You wait all those weeks until your vacation is right around the corner! It's hard when you're excited! But there are things you can do to get prepared.
Your Magical Express Package Is Coming!
If you are flying to Orlando, this will apply to you. About 2-3 weeks before your departure, you'll get a package mailed to you from Disney World. This is your Magical Express Package. It includes a booklet with detailed instructions of what you need to do and where you need to go when you arrive at the Orlando airport. It also includes your important Magical Express vouchers that will allow you to get on the shuttle to your resort. DO NOT FORGET THIS PACKAGE AT HOME! You'll need it.It also includes your yellow sticky Magical Express luggage tags. These will go on any suitcases that you are checking at the airport. These stickers will indicate that your suitcases are to be delivered to your specific room -- they are customized just for you with a bar code so the Disney baggage people deliver it to the right place.
What if my flight number or flight time changes? Call Magical Express. They'll need to know that your flight information has changed, and they'll fix things on their end accordingly. The number to call is 1-866-599-0951.
What if my Magical Express package doesn't arrive in time? On occasion, people have reported that they never received their package in the mail. If this happens to you, don't worry. All you need to do is call Magical Express directly at: 1-866-599-0951 and they will handle it. Either they will rush you another package, or they'll instruct you with what to do when you arrive in Orlando.
Your Vacation Package Is Coming Too!
If you booked a Magic Your Way vacation package (not just a room-only reservation) this will apply to you. About 2-3 weeks before your departure, you'll get a package mailed to you from Disney, that is completely separate from the Magical Express Package. Instead, this package will include a detailed Guest Itinerary of what you've booked, as well as any complimentary coupons/vouchers for things like resort arcades, spa treatments, merchandise discounts, etc. Often, they throw in some complimentary souvenir luggage tags as well! What if my Vacation Package doesn't arrive in time? Again, this is rare, but does happen on occasion. Don't worry. This package isn't crucial to your vacation -- it just means you won't have those complimentary coupons or souvenir luggage tags to use on your trip. As long as you have a copy of all your confirmation numbers, etc. then you'll be fine on your trip. But if you desperately want the package, give Disney's Central Reservations a call and they can rush you another package. 1-407-W-DISNEY.
Park Hours & Refurbishments:
Now is a great time to look ahead at what you'll be doing during your fun all around Disney World! You might be curious as to what days have Extra Magic Hours or what the parks' regular operating hours are throughout your vacation (as park times change week to week). You might also be interested in knowing what attractions will unfortunately be closed during your vacation due to refurbishments and rehabs. Disney changes and updates this information regularly, so it's best to check directly with Disney if you're curious about park hours & refurbishments.
For Park Hours & Extra Magic Hour Information: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/calendars/
At the bottom of each section, you will see any scheduled attraction refurbishments that will be happening during your vacation.
What Should I Pack?
There are nice clean laundry facilities at all Disney resorts, so you don't have to worry about packing everything in your closet. But the weather is often what will determine what you want to include in your suitcase. Florida is known for being a warm place, and when it's hot, it's REALLY HOT! The humidity is crazy! But then at other times of the year, it can still get pretty cold and you might even consider a winter coat with gloves! So it depends on when you're travelling, and you'll definitely want to check the actual forecast right before your trip just to be sure. But for a rough idea of what the weather is like, you can check out the average temperatures of Disney World by visiting Intercot's Historical Temperatures & Precipitation page. Also, be sure to check out my "Frequently Asked Questions" page for a list of what you can & can't bring into the parks with you.
There are nice clean laundry facilities at all Disney resorts, so you don't have to worry about packing everything in your closet. But the weather is often what will determine what you want to include in your suitcase. Florida is known for being a warm place, and when it's hot, it's REALLY HOT! The humidity is crazy! But then at other times of the year, it can still get pretty cold and you might even consider a winter coat with gloves! So it depends on when you're travelling, and you'll definitely want to check the actual forecast right before your trip just to be sure. But for a rough idea of what the weather is like, you can check out the average temperatures of Disney World by visiting Intercot's Historical Temperatures & Precipitation page. Also, be sure to check out my "Frequently Asked Questions" page for a list of what you can & can't bring into the parks with you.
For some great tips & more, check out the FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS page!
And if you're travelling with children, you'll want to see the TIPS PAGE for some great info!