Things to do BEFORE Booking your Disney World Vacation in 2023

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Dreaming of a Disney vacation? Thinking of a once-in-a-lifetime trip? Get ahead of the game by starting with our list of things to know and do before booking your Disney World vacation. Knowledge is power and understanding the basics of Walt Disney World, and utilizing tools like My Disney Experience and crowd calendars will start you on the path to becoming a true Disney Theme Park Commando.

  1. Create an account on My Disney Experience. This is Disney’s platform for managing your account for Disney World, Disneyland, and ESPN. It is recommended that all adults in your travel group have their own account.If you set up an account on the Disney World website, you’ve done this. If you haven’t (or you’re unsure), go to the Disney Website and set one up.

  2. Download and familiarize yourself with the My Disney Experience app. The My Disney Experience App (“MDE”) allows you to access your account on your smartphone and is essential for your trip. It is recommended that all adults in your travel group download the app. This is the only official Disney World app and contains a lot of useful information that can enhance your trip that many people often ignore.

  3. Understand the basics of Walt Disney World. Before planning your trip, make sure you are familiar with the size of the resort, the different parks and types of resorts available. Even if you think you know the basics, it’s helpful to read through a summary of the information.

  4. Consider the bigger picture of your trip. If this is your first time visiting Disney World, be aware that friends, family, and experts may advise you to plan extensively. However, it’s important to consider if this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip or if you plan to visit again soon. If it’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip, extensive planning may be worth it to have the perfect experience. If you plan to visit again soon, it’s okay to keep it simple.

  5. Consider working with a travel agent. While you can plan your trip on your own by reading blogs and downloading apps, it may be easier to work with a travel agent to help you through the process. A travel agent can help you focus on the more enjoyable aspects of your trip. Best of all, Disney Travel Planners help you do this at no additional cost. Look for agent sites with the logo below as only authorized agents can display this badge.

  6. Understand how to use crowd calendars. Crowd calendars can be helpful in identifying important dates that may impact crowd levels. Use these to help settle on dates you may want to travel. The lower the crowds, the more relaxing your experience will be.

  7. Check the refurbishment calendar. Rides and hotels may need to be closed for refurbishment. It’s helpful to know if any closures are scheduled so that you can manage your expectations. The official ride refurbishment list can be found on Disney’s website in their park hours calendar.

  8. Learn about special events at the parks. Special events, such as holiday parties and early morning access, can impact the number of days you stay or the type of park tickets you buy. It’s helpful to know about these events early in the planning process.
    • At the time of writing, there are three types of events you should be aware of:

      • Holiday Parties such as Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom.
      • After Hours events at Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.
      • Early Morning Magic, which grants early morning access to Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom. ***Note that we’re not discussing Early Theme Park Entry, which grants early access to the parks for guests of select hotels.

From here you’ll be able to better move forward with the actual Planning & Booking process on your way to experiencing Disney in all it’s magic.