Are you looking forward to planning a Walt Disney World vacation? A Walt Disney World vacation can take a lot of planning and months of saving… here are several simple tips to help you optimize your Disney World vacation.

1. Book Early

Booking as early as possible means you will have longer to budget for your Disney vacation.  Planning fast passes and dining early on, will help you snag your preferred spots for dining locations and times.  Fast passes go quickly and guests are unable to book them without park tickets, so early vacation booking equals earlier fast pass access.

2. Involve Family in Vacation Planning

Involve your whole family in planning the family vacation. Talk about what resorts you like, what stores you want to visit at Disney Springs and which rides you are looking most forward to.  Use family feedback to plan dining and fast passes. 

3. Study Maps and Transportation Schedules

After you have nailed down a definite resort choice, set to work making your park plan.  Talk about transportation to the park, decide on the time you will leave the resort each morning and plan attraction visit times with your family to make the day to day decisions on vacation smoother and stress free.

4. Secure Fast passes

Fast passes are your ticket to skip the stand by wait line.  You want to secure your fast passes as soon as your fast pass vacation window opens.  Meaning, plan what fast passes you want and what time you prefer to book them; then wait with your plan and open laptop to snag them online as soon as your booking window opens.  

5. Pack Early

Packing early will prevent the stress of last minute rushing and help ensure you have all the belongings you need to have a great vacation.  Beginning the packing process a week ahead of your departure date is a good idea. This is especially a help if you are packing for children or other family members.

6. Come Prepared

Adequately preparing and packing for Disney vacation will cut down on stress and lost attraction time when you arrive at Walt Disney World.  Sun protection, snacks, comfy shoes, activities for the kids during the commute to WDW and rain gear are just a few of the little extras you will want to consider when packing for a Disney vacation.

7. Think outside the Parks

Of Course the Disney theme parks are incredible.  However, there are plenty of things to keep you entertained outside the four theme parks. Know that a Disney vacation can involve plenty of shopping, golf, spa time, wine tastings, water park thrills and more.  If you do not want to spend your whole vacation hopping on and off attractions in a theme park – fear not, Walt Disney World has plenty more to offer.

8. Budget for the Little Extras

You need not pile on the extra cost to have fun at Walt Disney World.  However, budgeting a bit for fun snacks, souvenirs or other little extras is worth considering.  Maybe this means taking your little princess to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or spending a bit more to enjoy a character meal one night during your vacation. 

9. Visit Some Table Service Restaurants

Table service restaurants at Walt Disney World are so fun and delicious. Even if you are the type that generally hates making dining plans ahead of schedule, I urge you to make a reservation at a table service restaurant during your vacation. Fine dining, character meals, buffet style and bottomless meals served at your table are all dining options across the property. Choose from dining in a park or elsewhere on the property and trying out different cuisines and meals at varying restaurants. You will not regret springing for a table service meal on your Disney vacation.

10. Take Care of Yourself

Take the time to get rest, hydrate, take breaks from the sun and eat as healthily as possible to ensure you can feel your best and enjoy your vacation to the fullest.  There is no shame in returning to your resort room for a midday nap or skipping out on extra magic hours one day if you are too exhausted to function and have fun.

12. Embrace Your Inner Kid

Dance with The Incredibles in Tomorrowland in The Magic Kingdom, wear that silly Mickey hat, take goofy photos with characters and shoot down the resort water slide as fast as you can. Throw your everyday self to the wind and embrace your inner kid to truly enjoy your Disney vacation.