Plan your trip
What to book when, what to pack, and what to do when something goes wrong.
Booking timeline
| When | What |
|---|---|
| As early as possible | Pick dates (crowd calendar), then a hotel (on-site vs off-site). Check refund and deposit terms. |
| 60 days before | Dining reservations open. Disney-hotel guests can book their whole stay (up to 10 nights) from 60 days before check-in. Everyone else gets a rolling 60-day window. |
| 7 days before arrival | Lightning Lane opens at 7 AM Eastern for guests at eligible hotels (stays up to 14 days). It’s a paid product. |
| 3 days before | Lightning Lane opens for everyone else. |
| The day before | Check park hours, closures and the weather. Download your tickets in the official app. |
Rules checked Nov 7, 2026. My Trip works out these dates for your exact trip.
Packing: theme parks
- Phone with the official app, tickets linked, and a battery pack
- Comfortable broken-in shoes; blister plasters
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
- Refillable water bottle (water is available free at quick-service counters)
- Poncho for afternoon storms
- Small bag that passes security (see park rules)
- Any medicines you need, in original packaging
Packing: water parks
- Swimwear with no exposed metal, rivets or zippers
- Swim diapers for little ones
- Water shoes (follow each slide’s footwear rules)
- Reef-friendly sunscreen; rash guard
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Snacks and drinks within park rules (no glass or alcohol)
Rules from Disney’s water-park pages; the rest are suggestions.
Arriving & leaving
- There’s no free airport shuttle. Disney’s Magical Express ended. Options are Mears Connect, rideshare, taxi or a rental car, all paid. Getting around & airport →
- Arrival day: unless you land early, plan a pool, Disney Springs or a short evening instead of a full park day. Early Entry still applies on check-in day.
- Departure day: check-out, bags and the airport usually rule out a full park day.
Heat, rain & storms
- Florida summers are hot and humid, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Plan indoor or rest time midday.
- Outdoor rides and water parks can pause for lightning. Water parks can close for weather with little notice.
- Hurricane season runs June through November. Check your booking’s cancellation terms and consider travel insurance. We haven’t verified Disney’s hurricane policy, so read it before you book.
General guidance not a forecast.
Getting help
- Emergency: call 911.
- Each park has First Aid staffed by registered nurses, and Baby Care Centers. See visitor services.
- For a pharmacy, urgent care or laundry near your hotel, ask the front desk. We haven’t verified local businesses, so we don’t list them.
- Accessibility, including the Disability Access Service: accessibility guide.