Hi, Rose Anna!
Happy New Year, and welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel. I’m glad to hear you’re ready to plan your vacation to the Walt Disney World Resort.
You can actually reserve accommodations at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel up to 499 days in advance by calling (407) W-DISNEY (934-7639). You can currently book rooms through the Walt Disney World website for check-in dates up to and including Dec. 31, 2014, but you must call to reserve dates in 2015 rather than book online. As of now, you’ll only be able to reserve a hotel room, not packages that include extras like park tickets or the Disney Dining Plan, for dates in 2015. You’d be reserving your room at the 2014 rates, but when the rates and package details for 2015 are released (typically in the late summer) your rate would automatically adjust to reflect the current prices. You can also make a room-only reservation to be converted into a vacation package after next year’s rates are announced.
The holiday season is one of my favorite times to visit and enjoy all the special extras the theme parks have to offer. The seasonal decorations, events, attractions and treats make “The Most Magical Place on Earth” even more delightful! Christmas decorations usually begin popping up around the Walt Disney World Resort on Nov. 1. The holiday decor is gradually added at night when the parks are closed and is largely complete at Magic Kingdom Park by mid-November. I think early December is the best time of that month to visit. Crowds are generally lighter, especially the week after Thanksgiving. By mid-December, park attendance begins to pick up and crowds are the heaviest by Christmas week, which is one of the most popular times of year to visit.
I hope this helps, Rose Anna! Please visit us again with more questions as your planning continues.
Wishing you magic,
Courtney