Help! - Am I nuts or smart to plan this early?

[MagicMomzy]

I'm super excited because my first ever Walt Disney World trip is in  

I've been a fan all 50 years of my life and an AP/Magic Key holder for DLR most of that but have never made it to the World yet.

I am excited beyond belief and can not stop thinking about our trip.
I want to educate myself and do a fair amount of planning before hand but still leave enough details hidden to be (hopefully) awe'd when we actually experience it.
I've been lurking on the DLR side of the boards for over a year and just started reading the WDW side a couple of weeks ago. Now, I can't stop!

Am I nuts for being so excited that I'm already dreaming that I'm at WDW and for trying to learn about all the best attractions and restaurants when my trip is still a whole Nine Months Away?

The main details have already been decided by the two families we got invited to tag along with; we're a group of 11, going Easter week (3/27 to 4/5), with four-day tickets, and staying off-site at our timeshare (Worldmark Reunion Resort). The rest is TBD.

If I'm not nuts, pretty please help me plan -

1) What are the best resources for a quick study of all the parks so my family of four can choose our must-dos?
Are there any YouTube channels you recommend for strategizing and general run-downs of what's what where? (FYI - we are intentionally avoiding or skipping through any POVs to avoid spoilers).
I feel like without this basic understanding, we can't plan effectively.

2) We're on a budget and will (hopefully) only eat at maybe two table service restaurants the entire time. We are super used to eating a pre-packed breakfast while waiting for the rope to drop at DLR, having granola bars, ham sandwiches, and string cheese for a lunch in the lines, then splitting a meal or two before the dinner rush, and splurging on an evening treat.
What are the two (or three) must-do table service restaurants in the World resort?
I want to know what (non-seafood) spots we should not miss for those couple of days when we want to take our time and enjoy a good meal and a unique experience.

3)What do you all think about taking a red-eye from LAX and going straight into one of the Uni parks for at least half of that first day?
The other two families aren't planning any Uni days and this is basically a once-in-a-lifetime trip for us so I really, really do not want to skip the chance to check them out. I'm okay with spending money for the tickets and not staying the entire day(s) so long as we hit the major attractions.
We do have a couple of rest/resort days planned during the week so was hoping to sneak any Uni days at the beginning and/or end. (Thinking we're really gonna need those rest days)
Or... is a red-eye into a park too hard and we should instead shoot for a rope drop and 3/4 Uni day on the day we depart home?

TIA for any suggestions, tips, and ideas.
I will be reading the TR threads and will probably write one up for our trip, especially once we have things more solidified.

Please be honest. I will be okay if you all say I'm nuts. Thx.

 

[meggo819]

My next trip has a similar countdown and I’m already thinking about it too!

If you have anyone who has any particular ride-type aversions, I like this type of video to get an overview of what’s there, but without too many spoilers.



We don’t do many table service meals either, and there are so many options, so that’s a tough question. But we enjoyed Via Napoli in Epcot and Yak & Yeti in Animal Kingdom last year.

 

[JIMINYCR]

It's NEVER too early to plan. There are so many details to consider in a WDW trip and to arrange to make your trip one you will enjoy. Even as you get towards the day of leaving you may want to adjust last minute things or change things up to tweak your plans. I'm constantly checking and rechecking my plans so when I leave I am certain of exactly what I want. The better you plan and make decisions the better trip you will get.
Especially with the large group of people going you should let everyone know what's expected for everyone, how you will go through your days, whether you will stay together the entire time or split apart at times. Trying to coordinate a large group will take some doing so everyone can have a trip they will enjoy and do what is special for each person. Don't go crazy trying to please everyone and then you don't get to enjoy what you want. Just deciding when you will get up or how long you will stay in a park can differ for each person. Everyones style of vacationing may differ.
Be sure to plan out your budget well and I always add a bit more in just in case I want to splurge on something or have emergency spending pop up. It's very easy to over spend at Disney so be careful with the credit cards.
Id suggest getting the WDW Unofficial guide book which is going to give you lots of info and it's easy to pour through to help with details and plans. There are numerous Disney fan sites besides this one that can give you assistance. You tube has plenty of videos made by vloggers/ bloggers who give planning advice. Theres no shortage of people giving out their advice and tips.
Restaurants are difficult to nail down because everyone's tastes differ. Go on the menu sites and check out what each spot serves on their menus and you can find past reviews. I personally enjoy Yak & Yeti in AK, La Hacienda in EP and Chefs de France also in EP. The menu sites will include the cost of meals which will help with your budgeting.
I wouldn't try going directly from a flight to Uni. You're going to be tired, you will have a very short window of time to enjoy the park, and the value of your ticket will not be worth it for the time you have. Lines will be long and that will diminish what you will be able to do. Planning a day to go would be much better for you.

 

[Stupido]

Are you going with small kids? I have an incredibly thorough Google Spreadsheet with every attraction, height requirements, every restaurant with menus linked and my own notes about standout snacks (quick service and table service). If you're a spreadsheet kind of person I'd be happy to share it with you!

 

[MagicMomzy]

Are you going with small kids? I have an incredibly thorough Google Spreadsheet with every attraction, height requirements, every restaurant with menus linked and my own notes about standout snacks (quick service and table service). If you're a spreadsheet kind of person I'd be happy to share it with you!

Yes, I have a six year old DD who measures herself weekly to see if she's tall enough yet for Indie at DLR and I am totally a spreadsheet person. I would love to check that out!

 

[MagicMomzy]

It's NEVER too early to plan. There are so many details to consider in a WDW trip and to arrange to make your trip one you will enjoy. Even as you get towards the day of leaving you may want to adjust last minute things or change things up to tweak your plans. I'm constantly checking and rechecking my plans so when I leave I am certain of exactly what I want. The better you plan and make decisions the better trip you will get.
Especially with the large group of people going you should let everyone know what's expected for everyone, how you will go through your days, whether you will stay together the entire time or split apart at times. Trying to coordinate a large group will take some doing so everyone can have a trip they will enjoy and do what is special for each person. Don't go crazy trying to please everyone and then you don't get to enjoy what you want. Just deciding when you will get up or how long you will stay in a park can differ for each person. Everyones style of vacationing may differ.
Be sure to plan out your budget well and I always add a bit more in just in case I want to splurge on something or have emergency spending pop up. It's very easy to over spend at Disney so be careful with the credit cards.
Id suggest getting the WDW Unofficial guide book which is going to give you lots of info and it's easy to pour through to help with details and plans. There are numerous Disney fan sites besides this one that can give you assistance. You tube has plenty of videos made by vloggers/ bloggers who give planning advice. Theres no shortage of people giving out their advice and tips.
Restaurants are difficult to nail down because everyone's tastes differ. Go on the menu sites and check out what each spot serves on their menus and you can find past reviews. I personally enjoy Yak & Yeti in AK, La Hacienda in EP and Chefs de France also in EP. The menu sites will include the cost of meals which will help with your budgeting.
I wouldn't try going directly from a flight to Uni. You're going to be tired, you will have a very short window of time to enjoy the park, and the value of your ticket will not be worth it for the time you have. Lines will be long and that will diminish what you will be able to do. Planning a day to go would be much better for you.

Thanks for all of these helpful suggestions!

I'm already a little nuts so I don't want to go crazy too by trying to coordinate something for everyone.
Actually, I'm assuming each family will be on their own but in the same park and meeting once or more a day to ride an attraction, eat, or see a show together. Pretty sure none of us want to walk the parks in a group that size but you make a good point about making sure each person is on the same page. So, we will definitely have that conversation at the next opportunity. Besides, both families have been to WDW at least once so there are definitely things they have seen/rode before and may want to skip. We'll be open to taking their lead and following their recommendations but retain the independence to do what we want.
Checking the menus and guestimating how much we'd spend on meals will surely help us nail down our budget (and choose where to eat). And while we have spent countless days over the decades going into Disneyland or DCA and not spent a single dollar in the parks because we're frugal locals, I understand this is way different. I can see myself justifying a merch purchase I would never consider at home because I might never make it back to WDW. Will set a budget for souvenirs/spending in the parks and stick to it.

I've seen several mentions of that WDW Unofficial Guide and will search for a bargain on it. I love books and will utilize it for sure. (If anyone knows where to get one at a discount, please share where)

The fan sites and videos should also be helpful. I'm just not interested in paying for help to plan my day, especially if it's down to the minute. I think some of details are park science that can be used in our planning, like how long it takes to walk from one attraction to another, for example. I haven't started much video watching yet, but will check out the channel @meggo819 shared and see if anyone else here suggests others.

Yeah, I've been rethinking that red-eye straight into a park idea... I'd be yawning and cranky and just want to lay down and take a nap. We still may take that overnight flight but probably only if it's a significant cost savings and if so, will get groceries and just chill that day.

And I agree the better we plan the better we are equipped to make those decisions so that the trip is enjoyable.
Thanks again!

 

[Stupido]

Yes, I have a six year old DD who measures herself weekly to see if she's tall enough yet for Indie at DLR and I am totally a spreadsheet person. I would love to check that out!

Here you go! You can request access or make a copy for yourself.

 

[JIMINYCR]

Thanks for all of these helpful suggestions!

I'm already a little nuts so I don't want to go crazy too by trying to coordinate something for everyone.
Actually, I'm assuming each family will be on their own but in the same park and meeting once or more a day to ride an attraction, eat, or see a show together. Pretty sure none of us want to walk the parks in a group that size but you make a good point about making sure each person is on the same page. So, we will definitely have that conversation at the next opportunity. Besides, both families have been to WDW at least once so there are definitely things they have seen/rode before and may want to skip. We'll be open to taking their lead and following their recommendations but retain the independence to do what we want.
Checking the menus and guestimating how much we'd spend on meals will surely help us nail down our budget (and choose where to eat). And while we have spent countless days over the decades going into Disneyland or DCA and not spent a single dollar in the parks because we're frugal locals, I understand this is way different. I can see myself justifying a merch purchase I would never consider at home because I might never make it back to WDW. Will set a budget for souvenirs/spending in the parks and stick to it.

I've seen several mentions of that WDW Unofficial Guide and will search for a bargain on it. I love books and will utilize it for sure. (If anyone knows where to get one at a discount, please share where)

The fan sites and videos should also be helpful. I'm just not interested in paying for help to plan my day, especially if it's down to the minute. I think some of details are park science that can be used in our planning, like how long it takes to walk from one attraction to another, for example. I haven't started much video watching yet, but will check out the channel @meggo819 shared and see if anyone else here suggests others.

Yeah, I've been rethinking that red-eye straight into a park idea... I'd be yawning and cranky and just want to lay down and take a nap. We still may take that overnight flight but probably only if it's a significant cost savings and if so, will get groceries and just chill that day.

And I agree the better we plan the better we are equipped to make those decisions so that the trip is enjoyable.
Thanks again!

At the back of the guide book there are pages that lay out several park plans of how to progress through the parks listing the rides in a specific order which is time saving.

 

[experiment624]

How exciting! You're on the right track, taking the time to figure things out ahead versus feeling lost when you arrive and then thinking you missed something or wasted time once you've returned home.

Just a couple personal thoughts on the Uni idea: First, the time change, that will impact as much as the red eye, and then FL weather, it's a whole different caboodle, even during the "spring" (Florida only has summer and less-summer seasons). The heat and humidity suck energy right out of a person, and Uni is very poor for creating shade, cooling, or resting space (One reason why Disney is superior to Uni, Disney creates shade and rest stops with its architecture, landscaping, etc.) It may affect the entire rest of the week. Second, which Uni park do you plan to visit, there are three to choose from, and they vary in pricing and things to do for different ages and body sizes. Factors for determining if you feel like you got your $ worth at the end of the day.

May I suggest a waterpark for your first day instead? I believe your timeshare resort has one (if not, then I can truly recommend a Disney Waterpark). It will be relaxing and allow everyone to rest up for the week. One of the biggest regrets I hear from people is that they tried to do too much, especially in the beginning because they were too worn to enjoy the rest of the trip. This way you can still do the red eye flight to maximize your time, take advantage of the resort amenity and then use one of your rest days to do Uni if you want. The pro is that you wont have the same time crunch in the Uni park and feel like you got to do what you want in the park. I do believe rest days are important, but if you're going to include a Uni day, I suggest you don't pack it in straight from a red eye.

I'm looking forward to seeing how plans shape up.

 

[mysto]

2) We're on a budget and will (hopefully) only eat at maybe two table service restaurants the entire time.

After all the time and expense of getting yourself there please don't penny pinch yourself out of any of the things you want to do while you're there. In particular the meals are sometimes great, especially in the better themed restaurants (I don't like posh/expensive, I like themed). It can vary day to day so I can't pick for you, can't promise you it's "worth it", but may be penny wise is pound foolish.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

A couple youtubers we like to watch are Paging Mr. Morrow and Wright Down Main Street. Nate's, Paging Mr. Morrow, videos show his experiences in parks/restaurants and but are often highlights not full POV's of rides. Wright Down Main Street focuses on food experiences. Both of these youtubers are friends of each other and will often be in each others' videos.

 

[Tigger&Pooh]

Just to be realistic -- you will be there during one of the busiest, most crowded times. You can't do everything in a 4-day visit anyway, but even less when it's super crowded with long queues, etc. You may want to rethink the budget and plan for LLMP at least a couple of days. A table service meal mid-day can be a lifesaver as an escape from the heat/humidity and crowds to re-charge for the rest of the day. Also, lunch is usually less expensive than dinner.

 

[zurgandfriend]

I just wanted to agree that it is never too soon to start planning for a WDW vacation.

I made a reservation in November 2025 for a trip in October 2026, and I am just counting the days.

I also want to say that I have been to WDW many times and aside from counting the days.

I have a spreadsheet of everything I will pack, clothes, toiletries and medications.

I have a list of restaurants we want to visit in categories.

A= must visit if at all possible – 3 restaurants.

B= nice to try or retry – 11 restaurants.

C=just in case something is fully booked – 10 restaurants.

DS handles the reservations and will make them as soon as we hit the 60 day mark.

I have the phone numbers for airport transportation for both airports and will make reservations around the 30 day mark.

I have a schedule of lightning lane reservations and when to make them.

I will pack a week before we leave.

DS will pack around 9pm the night before we leave and will ask for help deciding what to bring so I have a list of things he should bring.

My DW would say that the invasion of Normandy had less planning than I do for a trip to Disney.

I hope you have a wonderful trip.

 

[MagicMomzy]

Just to be realistic -- you will be there during one of the busiest, most crowded times. You can't do everything in a 4-day visit anyway, but even less when it's super crowded with long queues, etc. You may want to rethink the budget and plan for LLMP at least a couple of days.

I appreciate this important reminder because the amount of people in the parks will greatly impact the planning for sure. I also think it's good my family is going in with the full understanding that we are NOT going to do everything and there will be lots that we either intentionally skip or just miss because there is so much to do and see.
I am expecting that we will get LLMP for at least the MK day and maybe the HS day. I can't stand long queues and want to maximize our time getting on the attractions we choose.
Tough break for us about the timing.

After all the time and expense of getting yourself there please don't penny pinch yourself out of any of the things you want to do while you're there

Good advice. It's not very often that I regret the decisions I make, especially since I strive to give them all careful consideration, but when I'm there and in the moment I will try to remember what you said here. Early last year, I passed on buying a coffee tumbler at DLR that I really liked. Now, I'm still kicking myself for not spending the money when I could have because it's no longer available.
As for our WDW trip budget, I'm still totally figuring that out lol. We really had zero plans to visit Orlando, only vague wishes until a couple of months ago. Most of this year, I've actually been focused on planning and budgeting an 11-day mid-August road trip for 11 of us including three littles and a baby! I also have a girls week in Cabo this October I've been doing some research on too.
Now, I'm wondering how others end up arriving at their trip budget?...do they just pick a number they think they can afford and then see what they can get for that amount or do families look at what they want to do, see how much that would cost, and try to make that happen (or trim off some fat so it works)?
We're leaning towards the latter strategy.
And, we're aiming for a number/plan that includes both the essentials and the optional extras we want while motivating us to work harder on earning and saving until then.
As of now, I have  
**I tried to insert my countdown and am unsure if it worked but as of 7/9/26 I have 260 days to go!**

A couple youtubers we like to watch are Paging Mr. Morrow and Wright Down Main Street. Nate's, Paging Mr. Morrow, videos show his experiences in parks/restaurants and but are often highlights not full POV's of rides. Wright Down Main Street focuses on food experiences. Both of these youtubers are friends of each other and will often be in each others' videos.

These are very helpful, specific suggestions. Thank you.
I have been a little reluctant to watch videos because of spoilers but these I will def check out. My DS and I have been watching some DLR youtubers together for a couple of years and we are looking forward to finding some good WDW channels to binge on.

My DW would say that the invasion of Normandy had less planning than I do for a trip to Disney.

That's funny to me.
My DH shakes his head now and says I'm a little nuts for doing so much research but I'm pretty sure he will be grateful in the long run.

I have a spreadsheet of everything I will pack, clothes, toiletries and medications.

I have a list of restaurants we want to visit in categories.

I love spreadsheets and lists! I think they are absolutely essential tools for planning a trip like this.
We have already started customizing an awesome Google sheet that @Stupido shared with me. It has the restaurants in it and we can add the categories you suggested as I think it will be helpful.
I use lists when packing for pretty much any trip but they are often with paper and pencil because I'm old and am used to doing it that way. I will try to incorporate my lists into this workbook that's emerging though. This way everything will be in one place and easily accessible.

FL weather, it's a whole different caboodle, even during the "spring" (Florida only has summer and less-summer seasons). The heat and humidity suck energy right out of a person

I've only been to Florida once. It was in July '00. Our connecting flight from the Bahamas was delayed and we got put up in a mo-mo by the airlines. I recall being disgusted and it wasn't just from the mirror on the ceiling in our motel room lol. That humidity was hard to deal with and we were only there from early evening till the next morning.
So, we're shooting for mid-day breaks, leisurely lunches, and lightweight clothing in layers for our Spring trip.

Thanks again for all of the help thus far. I'll be back with more questions, I'm sure.

 

[experiment624]

**I tried to insert my countdown and am unsure if it worked but as of 7/9/26 I have 260 days to go!**

It's working! Nice job

 

[Tigger&Pooh]

Now, I'm wondering how others end up arriving at their trip budget?...do they just pick a number they think they can afford and then see what they can get for that amount or do families look at what they want to do, see how much that would cost, and try to make that happen (or trim off some fat so it works)?
We're leaning towards the latter strategy.

When long-range planning for a future trip, especially if it's a new vacation destination for us or one not visited for a few years, I'll start with the 2nd strategy to get a ballpark cost. Then when I have an actual trip planned and I'm working on more specifics, there is usually a set budget of $X and I see what fits. If there are too many things we want to do that weren't initially considered, I may see if I've got some wiggle room to modify (less expensive hotel, adjust some meals/restaurants, rental car, etc.). If I can't modify within the budget, then I have to take a hard look at whether we can adjust expectations or would I be better pushing off for a few months/year to save more. So maybe a little of both but there is usually a max limit.

 

[mysto]

Now, I'm wondering how others end up arriving at their trip budget?...do they just pick a number they think they can afford and then see what they

I love spreadsheets and lists!

It sounds like your pre-trip budgeting is very similar to mine, room/travel/tickets are known in advance and you can adjust in various ways. I defitely do not target a number, I try to decide if my count is OK. During the trip, with a large group, you're probably going to want some kind of spending plan and fairness rules for kids. I go with a small group so it's very different, I just pick a few sit-downs and otherwise spend is unplanned. When it comes to the sit-downs I always fit in a couple that I really want to try or can't miss. If I can't do the things I want to I may wait on the trip, or I "should" wait haha.

 

[JIMINYCR]

Now, I'm wondering how others end up arriving at their trip budget?...do they just pick a number they think they can afford and then see what they can get for that amount or do families look at what they want to do, see how much that would cost, and try to make that happen (or trim off some fat so it works)?

Everyone is different in how they manage their money and how they plan on disposing of it.
Over the years we saved long ahead of our trip time until we felt there was enough for what we wanted to do. We know what resort we want to stay at and for how long and the travel expenses to get us there and back. Those expenses are known amounts to plan for. We budget slightly more in just for emergencies. We never plan a trip unless we have the money to pay for it and never go into debt for a trip.
Meals are calculated fairly accurately by adding up menu costs found online. For day to day in park expenditures, we usually use cash and rarely use credit because it's easier to lose track of your spending if you don't see the money leaving the wallet. We never spend more on a trip that we can't afford. We add any tours or special events in that we might want to do as a special extra to the trip which are known amounts.
Over the years we've managed to get by on having about $100 / day for snacks and souvenirs that we use in the parks. Whatever isn't spent gets added into the next days $100. I never come home without having money left over.

 

[BraveGirl]

I could list a bunch of tips but really none will be as helpful as watching Mammoth Club videos on youtube. Molly and Allan are the experts and are so good at breaking everything down and explaining it all. Make sure you watch their videos on the current lightening lane system (which, who knows, may change again before you go so make sure you watch closer to your trip). It's very different from DLR.