How to Plan an Impromptu Disney Vacation

2022 National Plan for Vacation Day

1. Let's Go ... This Weekend!

   1.Sometimes the last-minute Walt Disney World trips are the best. Worry less about a checklist of "Must Do" activities, and let the day take you where it will. Visit each park for a day and try the ride that you have always skipped past because it was not the newest one that everyone was talking about. Get Park Hoppers so that at night you can dine most nights in World Showcase at EPCOT. Not at a table service restaurant, but instead roaming across the World Showcase, sharing little plates from the stands in the different nations. ~ Doug I.
   
   2.As much as I love to plan, I also love the unique thrill that an impromptu vacation brings. One moment you're wondering what to eat for lunch, and the next you're packing your bags to head to The Most Magical Place on Earth! When planning a spur-of-the-moment trip, I like to treat myself to Park Hopper tickets. This allows me the maximum flexibility to experience the parks in new and spontaneous ways! Sometimes I like to hit the highlights of multiple parks, and sometimes I like to challenge myself to seek out new experiences. No matter which path I choose, my impromptu trips have been some of my favorites! ~ Michelle D.
   
   3.As a military family, ALL of our trips tend to be impromptu trips to Disneyland Resort and that's okay! No dining reservations? No problem! I prefer snacks anyway and Disneyland does snacks best! When we do want to take a mid-day break or try a table service meal, we will check the Disneyland app to see where we can join a walk-up list. If going on an impromptu trip to the parks seems overwhelming, take a tip from my family! On our way there, we each decide what our one must-do is, and we try to make those attractions or snacks a priority in our day. This helps manage expectations and disappointment once we are there. Don't forget -- Adventure is out there! ~Carrie H.
   
   4.The first thing I do for an impromptu Walt Disney World Resort vacation is search for a room. As a Disney Vacation Club member, we usually stay in a villa that holds all of us, but when you're talking last minute, you take what you can get. We've lucked into some amazing resorts this way. Once we have a place to sleep, I check theme park availability and make reservations. Sometimes, there isn't a park available. That's okay. We get to enjoy things we often overlook, like miniature golf or the Tri-Circle-D Ranch. I love that an impromptu trip always leads us to things we might otherwise miss. ~ Anna S.
   
   5.If you have booked a Disney Cruise at the last minute, you are in luck! Complete your online check-in, pack your bags, and show up! A Disney Cruise doesn't require much by way of advanced planning to have an amazing time. If you weren't able to snag a reservation for Palo or a Port Adventure that you had your eye on, don't give up! Check in with the Crew Members at the Guest Services desk once you step onboard (you can even chat with them via the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app) and let them know what you are hoping to experience. They will help however they can. The final step is to sit back, relax, dine, and be entertained. ~ Adrianna H.
   
   6.On impromptu trips, I love to let the kids take charge! This usually means lots of snack breaks and sugary treats, but hey, “when in Walt Disney World,” right? You’d be surprised at the choices your kids will make when they’re in control of your day. We love letting them take the reins, so we can enjoy the small details of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, like the Otter Grotto, Rafiki’s Planet Watch and earning badges as Wilderness Explorers! ~ Ashley R.
   
   7.As a Southern California resident, most of my trips to the Disneyland Resort are impromptu. Luckily, aside from having a theme-park ticket and park reservation, nothing else has to be set in stone ahead of time. Sometimes, it's fun to just go with the flow and see where the day takes you! Since dining reservations can be hard to come by last-minute, I recommend utilizing Mobile Food & Beverage Ordering on the Disneyland app to take the stress out of mealtime. My favorite trick is to schedule my mobile orders first thing in the morning, so I'm always ready when hunger strikes! You can always change or cancel mobile orders as needed, so you can still enjoy the flexibility of an impromptu, go with the flow kind of day! ~ Kristin C.
   
   8.Although Guests from the United Kingdom wouldn't usually consider planning an impromptu holiday to Walt Disney World Resort, I truly believe that a totally blank canvas could lead to a whole 2 weeks of uncovering lots of untapped magic that's just waiting around the riverbend to be discovered!  My top planDisney tip for planning a last minute holiday is to always take a peek at the current Walt Disney Travel Company offerings via the Walt Disney World Deals.  You never just know when there will be a special offer that's practically perfect in every way for YOU! ~ Jane D.
   
   9.I've got a severe case of wanderlust, so I'm known to book a last-minute trip to get away from it all from time to time. My top tip for planning an impromptu visit to Walt Disney World is to be flexible! Are there no rooms available at your favorite hotel? Try somewhere new! With so many fabulous Disney Resorts Collection hotels, you might fall in love and have a new favorite place to stay! Having trouble booking a table at your preferred restaurant? Book an Advanced Dining Reservation somewhere exciting and new or try a cuisine you've never had before. You never know; you just might love it! In my opinion, the beauty of an impromptu vacation is the unexpected! ~ Diana V.
   
   10.As a Disney Vacation Club Member, the best way to plan an impromptu trip to Walt Disney World Resort is to embrace a “split stay,” where you stay at two (or more!) different Disney Vacation Club Resorts. I absolutely love split stays and enjoy the adventure of exploring as many Resorts as possible. Just make your Park Pass Reservations and GO! ~ Mandy D.