Welcome, Nancy, to planDisney! Planning a Disney vacation with a large group can feel a little like Moana gathering her crew for a voyage. But once everything comes together, the adventure is absolutely worth it. So let's get right to it!
I'm going to put the major steps in a numbered list, in the order in which you should complete them. Think of this as your wayfinding guide before setting sail on your adventure. Here we go:
- Have all of the adults create and/or log into their MyDisney accounts. Select the "My Family & Friends" list from the My Disney Experience dropdown menu. Click the "Add a Guest" button to connect to everyone once their accounts are set up. Then, once connected, make sure each of you has selected the option to view and make plans for each other under the "Edit Settings" button.
- Decide where you want to stay. There are different options for each budget at the Disney Resorts Collection Hotels. Browse through the accommodations and pick a hotel that speaks to you. Whether you all stay at the same hotel or not, each room must be booked separately. If you are staying at the same hotel, you can each call the Tickets & Hotel Reservations line once all reservations have been made to request that your rooms be connected or near each other. Though not guaranteed, Cast Members will do their best. You can also look into Deluxe Villa options or the suites at Disney's Art of Animation Resort or Disney's All-Star Music Resort to fit more people in one accommodation.
- During the hotel reservation process, you will be asked if you want theme park tickets. You'll choose how many days you'd like to visit the parks, as well as what type of ticket you'd like. There are descriptions explaining what each ticket type includes, so pick the best option for you. If you want to be able to hop between parks each day, be sure to book a ticket with the Park Hopper Option.
- You will also be asked if you want to include one of the dining plans, which will cover all or most of your meals at the resort. There are three different options for stays in 2027, so if you're considering adding this option, look at the details of each.
- Mark your calendar for 60 days before your arrival date. At 6 a.m. EST on this date, you'll be able to book all of your advanced dining reservations for your entire trip (up to 10 days) if you're staying at a Disney-owned hotel. If not, you'll be able to reserve dining 60 days before each date you'd like to dine at one of these restaurants.
- If you'd like to purchase Lightning Lane Passes for shorter waits at select attractions, Disney hotel Guests can book them beginning at 7 a.m. EST seven days before arrival. All other Guests can book them 3 days before the start of their park ticket. But should you forego this option, just know that standby lines are currently available at all attractions throughout the resort.
When you take these steps one at a time, it becomes pretty easy to manage. And if you have any other questions,
I'm happy to help. Just remember, as Moana learned, the best adventures begin when you decide to set sail!
Adventure is just beyond the reef,
Matt