Welcome to planDisney, Joy! With a name like that, I couldn’t help but think of one of Pixar’s most lovable emotions from
Inside Out. Much like Joy herself, I’m here to help keep the happy thoughts flowing as you plan your
Walt Disney World Resort vacation. Let’s jump right into your question before Anxiety tries to take over the control panel!
Anyone registered for a stay at a
Disney Resorts Collection Hotel who has valid theme park admission will be able to purchase
Lightning Lanes at 7 a.m. EST, 7 days before their check-in date. The good news? As long as they're attached to your resort reservation, that includes your friend, even if they haven’t activated their
Annual Pass yet. So no need for Fear to take over! They’ll just want to make sure they visit a
Guest Relations location outside one of the theme parks or the
Disney Ticket Center at Disney Springs to activate it before attempting to tap into a park. Also, please note that they'll need a
Theme Park Reservation for the first park they're visiting each day, unless they're planning to visit their first park after 2 p.m. (except Magic Kingdom Park on weekends) or they're visiting on a good-to-go day.
Since you'll be at the resort during Halloween season (here at Disney World, not-so-spooky season starts in August), be sure to check to see if your dates line up with
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. This is widely considered the signature event of the season, and having been to the party twice, I can tell you it’s a great time. Between the specialty entertainment, the trick-or-treating, the party-exclusive food and beverages, and the typically lower wait times for attractions, it’s the kind of night that would have Joy creating a brand-new core memory. It’s an experience you and your friends will be talking about for years to come.
Joy, I hope your Walt Disney World vacation is filled with happy memories, plenty of laughter, and maybe just the right amount of controlled chaos from the emotions at Headquarters! Enjoy your trip to the resort, and if any other questions pop up along the way,
I’d be more than happy to help!
With a console full of Disney magic,
Matt