• On Jun 26, 2021
    Theresa from NV Asked 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 my 1st vacation to WDW. How soon do I need to make reservations for WDW resort hotels , WDW tickets, dinner reservations, etc. I can’t seem to find info in the search, been to DL numerous times, but this is a bucket list moment. Thank you!

    Hi Theresa,

    Welcome to planDisney! I am delighted to hear that you are planning a visit to the Walt Disney World Resort!

    We typically plan our vacations a year in advance but I did plan a surprise trip for our girls about three months in advance one year. When deciding on when to book, I would just consider the time of year you are going, the launch of The World's Most Magical Celebration, and the runDisney event schedule. We also typically visit during The Holidays at Walt Disney World Resort and this is a very busy time of year as well.

    Prior to booking a vacation package, I check the theme park reservation availability calendar to make sure there is park pass availability for the dates of our planned visit. Once I have booked our vacation package, we make our Disney Park Pass system reservations. Then, we start planning our advanced dining reservations. Currently, the dining reservation window is 60-days prior to arrival. On the morning our dining reservation window opens, we are online by 5:45 a.m. to make all of our dining reservations. We start trying to reserve the most popular restaurants first including any character dining experiences. 

    If you are planning to go when there might be special ticketed events, be sure to purchase those tickets as soon as they go on sale. When Disney After Hours Boo Bash tickets went on sale, several evenings sold out pretty quickly. After we have our vacation package booked, park pass reservations and dining reservations made, we keep our eye on the Disney Parks Blog to stay up-to-date with theme park experiences. As new experiences are announced, you may want to modify your park plans. Just be sure to check the theme park availability calendar before canceling any park pass reservations and trying to make new ones!

    Theresa, keep the planning going! We cannot wait to welcome you to the magic!

    Magic and memories,
    Donyell
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Meet the Panelist: Donyell, North Carolina

Hello from North Carolina! I am a mom of twin girls, wife, and university professor who has been inspired by the creativity of Disney for a lifetime. Since my first Disney visit when I was 12-years-old, I have been drawn to the adventures crafted by Disney Imagineers. Planning Disney vacations helps connect me to families who will find in Disney the kind of joy my family has experienced over the years. Allow me to help you map your own Disney journey so that you, too can create the memories of a lifetime! Learn More About Donyell

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