A Walt Disney World^® Resort Vacation Planning Timeline

Updated November 19, 2024
Originally published February 24, 2021

If you’ve been wishing for a Walt Disney World^® Resort vacation, why not start putting together a plan and making it a reality? We’ve created a timeline starting one year in advance to give you time to consider all the dreamy details and find ways to save along the way — but you can use the following suggestions no matter where you are in your Disney vacation planning journey. To help bring your vacation to life, we’ve created a timeline full of information, links and tips. We’ve also included some ideas to make the most of your Disney^® Visa^® Credit Card, using special vacation financing on select Disney vacation packages and more.⁰ The only thing we can’t help with is the waiting—but your amazing getaway will be worth it.

One Year Out

Book Your Getaway + Start Saving Disney Rewards Dollars

Every Disney vacation starts with picking the right dates for you, so set your sights on the perfect time of year in advance and book your travel. Booking a vacation package can take care of several important details at once, such as lodging at an enchanting Disney Resort hotel, theme park admission and more. And Cardmembers who book their qualifying vacation package with the Disney Visa Card can take advantage of special vacation financing.⁰

Once you mark your calendar with your upcoming getaway, it’s a good idea to start saving Disney Rewards Dollars you can enjoy on your Walt Disney World^® Resort vacation.⁰ Simply use your Disney Visa Card for everyday purchases, and you’ll earn Disney Rewards Dollars you can later redeem toward souvenirs, experiences and extras.

6 Months Out

Be on the Lookout for Flights

You’re halfway there! Be prepared to scout and book your flights when they’re most affordable. Start tracking prices and look out for deals during the coming months, especially if you’re traveling during a big holiday. If you have the Disney Premier Visa Card, you can redeem Disney Rewards Dollars for a statement credit to Pay Yourself Back^® for your airline purchases.⁰ Check out these instructions on how to redeem Disney Rewards Dollars for a credit on your monthly statement.

Once you’ve finished booking your Walt Disney World^® Resort vacation, check out the official Guest Services guide to prepare for your park visit with helpful tips, links and reminders to walk you through planning your experience.

2 Months Out

Make Your Dining and Activity Reservations

At 60 days before your vacation, you’ll want to start booking your mouthwatering meals. Think about which restaurants have can’t-miss dishes, as well as which ones are conveniently located at the parks you plan to visit or near your lodging. Popular restaurants can fill up quickly, so be sure to make your reservations when your window opens. And remember, Cardmembers get 10% off at select dining locations most days, so check out the Guide to Cardmember Dining Perks at Walt Disney World^® Resort for the complete list of restaurants where you can savor delicious dishes and perks alike.⁰⁰

Plus, for Guests with a valid Disney Resort hotel stay, you can adjust your reservations for your entire length of stay (for up to a 10-night stay) up to 60 days in advance of your arrival. Streamline your vacation planning by making all your reservations on the same day with this benefit.

At this time, you can also book other special experiences where advance reservations are recommended, such as booking a private poolside cabana or exploring Magic Kingdom^® Park through the Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour. Check out the Enchanting Extras Collection for some ideas.

You can also redeem Disney Rewards Dollars to Pay Yourself Back^® for Disney purchases made with your Disney Visa Card. Save and redeem your Disney Rewards in the form of statement credits within 90 days of your purchase.⁰⁰

30 Days Out

Order or Reload Your Disney Rewards Redemption Card + Pick Up Disney Vacation Gear

You’ve been saving your Disney Rewards Dollars for months, and you’re almost ready to enjoy redeeming them during your Walt Disney World^® Resort vacation. Order or reload your Disney Rewards Redemption Card so you can keep it in your wallet and use it anytime during your getaway. Simply log in here to check your balance and manage your Disney Rewards Dollars.

With less than a month until your dream comes true, you can start to gear up with awesome vacation goodies and Disney Parks-themed necessities to bring extra style to your Disney vacation. Consider picking up water bottles, luggage tags and even customized t-shirts for your whole group from DisneyStore.com, where Cardmembers receive 10% off select purchases.⁰

1 Week Out

Pack and Finalize Your Plans

The wait is nearly over! Time to start filling your suitcases. Be sure to pack the essentials for comfort and convenience, like walking shoes, hats or visors, sunglasses, chargers and backup batteries for phones and devices, umbrellas or ponchos, and of course… your Disney gear!

This is also a great time to review your itinerary for each day of the trip, especially with the help of the My Disney Experience app, where all your reservations and information can be stored in one easy place. The app allows you to manage your plans anywhere, any time. You can view and update your reservations, search maps of all four theme parks, get real time attraction wait times and even purchase Lightning Lane passes.

Plan ahead to save time in line at the most in-demand attractions with Lightning Lane Single Pass or choose up to three experiences in advance with Lightning Lane Multi Pass.

Guests of Disney Resort hotels and other select hotels can purchase passes up to 7 days in advance of their stay — and other Guests can purchase passes up to 3 days in advance of their park visit.

Family at Disney's All-Star Sports Resort

You’re at Walt Disney World^® Resort! What to Do Now?

Your wish has finally come true! Now all that’s left is to enjoy your Walt Disney World^® Resort vacation. As you explore the parks, be sure to stop by the private Cardmember locations and present your Disney Visa Card for exclusive photo opportunities.⁰⁰ You can also capture memories all around the park with one-of-a-kind pictures taken via the Disney PhotoPass Service.

Have an unforgettable vacation and bring home memories you’ll treasure for a lifetime. As you shop for souvenirs to remind you of your getaway, use your Disney Visa Card to receive 10% off select merchandise purchases.⁰⁰ Then, you can reminisce as you hug your plush or wear your accessories and maybe even start dreaming of your next adventure.

A Walt Disney World® Resort Vacation Planning Timeline