DIY Disney World Florida Checklist

If you’re wanting to do Disney World by yourself then please use this as your checklist of things that will need to be booked.

• Apply for passports/check passports are valid for the date of your holiday.
• Book accommodation, tickets and dining.
• Book flights and transfers / car parking (you can arrange a shuttle bus via Mears Connect if arriving at Orlando International airport to all Disney Resorts).
• Complete ESTA’s for everyone going (as soon as possible, ESTA’s are valid for 2 years but if you are rejected for an ESTA or not authorised to apply for one then a Visa approval can take 6 months and must be done in person at the US embassy). If passports have been renewed since applying for youe ESTA then you will need to apply for a new ESTA also.
• Complete Additional Passenger Information (API) for your flight.
• Reserve seats on your flight in advance if you want to sit together or have a preferred location on the plane. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic allow you to do this for free 24 hours before your flight and will endeavour to make sure children are sitting with an adult from the same booking but this could be across an aisle or a row in front or behind and doesn’t necessarily mean they will be sat next to you.
• Book Advance Dining Reservations (ADR’s) 180 days in advance. If staying onsite then you can reserve for up to 14 days from 180 days out. If staying offsite or staying onsite for more than 14 days you’ll need to log in or successive days to book restaurants on Disney property for the duration of your stay.
• If using, booking your Disney World Lightening Lanes 7 days in advance (for onsite guests) or 3 days in advance (for odd-site guests).
• Link your tickets to your booking via the My Disney Experience app. You can use the tickets on your app to access the parks and if staying onsite you can use the app to access your room without needing to go to Guest Services for a key card. Any Magic Bands linked to your account will also act as your ticket and room key.