Walt Disney World: Final Steps for a Stress-Free Vacation (90 Days to Departure)
Welcome to the final installment of our Walt Disney World planning series! If you’ve followed along with our previous three blogs, you've already laid a solid foundation for your trip. If you're just joining us, make sure to check out the earlier posts in this series, starting with "How to Plan Without Feeling Overwhelmed." Now, as you approach the 90-day mark, it's time to start tying up loose ends and prepping for your magical vacation.
Let’s dive into the timeline for the last few months, weeks, and days leading up to your Disney adventure!
90 Days Prior to Your Disney Vacation
At the 90-day mark, you’re inching closer to your dream trip, and it’s time to focus on some fun details and logistics:
Order Matching Disney Shirts: If your family enjoys wearing matching shirts, this is the time to order them. Customization can take time, so plan ahead.
Order Personalized Disney Items: Beyond shirts, you can order custom bags, hats, or other personalized Disney gear that will make your trip special. Ensure that all items are ordered well in advance.
Decide on MagicBands or Alternatives: Order your MagicBands now, or decide if you prefer using Key to the World Cards or RFID cards for park entry and other Disney services.
Research Transportation Options: Begin looking into transportation to and from the airport. Sunshine Flyer is a recommended service, but you can explore other shuttle, car service, or rental options.
Double-Check Disney Park Hours: Look up the park hours for the days of your trip, as these may help inform your daily schedule and reservations.
Rent Stroller or Scooters: If you need strollers or scooters for family members, this is a good time to arrange rentals. Reserve in advance to ensure availability during your trip.
Order Kids' Safety Items: Ensure your children's safety with security items like tracking watches or ID bracelets. You can find tips on keeping kids safe in crowded parks on the Well Hello Magic blog about lost children.
Link All Reservations in My Disney Experience: Ensure that all your reservations (resort, park tickets, dining, Enchanted Extras) are linked in the My Disney Experience (MDE) app, and that everyone in your travel group is properly connected.
Finalize Dining Research: Finish researching dining options and decide on your priority reservations. Check out Well Hello Magic’s blog and YouTube guides on booking dining reservations. Consider whether you want to schedule multiple dining reservations, keeping in mind that table-service meals can take 1-2 hours, but character dining can save time by avoiding lines to meet characters.
Start Researching Lightning Lane: Look into Disney’s Lightning Lane system. Well Hello Magic has a blog series explaining how it works, so you can strategize your ride priorities and the best approach for your family.
Explore My Disney Experience (MDE): Familiarize yourself with the My Disney Experience app, focusing on mobile ordering, interactive maps, Genie services, and the Tip Board for wait times and suggestions.
Create Your Disney Movie Marathon List: Put together a list of Disney movies to watch as a family, based on the attractions you plan to visit. Watching movies in advance can enhance your park experience.
Watch "How to Plan a Disney Trip in 15 Minutes": Check out the Well Hello Magic YouTube video to get a quick overview on planning a Disney trip effectively.
60 Days Prior to Your Disney Vacation
The 60-day milestone is one of the most crucial as it’s when dining reservations and Enchanted Extras can be booked:
60-Day Dining Window Opens at 6 AM EST: Be ready to make your dining reservations right at 6 AM EST on the day your 60-day window opens. You can attempt to call as early as 5:45 AM EST if you're hoping to speak with a representative.
Set Dining Alerts: If you weren’t able to get the dining reservations you wanted, set alerts for those spots. These alerts only activate after the 60-day window has passed.
Book Enchanted Extras: Some special Disney activities (like tours or exclusive experiences) need to be booked over the phone. Be sure to handle this the same day you’re booking dining reservations.
Schedule Beauty Appointments: Plan any beauty appointments (e.g., hair, nails, facials) that you'll need before your trip. Make sure they’re scheduled well in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
Download Suggested Apps: Get all the apps recommended in your planning guide downloaded on your phone (e.g., My Disney Experience, ride-sharing apps). This is essential for maximizing convenience.
Order Seasonal Disney Park Bag Items: Depending on the season, order items you’ll need for your Park Bag (like rain gear for hurricane season or sunblock for summer). Check out the Well Hello Magic Amazon store for curated park essentials.
Book Transportation to and from MCO (Orlando International Airport): If you're flying, schedule transportation to and from the airport. Sunshine Flyer is a preferred option for Disney visitors.
Schedule Kids' Haircuts: Make appointments for haircuts or other services your kids (or you) might need before the vacation.
Book House Sitter/Pet Sitter: If you need someone to watch your home or pets, book them now to ensure availability.
Look Into PhotoPass Memory Maker: Start thinking about whether you want to purchase Memory Maker, which gives you access to all your Disney PhotoPass photos during your trip.
Book In-Room Celebrations: If you're celebrating a special occasion, book any in-room celebrations or gifts. You can do this through Ear for Each Other or Disney’s Floral & Gifts service.
Start Disney Movie Marathons: Begin watching Disney movies as a family that align with the attractions or experiences you plan to enjoy at the parks. This will build excitement for your trip.
Research Disney Property Transportation: If you're staying on property, start researching the various transportation options (buses, monorails, boats). Learn about shortcuts and how to use services like Minnie Vans or other ride-share apps.
Order MagicBands: MagicBands can be ordered between 60 and 30 days before your trip, so place your order now if you haven't already.
Map Out Daily Plans with 5-Day Outlook Sheet: Now that your dining reservations are secured, use your planning sheets to map out each day in the parks. This will help you get a sense of your daily itinerary and which parks you’ll visit on which days.
30 Days Prior to Your Disney Vacation
Now, the final month before your vacation begins! Here are the key steps to ensure everything is in place:
Double-Check Dining Schedule/Alerts: Review your dining reservations and cancel any extras. Don’t lose hope if you’re still trying to secure a reservation—many cancellations occur 48 hours prior to the reservation time, so keep checking.
Check for Resort Activities: Visit the Disney website to search for activities available at your resort by typing in the resort name. If you're staying off-property, call your hotel to ask about their activity offerings.
Finalize Enchanted Extras That Require a Phone Call: Confirm any extras like tours or experiences that require a phone reservation. Check if alerts are available for these as well, in case availability opens up.
Ensure Personalized Park Clothing Has Arrived: Verify that all custom park clothing has been delivered. If not, follow up with the vendor to ensure it’s on the way.
Check AccuWeather for a 30-Day Overview: Review the weather forecast for general trends, but don’t panic if rain is shown daily. May 15 to October 15 is rainy season in Florida, and September is peak hurricane season. Prepare your rain gear just in case.
Last Chance for Online Orders from Retailers: If you need anything from traditional retailers, now is the last safe window to order online. Ensure you’ve purchased all remaining items for your park bag.
Decide if Memory Maker is Right for Your Family: Determine whether Memory Maker is worth it for your trip. If so, purchase it early, as there are sometimes discounts for advance purchases.
Double-Check Park Reservations: Make sure all park reservations are secured for your trip. Take screenshots if you’re anxious and double-check that every member of your party is linked and able to access their My Disney Experience (MDE) account.
Final Resort Payments Due: If staying at a Disney resort or booked through Disney, make sure your final payments are settled by this time.
Off-Property Guests – Paper Copies of Enchanted Extras: For those staying off Disney property, print paper copies of all Enchanted Extras (like dining or tours) as a backup in case they do not appear in the MDE app.
Start Daily Planning Worksheets: Begin working through your day-to-day plans for each park using planning worksheets to map out your activities, dining, and break times.
Vacation Request for School: If your children are in school, submit their vacation request form to the school administration to ensure everything is in order.
Road Trip Families – Car Maintenance: Schedule a full check-up for your vehicle to ensure it’s in optimal condition for the drive to Orlando. This includes checking oil, tires, brakes, and fluids.
Two Weeks Prior to Your Disney Vacation
Start Laying Out Items for Park Bag: Begin setting aside kids' activities for the plane or car ride, along with non-perishable snacks for the trip. (Tip: Use a designated space like a formal dining room or a box to keep everything organized.)
Locate Packing Cubes, Duffle Bags, and Suitcases: If you aren’t a frequent traveler, now is the time to gather packing cubes, duffle bags, and suitcases or any packing essentials you plan to use.
Final Chance to Order Amazon Prime Items: Place your last orders for anything from Amazon that you need before the trip, ensuring they will arrive in time.
Make Final Target/Walmart/Costco/Sam’s Run: Stock up on toiletries, travel-size items, and snacks for your journey to Orlando.
Refill Prescriptions & Purchase Medications: Refill all necessary prescriptions and stock up on over-the-counter medication your family may need during the trip.
Notify Banks and Credit Cards: Let your bank and credit card companies know that you’ll be traveling out of state to avoid any issues with your transactions.
Start Cleaning the House: Begin preparing your home for departure by cleaning or scheduling a cleaning service. Consider having your cleaning person come the day before or after your trip so you return to a clean house.
Ensure Personalized Park Clothing Has Arrived: Double-check that all customized or personalized park clothes have arrived and are ready to pack.
Check the Forecast: Review the weather forecast to see if there are any changes and adjust your wardrobe and packing list accordingly.
Pack a Small Bag/Wallet/Fanny Pack: Prepare a small bag with essentials such as gift cards, ID, kids’ IDs, and any other important documents.
Ensure All Identification Items are Ready: Make sure all necessary identification (passports, driver’s licenses, military IDs, etc.) are packed and valid for your trip.
Order Groceries for Your Hotel Room: Arrange for grocery delivery to your hotel room using the Grocery List from the WHD blog as a guide.
Haircuts for Kids and Self: Schedule or complete haircuts for you and your children if you haven’t already planned them for next week.
Locate Stroller Items: If bringing your own stroller, start gathering any accessories or items needed, like rain covers or cup holders.
Drop Off Dry Cleaning: Take any last-minute items for dry cleaning or wash-and-fold services so they’ll be ready in time for your trip.
Request Homework from Teachers: Contact your children’s teachers to request any assignments or homework they’ll need while you’re away, so you can pick it up next week.One Week Prior to Your Disney Vacation
Final Chance to Amazon PRIME Items: Order items only if they will arrive in time. If needed, consider sending items directly to your Disney resort to avoid delays.
Packing Relay with Kids: Start packing with the kids, ensuring all basic items are packed and ready for the trip.
Make a Family Plan for When Kids Get Lost at Disney: Review and go over your Well Hello Magic blog on tips for what to do if kids get lost at Disney parks.
Pack Park Bag in Suitcase with Park-Only Items: Pack your dedicated park bag with only park essentials—this should not be used as a carry-on for travel. Include items like sunscreen, ponchos, and portable fans.
Stop Mail for the Time You Are Gone: Place a hold on your mail or arrange for a neighbor or friend to pick it up while you're away.
Get Cash for Tips: Plan to bring around $20 per day for Mousekeeping and bell services. If you need extra cash for other expenses, withdraw additional funds.
DVC Locker Owners: Schedule the delivery of your locker if staying on-property, or set a pickup time if staying off-property.
Check AccuWeather or The Weather Channel for Forecast: Check the weather one last time to ensure you’re packing appropriately or to add any last-minute items.
Upload Gift Cards: Make sure all your Disney gift cards are uploaded and consolidated on the gift card website for easy use during your trip.
Purchase Memory Maker: If you haven’t purchased it yet, buy Memory Maker at least 4 days prior to ensure it is linked to your account and ready for your vacation.
Ask a Neighbor or Friend to Put Out Trash: Arrange for someone to put your trash out on collection day. Do not set it out early, as it signals you are away and could increase the risk of burglary.
Pay All House Bills: Pay any bills ahead of time so you don’t have to worry about them while on vacation.
Download Music, Books, and Movies: Download all media to your devices in advance so you can enjoy them during travel without needing internet.
Flyers - Reserve Airport Parking: If flying, reserve your offsite airport parking in advance to avoid any issues.
Get Car Washed: Clean the car inside and out to get it ready for packing and the road trip (if driving).
Make Snack List for the Car: Write down a list of snacks for your road trip, making sure to include any refrigerated or frozen items you don’t want to forget.
48 Hours to Departure
Schedule/Program A/C: Set your thermostat to turn off or enter vacation mode while you're away to save energy.
Check Flight Status (If Flying): Confirm your flight’s departure time and ensure there are no delays or cancellations.
Print/Download Transportation Tickets: Print your flight, bus, or train tickets, or download them to your phone’s wallet if available for easy access.
Set Email Away Messages: Enable automatic responses on both personal and work email accounts to notify contacts that you’re out of office.
Unplug Appliances: Disconnect miscellaneous appliances such as toasters, coffee makers, and other small electronics to prevent energy waste or electrical hazards.
Charge All Tech and Accessories: Charge all technology items, including battery-operated fans and MagicBand+, 48 hours before. Pack these up 24 hours before leaving.
Pack Luggage in Car 24 Hours Before: Get ahead by loading all luggage into the car or staging it in a central area the day before your departure.
Bring in/Cover Outdoor Items: Move any outdoor furniture, plants, or decor indoors or cover them to protect from weather while you're away.
Clean Out Perishable Items From Fridge: Discard any food that could spoil during your trip, ensuring you don’t come back to any unpleasant surprises.
Final House Checklist - Walking Out the Door
Ensure Water is Turned Off: Make sure all faucets and water sources are turned off, especially if you're leaving for an extended period.
Lock All Doors and Check Twice: Double-check all locks on doors and ensure everything is secure.
Lights On Timers: Turn off most lights but leave a few lamps or lights on timers to give the appearance that someone is home.
Take Out Trash: Ensure all trash cans in the house are emptied and the garbage is placed outside in the appropriate bin or dumpster.
Shut Off Water Pump: If applicable, shut off your home’s water pump to avoid potential leaks or flooding while you're gone.
Turn Off Alarm Clocks: Disable alarm clocks or set them to an appropriate time after your return to avoid any early morning surprises.
Pack Snack Bag/Place Cooler: Pack your snack bag for the trip and move your cooler next to the fridge. If you’re leaving early, consider packing the cooler in the car to keep food cold.
Check All Windows and Doors: Walk through the house to ensure all windows and doors are locked and secure.
Close Blinds/Curtains: Draw all blinds and curtains for privacy and added security while you're away.
Order Dinner (No Cooking): Do not cook the night before you leave. Order takeout and throw away or clean up everything to avoid leaving dirty dishes behind.
Congratulations! You’ve followed the steps and timelines leading up to your magical Disney vacation. We hope this final guide has helped you feel prepared and excited for your adventure. If you missed any part of our planning series, make sure to start from the beginning to ensure a smooth, stress-free Disney experience. Thank you for following along, and we hope you have the most magical vacation ever!
Here are all the blogs in the Four Part Series:
Part 1: Walt Disney World: How to Plan a Disney Vacation Without Feeling Overwhelmed
Part 2:Walt Disney World: Early Planning Tips for a Stress-Free Vacation (12-9 Months Out)
Part 4:Walt Disney World: Final Steps for a Stress-Free Vacation (90 Days to Departure)
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World? You're in the right place! At Well Hello Magic, we have tons of helpful resources to make your Disney vacation as magical and stress-free as possible. Whether you're looking for advice on the best time to visit Disney, tips on finding the perfect character meal, or learning how to skip the lines with Lightning Lane, we've got you covered.
As a therapist by trade and a mom of four, I use my expertise in understanding personalities to help you discover your "Disney Enneagram"—a fun way to tailor your Disney vacation planning to suit your family's needs or large group dynamics, ensuring everyone enjoys the magic in their own unique way. With my firsthand experience navigating Disney with babies and toddlers, I'll share all my best tips to make your trip smooth and fun for everyone. Plus, check out some of our family’s favorite rides at Magic Kingdom—there's something for everyone to enjoy!
Make sure to explore our blog for even more Disney planning guides and insider tips!
.
.
.
Thank you for visiting the Well Hello Magic Blog. If you have questions, please leave them in the comments, and I will be sure to answer them.
Planning a Disney vacation can be overwhelming, but you don't need to worry because we have got your back! Here are a few blogs to help you get organized!
How to Use My Disney Experience
Disney Infants: Everything You Need to Know!
Tips for Traveling with Family, Friends & Large Groups
What is Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass?
Strolling through Disney: Disney Stroller Tips
What to do if you Get Sick at Disney
Baby Care Centers at Walt Disney World
The Differences between Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort
Who is the Mom behind Well Hello Magic?
I am so happy to be on this journey with you.
