Planning a trip to Walt Disney World can be overwhelming. From the sheer size of the resort, the number of hotels, a touring plan for the parks, plus dining and fastpass reservations, it can make your head spin! So, what do you need to do before you travel to the most magical place on Earth?
Make a Hotel or Package Reservation: In recent years, the hotels on Walt Disney World property have been almost full all year. Due to discounting and travelers looking to go at different times, there is no true "slow" season in Walt Disney World. Sure, some times of year are better than others, but no matter when you go, you need to make a reservation. If you're staying on-site, then you have two options: a vacation package or room only reservation. Vacation packages bundle all the aspects of a Walt Disney World vacation (room, tickets, dining, extras, etc.) into one convenient reservation. Most people who travel to Walt Disney World for vacation will pick a package. When you book a package you only have to put down a $200 deposit for your vacation! Then, you're able to pay it off how you want, in increments, all at once, as long as it is paid in full 30 days before you travel. Booking a package is also the only way to get the Disney Dining Plan (unless you're an annual passholder). Because Nicole and I are annual passholders, we book "room only" packages. These often have a higher deposit of one night's stay at the resort, but payment isn't due until check in and there are more flexible cancellation policies. I work with my clients to see which option is best for them. Regardless of what you choose, you will need a reservation number!
Book Dining & Tour Reservations: If you're staying at one of the Walt Disney World resort hotels, you are eligible to book dining reservations 180 days from the start of your vacation for the first day and for 10 days after that. This gives Disney resort hotel guests an edge on those hard to get reservations. If you're not booking some of these restaurants in advance, then it's not likely you'll get the opportunity to eat there. The good news is that you can book your dining reservations online. These open up at 6:00AM EST. If you're looking to do one of Walt Disney World's behind the scenes tours such as the Keys to the Kingdom Tour, these bookings open up 180 days before the date. Call 407-939-8667 to book, starting at 7:00AM EST
Make a Hotel or Package Reservation: In recent years, the hotels on Walt Disney World property have been almost full all year. Due to discounting and travelers looking to go at different times, there is no true "slow" season in Walt Disney World. Sure, some times of year are better than others, but no matter when you go, you need to make a reservation. If you're staying on-site, then you have two options: a vacation package or room only reservation. Vacation packages bundle all the aspects of a Walt Disney World vacation (room, tickets, dining, extras, etc.) into one convenient reservation. Most people who travel to Walt Disney World for vacation will pick a package. When you book a package you only have to put down a $200 deposit for your vacation! Then, you're able to pay it off how you want, in increments, all at once, as long as it is paid in full 30 days before you travel. Booking a package is also the only way to get the Disney Dining Plan (unless you're an annual passholder). Because Nicole and I are annual passholders, we book "room only" packages. These often have a higher deposit of one night's stay at the resort, but payment isn't due until check in and there are more flexible cancellation policies. I work with my clients to see which option is best for them. Regardless of what you choose, you will need a reservation number!
Book Dining & Tour Reservations: If you're staying at one of the Walt Disney World resort hotels, you are eligible to book dining reservations 180 days from the start of your vacation for the first day and for 10 days after that. This gives Disney resort hotel guests an edge on those hard to get reservations. If you're not booking some of these restaurants in advance, then it's not likely you'll get the opportunity to eat there. The good news is that you can book your dining reservations online. These open up at 6:00AM EST. If you're looking to do one of Walt Disney World's behind the scenes tours such as the Keys to the Kingdom Tour, these bookings open up 180 days before the date. Call 407-939-8667 to book, starting at 7:00AM EST
If you want the fried chicken at the 50's Prime Time, you'll need to make a reservation
3) Fastpass+ -With the introduction of Magicbands and My Magic+, Walt Disney World revolutionized the Fastpass system once again. You can now make reservations for E-Ticket rides and other attractions ahead of time. Unlike many other theme parks, Fastpass+ is included with your park admission ticket. That's right, you do not need to pay to use this service. However, fastpasses for the most popular attractions like Flight of Passage in Disney's Animal Kingdom and Seven Dwarves Mine Train at Magic Kingdom are gobbled up quickly. If you're staying on site at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel, Shades of Green, the Swan and Dolphin, and the hotels of Disney Springs you can book your Fastpass+ reservations 60 days ahead of your first day of vacation. Like dining, you can book for the next 10 days as well. This gives resort a guests a huge advantage when trying to score hard to get Fastpasses! If you're staying off site, you can start booking your fastpasses 30 days in advance of each of your park days.
Make a Fastpass+ to beat the lines at Rock N Roller Coaster
The planning can be part of the fun of your Walt Disney World vacation! Each one of these planning milestones is a part of your countdown to Disney! Does it seem like too much? Do you want to work with someone who knows the ins and outs of booking a trip with Disney? Message me today to get started planning your magical Disney vacation! Send an e-mail to kellyp@magicaladventurestravel to get started!
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