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Details of my 6 step Disney World planning process – PREP055

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WDW Prep School → WDW Prep To Go Podcast → Featured → Details of my 6 step Disney World planning process – PREP055
  • Shannon Albert
  • September 7, 2014
  • April 30, 2017

6stepplansquareimageI often mention my 6 step planning process but have never had a podcast about the details of each step. Today, I discuss that and have a free download to help you work through the process.

I also have a quick tip about people attending one of the parties who want to use FastPass+.

Play

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

These are notes from this episode. There’s much more info included in the audio so be sure to listen to the episode for a better explanation.

In this article (click for table of contents)

  • Become a WDW Prep To Go Patron
  • My 6 step planning process
  • Quick tip of the day
  • Subscribe to get new episodes

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My 6 step planning process

Fill out the trip planning worksheet as you work through the steps.

Trip planning worksheet

Step 1: pick your dates
Decide when you want to go. Use my charts to help figure out the least crowded times.

Step 2: choose a place to stay
On-site guests get Extra Magic Hours, the ability to make all dining reservations 180 days before their trip begins, FastPass+ reservations 60 days beforehand, MagicBands and the ability to charge things to their room.

Off-site guests will usually get more space for less money. FastPass+ reservations for off-site guests are made 30 days beforehand and off-site guests use their park tickets to enter the park and check-in for FastPass+ reservations.

Some resources to help choose an on-site hotel:

  • The pros and cons of every Disney World resort
  • A hotel picker quiz
  • Chart listing details of every Disney resort

Step 3: make a daily plan
Choose where you’ll be each day of your trip and then decide which park tickets you’ll need to execute that plan. Check out my suggestions on planning each day.

Step 4: choose your dining options
After you know where you’ll be each day, decide where you’ll dine that’s close to where you’ll be to avoid spending too much time on transportation. Check out all my dining guides to help decide where to eat.

Step 5: plan your park touring
Figure out your touring plans before it’s time to make your FastPass+ reservations. I suggest showing up before the parks open, touring the first couple of hours without any FastPass+, using FastPass+ reservations for late morning and early afternoon, and then leaving the rest of your day more flexible.

Check out my touring plans which are mostly structured that way.

Step 6: add extra magic
You can do this in many ways, including playing Tinker Bell, printing Mousekeeping envelopes or ordering an in-room celebration from Disney Florist.

Quick tip of the day

People attending one of the parties, such as Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, can enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4:00 (even though the party events don’t begin until 7) and can book FastPass+ reservations for the 4-7:00 timeframe. There will not be any FastPass+ reservations available during the party (for many nights, they won’t be needed) but you can use them from 4-7:00.

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  • Subscribe in iTunes (and please leave a review!)
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    • Disney Dining Plan
    • Our top Table Service restaurants
    • Our top Quick Service restaurants
    • Guide to all Disney World character meals
    • Best restaurants for fireworks views
  • Planning and Tips
    • 6 Step Planning Process
    • Planning Basics
    • What is coming to Walt Disney World in 2021 (and beyond!)
    • Trip Planning for Families
    • Special Needs
    • Money and Shopping
    • Downloadables
  • 2021 Planner
    • 13 ways Disney World planning has changed
    • Mask tips for Disney World trips
    • Budgeting for food (without using the Disney Dining Plan)
    • Step-by-step guide to the Disney Park Pass System
    • Choosing when to visit in 2021
    • How to tour Disney World right now
    • Mask-Free Relaxation Stations (w/maps & comparisons)
    • Where to dine outdoors at Walt Disney World
    • Where to find characters right now
    • How transportation works now
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I just got back from a five night stay at Coronado Springs and had the best time! Even though I went during the busy season I barely waited in any lines and was able to do everything I wanted!

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