What else do I need to do before trip?

[Motsy]

Hi everyone! My family of 6 is leaving for Art of Animation on January 23rd until January 31st. This is the first time we've stayed at a Disney resort as a family (I'm the only one to have ever stayed at Disney, and it's been years) so I'm trying to learn what all I need to do to plan ahead. So far I've planned which park we're going to go to each day based on Easy WDW's crowd calendar, made dining reservations, made FP+ reservations, and today I customized our MagicBands. Is there anything else I should do or plan to do? TIA!

 

[DVCkidsMOM]

I make a chart of park times that includes our ADR and FP+ times on it so as the excitement grows and as my packing panic grows, I can remember what we are doing. And to diminish the packing panic when a family is involved, I start setting some things aside now. Things we've had to face when packing last minute: oops, X outgrew his/her bathing suit and Target doesn't have any to just pick up a couple days before a trip; we don't have enough sunscreen and, again, Target doesn't have a selection this time of year; Y hasn't seen his/her sunglasses in months; no one has seen the family's camera since the last recital... You get the idea

 

[dzneelvr]

Get your Disney Rewards Card loaded (if you use Disney VISA)
Secure your transportation to/from resort
Remember to check the weather forecast at 10 days out--critical in packing
Remember to take a hard copy of your DME itinerary and all ADR & resort confirmation numbers
Check these boards DAILY about 7 days prior to your trip to double-check the times of events and special guest appearances
Enjoy!

 

[InstituteMan]

Like DVCkidsMOM above, we have always had a "Disney box" where we collect the things we will need to pack during the weeks and months leading up to the trip. It keeps that frantic, I-forgot-something feeling at bay if you are slowly accumulating your packing list.

Also, don't forget at least some warm clothes. We were there last January and we had both pleasant and really cold days. Our pictures in front of Cinderella Castle feature us all in down jackets. A little odd for Florida, but it was cold!

Best wishes for a magical trip!