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A Dream Disney Vacation Planning Timeline

February 24, 2021

If you’ve been wishing for a vacation to Walt Disney World® Resort, why not start putting together a plan and making it a reality? If you prepare up to a year in advance, you’ll have time to consider all the dreamy details and find ways to save along the way. 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 and more.¹ 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, Disney parks admission and more. And Cardmembers who book their qualifying vacation package with the Disney Visa Card can take advantage of special vacation financing.¹

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 vacation.² 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 toward airline travel.³ Check out these instructions on how to redeem Disney Rewards Dollars for a credit on your monthly statement.

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.⁴⁵

At this time, you can also book other special experiences where advance reservations are recommended, such as booking a private poolside cabana or exploring the parks with a VIP tour. Check out the Enchanting Extras Collection for some ideas. (Certain offerings may be modified or unavailable, limited in capacity and subject to limited availability or closure. Before you visit, please review important updates for experiences at Walt Disney World Resort.)

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 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 Disney store or shopDisney.com, where Cardmembers receive 10% off select purchases.⁶

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 more.

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 dream Disney 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.⁴⁷ You can grab a complimentary Magic Shot photo to download and keep forever, so start practicing your poses!

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 of $50 or more.⁴⁸ Then, you can reminisce as you hug your plush or wear your accessories and maybe even start dreaming of your next adventure.