When your countdown clock reaches single digits you know your trip is getting super close. This means it’s time to do final preparations for your trip. Here are the important things to do the week you leave for Disney World.
Pack up your Bags for Disney World
Now that it’s just before your trip you can finally do that final weather check and get your bags packed. Fair warning, the weather forecast here in central Florida changes by the hour, don’t rely on the average monthly temperatures. This winter we have had weeks that are 10 to 15 degrees below the average and weeks that are 10 to 15 degrees above the average! At least one week out, however, you will have a pretty good idea of what to expect. If you want you can download our FREE Disney World packing list. Also, I would glance through our list of what to buy before your trip so you don’t have to spend extra money picking anything up last-minute at the resort.
Make Sure you Download the My Disney Experience App
If you haven’t already you will want to make sure you have the official Disney World app installed on your phone. This app gives you access to your Fastpasses, you can cancel, change or book new ones. The app also will tell you current attraction wait times in addition to acting as a times guide for shows and events. I also love using the app to book and manage my dining reservations as well.
Disney World Resort Online Check-In
If you want a smooth process once you arrive here in Orlando I can’t recommend enough checking in online prior to your trip. Once you have checked in online you can simply head to the Online Check-In Desk. This is where your Welcome Folder and MagicBand will be waiting (if your MagicBand wasn’t already mailed to you). Just show your valid photo I.D., complete your check-in and you’re on your way!
You can check in online using My Disney Experience up to 60 days prior to your arrival date.
Order Groceries
One of the best ways to save money on your Disney World vacation is to make your own meals. This is why we are giving you the best tips on how to get groceries delivered to your Disney Resort. Even if it’s as simple as having your breakfast in the hotel room versus picking something up in the food court of your resort. I also recommend buying snacks and drinks for your hotel room. Soda is $3.50 on property and snacks average around $4.00 to $5.00 per. Over the course of a 5 day trip for a family of four that could be a savings of over $300! If you want a grocery delivery service instead of having to fuss with running to Publix and a rental car we highly recommend Garden Grocer.
Pomegranate-lacquered Chicken
Double Check your Dining Reservations
Now that it’s right before your trip it is wise to double-check your dining reservations and make sure you still want to keep all of them. Remember there is a credit card hold on all advanced dining reservations. So if you are a no-show or don’t cancel at least 24 hours or more in advance then you will be charged $10 per person on the reservation. Also, if there was a reservation that wasn’t available when you were planning, there might have been a last minute cancellation by someone else!
Finalize your Disney World Touring Plans
If you haven’t already you can download our FREE Disney World Daily Planner and schedule out your daily plans. It’s a good idea to do this if you have a bunch of stuff you want to make sure you catch during your trip. With the increased crowds at Disney World in the last few years, a touring plan is becoming more vital.
Figure Out Transportation
Whether you are driving or flying to Walt Disney World you are going to want to get your transportation figured out. If you are flying make sure you have your transportation to and from the airport all sorted out. Remember if you are using the magical express you need to specify that in your reservation. You should have received special luggage tags in the mail. If you are driving to Disney World make sure you have your route planned out as well as the spots you will need to stop for food, gas, etc.
So, in summary, the week before is your time to do a final systems check. Take the time to confirm all your plans are in place and you are ready to go have a fantastic Disney World trip. What are some of the things you do the week before you leave for Disney World? Be sure to share with us in the comments below.
I have been visiting the parks annually since my parents first brought me at just a year old. Recently I was able to fulfill my life long dream of being a Florida local and moved from the wintery Northeast to the sunshine and fun of central Florida. Now I am hoping to share my Disney knowledge with you so you can have the best vacation possible!
