Hi, Codi!
I’m happy to hear you’re planning a visit to the Walt Disney World Resort this holiday season! That is one of my favorite times to vacation at Disney Parks because of all the festive extras, such as decorations and specialty food items.
Although you don’t currently need reservations to enjoy entertainment such as parades and fireworks displays or to dine at quick-service restaurants, what you’re describing are features that will eventually be offered to all Guests as a part of Disney’s My Magic+.
Once it is widely available, Disney’s FastPass+ service will give Guests the option of selecting an arrival window to experience certain theme park attractions, character meet and greet opportunities, and quick-service dining locales, in addition to arranging a viewing location for certain entertainment like fireworks, parades and shows. Walt Disney World is currently still in the testing phase for the components of My Magic+, including FastPass+, and there has not been an official announcement about when these new features will be fully available to all Walt Disney World Guests. However, all of the extensive testing seems to indicate that My Magic+ will be in full swing at the resort by the end of this year. In the meantime, take advantage of the My Disney Experience website and mobile app, which are rich with tools that will help make planning and managing your vacation easier.
I hope this helps, Codi. Please feel free to write back with any other questions you may have as your pixie-dusted vacation approaches.
Wishing you magic,
Courtney