While many people prefer to plan out their vacations a year in advance, others are much more spontaneous. However, traveling to the most magical place on earth can be a bit daunting to some. With four parks to choose from, a multitude of dining options, and an array of fantastic Disney Resort hotels, it’s sometimes hard to know what to pick. No need to fret! Here is my guide on how to plan a last minute Walt Disney World vacation the whole family will love.
Decide which parks you’d like to visit.
Walt Disney World is comprised of Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Plus, it offers two water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. So you’re first step is to decide what you’d like to do there. You can’t truly experience Walt Disney World without visiting Magic Kingdom, so make sure that’s part of your plans. Each of the other parks are also worth visiting: Epcot is known for its World Showcase where you can sample the culture of 11 different countries, Hollywood Studios offers attractions and shows perfect for any Star Wars fans, and at Animal Kingdom you can get up close to lions, tigers, and more.
If it’s too hard to decide, plan a day for each park (with a break day in the middle to explore the pools and Disney Springs). Or add the Park Hopper option to your tickets to jump between parks as you please.
Book a room at a Disney Resort hotel.
I always recommend staying at a Disney Resort hotel because of all the added benefits: Extra Magic Hours, free transportation from the Orlando airport and around Walt Disney World resort, and Magical Extras such as free mini-golf tickets. While you can certainly search the Disney site for an available room yourself, I suggest working with a travel specialist who will find you the perfect room at the best price. Booking a room and ticket package also allows you to add on the Disney Dining Plan, which can save you money on restaurants at the parks and Disney Springs.
Find last minute deals on airline tickets.
Use a tool such as Kayak, Expedia, or Google Flights to find discount airline tickets for your trip. Or make great use of those frequent flier miles or credit card points you’ve been saving. Fly into Orlando International Airport where you (and your luggage) can reserve a spot to be picked up by Disney’s complimentary Magical Express shuttle service and dropped off at your Disney Resort hotel. If it’s too soon to get your luggage tags, plan on grabbing your bags from the baggage claim and heading straight to the Magical Express counter. When it’s time to travel back to the real world you can check in for your departing flight right at your resort.
Get your MagicBands and Magical Extras.
MagicBands are your key to Walt Disney World. They serve as your room key, payment method, FastPass+ access, and more. When you book a Disney Vacation Package in advance you are sent your MagicBands and Magical Extras in the mail three weeks before your trip. However, if you’re truly planning a last minute Walt Disney World trip, you may not have time for that. Instead, your items will be waiting for you at the check-in desk.
Search for dining options.
While you may have a preferred restaurant or two you’d like to target, it can sometimes be tough to get last minute dining reservations (this is why we usually suggest booking six months in advance). The good news is that there are dozens of restaurants in the parks, at the resorts, and at Disney Springs available with a wide variety of options. Search My Disney Experience online or on your app for advanced reservations, or try your luck at walk-in options (you’ll often have success with this at Disney Springs). You never know when a reservation may open up so check often.
Select your FastPass+ options.
You can select up to three advanced FastPass+ attractions prior to your visit to the parks using the My Disney Experience app. This allows you to skip the lines on some of the most popular rides and shows. You can also get FastPasses from in-park kiosks or simply use the standby lines, so don’t worry if you prefer a more flexible schedule. Check out Disney’s FAQs page to learn more about the workings of FastPass+.
Create your itinerary.
There are two main types of people who visit Walt Disney World: ones who prefer to “ride on the fly” and ones who prefer to abide by a schedule. Okay, perhaps there’s a third option: a little bit of both. Having a plan of attack when visiting the parks ensures that you’ll ride your favorite attractions and not get overwhelmed by the crowds. But being flexible is always a good idea in case you suddenly decide to park hop or the weather interferes. I suggest you write a list of your “can’t miss” attractions and focus on these in the morning, leaving the afternoon with the freedom to decide as you go.
Enjoy your trip!
Regardless of how much time you’ve spent planning, you’re at Walt Disney World! Enjoy the happiest place on earth with your whole family. It’ll surely be a vacation you’ll never forget.
Tips for a last minute Walt Disney World vacation:
- Many people make advanced dining reservations well in advance and cancel at the last minute. This will open up many options a few days prior to your trip.
- The World Showcase in Epcot and Disney Springs have a lot of options for walk-in dinner options. Or save time by grabbing food from a quick-service counter so you can spend more time enjoying the rides and shows.
- Plan to visit the parks at “rope drop” (i.e. park opening) to ride several attractions in the first hour with minimal wait times (no FastPass+ required).
- Use the My Disney Experience app to pay attention to attraction wait times throughout the day.
See? You have no reason not to plan a last minute Walt Disney World vacation. Of course, the best way to handle a sudden trip is to work with an experienced specialist in Disney Destinations who will take care of all of these steps for you!
Ready for your next Disney trip? Let me help design your dream Disney vacation! I offer stress-free vacation planning, personalized itineraries, concierge services, and more at no cost to you. Request a free, no-obligation quote through my web form, email me at jtullino@themouseexperts.com, or call me at (321) 222-DSNY. I’d love to help your plan your most memorable vacation yet!
