YOUR FINALE
BACK TO CHAPTER FOUR
Chapter 5
THE LAST CHAPTER. It's time to add your finishing touches like order a MagicBand - if you want one - but don't worry, we'll go over that stuff, too!
The most important part of this chapter is the confirmations. You don't want to get to Magic Kingdom to realize you accidentally made a park reservation for Animal Kingdom by mistake. Or you thought your breakfast reservation was at 10am, but it was really at 9am. It's happened to me and I don't want it to happen to you!
Love, Dana
Park Hours + Event times
Park hours can change, so make sure to note on your set park days what time official opening is, along with Early Entry time if you're staying on property.
Dining Reservations
Grab your phone and open the My Disney Experience app. Screenshot every dining reservation you have, along with the confirmation numbers. Just to be safe.
Park Reservations
Just like with your dining reservations, go in and save to your camera roll your Park Reservations. If you have any issue scanning into the park, you can show Guest Services this!
Lightning Lane Priorities
Lightning Lane popularity can change week to week, or Disney changes the Genie+ attraction list overnight. Check my list of Lightning Lane priorities one more time!
Your My Disney Experience should look like this:
Double checking the things in your control can give you piece of mind, and insure you won't be left at the gate (literally) when you arrive.
01.
Confirm the Details
If you can believe it, there's still a few more things to add. All of these are optional, so don't fret. If you're interested in any of these, now is the time to add them!
02.
Add More Magic
Add Disability Access Service, if eligible
ADD MEMORY MAKER
This is intended for guests who have a developmental disability "like autism or similar". Learn more about DAS here.
Starting 30 days before your trip, you can pre-register for DAS Advance using a live video chat with a Cast Member. Then once you've entered the park, you can request your first return time.
This is completely optional. Memory Maker gives you unlimited downloads of your PhotoPass photos + videos. I personally think it's 100% worth it. Learn more about it here.
ORDER MAGICBAND(s)
A MagicBand is an optional wristband that connected to your MDE account. That means you can use it to open your resort room, scan into the parks and Lightning Lanes, or charge purchases (like food.) If you're a resort guest, pre-order here and log in.
04. USING A TRAVEL AGENT?
- a MagicBand or MagicBand+
- using MagicMobile on your phone
- a Key to the World card
We prefer using a MagicBands for everyone so we can scan in faster and don't depend on using our phones so much!
Do I need a MagicBand?
There are two areas of requests we want to be aware of: room requests and any amenities (think Pack n Play, crib, microwave...) so we're all set when we arrive to our resort.
03.
First, room requests. I'm not talking about getting an upgrade for something you didn't pay for - but there are "better" rooms within your room type. For example, a priority for me is having a quiet room that's not too far from the elevator.
You can put in a *bit* of a room request during your online check-in, but the options are pretty limited.
The best way to go about this is to call 7-10 days before your check in and speak to someone directly by calling (407) 939-1936.
Here are some options to consider when requesting a certain room:
Being close to the elevator
Having a more quiet room
A room closer to the pool
The ground floor, highest floor, etc.
Near transportation (bus stop)
WDW RESORT RESERVATIONS:
(407) 939-1936
Next up, amenities. You can request the following - there's no guarantee of availability - but you'll most likely get what you ask for!
Pack n' Play
Rolling Crib
Microwave
Bed-rails
Highchair
Make Your Requests
- The park hours, what time you want to leave, and how you're going to get there. Note if you're going to be using Early Entry (30 minutes before park opening) and/or Genie+
- Your meals and dining reservations.
- Priorities for Lightning Lanes; a game-plan for what you want to book at 7am using Genie+ or purchase Individual Lightning Lanes.
- Write down the LLs you'd like to get once you're eligible to make another.
- At least 3 must-do attractions
- Up to 2 experiences
- Anything else you'd like to do if you have time, along with anything you don't want to forget like sunscreen, umbrellas, etc.
Craft Your Park Days
04.
Watch me craft a morning in Magic Kingdom
PRINTABLE PLANNER
DOWNLOAD .XLSX
Craft Your Park Day
Check the weather forecast
Seems obvious, but Orlando (which is usually predictably tropical and rainy) can get in some mood swings. Check the forecast to make sure you have enough rain options, or warmer clothing. I love using the Carrot app - it seems to be the most accurate!
Order groceries/ship ahead
I ALWAYS order groceries to my resort room. Think: diapers, milk, juice, water bottles, snacks, anything! I use Whole Foods, but there's also Instacart. Address any deliveries to "GUEST - (YOUR NAME)" and then the address that's on your resort reservation so you know it's super accurate!
Woot woot! Your vacation is almost here! I've thought of aaaall the things to tackle - if you need to - before your trip.
05.
The Final Week
A tip from Dana...
I'll never stop ordering groceries to our resort room. I prefer using Instacart, but a lot of my friends love the local spot, Garden Grocer.
Make sure it's addressed to GUEST - (name on your reservation) and use the resort address listed in your MDE's reservation.
I order diapers, sunscreen, apple juice, whole milk, seltzer, pretzels, cheese sticks, raw cashews, blueberries - it's amazing!
Checklist
CHAPTER 5
CONFIRM YOUR DETAILS
MAGICBANDS?
CHECK WEATHER + PACK!
Start ONLINE CHECK-IN
yes
no
YOU'VE COMPLETED THE GUIDE! AH!
CLICK HERE: YOU DID IT!
SIGN UP FOR DAS, IF ELIGIBLE
