Hiya, Linda!
Welcome to planDisney. Thank you so much for stopping by with your question. It looks like you are thinking ahead for a vacation in 2026. While Walt Disney World is not currently accepting bookings for 2026 just yet, they will likely be opening up those dates in the next couple of months. But I'm happy to help you begin to think about planning the vacation of your dreams!
When it comes to planning a Disney vacation, there is a lot to think about. But I always recommend starting with your budget.
Based on that, the next thing I recommend is staying on property at a
Disney Resort Hotel. Disney offers a range of accommodations, from Value to Moderate to Deluxe. While these Resort categories differ in price points, they all immerse you in the thematic storytelling of Disney, offer complimentary Resort transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort, and they all will allow you Early Theme Park Entry 30 minutes before the theme parks open for General Admission (subject to change.) So, you can begin to look at the different Resorts in each category and decide which Resort you would like. Once 2026 bookings become available (keep an eye on the
Disney Parks Blog as this is where it will be announced,) you can begin to secure your accommodations.
Then, once you have your Disney Resort Hotel, you can think about how many days you want to visit the theme parks and purchase your tickets. Our family likes to take days off in between park days, so we tend to book only three or four days in the theme parks. On other days, we enjoy the pool at our Resort, golf, enjoy Disney's Water Parks, or spend a day shopping at Disney Springs.
When you are about 60 days out from your Resort check-in date, you can begin to make Advance Dining Reservations at a few restaurants. For a first visit, I recommend a Character Dining experience and at least one sit-down meal on each day, especially on your theme park days. For other meals in our day, we like to do quick service because it saves time and saves our budget.
About 7 days in advance of your Resort check-in date, if you are staying at a Disney Resort Hotel, you can begin to purchase and book your Lightning Lane Multipass and Lightning Lane Single Passes. This is an optional add-on, but I recommend it to maximize your time in the theme parks and to be sure to enjoy some of the attractions you really want to experience.
I would recommend, Linda, keeping an eye on the
Special Offers page, as often Disney runs special packages that can include discounted rooms for a certain number of days when booking a room stay and tickets. Other times, they have had offers that include a dining plan with a Resort stay package. These offers are subject to change at any time, but it is always worth keeping an eye on them, as they are a great way to save money on your Disney vacation. Additionally, you may want to call and speak with a Ticketing and Reservations Cast Member who can help you plan and book your vacation package. You can find their
contact information here.Finally, Linda, I always say Disney is an experience, not just a destination. From the Resort to the transportation to the theme parks, thematic dining, parades, characters, and more, the experience of Disney and memories made with family is what makes it so magical. Each Disney vacation is different and unique, so it is sure to be special for your family.
If you have any further questions, stop back here to see us and we will be so happy to help you.
Magically Yours,
Keri