How to Plan a Disney World Trip in 2026 & 2027
Hi friends—this new pop-up audio is my answer to you all requesting more help on planning a trip from start to finish, not just park strategy. Park and attraction strategy is what we specialize in, and what our products focus on, but I know there's more to a trip than just a park strategy.
Below you'll find my usual, straightforward and non-nonsense style as a blueprint for planning your Disney World trip from start to finish. Heads up though: these aren't a bunch of tips. This is about how to plan your Disney trip the right way.
The audio is broken into three, 15-ish-minute segments, and I included notes so that you can jump in where you need to. You don't need to listen to the first part about resorts and tickets if you've already purchased and have your dates planned—skip ahead!
Whether you’re a first-timer, haven't been in a few years or with the kids yet, or just need a refresher on how some systems have changed, I've condensed everything you actually need to know into this. I originally designed it as a "walk and learn" podcast episodes, so feel free to put in the earpods and go outside! Or, put it on in the car. Enjoy, and make sure to check out The Park Advantage and also our free resources!
- 0 min: Disney is a trip, not a vacation! You have to do some planning.
- 3:15: Why you need a travel agent.
- 7 min: Be a super planner/researcher and position yourself to win.
- 8 min: When to go and crowd info (and the slowest week ever), my favorite week, and crowd calendars I recommend.
- 0 min: Choosing a resort (and on vs. off-property)
- 1:50: Ideal length of trip and time at WDW
- 4:05: How many days to go to parks, which parks, etc., Park hopper pros and cons
- 9:00: Which parks which days, making decisions on schedule
- 10:15-13:00 WHY YOU NEED A PARK PLAN
- 13:30 Planning your overall itinerary
- 0 min: All About Lightning Lanes
- 5:15 Figuring out your park itinerary - WHAT YOU MUST DO!
- 9:20 Final details (airport transportation, room requests, must-have items, etc.)
- 11:25 Planning dining (how to choose, making reservations, dining plan)
