Hiya Angela!
Welcome back again to planDisney! I'm excited to help plan your upcoming trip to Walt Disney World Resort! I visited around Christmastime last year as well and I'm excited that you loved it so much that you are coming back again! I wish I could join you as it is truly one of the most magical times of the year!
I am glad you reached out to us now because you can start booking your
dining reservations and
Enchanting Extras, on October 25, 2023! That's 60 days before your arrival! I hope this answer is read in time as you have a chance to make your bookings at 6 AM tomorrow! Since you are staying offsite and not at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel you will have to wake up early for a few days to be able to book another day into your trip.
As for
Genie+ and
Memory Maker, you have some time to purchase them. Genie+ is purchased the day of your Park visit after midnight. You will either have to stay up late or wake up a little early to purchase it right through the
My Disney Experience Mobile App. There is no set cost to it as it fluctuates based on the day and the Park you are visiting. There is even a "Multiple Parks" Genie+ that you should purchase if you have a Park Hopper ticket and want to visit a second or more Park that day.
Memory Maker is best purchased at a discounted price at least three days before you arrive. This way it is ready to go for your trip! Don't forget that you have 45 days from when the picture is taken to download the images or they will be lost.
Your arrival will be
after all of the special holiday parties such as
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and
Disney Jollywood Nights but the decorations and cheer will continue well into your trip! This year there is a brand new experience that will illuminate Cinderella Castle called "Frozen Holiday Surprise." I can't wait to see what Elsa has in store for you! Otherwise, you will find the Parks just as sparkly and full of holiday cheer as it was last year. Make sure to use that Memory Maker package to its full advantage and take all the pictures!
I hope you have a jolly time and Santa brings you even more magic under the tree!
Happy Planning!
-Nimmy