservations

Fortunately, there are numerous Disney restaurants offering delicious meals without the need for a reservation. Satu'li Canteen in Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom is frequently rated as one of the best quick-service restaurants in all of Disney. The food is fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly affordable, with build-your-own bowls featuring beef, chicken, or fish available for under $20.

Other essential quick-service spots to check out include Ronto Roasters at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge (the Ronto Breakfast Wrap is a top handheld meal at Disney), Columbia Harbour House at Magic Kingdom for New England-inspired dishes, and Regal Eagle Smokehouse at Epcot for delicious barbecue options.

Enhancing your dining experience with the Disney app

The My Disney Experience app is essential for your Disney World adventure, helping you check wait times, navigate the parks, and more. For dining, it allows you to discover walk-up availability, snag last-minute reservations, view nearby restaurants, and place mobile orders at select quick-service venues.

When you make a mobile order through the app, you can select a pickup time (with the flexibility to adjust if needed). Upon arriving at the restaurant, simply tap "I'm here. Prepare my order." You’ll then receive a notification on your phone when your meal is ready for pickup.

Is it worth it to purchase a Disney Dining Plan?

Dining expenses at Disney can accumulate rapidly, and Disney provides two dining plan options that could help you save some cash. The Disney Dining Plan allows you to pay upfront for a set number of meals and snacks during your Disney World trip. You earn a specific number of meal and snack credits for each night of your stay.

The Disney Dining Plan offers both convenience and flexibility. By paying in advance for your meals and snacks, you won't need to reach for your wallet every time you eat, and you aren’t confined to using a fixed number of credits each day. You can use them whenever it suits you during your visit.

There are two plans available: the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan and the traditional Disney Dining Plan. The former is slightly more affordable and offers greater flexibility, while the latter is ideal if you're looking to enjoy more sit-down dining experiences and character meals throughout your stay.

The potential savings with a Disney Dining Plan depend on how effectively you use the credits. If you fully utilize the plan and consume all the meals, it’s possible to either break even or even save money. However, if you don’t use all your credits, you're essentially leaving money behind. Our guide can assist you with the calculations.

Check out our comprehensive guide to the Disney Dining Plan.

Tips for minimizing wait times at Disney World

Most attractions at Walt Disney World have a standby line, except for newer ones that may offer a virtual queue shortly after their debut. However, during peak times, standby waits for popular rides can reach up to two hours. Fortunately, Disney provides Lightning Lane passes, which allow you to bypass the standby line and enjoy shorter wait times for more attractions.

With the Lightning Lane Multi Pass, you can avoid the standby queue and take advantage of a much shorter Lightning Lane for most rides. This add-on service can only be purchased on the day of your visit, starting at midnight (although waiting until morning is usually fine, except on the busiest Disney days).

The price for the Lightning Lane Multi Pass differs by park and day. It starts at $15 per person, per day, but can climb to $35 per person during peak times like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or April’s spring break.

If you're staying at a Walt Disney World hotel, including the Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin, Swan Reserve, or Shades of Green, you can buy your Lightning Lane passes starting at 7 a.m. EST seven days before your trip lasts. For those not at these hotels, passes can be purchased three days in advance, one day at a time. During the purchase, you can also choose your initial three Lightning Lane Multi Pass rides and their respective arrival windows, as well as any Lightning Lane Single Pass rides and times.

If you intend to "park hop" across multiple parks in a single day, you'll still need to buy the Lightning Lane Multi Pass and select your first three rides for the initial park you plan to visit. After using the first selection, you can choose additional selections for any park you decide to go to next.

Most attractions fall under the Lightning Lane Multi Pass service, though a couple at each park require a separate Lightning Lane Single Pass to skip the line. The cost for the Lightning Lane Single Pass fluctuates by day and attraction, generally ranging from $7 to $25 per person for Disney's top rides, including Tron: Lightcycle Run and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

Purchasing a Lightning Lane Multi Pass is not necessary to buy individual Lightning Lane Single Passes, and the reverse is also true.

If you’re booked in one of Disney's on-site hotels or select "Good Neighbor" hotels, as previously mentioned, you can also save time in line by taking advantage of Early Theme Park Entry and/or Extended Evening Theme Park Hours. This early entry allows you to access the parks 30 minutes ahead of the general public, but it's advisable to arrive at the front gates 30 to 45 minutes prior. This extra time lets you get through security and reach the designated area where they hold guests, ensuring you’re among the first to dash to your favorite attraction when early entry begins.

For those in your party with disabilities that make waiting in traditional standby queues challenging, you can register for Disney's Disability Access Service to save time. It's important to begin the registration process before your visit, and complete instructions can be found on Disney's website.

Tips for planning a budget-friendly Disney World trip

While eye-catching headlines about $2,500 meals at Disney are common, it’s entirely feasible to enjoy a Disney World experience on a budget.

Here are some key strategies to help you keep your Disney vacation budget-friendly:

• Opt for a Disney Value resort such as Disney's All-Star Movies Resort or leverage Marriott points for a stay at the Swan, Dolphin, or Swan Reserve. These are the best cards for accumulating those points.
• Take advantage of Disney's free parking and transportation for on-site guests instead of renting a car.
• Stock up on groceries for some of your meals and snacks, purchasing only one or two meals inside the parks each day.
• Limit your park visits to one per day, avoiding park hopping. Save on tickets by dedicating a day to swimming or exploring Disney Springs.
• Regularly check Disney's website for available discounts. Even after booking, you might find hotel or vacation package discounts to save more.
• Look for discounted Disney gift cards to help manage your trip expenses and/or use points to cover ticket costs.
• Plan your visit during less busy seasons. Ticket prices are lowest in August and September, with one-day tickets starting at $109.

Checklist for your Disney World pre-trip preparations

Now that you've set your budget, secured your tickets, booked your accommodations, and made a few dining reservations, you're almost ready for your trip. There are still some important details to consider to ensure your visit is as magical as it should be. Here’s our ultimate pre-trip checklist for Disney World:

• Pack appropriately: Depending on your travel dates, you might face heat, humidity, afternoon rain, cool weather, or a combination of all these elements. It's crucial to bring comfortable shoes and attire no matter the season, but you might also need rain gear, sunscreen, or a warm jacket based on the forecast. Check out our complete packing guide for Disney World here.
• Get the My Disney Experience app: This app will be your go-to tool during your stay. It helps you check wait times, find walk-up dining options, navigate the parks with step-by-step directions, purchase Lightning Lane passes, and even unlock your hotel room.
• Review park hours prior to your visit: You can find the park hours on the Walt Disney World website or via the My Disney Experience app. Each park has distinct opening and closing times, and some may close early for special events like Halloween or Christmas festivities. By checking the hours, you’ll also learn about parade and fireworks timings, helping you plan for early entry or extended hours if you’re staying on-site.
• Check height restrictions for rides: If you’re traveling with little ones, it’s wise to verify height requirements for rides on the Disney World website or the My Disney Experience app. While there are height-check stations at attractions, knowing in advance can save you from any disappointments if your child isn’t tall enough.
• Know where to find your favorite characters: Many Disney characters have specific times and locations for meet-and-greets, which you can find in the My Disney Experience app. Booking a character dining experience is a fun way to meet several characters at once, and many characters are also available throughout the parks.
• Consider purchasing PhotoPass photos: To save on Disney Memory Maker, buy it before your visit. It’s the simplest way to capture your vacation memories, and we highly recommend it. You can view and download your photos in the My Disney Experience app.
• Familiarize yourself with Lightning Lane passes: While Lightning Lane passes can be very useful, there's a bit of a learning curve involved. Brush up using our guide and Disney's official overview before your trip. Knowing which attractions offer this service, how to secure Lightning Lane access, and maximizing its benefits is key.
• Make time for relaxation: A common mistake visitors make at Disney World is over-scheduling their trip, leaving no time for downtime. If you’re visiting for several days, plan a day away from the parks to relax by the pool, explore other resorts, or simply unwind at your hotel. This will recharge you for the remainder of your trip. For shorter visits, consider a leisurely morning or returning to your hotel early on one day instead of being at the parks from open to close every day.

Discover all of our top Disney World tips here.

In conclusion

And there you have it — the ultimate guide for visiting Walt Disney World.

Along with the planning and preparation you’ve already mastered, there are two essential things to remember during your Disney World vacation: avoid over-scheduling and prioritize fun. It's far better to create a concise list of your "must-do" attractions, dining spots, and activities than to stick to a rigid, minute-by-minute itinerary that likely won’t unfold as expected.

Having a flexible schedule allows for those magical moments, like unexpectedly meeting a beloved character, discovering a short line for a ride, or spontaneously deciding to catch a parade you stumble upon. You won’t be able to do everything in one visit, so enjoy what you can and save the rest for next time when you’re a seasoned Disney veteran.

FOR FREE ASSISTANCE IN PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR DISNEY VACATION, CHECK OUT TPG'S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS.