How do you plan a first Walt Disney World trip?
Lock your dates first, then your hotel and tickets six to twelve months out, then work backward from two deadlines: table-service dining 60 days before and Lightning Lane a few days before.
Walt Disney World rewards people who book in the right order, not necessarily the earliest. Here is the order we use.
Booking windows at a glance
| When | What to book |
|---|---|
| 8 to 12 months out | Flights and dates |
| 6 to 12 months out | Hotel and tickets |
| 60 days out | Table-service dining (opens at 6 a.m. Eastern, per reporting) |
| 7 days out (resort) or 3 days out (off-site) | Lightning Lane Multi Pass |
| Final two weeks | App setup, park days, packing |
1. Choose your dates
Reporting names the lower-crowd stretches as late January to early February, the weeks after Labor Day and early to mid November. The busiest and most expensive are Christmas to New Year's, Easter and spring break, and mid June to mid August. Arriving midweek instead of on a Saturday can change your price.
2. Choose your trip length
A rough guide is two days each for Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, and one to one and a half days each for Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. That points most first-timers to five to seven days.
3. Hotel and tickets
On-site hotels come in value, moderate and deluxe tiers. Staying on site brings free resort transportation and early park entry. Off-site hotels and villas can cost less and have more space, but you will usually need a car. See choosing a resort.
4. Dining
Table-service reservations open 60 days ahead, and resort guests can book up to ten nights at once. Popular tables go fast, so set a reminder. Read the dining guide.
5. Lightning Lane
Decide after you list your must-ride attractions. See the Lightning Lane guide.
6. Getting around
Resort guests get free transportation. Allow extra time for buses at busy times. Off-site guests should plan for a car and parking fees. See transportation.
7. Budget
Set a daily limit for food and extras. See the cost guide.
8. The last two weeks
Link your tickets and hotel in the My Disney Experience app, pack light breathable clothes, a poncho and a portable charger, and expect a lot of walking. Check the closures and refurbishments before you finalize your park days.
If you would like help with any of this, request a trip.
Check Disney's own pages
- Walt Disney World official site, to confirm current rules
- Walt Disney World: Disney Resort hotel benefits
Disney prices, policies and availability change, so check Disney's own pages before you book.
