Hello, Sue!
You can set up your
Walt Disney World PhotoPass prior to your arrival. Check out the information on this link so that you can see the benefit of doing this beforehand. As a matter of fact, if you choose to
pre-order Disney's Photo CD prior to your arrival, which allows you to place all of your PhotoPass photos onto one CD, in addition to your own uploaded photos, you'll save $50. Of course, you can also use Disney's PhotoPass service once you're in Orlando, too.
ForAdvanced Dining Reservations, take a look at
Walt Disney World's Dining & Reservations page, which will allow you to search by dining type as well as let you know if a reservation is available at your desired time. Do so as soon as you have decided where you'd like to eat because the most popular Table-Service restaurants book up well in advance. (See "Dining" in each park, resorts and Downtown Disney, then click on the sample menus for an idea of the selections available to you.) Look at
park calendars next, noting Park Hours and special events such as Extra Magic Hours (if you are staying in a Walt Disney World resort) and nighttime entertainment. Map out a schedule that works best, matching your restaurant selection with those calendars.
We've had the most successful, relaxing and enjoyable vacations by planning ahead. Of course, you can still be spontaneous, should you decide to change your plans, but you may not be able to get into the restaurants you had decided to try by doing so, since they may be all booked up.
Please send more questions about dining, Dining Plans, your resort or any other topics you may think of as you plan your trip to Walt Disney World! I'd love to help!