DIY DREAM
THE ULTIMATE DIY DISNEY VACATION PLANNING COURSE
Chapter 4:
REFINE YOUR PLANS
LIGHTNING LANES
Mastering Lightning Lines is perhaps one of the most complicated parts of planning your Disney World vacation. No need to fear... I have created the ultimate Lightning Lane guide that will basically give you a PHD in Disney World Lightning Lanes ⚡️
Here's the gist...
⚡️ Lightning Lanes are the new "skip the line" program at Disney World.
⚡️ You can purchase SinglePass, MultiPass, and/or PremierPass Lightning Lanes for each park day.
⚡️ I highly recommend purchasing MultiPass or PremierPass for your day a Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. Epcot and Animal Kingdom are hit and miss.
⚡️ You can purchase SinglePass, MultiPass, and/or PremierPass Lightning Lanes for each park day.
⚡️ I highly recommend purchasing MultiPass or PremierPass for your day a Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. Epcot and Animal Kingdom are hit and miss.
Take me to the Lightning Lanes Guide!
MAKE YOUR PRIORITIES
I hate to break it to ya...but it is nearly impossible to do EVERYTHING Disney World has to offer while you're there. Instead, you will need to prioritize some things to make the most of your vacation
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ATTRACTIONS & LIGHTNING LANES
You're going to want to prioritize 3-4 Lightning Lanes (1 SP and 3 MP or 4 PP) and about 1-3 additional attractions for each park day. We will build your day off of these priorities.
Example:
- SPLL: Tron Lightcycle/Run
- MPLL 1: Jungle Cruise
- MPLL 2: Haunted Mansion
- MPLL 3: Pirates of the Caribbean
- Other attractions: Space Mountain, it's a small world, and Tiana's Bayou Adventure
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PARADES & FIREWORKS
Decide if you want to do one of Magic Kingdom's parades (Festival of Fantasy and Starlight Nighttime Parade-Coming Soon). If so, allocate time for waiting in a spot and also watching the parade itself.
Likewise, you will want to do the same thing for any of the night time fireworks shows at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, or Hollywood Studios.
You will use these priorities to craft your park days in the final week of planning in Chapter 5.
research disability services
Disney World has some great accommodations available to guests with both physical and cognitive disabilities. Read along if you or a member of your travel party needs accommodations.
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DAS is a program offered at Disney World to accommodate guests with developmental disabilities (such as, but not limited to autism), who are not able to wait in a traditional queue. If you or a member of your travel party is approved for DAS, you will not need to purchase additional Lightning Lanes. You can read all about the program here.
DISABILITY ACCESS SERVICE (DAS)
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- You can rent a wheelchair or ECV at all 4 parks and Disney Springs, or through a third party rental company.
- Rentals are available by the day or the entire length of your stay
- Most rides, buses, monorails and boats will help with transfer seating or allow you to stay in the chair
- Transportation options (including Minnie Vans) are accessible via ramps or lifts
MOBILITY SERVICES
START PACKING
Choosing your outfits is one of my favorite parts of planning a Disney World vacation. To help with that, I've compiled a few lists for outfit planning, park bag necessities, etc!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need to plan out every ride in advance?
While I recommend having at least your lighting lanes planned and booked in advance, you can go with the flow the rest of your park day.
How do dining reservations fit into the day?
Book meals for off-peak times (like 10:30 AM breakfast, 2 PM lunch, or early 4:30 PM dinners). It’s easier to snag reservations and keeps you from losing prime ride time.
DO I NEED TO PRIORITIZE BOTH PARADES & FIREWORKS AT MAGIC KINGDOM?
If it’s your first visit or you’re traveling with kids, yes — both are worth prioritizing, but you don’t need to spend hours saving a spot for each.
What are the best shoes to wear?
Supportive, broken-in sneakers or athletic sandals like Tevas. Rotate between two pairs if possible. Bring moleskin or blister patches—just in case.
HOW SHOULD I PACK FOR THE FL WEATHER?
Florida weather = unpredictable. Layers are key!
- Mornings can be cool, afternoons hot, humid, and often have rain
- Pack light, breathable clothes and a sweatshirt or light jacket for A/C indoors.
- Always carry a poncho just in case.
WHAT ARE THE TOP 5 PARK BAG ESSENTIALS?
- A refillable water bottle
- A portable phone charger
- Sunscreen
- A poncho
- A small fan
now you HAVE....
✓ Learned all about Disney World Lightning Lanes
✓ Made your park day priorities
✓ Researched disability accommodations
✓ Started creating a packing list
next up
CHAPTER 5: THE FINISHING TOUCHES
check it off in the planner!
