You know the saying… “I’m going to DISNEY WORLD!!” That’s great! You’ve take the first step simply by deciding to visit The Most Magical Place On Earth. But… now what?

Walt Disney World is comprised of four theme parks, a shopping and dining district, two water parks, and over 25 Resort hotels... and that’s just scratching the surface! Planning a Walt Disney World vacation can be a very complex — and potentially stressful — endeavor. (P.S. It’s also very worthwhile!) There are a LOT of decisions to make — and practically a whole new Disney language to learn — before you can enjoy all that Disney magic.

And that’s why we’re here to help with our Ultimate Guide to Planning a Walt Disney World Vacation!

1. The Basics

Sure, you’ve probably seen oodles of pictures of Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom. But Walt Disney World is made up of 4 theme parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. 

Disney World also has two water parks — Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park.

There is also an entertainment, shopping, and dining district called Disney Springs that is full of stores, fantastic restaurants, and more for you to enjoy.

Not to mention that there are also mini-golf and world class golf courses, and MUCH more on Walt Disney World property. There’s a LOT to see and do… and that’s truer than EVER right now, as Walt Disney World is celebrating its 50th Anniversary for 18 MONTHS across the Resort, with MAJOR festivities that kicked off on October 1, 2021!

Click here to see your absolute Disney World must-dos!

2. Hotels

There are a LOT of different Disney-owned/run hotels to stay at on Walt Disney World property. There are also some hotels that are technically on Walt Disney World property but are not owned/run by Disney, like the Four Seasons Orlando or the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin. And there are hotels that are off of Walt Disney World property, but very close by.

With a LOT of options, it can be overwhelming to figure out which is the right choice for your family. There are three classes of hotels owned by Disney — Value, Moderate, and Deluxe — ranging from the less expensive Value resorts all the way up to posh Deluxe resorts will all the amenities you could want. With so much to choose from, we recommend you check out our video where we discuss the our picks for the BEST Disney World hotels in 2022!

Also, keep in mind that some benefits only apply to guests staying at select Disney World hotels. Check out our section below on Park Hours to learn more about the Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours benefits and how those might impact your decision about where to stay.

There are many reasons why you might want to stay at a Disney World-owned hotel — including free transportation to the Disney parks (a HUGE perk for many guests), the service you get from the Cast Members, extra park hours benefits, and the charming and immersive Disney theming. But there are also some reasons why you might NOT want to stay in a Disney World hotel — like the cost savings or additional room space you can find at other places.

Another thing you’ll need to think about is how you’re going to get from Orlando International Airport (MCO) or any airport nearby (if you’re flying into Orlando) to your hotel.

You’ll need to arrange for transportation from the airport to Disney World. (Just one option out of many we know of is the new Mears Connect service.) Another consideration (if you plan to drive or rent a car from the airport) is parking. Just keep in mind that Disney does charge a parking fee if you bring your car and park it at one of their hotels, BUT Disney-owned resort guests get complimentary parking at the theme parks.

Click here to see the BEST ways to get to and from Disney World!

Finally, before you book your trip, you’ll want to check and see if there are any special deals or discounts being offered on Disney World hotel stays.

Sometimes, you may be able to score the hotel of your dreams for less through these deals. You could also look into renting points to stay at a Disney Vacation Club Villa and that could help you save BIG on some great spots. Check out our video below to learn more.

Click here to see the latest Disney World hotel deals!

Finally, a lot of people make some rookie mistakes planning their first Disney World trip. Make sure YOU don’t make those same mistakes by reading our post about some of the mistakes people make when booking a Disney World hotel.

Click here to see the rookie mistakes you’re making when booking a Disney World hotel!

3. Theme Park Admission

Okay, so you’ve decided what hotel you want to stay at, but what about the theme parks? You’ll need to get tickets to enter the theme parks. But, in Disney World, not all days are created equal when it comes to theme park admission prices. Essentially, Disney uses a calendar system for its prices that is based on demand. So, “peak” days — holidays and days that Disney expects the park to be busier — will be priced at a higher cost.

If you go during a slower period, when the demand isn’t as high, the tickets will be lower in terms of cost. Prices can jump up or down depending on when you’d like to visit, so scouting out a slower time could mean big savings.

Click here to learn all about the various ticket options in Disney World.

Also, you’ll want to keep in mind that park tickets have an expiration date, even though that wasn’t always the case. So, while your parents might have tickets from the ’90s that are still totally good, the tickets you buy tomorrow will have a set expiration date. You’ll want to mark that down in your calendar and make sure you get the full use out of that ticket before it expires.

You can get tickets that give you access to 1 park per day, or you can opt for a ticket with the Park Hopper option. With the Park Hopper option, you’ll be able to HOP between all 4 Disney World theme parks once Park Hopper hours begin each day. Park Hopper DOES add a fairly significant cost to your tickets, but if you’re looking to jump around to different parks for meals or are trying to do it all in just a few days, it might well be worth the added cost.

One important thing to keep in mind: if you don’t get a ticket with the Park Hopper option at first, and later you decide you want it, that is fine. You can always add it on later, once you’re in Disney World, and you can even add it to your tickets in the middle of your trip. But Disney will charge you for adding the Park Hopper for the full length of your trip (meaning that even if you add on the Park Hopping on day 3 of 5, you’ll be charged Park Hopping for the full 5 days of your trip, not just your remaining days). So, if you are going to add it on during your trip, you’ll want to add it on early so you can take full advantage of it. If you’re going to pay for it, you might as well get to use it to the fullest!

Also keep in mind, though, that you typically cannot remove a Park Hopper option from a ticket once you’ve bought it. Our advice? Really put some thought into if you actually NEED the Park Hopping ability before you decide to pay for it, but don’t wait until you’re too late into your actual trip. It may make sense for your group to build in rest time back at your Resort during the day instead of go-go-going to make the most of Hopping. Sometimes, less is more… and sometimes you may want to pack in as much as you can. Think about your family’s wants AND needs before tacking on the expense, and — if you choose to do so — be sure you make the most of it!

Click here to see what Park Hopping is like in Disney World right now!

Also, if you are interested in the water parks or some other activities, you can also get Park Hopper tickets that have a Water Parks and Sports option and a Park Hopper Plus option that will allow you to do more.

Just like the hotels, Disney often runs a variety of discounts and deals on its tickets that you’ll want to look into. You can learn about current deals and discounts HERE.

We break down the cost for a family of 4 to “do” Disney World in 2022 HERE.

And, if you’re really planning to commit, you can look into getting a Disney World Annual Pass. New Annual Passes are now being sold, but there have been some changes when compared to Disney’s previous offerings.

There are now 4 different passes to choose from. If you want access to PhotoPass for the year, or you want admission to some water parks and sports options as part of your Annual Pass, those are an additional cost.

There’s quite a lot to break down when it comes to these new Annual Passholder offerings. Check out our articles below to learn more:

• Click here to see the blockout dates for the new Annual Passes
• Can you upgrade your tickets to an Annual Pass? Click here to learn more
• If you don’t live in Florida, you don’t have a lot of options when it comes to Annual Passes — click here to see more
• See what’s MISSING from Disney World’s new Annual Pass program
• These are the pros and cons of Disney World’s new Annual Pass system
• Your guide to using and understanding Disney World’s new Annual Passholder calendar
• Want to add PhotoPass to your Disney World Annual Pass? Click here to see what you need to know

Click here to learn more about the Annual Passholder program!

4. Bookings

Okay, so you’ve picked your hotel and you know what type of tickets you want to buy — so what do you do in terms of booking? Well, you can book the tickets on their own and your hotel room separately. Or you can book a Vacation Package that includes both.

You can also book a package that includes hotel, tickets, and the Disney Dining Plan, when this option returns. The Dining Plan allows you to pre-pay for your food. You’re then given a certain number of “credits” that you can use throughout your trip for meals and snacks. Currently, the Dining Plan is not available, though Disney has confirmed that this popular add-on will be returning. So, this is something to keep in mind if you like to feel like your trip expenses are mostly all covered before you even arrive.

What combination of bookings is best for you? You’ll have to price out the discounts on hotels, tickets, and combined packages to find out. Often many discounts will require you to book a specific package, so check the fine print for any deals you’re eyeing.

Truly, we’ve only just started this guide and maybe you’re already coming to the realization that planning a Disney World vacation can be A LOT. Our recommendation? You might want to think about reaching out to a travel agent. We specifically recommend the awesome folks over at Small World Vacations!

The people over at Small World Vacations know about ALL of the discounts, and they stay up to date on new discounts that could be applied to your vacation to help you save some serious cash. They can give you personalized advice and really help make your vacation planning stress-free. Oh, and did we mention that their services are TOTALLY FREE?! That’s right. You won’t pay a dime extra than what you normally would pay to book your vacation on your own. In fact, you could SAVE money working with a travel agent. Their job is to look out for you. (We’ve scored some great deals this way!)

We’ve got all the contact information for Small World Vacations at the bottom of this page and you can fill out their form to get started right here!

Should you use a travel agent for your Disney World trip? Click here to see more of our thoughts!

5. Disney Dining Plan

We touched on it briefly above, but the Disney Dining Plan is a way to pay for your Disney World meals in advance. Plans are pre-purchased and added onto a Disney Vacation Package (i.e. you must be staying through a Vacation Package at a Disney owned-and-operated hotel, and have purchased at least one ticket per person). With the Dining Plan, all you have to do when you get to Disney World is head to a restaurant on the list, eat, and scan your MagicBand, Key to the World card, or Disney MagicMobile feature on your smartphone to “pay.”

The credits for the meal (or snacks) for each person will be deducted from your total allotment. Easy peasy. Note that while you don’t pay while you’re at the restaurant (unless you order extras not covered like additional drinks or appetizers), gratuity is not included on table-service meals. There are a variety of different plans that are typically available that give you more or less food. The plans even include alcohol, if you’re able to partake. You’ll likely find a plan that would fit your family’s dining preferences. Right now, the Dining Plan is not available, but Disney has confirmed that this popular add-on option will be returning!

Click here to see everything you need to know about the Disney Dining Plan!

And we’ve got tips on how you can MAXIMIZE your Disney Dining Plan credits here!

6. Park Hours

One big thing you need to know about before your first Disney World trip is the park hours. Disney World theme parks do not open and close at the same time as one another, and the hours for each theme park can vary by day. It’s important that you know those hours when you plan your trip so you can try to get the most out of every single day you have there.

Park hours can also change ahead of your trip or even DURING your trip! You’ll want to keep an eye on those park hours, ESPECIALLY once you’re there, and watch for updates from us here at DFB.

Also, keep in mind that Disney World Resort hotel guests get to spend a little extra time in the parks, extending those park hours just a bit more with Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours.

Let’s start with Early Theme Park Entry. All guests staying at Disney-owned resorts and select other resorts are allowed 30-minute early entry into any theme park every single day. Select attractions are open during this early entry time.

Extended Evening Hours is a separate perk only for those staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts or Deluxe Villas. With this perk, those staying at eligible resorts are able to spend more time in select parks on select nights. Again, select attractions are open during this time.

If you’ll be staying at a resort with one or both of these perks, you’ll be able to factor in that extra time in the parks as part of your plans.

Click here to see our page with LOTS of park hours updates.

7. Disney World Park Pass Reservations

When the Disney World theme parks reopened after the pandemic closures, they introduced the Park Pass system. The way that things work now is like this: let’s say you want to go to Magic Kingdom on Friday. First, you need a valid ticket to visit Magic Kingdom on that Friday. But, in addition to that, you also need a required Park Pass theme park reservation for Friday for Magic Kingdom. Every person in your party will also need a ticket and Park Pass as well.

But Park Passes can fill up, especially at busier times. You’ll be able to take a look at the Disney World Park Pass calendar to see what days are green (meaning there is full availability at all 4 parks), yellow (meaning 1 or more parks are already full), or gray (meaning there are no Park Passes available at any of the parks). Note that the Park Pass availability calendar looks different for Annual Passholders.

Park Pass availability can vary depending on whether you are an Annual Passholder, Disney World hotel guest, or a guest with regular theme park tickets. You can only make 1 Park Pass reservation per day. That is the only park you will be allowed to visit for that day, unless you have added Park Hopper on your tickets (which, again, you’ll have to wait until after 2PM to do each day!).

Again, availability for Park Passes can change a LOT. Sometimes days fill up, and then later more passes become available. Our advice? Get your Park Pass reservations EARLY. If you can’t get a reservation for a specific park that you want, book another one for the time being so at least you have something. You can always check later to see if more availability opens up. And if passes for the park you originally wanted become available, then you can cancel your existing Park Pass and make a new one.

Click here to see more about Disney World Park Pass Reservations.

And click here to see our page with all kinds of Park Pass availability updates!

8. Transportation

If you’re staying at a Disney World owned/operated hotel, one of the best perks is FREE transportation from the hotels to the parks and back. Depending on the hotel you’re staying at, different transportation options will be available. Some hotels have buses to the parks…

…while others have boats…

…or access to the Disney Skyliner…

…or monorails, or a combination.

Some hotels even give you the chance to WALK to the parks.

For example, you can walk from Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and (if you’re willing to trek a little bit) Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to Magic Kingdom.

Click here to learn the ins-and-outs of Disney World transportation!

You can also drive to and from the parks. If you’re staying at a Disney Hotel, you get free parking at the parks. Otherwise, keep in mind that there is a cost per day to park at Disney World’s theme parks. If you hop to the other parks, you won’t need to pay again on the same day though — just keep that receipt! Also, parking is free at Disney Springs!

9. MagicBands and Disney MagicMobile

If you walk around Disney World, you’re sure to see people with colorful bands on their wrists that look like this:

These are called MagicBands! MagicBands can do a whole bunch of stuff! 

If you set it up online through My Disney Experience, you can link your park tickets to your MagicBand. Then, all you’ll need to do is scan your band (rather than take your ticket out of your wallet or pocket) to get into the parks. They can also be used to open your Disney World hotel room door, charge purchases to your Disney World hotel room, link PhotoPass photos, and more! It’s a mega-powerful tool right on your wrist.

MagicBands are no longer free for Disney World hotel guests, but you can still buy them and use them in the parks. Disney World hotel guests and Annual Passholders can also pre-order some MagicBands at a discount ahead of their trip, but you’re gonna have to pay a bit. If you don’t like the discounted options available, you can also just buy a MagicBand in the parks or online. MagicBands can be extremely convenient. But they are not required if you choose not to use them.

Click here to see our ULTIMATE GUIDE to MagicBands in Disney World!

In fact, a service called Disney MagicMobile is also available for Disney World guests, and it incorporates many of the features of the MagicBand and transfers them to your smartphone!

You can learn all there is to know about Disney MagicMobile here.

Click here to learn about the Disney MagicMobile service!

10. Great-to-Know Tech Stuff

You may want to spend part of your vacation away from the computer or technology, but in Disney World there are actually a LOT of apps and tech things you’ll want to know about and use. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll need to download and know.

First, we highly recommend that you download the My Disney Experience app. You’ll be able to use this app to check park times, make dining reservations, check the wait times for the rides, look at park maps, and SO MUCH MORE.

You can create accounts for your family members on there, link your tickets, and link MagicBands, too.

Click here to see the steps you should take on My Disney Experience NOW before your upcoming Disney World trip.

The My Disney Experience app is packed to the brim with options to make dining in Disney World that much easier, too! For instance, Mobile Order allows you to preorder and pay for your food on your phone at many Disney World quick-service spots.

You’ll also be able to use the app to do Mobile Dine Check-in for many Disney World Table Service restaurants.

The My Disney Experience app also lets you join Virtual Waitlists for many Disney World restaurants, if they have walk-up availability. The app will show you if the walk-up waitlist is at capacity for that restaurant already, or what the estimated walk-up wait would be.

Click here to see more about the Walk-up Waitlist feature!

Disney also makes use of Virtual Queues through the My Disney Experience app when NEW rides debut in the parks, as a line management tool for in-demand attractions. For instance, when Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind opens in EPCOT on May 27th, a Virtual Queue will be made available.

When and where Virtual Queues are in use, you’ll need to download the My Disney Experience app to sign up for a Boarding Group for the ride. We recommend REALLY brushing up on our how-to tips before attempting to get one.

These features we’ve discussed here simply scratch the surface of options available to you via My Disney Experience, and you can learn more about everything the online tool and accompanying free app has to offer here!

If you’re looking for a way to keep the little ones entertained as you wait in line or even give the older kids (*raises hand*) something to play, the Play Disney Parks App is something you might want to download (it’s FREE!).

The app is full of games and more to keep everyone busy. And it’s got special features you can use in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

11. Disney Genie

On October 19, 2021, a NEW service made its debut within the My Disney Experience app. Disney Genie provides on-the-go planning tools and customized itineraries to help guests maximize their time in the parks!

You will tell Disney Genie what you want to ride and what types of things (like Disney films or characters) you like, and Disney Genie creates a personalized, flexible itinerary for you! With Genie, you can see forecasted wait times, mobile order your food, chat with a virtual assistant, see walk-up waitlist availability, make restaurant reservations, adjust your plans, and more! Essentially, Genie is designed to help you plan your day on-the-go and maximize your time in the parks.

There are also TWO different optional add-ons available for a fee, and they allow guests to bypass the standby lines for attractions and instead enter the Lightning Lane. The Disney Genie+ base-price option — for $15 per person, per day — allows guests to select the next available time to arrive at an attraction (similar to the previous FastPass+ time windows) and enter that attraction’s Lightning Lane at over 45 attractions across Disney World theme parks.

CLICK HERE to learn everything you NEED to know about Disney Genie!

And another paid option is available for DIFFERENT — and more in-demand — attractions. Disney’s Individual Attraction Lightning Lane Selection service (pay-per-ride) is how guests can pay a fee to utilize the Lightning Lane for an individual attraction.

There is a LOT to learn about this new service, so you can find ALL the info you need HERE.

12. Dining

There are a LOT of dining options all around Disney World. There are counter service spots — meaning places where you simply order your food, pick it up, and take it to your table. There are also table service restaurants — where you will be seated, a Cast Member will take your order, and your food will be brought to you at the table.

Reservations are NOT required (nor can they be made) for counter service spots. But Advance Dining Reservations can — and should — be made for table service spots. At many popular spots, reservations essentially become required if you want to dine there. Right now, you can make dining reservations 60 days ahead of your Disney trip. 

Find out how to make Advance Dining Reservations for Disney World Table Service restaurants here!

Reservations can book up pretty quickly for some spots — particularly those popular locations. When we say “fast” we mean “gone 60 days out” type deal for big spots. So, if you’re looking to eat at Be Our Guest Restaurant, a character meal, or other popular places, you’ll want to book those as quickly as you can!

You can change or cancel your reservations later if you change your mind. But please note that some Disney reservations will charge you a cancellation fee (usually $10 per person) if you don’t cancel within a certain time period — generally 24 hours.

Table Service? Signature Restaurant? Counter Service? Character Meal? Learn about ALL of the types of Dining options in Disney World here!

Also, if you’re on a serious budget or you’ve got picky eaters in the group, you can bring food, snacks, water bottles, sodas, and more into Disney World. If you’ve got special dietary concerns or allergies, there are also several things you can do to notify Disney and help them best accommodate you. Cast Members will be happy to help in any way they can.

Click here to see more about dining with a special diet in Disney World!

Wondering what the TOP Disney snacks are that you should get? Or the best restaurants you should eat at? If you’ve NEVER been, you likely won’t know what or where to find all the best food! We got you.

Check out our DFB video on the top Disney World SNACKS for 2022!

13. Rides, Fireworks, Parades, and a Bit More

There are a lot of rides in Disney World, and it’s important to know what rides are in what park so you can best plan your days. You can find Disney World maps online or in the My Disney Experience app. We think it’s a good idea for you and your family to look at these maps ahead of time and make a note of what rides are must-dos, which ones you’d like to try, and which ones you’d rather skip.

Not sure what a specific ride is even like? Is it too scary for your little one or too scary for you?? Watch videos of the rides online! There are tons of videos on YouTube that will give you a much better idea of what the ride is like. You can watch them with your family to get excited for your trip and help you narrow down your must-do list.

Some Disney World rides do have height requirements, so keep that in mind for little ones and be sure to look in advance so they aren’t disappointed when they get there. We recommend measuring your kiddo with their shoes on so you know before you go what they can and can’t do.

If someone is too short, parents can take advantage of Disney World’s Rider Switch program. This allows you to split your party so those tall enough can ride while someone stays with the person too small to ride. Then, they switch and the person who waited can ride without waiting in the full line.

Aside from actual moving or simulation rides, there is some wonderful entertainment all around Disney World!

You can check out everything from parades and shows to live music and nighttime spectaculars and MORE here!

Click HERE to check out ALL the entertainment in Disney World!

Also, we wanted to briefly mention how to handle if someone in your party required a bit of extra assistance to ride rides on your trip. Disney does have certain services available for those with disabilities. For example, Assistive Technology Devices for guests with hearing disabilities are available at Guest Relations.

Those with disabilities can also get a Disability Access Service pass that allows them to stop by an attraction and receive a return time at which point they’ll be able to come back and be directed to an alternate entrance to get on the ride.

New virtual features are available for Disney’s Disability Access Service Program — click here to learn more.

Also, we couldn’t get through this guide without mentioning two of the things that Disney is so famous for (even though they aren’t rides) — parades and fireworks! These are quintessential Disney things you’ll likely want to reserve some time to experience.

Make sure you catch the Festival of Fantasy Parade in Magic Kingdom! PACKED with characters and larger-than-life floats, it’s a full-fledged, can’t-miss production.

You can enjoy character cavalcades at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios — which are sort-of like mini parades!

And guests can now enjoy TWO brand new nighttime spectaculars! EPCOT’s Harmonious delivers one of the largest spectaculars EVER to a Disney park.

And Magic Kingdom’s Disney Enchantment feature fireworks and enhanced lighting, all set to memorable Disney music.

The magic literally surrounds everyone gathered on Main Street, as immersive projection effects extend down Main Street, U.S.A. from Cinderella Castle for the first time!

And though they have not returned just yet, Disney’s Hollywood Studios usually presents TWO nighttime spectaculars — Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular and Fantasmic! (And Disney has announced that Fantasmic! will return in 2022!)

14. Disney Characters

Get ready to HUG MICKEY MOUSE! Traditional face-to-face character meet-and-greets are now officially in the process of a phased return to Disney World!

The traditional meet-and-greets are coming back in phases throughout spring and early summer, so not all locations are available immediately. But the phased return of traditional meet-and-greets at some spots officially started on April 18, 2022.

Guests are now able to go up to the characters and give them hugs, and characters are able to sign autographs! (It is largely be a return to “normal” in terms of what many guests were used to prior to the pandemic.)

See pics and videos of the return of traditional Character Meet-and-Greets HERE! And find our FULL LIST of Character Meet and Greets that have returned to normal HERE!

Additionally, Character Dining experiences give you the chance to interact with beloved Disney pals AS YOU DINE!

Check out some of the characters you can meet in Disney World here!

Though not all Character Dining locations are currently available, we anticipate a time when all the Character Meals will return to Disney World, and the vast array of choices may surprise you! Because Character Meals are such a great way to meet several Disney characters at once, they are a VERY popular option for guests.

We have a Character Dining resource pages you can visit to learn more about all your options, where you can find meals listed by mealtime, location, and — of course, CHARACTERS!

Learn MORE about Character Dining in Disney World here!

15. PhotoPass

During your trip, you’ll likely see Disney photographers taking other families’ photos. This is called Disney PhotoPass. The photographers are scattered throughout the parks and will take your photos for FREE! So, don’t be afraid to say cheese and take those pictures! You can then link the photos to your account with your MagicBand or admission card (or your phone) so you can see them online later. Some photographers can even add in fun magical stuff to your photos (called “Magic Shots”), so be sure to ask!

If you want to download those photos, you’ll either need an Annual Pass that includes free photo downloads, you’ll need to buy the Memory Maker service, or you can pay for each photo individually. Memory Maker is a service that you pay for that allows you to download all your PhotoPass photos for trips in a certain period of time.

16. Packing List

Maybe you’ve got everything booked and ready…but what do you pack?! Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered there too! Check out our DFB video below with the ULTIMATE Disney World packing list. It’s a few years old, but should still be SUPER helpful.

We’ve also got a list of 12 essentials you NEED in your Disney World bag, and a video of the things even the pros forget to bring to Disney World. Check out these videos so you know what to pack!

17. Face Masks

We have been keeping DFB readers posted on Disney World’s face mask policy — and changes to it, as the global health situation has evolved — since the Resort reopened in 2020. As of February 17, 2022, masks are optional for fully vaccinated guests indoors and outdoors. Disney’s policy does state that they “expect Guests who are not fully vaccinated to continue wearing face coverings in all indoor locations.” Disney’s policy notes that “Face coverings are still required by all Guests (ages 2 and up) on Disney buses and monorails.”

On April 19, 2022 the policy was further updated to reflect that face masks are no longer required on any transportation in Disney World. Disney World has updated their face mask rules to note that face coverings are “optional for Guests in both outdoor and indoor locations, as well as Disney transportation.”

Click here to see what you need to know about Disney’s face mask policies.

17. Cast Members & ALL the Tips

One thing we really wanted to mention is that if during your Disney World trip you have a question or need assistance, don’t hesitate to ask a Cast Member for help. Cast Members are INCREDIBLE and do a fantastic job helping guests with their needs.

And WE’RE answering 45 Disney World questions people are too afraid to ask right here!

Need more tips and tricks to help plan your trip?

Click here to see 6 things most first time visitors get WRONG at Disney World, so you can prevent yourself from getting these things wrong during your first trip.

Want a month-by-month planning guide to your Disney World vacation? We’ve got that here, too!

The month MATTERS! Click here for a year-round look at Walt Disney World!

And don’t forget… On October 1, 2021, The Most Magical Celebration on Earth kicked off in honor of the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort! The party will last for a full 18 months, so you’ll want to know EVERYTHING EXTRA available to enjoy throughout the celebration!

Click HERE for Your Guide to Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration!

Want to make sure you walk away from your first trip with as few regrets as possible? Click here to see some of our readers’ 10 BIGGEST regrets in Disney World so you don’t experience the same things.

18. The DFB Guide

Want a BIG guide to all things Disney FOOD related? Well, lucky you — we got you covered there, too! (What can we say. We like you and want you to have the BEST time ever!) You might want to check out our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining!