What Most People Forget to Plan Before Disney World

Packing? Handled. Flights? Booked. Park tickets? Bought months ago.
So… you’re ready, right?

Ehhh—maybe not.

As someone who lives twenty minutes from Disney World and goes to the parks way too often (no, I’m not a “Disney adult,” I just own sneakers and a spreadsheet), I’ve learned that the real magic is in the planning you don’t think about until it’s too late. It’s not about obsessing—it’s about showing up ready.

So here’s what most people forget to plan before their Disney World trip. If you’re already packing your Minnie ears and charging your MagicBand+, this is the list you didn’t know you needed.

1. What You’re Wearing (for 12 Hours)

Wearing jeans to Magic Kingdom? Bold. If you’ve never walked 25,000 steps in 87-degree humidity, let me tell you—your outfit matters.
Not just comfort-wise, but also functionally: does it dry fast? Does it work with your shoes? Will it be annoying once you start sweating through it at 11 AM?

A little outfit planning goes a long way. Think about park days, weather, and where you might want to take photos. Bonus points if you rotate shoes and accessories to keep it cute and comfy.

2. Where You’re Taking Photos

You will want photos. Even if you say you won’t. And nothing’s worse than realizing your one perfect outfit got wasted on a no-photo day.
Each Disney park has iconic backdrops (hi, castle) but also underrated spots that make for magical pics. Think: colorful walls, cute signage, fountains, twinkle lights. Knowing what you’re looking for ahead of time saves time and gets you content you’ll actually like.

Tip: screenshot ideas on Pinterest or TikTok and drop them in a folder for each park.

3. What You’re Snacking On

Sure, you can wing it. But if you’re a snack girly (or just someone who gets ragey when hungry), planning what you want to try—and where it is—can save you time and tears.

The seasonal churro? It might only be in one park. That Cold Brew you saw on Instagram? It’s nowhere near you when you want it most.

Make a list of your must-try snacks and keep it handy so you don’t miss anything. You can even cross them off like a scavenger hunt.

4. What Each Day Looks Like

You don’t need a minute-by-minute itinerary, but you do need to know the basics:
– What park are you going to?
– What time does it open?
– Any rides you need to prioritize?
– Any Lightning Lanes or dining reservations?
– Is it a pool day, a hopping-around day, or a marathon day?

Even a loose plan helps you feel way more in control when you’re juggling crowds, wait times, and snacks melting in your bag.

5. What’s In Your Park Bag

Your suitcase might be perfectly packed—but what’s in your day bag?
You’ll need a phone charger, sunscreen, band-aids, poncho, hand sanitizer, mini deodorant, lip balm, etc. And if you’re bringing kids? Multiply that times five.

You’d be surprised how many people forget essentials and end up panic-buying a $20 portable fan or praying for shade while reapplying drugstore sunscreen with their fingers.

Write down your essentials and run through the list each morning. Trust me.

✅ Want to Plan Like a Pro?

If you want a little extra help organizing your days, outfits, photos, snacks, and more, I made a $5 downloadable planner called the Deluxe Disney Prep Pack. It's the guide I wish I had the first time I went, and it's super easy to use. You can grab it right here.

Or if you’re still easing in, grab the free packing checklist to start with the basics. Happy planning!