Hi Claire!
Welcome to planDisney.
it's always a pleasure to assist my fellow guests from the UK, and I'm happy to help with your questions.
I think the Disney water parks are hidden gems! After the sometimes more exciting and faster-paced theme parks, something must be said about taking some time out at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon or Disney's Blizzard Beach (whichever is open). Yes, there's a lot of water fun, but there's also something rather lovely about relaxing on a beach chair to recharge.
When visiting one of the water parks, you have two ways to upgrade your experience, up to 60 days in advance. At
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon you can reserve a Typhoon Lagoon Umbrella (securing a shaded area with 4 chairs, small table and towels), or a Beachcomber Shack (a larger private shaded area with comfortable seating for more people, a locker, cold water all day, refillable mugs and an attendant to take your orders for food and beverages for an additional charge). Similar upgrades are available at
Disney's Blizzard Beach - Lodge Umbrellas and Polar Patios.
It is not usually possible to book any experiences that require pre-payment in advance
from the UK. I recommend that you try the Chat feature on your My Disney Experience app, as sometimes they might be able to make reservations for you (
but not guaranteed). Otherwise, these reserved areas can be booked online when you arrive in the US, or when you arrive at the water park, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
You can see where they are located on this water parks guide map.
Appointments for our princesses and knights at the
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique also open at 60 days in advance, but are currently not available to be made from the UK. As soon as you arrive in the US you can access online booking for this on your My Disney Experience app, but if it's fully booked already please remember that cancellations do occur so it's always worth visiting the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique as early as possible on your day at Magic Kingdom Park to see if there if any appointments have become available for that day or if there are walk-ins available.
Please come back and visit us if you have any further questions, and you can
send me a direct question if you wish. We will be happy to help you plan your magical vacation at Walt Disney World!
Sue