How to Plan the Perfect Girls Trip to Disney World
This past June, I got to help plan the perfect girls trip to Disney World with nine other truly amazing ladies, and we had the most magical time! Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a week-long adventure to Disney World, this guide will help you plan and execute a magical trip with ease. Grab your Mickey ears and let’s get started!
Before You Start Panning, Designate a Leader
If some of the ladies aren’t very familiar with Disney World, designate one or two people as the “leaders” of this trip. These leaders can gather input from everyone on what they want to do and where they want to eat. They can book Lightning Lanes, make dining reservations, and guide the group through the parks (show everyone where the closest bathroom is!).
Be flexible! As long as the leaders are willing to shift the plan when the group wants something different, this works out perfectly, taking so much pressure off the entire group to make decisions all throughout the day. Who needs decision fatigue at Disney?!
Our group of 10 ladies consisted of 6 moms who were happy to show up and not have to do all the planning for their own vacation!
Step 1: Choose Your Dates
Decide when you want to go. Consider everyone’s schedules and try to find a time that works for all. Keep in mind that Disney World can be crowded during holidays and school vacations, so if you prefer a quieter experience, aim for off-peak times. But also remember that if you are limited by work schedules, that’s okay too. It’s Disney World. You’re going to have an amazing vacation!
Step 2: Set a Budget
Discuss and agree on a budget that works for everyone. Include travel, resort, park tickets, Lightning Lanes, food, and any extra activities, like VIP tours or Dessert Parties. Having a clear budget will make planning smoother and avoid any surprises.
We found it easier to have one person, the “leader,” purchasing everything – Lightning Lanes, airport transportation, resort stays – and then just have everyone else Venmo that person.
Step 3: Choose Your Resort
Time to decide where you’re going to stay! For a perfect Disney girls trip, I recommend skipping Value Resorts and plan on staying at a Moderate or Deluxe Resort. If it’s an adult trip, why not go ahead and stay somewhere with a more mature and adult ambiance?
Tip: Have no more than two ladies per room. Don’t try to share queen beds—you need your space! I learned this from experience. Our first girls trip was awesome, but we had 4 ladies in one room. This last one, everyone only had one roommate, and we each got our own bed.
Step 4: Choose Your Park Tickets
Choose the type of tickets that best fit your plans. Consider how many days you want to spend in the parks, and then decide how necessary Park Hopper is for your group. Base Tickets definitely bring a simplicity to any Disney vacation. You know that today you’ll be at this specific park, and this park only.
However, if you don’t have enough days on your vacation to visit all 4 parks with a Base Ticket, or you just want the flexibility to go back to your favorite park at night and watch that nighttime show one more time, Park Hoppers are for you.
Step 5: Plan Your Itinerary
Of course you can’t make a perfect minute-by-minute plan for your days at Disney on your girls trip, or any trip really, because you won’t know how everyone’s feeling, current Lightning Lane return times, when people will begin to get hangry, etc. But I do recommend having a solid plan for each morning. Are you going to Rope Drop each park? Are you purchasing Lightning Lane Single Passes to avoid those most popular rides? Which Lightning Lane Multi Passes did you secure 7 days before your trip? When you book with us, you’ll get our Disney Guide to help you with all of these decisions.
Also, don’t forget to schedule some downtime to relax by the pool or just rest in your room. We had this scheduled for each day, although most days all the ladies pushed through at the parks. Feel free to split up and do separate things without being offended. You’ll have different interests, and that’s okay!
Step 6: Make Dining Reservations
Disney has incredible dining options, from quick-service to character dining to fine dining. Some restaurants book up quickly, so be ready to make reservations at 6:00 AM 60 days before checkin. Consider booking a character dining experience for a special treat! And even if you’ve made all the dining reservation, remember to stay flexible. On our trip, we had two character meals planned, and after the first one, we knew we didn’t want to do the other, so we just shifted our plans. It was no big deal!
Also remember that this is a great time to eat at those restaurants you normally deem too expensive for your large family. You’re only paying for one on this trip!
Last thing about dining. Consider one of the Disney Dining Plans. This will give your trip an all-inclusive feel. It also allows everyone to show up to each restaurant not worrying about the cost of their meal. They can just show up, eat and enjoy their friends!
Step 7: Pack Smart
Pack comfortable clothing and shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, hats, and reusable water bottles. Matching t-shirts or themed outfits can add an extra layer of fun to your trip!
Want to see some of my park essentials and favorite packing hacks? Check out my Amazon Storefront.
Step 9: Enjoy the Magic and Be Willing to Separate
Once you arrive, take a deep breath, soak in the magic, and enjoy this Disney World Girls Trip you worked so hard to plan. Start each day with a plan, but be flexible. Make sure everyone has complete freedom to separate from the group to do what they want to do. There’s no way you will be able to do everything at the parks, so it’s vital you’re willing to joyfully part ways when needed.
Step 10: Capture the Memories
Consider getting the Disney’s Memory Maker to capture photos of the entire group throughout the parks. Remember, only one person needs to purchase Memory Maker. That person can simply download all of the photos from the app and send them out to the group or put them in a shared album on the phone.
Celebrating a Special Occassion?
Whether it’s a birthday or bachelorette weekend, be sure to let Disney know! Swing by your resort lobby or Guest Relations at any park, and let them know what you’re celebrating. You’ll receive a celebration button that you should wear your entire trip. Don’t expect anything from it, but you never know if a cast member will sprinkle a little pixie dust on you or the group. 😉
Extra Magic: Treat Yourself
This is a great time to try those hotels, Lightning Lanes, and dining reservations that felt too pricey for your family of five because now you’re only paying for one person! Indulge in the experiences you’ve always wanted to try.
One more pro tip: everyone share your location in Find My Friends. This will save you so much angst and phone calls!
If you’re ready to plan your perfect girls’ trip to Disney World, we’d love to help you! From deciding your resort, your dining reservations and whether or not you want Lightning Lane Passes, you’ll want a Disney expert in your corner. We love every part of the planning process, and our services are free! Just fill out our quote request and we’ll get back to you!
Happy planning!