Often times I am asked, “When is the best time to book my Walt Disney World vacation?” The answer is simple, as far in advance as possible! There are a few reasons for this: resort availability, dining reservations, the FastPass+ system, and special events.
Resort Availability
Walt Disney World currently has a total of 5 value resorts, 4 moderate resorts, and 8 deluxe resorts. There are also 11 deluxe villa resorts, most of which are located on the grounds of one of the eight deluxe resorts. Even though it seems like there are plenty of rooms, and you should have no trouble finding just what you want at any time, this is not the case. Rooms and room categories are limited. You want to pick early to get the best availability! Remember thousands of people travel from all over the world to visit Disney every year.
Dining Reservations
If you plan to eat at any table service restaurant, which includes character meals, I highly recommend that you make an advanced dining reservation. Advanced dining reservation times are released 180 days in advance. Some of the most popular restaurants such as O’hana and Cinderella’s Royal Table are booked up within hours. In order to score these highly sought after dining slots, it is best to have your resort reservation booked and a day by day plan laid out at least 180 days prior to your check-in date. Guests staying on property at Walt Disney World have a slight advantage. Dining reservations for their entire stay can be booked 180 days from their check-in date.
Fastpass +
Another plus to planning your Walt Disney World vacation in advance is the amazing FastPass+ system. Guests with Walt Disney World Resort hotel reservations, and theme park tickets linked to their reservation, can book 3 FastPasses per person, per day, 60 days prior to their check-in date. Guests who are staying off property can link their tickets to their My Disney Experience app, and make FastPass+ selections up to 30 days prior to use.
Special Events
Lastly, Walt Disney World has special events being held at different parks throughout the year. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival, and Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival, just to name a few. During these events, Disney will add special culinary events, dining packages, and guided tours that are limited and sell out quickly. If you already have your vacation booked, it makes it much easier to snag one of these reservations as soon as they are released.
Even if you are spontaneous and don’t want to plan every minute of your Walt Disney World vacation, there really IS an advantage to planning table service meals, FastPass+ selections and special event offerings well in advance. I would love to help you get your trip planned so you can make the magical memories!
Contact Melinda to book your vacation!
