Hello, Sarah!
Please don't be a "Nervous Rex" about your upcoming booking window, because when it comes to Lightning Lane Passes- you've got a friend in me! Based on your arrival date, you still have plenty of time to familiarize yourself with the park layouts and eligible attractions to make a game plan.
Start by reviewing the attraction groupings at each park to decide which Multi Pass selections you'd like to prioritize each day.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park allows you to select any 3 eligible attractions when making your initial selections, but the other parks split Lightning Lane attractions into two groups: a group of headliners with the longest standby waits and a second group of popular attractions. You can choose one selection from the headliner group and 2 selections from the second group, or opt to choose all 3 from the second group, depending on your party's preferences. Take a look at the details for each park here:
In addition to Multi Pass selections, you also have the option to purchase up to 2 Single Pass selections per day. If you have Park Hopper Option tickets, you can purchase Single Pass attractions at different parks, but your initial 3 Multi Pass selections must all be at one park to start.
It's hard to suggest a specific itinerary to target without knowing the ages of your group and their desired thrill level, but I always like to book at least one Multi Pass return window as early in the day as possible. Let's say you decide to book Big Thunder Mountain Railroad,
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, and Pirates of the Caribbean at Magic Kingdom Park. This is my family's goal for our visit next month, as we can't wait to experience the newly revamped Big Thunder and Space Ranger Spin, and never miss a ride on Pirates. You'll be able to review the available return times for each of these selections before finalizing your transaction and completing your purchase.
The default wait times may not be your top choices, but you can click the "Modify Time" link under each selection to review alternate options. I'd aim to get one of your selections set for the morning, so you can begin booking new experiences after scanning in at your first ride. The great news is you'll be able to choose from any available attraction as you make additional selections, without worrying about those original group restrictions. We often fill our late morning and early afternoon hours with additional group 2 experiences (on the ready to zig or zag like Slinky Dog when a perfect window opens up) while waiting to redeem the rest of our pre-booked selections.
If you'll be staying on-site, I also highly recommend taking advantage of
Early Theme Park Entry for Disney Resort Hotel Guests. As they say, the early bird gets the worm, and though my teens don't love getting up early on vacation, they do love getting on a few attractions before we begin ticking off our Lightning Lane itinerary each day.
Sarah, I hope this helps you reach for the sky when your booking window opens! Please write me again if you'd like some more detailed guidance. I'm always happy to help.
To Infinity and Beyond,
Amy