Florida Holiday Checklist

499 days to go

• If you are super-organised and have a future Florida trip in mind, you are now able to reserve rooms at the Walt Disney World Resort hotels!

2 years to go

• Planning to travel at a busy time like the school holidays? Private villas can be so popular that you’ll need to book this far in advance, so it’s a good idea to start contacting villa owners for quotes.

18 months to go

• Fly-drive packages are now available to book with some operators.

1 YEAR to go

• Book your package holiday, hotel or private villa
• Hiring a car? Bookings can be made from now
• Planning to stay at Walt Disney World Resort or Universal Orlando Resort? Book your accommodation now!
• Airport parking can be booked at most airports
• Need an airport hotel room the night before you fly to Florida? Reservations can be made from now.

330 days to go

• Going to Disney World? Set up a My Disney Experience account and link your resort details (always an exciting moment!)

11 months to go

• Book charter flights and reserve your seats

6 months to go

• Make sure your passport has at least 6 months left. If not, apply for a new one now!
• Apply for your ESTA – the Electronic System for Travel Authorization which you must complete before travelling to the USA
• Not a British Citizen? You might need a Visa from the American Embassy. This can take a long time so get it done ASAP
• Arrange a pet-sitter, especially if you’re going away in busy season.
• Think about starting to buy your dollars! It’s nice to spread the cost by getting some each week or receiving them for birthdays, Valentines, Mother’s Day etc.
• Start thinking about what clothes you’re going to pack, so you have time to buy anything extra
• Book Disney World Advanced Dining Reservations, especially if you’re travelling peak season (available to book 180 days in advance). Staying in a Disney World hotel? You can book dining for the rst 10 days of your holiday at the 180-day window.
• Book Disney experiences like Bibbiddi Bobbiddi Boutique (available to book 180 days in advance)

3 months to go

• Book Disney tickets and link them in My Disney Experience so you can book your FastPasses well in advance!

2 months to go

• Make Disney FastPass+ reservations if you’re staying at a Disney World Hotel (available to book 60 days in advance)

1 month to go

• Buy sun cream and any other toiletries
• Make sure you have a few US plug adaptors
• Last chance to customise your Disney Magic Band!
• Make Disney FastPass+ reservations if you’re not staying at a Disney World hotel (available to book 30 days in advance)
• Get the suitcases down from the loft
• Start washing and packing clothes
• Check any medication is all sealed and in-date, apply for any repeat prescriptions and/or GP medical notes
• Make sure you have travel insurance, and remember to inform them of any medical conditions
• Let your credit card company know if you’ll be using your card in the US.

2 weeks to go

• Double-check & print/photocopy all reservations, tickets and confirmations.
• Move any important emails into a “Holiday” folder in your email and phone
• Screen shot any My Disney Experience important dates and numbers.
• Cancel any newspapers, milk, window cleaners etc.

5 days to go

• Make sure your packing is almost finished!
• Book your taxi to the airport (and don’t forget the return journey!)

3 days to go

• Make sure your travelling outfit is ready
• Sign up for as many discount vouchers for shopping and restaurants as you can

24 hours to go

• Online check-in with some car hire and airlines
• Make sure you have all your travel documents to hand
• Finish packing your suitcase and hand luggage
• Make sure you’ve packed your passport and toothbrush!
• Ensure all electricals are charged and cables/ plugs are packed
• Set your alarm and get a good night’s sleep!