How I Get Ready for a Disney Trip: My Tips & Tricks

There’s a special kind of excitement that comes with preparing for a Disney trip. The countdown is on, the bags are ready to be packed, and I can already hear the background music of Main Street U.S.A. in my head. But as magical as Disney is, the planning makes all the difference between a “nice trip” and a stress-free, magical vacation.

Over the years, I’ve picked up a handful of tips and tricks that I never skip when getting ready for a Disney getaway. Since I’m heading back next week (and I know a lot of you have Disney trips on the horizon too), I wanted to share my favorite ways to get Disney-ready!

1. The Disney App: My Vacation Command Center

The My Disney Experience App is non-negotiable. This is where I keep track of everything—park reservations, ride times, dining reservations, mobile food ordering, and more. A quick scroll through the app in the morning helps me see what’s happening in real time, from ride closures to the shortest wait times.

👉 Pro Tip: Download it before you go and spend a little time exploring it so you’re comfortable once you’re there.

2. MagicBands: One Little Bracelet, All the Magic

I always make sure our MagicBands are ready before we leave. They’re not just convenient—they’re essential. With one tap, you can open your hotel room, enter the parks, access Lightning Lanes, and even pay for food and souvenirs. No digging for tickets, cards, or cash—just tap and go.

3. Reserving Poolside Cabanas (Because We’re Pool People)

Not every moment has to be spent racing from ride to ride. For us, Disney is as much about relaxing as it is about the parks. That’s why we always book a poolside cabana at our resort. Having a dedicated space to cool off, enjoy a drink, or just unwind after a long park morning makes a huge difference.

👉 If you’re a pool person like us, reserve your cabana early—they do sell out!

4. Dining Reservations: The Earlier, the Better

Disney dining is its own adventure. From character breakfasts to signature dining experiences, reservations open 60 days in advance—and the best spots go fast. I always map out where we want to eat before our trip and secure those reservations early.

Even with reservations in place, I like to check back closer to our trip—people cancel all the time, and you can sometimes snag a last-minute table at those coveted restaurants.

5. Packing & Planning Ahead

A few extras always make it into my Disney bag:

• A portable fan (lifesaver in Florida heat!)

• Comfortable shoes (Disney days = lots of steps)

• Snacks for the parks

• A refillable water bottle

• A small backpack or crossbody bag for essentials

I also like to pack with “pool days” in mind—extra swimsuits, cover-ups, and flip flops for lounging between park time.

Final Thoughts

Disney is magical no matter how you do it—but a little preparation goes a long way. Between the app, MagicBands, poolside cabanas, and early dining reservations, I feel like I can actually relax and enjoy the magic without stressing over the details.

I can’t wait to share more from my upcoming trip—stay tuned for photos, highlights, and a few surprises from the happiest place on earth!