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  • Jul 3, 2026
    Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    I'm planning a 5 day Disney vacation and I want to book character dinners and dinner shows, how do I do that? Also what are the wristbands for?

    Hi there, friend! Welcome to planDisney. How exciting that you're in the early stages of planning a magical visit! Everything you've listed sounds like a perfect start to a 5-day vacation. Let's dive in and take a look at when your booking window will open!

    With an arrival on October 1, you'll want to begin booking 60 days in advance, which puts your booking window at August 2! Now you have a couple of options when it comes to making reservations. One of my favorite perks of staying at a Disney Resort hotel is being able to make dining reservations 60 days before your arrival for your entire length of stay! Instead of waking up early morning after morning to book each reservation separately, you can plan your dining for your whole vacation on the same day, making the planning process so much easier.

    If you're hoping to add a little extra magic to your vacation, many Enchanting Extras Collection experiences can be booked beginning at 6:00 AM, 60 days before your arrival for your entire length of stay. While that's the usual booking window, it's always a good idea to be prepared for the possibility of unexpected delays when reservations open. I also like to keep an open mind when it comes to availability, just in case certain experiences book up quickly!

    By wristband, do you mean MagicBand+? If so, they're a great way to navigate the parks! A MagicBand+ can help you enter the parks, unlock your Disney Resort hotel room, charge food and merchandise purchases to the payment method on file, and interact with select nighttime spectaculars by lighting up and vibrating. There's so much you can do with a MagicBand+, and with so many designs to choose from, it's easy to find one that matches your style. It's certainly a handy feature to have during your stay!

    Thank you so much for visiting planDisney. I hope this information helps as you get ready to set those alarms for your 60-day booking window! If you have any questions or need recommendations on where to go or what to do during your visit, planDisney is always here for you.

    With a Sprinkle of Pixie Dust,
    Bev
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Meet the Panelist: Bev, Nevada

Hi there! My name is Beverly, but you can call me Bev. I’m a wife, teacher, and mother to a sweet little boy. Disney has been woven into every season of my life; from childhood trips to Disneyland to splashing in the waters of Castaway Cay with my family as an adult. No matter what season you’re in, I’m happy to help you plan a Disney vacation that feels just right for you!
Learn More About Bev

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