Nearly every aspect of anticipating a Disney World trip is exciting, but when you get within 1-2 months, it really starts to kick up a notch.
This is also the time where you have some crucial Disney World planning decisions to make.
This post is going to dive into everything you should be thinking about and planning 1-2 months before you leave for your Disney World Trip. (For what to 4-8 months before your trip, check out this post.)
Without further ado, here are 8 things you should do 1-2 months before you leave for Disney World (and a few things you should do just before then).
Before 2 Months
Book your flights
If you’re flying, you’ll probably want to book your airfare prior to two months out.
Some people like to wait until 6-8 weeks out for this, but I like to have that loose end tied up prior to that so I know I have a seat on a plane that will get me there on my arrival day by the time I want to arrive.
If you’re someone who likes to wait a little longer, it’s still probably beneficial to have an eye on times, prices, and availability so you don’t miss out on a properly timed flight or a good deal.
Do some light planning
It’s a good idea to discuss with your group how you’d like to structure your trip.
This includes which parks you want to be in on which days and any down days you’d like to have. (Though, if you’re making dining reservations, you probably should have done this prior to this point.)
Once you know where you want to do be on each day, you should also know which FastPasses are your priority for your group.
You can book them 60 or 30 days out, depending on where you’re staying, but you don’t want to wait until that point to make your plans and decisions. (More on this in a moment).
Set up My Disney Experience
Make sure you have your My Disney Experience account set up for you and everyone in your group. This includes linking your account to your reservation and your park tickets.
It also includes making sure the accounts for everyone in your group are linked. This is important! It’ll allow one person to make FastPass reservations and other plans for the whole group.
For more on how to use the app, check out this post.
1-2 months before your trip
Seriously book your flight if you haven’t yet
If you’re flying, you really need to book your flight now. So, get on that if you haven’t already!
Book FastPasses
If you’re staying at a Disney World Resort, you can book your FastPasses at 7 AM eastern time 60 days before your trip.
If you’re staying off Disney property, you can make your FastPass Reservations at 7 AM eastern 30 days before your trip.
It’s in your best interest to get online as close to 7 AM as you can. This way you have the best chance at getting the FastPasses you want.
Also worth noting, if you have a Park Hopper ticket, you have to book all of your FastPasses in the same park. So if you’re planning to hop, you may want to make them earlier in the day so you can get them all in before you move onto another park.
For more on Disney’s FastPass System, check out this post.
Pay your balance
Your final payment for your trip is due 1 month before your trip. Make sure you pay off your balance before that point.
Magical Express reservation
If you’re flying into Orlando International Airport and are staying at a Disney World Resort, you have access to Disney’s Magical Express. This free service will take you from the airport to your resort.
It also allows you to let Disney claim any checked bags so you don’t have to worry about grabbing them yourself. And they’ll deliver them right to your room.
While this service is free, you do have to have a reservation to save your seat on the Express and have special luggage tags mailed to you. So once you book your flight, call Disney back up with the flight information and make your reservation.
For more on the Magical Express, check out this post.
Order your MagicBands
If you want to have your MagicBands before you arrive at Disney you need to order them ahead of time. If you’re staying at a resort, you can receive basic, solid color bands, for free as part of your reservation. You can also upgrade your band at a discount.
All of this can be done through My Disney Experience.
These MagicBands should be mailed to you about 10 days prior to your vacation. It’s a good idea to make your selections by a 1 month prior to your trip to ensure your order is processed in time to be mailed to you.
But don’t worry if you make a late order, you can opt to pick up your MagicBands at the front desk of your resort instead. According to My Disney Experience, you can order as late as 11 days before your trip for front desk pick up.
If you’re staying off property, you can purchase MagicBands prior to your arrival and link them to your My Disney Experience account via the serial number on the back of the band.
If you get your band as part of your resort reservation, it will be automatically linked to your account.
Check into your resort
If you’re staying on property, you can (and should) check into your resort prior to your arrival. This allows you to make room requests, and get updates on your room.
All of this can be done in My Disney Experience.
You’ll also be able to skip the front desk and go right to your room. When your room is ready, you’ll be notified via text and you’ll receive your room number.
You’ll be able to unlock your room with your MagicBand or the My Disney Experience app.
Consider adding a regular walk to your routine
Disney World is a lot of walking. If you want to get the most of your trip, start conditioning ahead of time! If you can, try adding regular walks to your routine.
Start a packing list
Start thinking about what you want to pack. This includes clothes, toiletries, weather gear, and any other items you may need.
For some ideas, check out this post on 10 essential items to pack for your trip.
Start buying items you’ll need to pack
Start buying the items on your packing list. The last thing you want is a crazy rush before you leave, so start shopping now. This is especially true if you’re purchasing items online that need to be shipped to you.
Also, if you’re thinking of getting new shoes for Disney World now is the time to buy them so you have time to break them in.
In fact, it would be a great idea to wear them for your walks, if you’re taking them. This way you can make sure the shoes you’re choosing are broken in and comfortable for all the walking you’ll do on your trip!
For more Disney World tips and tricks, check out the other Disney World Posts!
Sound off: What’s your favorite part of this stage of Disney World Planning? Tell us about it in the comments!