What do you need to do before you travel?
Planning a family trip from the UK to Orlando is incredibly exciting, but navigating the logistics requires some checking and ticking of boxes. To make sure your family doesn't face any surprises at the airport or theme park gates, use this comprehensive pre-travel checklist.
1. Legal & Entry Requirements
Check Passport Validity: Ensure every family member (including infants) has a valid biometric e-passport with the electronic chip symbol on the cover. The US requires your passport to be valid for the duration of your stay.
Apply for an ESTA: Most UK citizens can travel under the Visa Waiver Program. You must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) online via the official government website (esta.cbp.dhs.gov) at least 72 hours before flying.
Note: The ESTA fee is $40 per person. It requires a traveler selfie photo and details of your accommodation. If anyone in the family has a criminal record or has visited countries like Cuba (on/after Jan 12, 2021), Iran, or Iraq, they are ineligible for an ESTA and must apply for a tourist visa instead.
Submit Advance Passenger Information (API): Provide your passport details and your Orlando accommodation address to your airline before you arrive at the UK airport.
Child Travel Consent Forms: If you are traveling as a single parent, or bringing a child’s friend/relative along, US Customs and Border Protection recommends bringing a notarized consent letter signed by the non-traveling parent(s) to avoid border delays.
Always check the UK Governements Foreign Travel Advice page for any updates on travel restrictions/requirements
2. Health & Insurance
Secure Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Medical care in the US is incredibly expensive. Ensure you have a premium family travel insurance policy that explicitly includes robust medical cover, repatriation, and extreme sports/theme park activities (if applicable).
Pack Medication Correctly: Bring enough prescription medication for the whole trip, plus a few extra days' supply. Keep them in their original pharmacy packaging with labels showing the traveler’s name, and bring a copy of the doctor's prescription or a letter explaining the medical need.
3. Finances & Spending
Arrange US Currency (USD): While Orlando is largely digital, it’s wise to carry a small amount of cash for tips (valet, baggage handlers, housekeeping).
Set Up Travel Money Cards: Look into fee-free international spending cards (like Monzo, Revolut, or specialized travel credit cards).
Notify Your Bank: Let your UK bank know you are traveling to Florida so they don’t flag your cards for fraudulent activity when you buy that first round of Mickey ears.
4. Packing & Tech Essentials
Buy US Travel Plugs: The US uses Type A and Type B sockets (110V). Pack plenty of UK-to-US adapters for all your phones, tablets, smartwatches, and cameras. Consider bringing a UK extension lead so you only need to use one US adapter to charge multiple devices at night.
Arrange Data/eSIMs: Roaming on a standard UK mobile contract in the US can be wildly expensive. Look into buying a local US eSIM (like Airalo or Holafly) or a roaming add-on from your UK provider so you can navigate the theme parks using mobile data.
5. Theme Park & Entertainment Logistics
Buy Theme Park Tickets in Advance: Do not wait until the gate to buy tickets for Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, or SeaWorld. Buying UK-exclusive "Explorer" or "Magic" tickets before you fly gives you much better value (often including 14 days of access for the price of 7). Check out our page on Attraction Tickets
Download the Apps: Download My Disney Experience and the Universal Orlando Resort apps. Set up your family accounts and link your park tickets ahead of time so you are ready to book dining reservations or virtual queues. Check out our page on all the Apps you will need on your phone!
Pro Tip: Keep digital and physical copies of all your important documents (ESTAs, passports, insurance policies, and booking vouchers) in separate places just in case a phone battery dies at the airport!
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