Disney World Vacation Planning Timeline: What to Book and When
If you’ve read Part 1 of our Disney 101 for First-Timers series, you already know the first steps: picking your dates, choosing a resort, buying tickets, and thinking about dining. Now it’s time to get a little more detailed. Disney has a lot of moving parts, but a solid planning timeline keeps everything organized—and ensures you don’t miss out on must-do experiences.
Here’s a month-by-month breakdown to help you stay on track.
12+ Months Out: Start Dreaming
Even if your trip is over a year away, this is a great time to:
Decide on your trip window – consider weather, school schedules, and events.
Set your budget – having a clear number in mind helps guide resort and ticket choices.
Research resorts – start narrowing down your top picks and familiarize yourself with amenities and locations.
Booking early can make a huge difference in getting the perfect resort and room type.
3–11 Months Out: Lock In Your Resort & Tickets
Once your dates and budget are set:
Reserve your resort – you’ll secure the room you want and take advantage of early booking perks.
Purchase tickets – decide on Base vs Park Hopper and how many days you’ll spend in the parks.
Even at this stage, you can start thinking about Lightning Lane Multi-Pass selections and dining priorities, so you’re ready once reservations open.
2 Months Out: Book Dining & Extras
Dining reservations open 60 days in advance for most guests, and popular spots fill up fast. This is also the time to:
Schedule character meals, signature dining, or other must-do table service experiences.
Consider extras like dessert parties, tours, or special events.
Having these details locked in early ensures you’ll get the experiences your family is most excited about.
2–3 Months Out: Review Travel & Transportation
It’s time to make sure the rest of your logistics are ready:
Flights – confirm tickets, baggage, and schedules.
Airport transfers / car rentals – arrange transportation to and from your resort.
Park hours & events – check for any updates or special happenings during your visit.
This window also gives you time to finalize which days you’ll spend in each park so your trip flows smoothly.
7 Days Out: Lightning Lane Multi-Pass & Final Plans
If you’re staying onsite, this is your big booking window for Lightning Lane Multi-Pass:
Reserve your must-do rides early to minimize wait times.
Confirm any last-minute dining or experience reservations.
By this point, your days are mostly set—you can breathe a little easier knowing the hard work is done!
Week of Your Trip: Prep & Pack
Download the My Disney Experience app (if you haven’t already) for mobile ordering, reservations, and park updates.
Pack essentials: comfortable shoes, ponchos, sunscreen, and any personal items.
Double-check all reservations and confirm transportation.
Wrapping It Up
Following this timeline keeps you organized and confident from the very first step to the moment you step into the parks. And remember, you don’t have to do it alone—having someone who tracks these dates for you can make the difference between a stressful trip and a magical one.
👉 This post is part of my Disney 101 for First-Timers series. If planning all of this feels like a lot, that’s exactly why I help families book their trips! I’ll keep track of deadlines, reservations, and details—so you can focus on the fun. Ready to get started? Fill out my quote request form HERE and let’s make your Disney vacation stress-free and magical.
Part 2
Planning TimelineMonth-by-month guide for booking your resort, tickets, dining, and Lightning Lane Multi-Pass.
Part 3
Choosing a ResortTips to select the perfect resort for your family, including upgrades and insider advice.
Part 5
First-Timer MistakesAvoid common pitfalls so your first Disney trip is smooth and magical.
🏰 Feeling overwhelmed? I help families plan Disney vacations stress-free. I handle all the details so you can focus on the fun! Fill out my client form here to get started.
