Why We Took a Day Off Before Our Disney Trip (And You Should Too)

A Travel n Taste Journal Series

When you’re planning a big vacation—especially one like Disney World—it’s easy to get caught up in the ride bookings, park strategies, and countdown clocks. But sometimes, the best move you can make… is doing nothing at all.

Today, we took a break from the hustle. No reservations. No scheduling. Just a pause to breathe, pack, and prep in peace before we hit the road tomorrow. And honestly? It was one of the smartest decisions we made during this entire process.

1. No Last-Minute Panic

We didn’t want to start our trip feeling rushed or frazzled. By carving out this day before departure, we gave ourselves a buffer to handle the final details calmly. No scrambling. No forgetting chargers or MagicBands. Just slow, intentional prep time.

2. Final Packing Touches

We used today to finish packing (for real this time). Here’s what we double-checked:

• Chargers, cords, and backup batteries
• Cooling fans and ponchos
• Snacks and water bottles for the road
• Matching park shirts and themed outfits
• Labeled bags for park days vs. travel days

Having this time let us really organize everything—and stage luggage in a way that made departure prep easier.

3. Mentally Shifting Into Vacation Mode

Letting go of the stress and just enjoying the moment is harder than it sounds. But this rest day gave us the space to do exactly that. No checklists. No to-dos. Just excitement for what’s coming next.

Final Thoughts

If you’re heading to Disney—or anywhere big—consider giving yourself one day with no pressure. Let your brain catch up. Let the trip begin with intention. That “day off” might just be the thing that makes the rest of your trip feel like a vacation.

We’re officially packed, prepped, and ready to hit the road. Tomorrow, the adventure begins.