We have our next trip to Walt Disney World on the calendar and I couldn’t be more relieved + excited! Here are five simple things to think about before hitting “book” (also known as the happiest feeling ever.)

01. Set an Intention + Start a Mood Board

Ask yourself: what feelings do I want my family to come home with?

Researching and planning for Disney World is LOUD. When you start with this question and keep asking it, it cuts out the noise and keeps your mind clear. Here are some prompts to get you started:

My vacation will be worthwhile if __________. 

When I come home, I want to feel __________ and __________. 

The most important thing is for my family to have feelings of __________.

I want to remember that we’re taking this trip because __________ and __________.

Maybe your intention is to have an escape. Or give your dare-devil kids tons of adventure. Use Pinterest, Canva, or create an album on your phone to organize any visuals that speak to you. You can see what I started for our next trip on this pinboard.

For each step of your planning, ask yourself:

“Does this support my vision?”

02. Cross-Reference Your Dates

Before you put your dates in stone, type into Google “Disney World events in (month you want to go) 2022”. Make note of festivals, holidays, or school closures that could affect your trip.

03. Check the Park Reservation System

This year, to enter a park, you will need a park reservation AND a ticket for that park—for each day you’d like to visit. You can check availability ahead of time so there are no surprises here.

04. Consider Using a Travel Agent

Using a travel agent might make sense since it’s kind of a “funky year” as far as planning goes. Booking your package through a Disney Travel Agent costs you nothing (!!) and they’re up-to-date on the procedures that are changing all the time.

If you’re the planning type like me, you can give your dates + resort choice (and your vision board!) to a travel agent and let them take over. I love Jordan from Mather Moments, I found her Instagram and she’s just the sweetest/coolest.

05. Download the My Disney Experience App

Start clicking around and get familiar. It’s fun to look at the maps, attraction lists, and dining of each park.

Remember that vision board you started making? Now you can see things through your new-vaca-vision glasses and really hone in on what speaks to you. I love using a Google Sheet to brain dump and make notes to keep track of my must dos.

Are you visiting Disney World this year? Take my personality quiz here to help inspire your vacation.