Hiya, Colleen! Welcome to planDisney!
Visiting
The Most Magical Place on Earth at the most magical time of year is truly such a unique experience, Colleen. The theme parks, the Disney Resorts Collection hotels, and Walt Disney World Resort as a whole receive beautiful decorations that add magic you can feel and a festive atmosphere that can’t be matched. It’s my absolute favorite time of year to visit!
To answer your question, Colleen, yes! You can absolutely plan your vacation as we speak for travel at the end of 2026 and into the start of 2027. The time between Christmas and New Year’s Day is a very popular time to visit, so I would suggest making your plans as soon as you have firmed up your travel dates. If I may make some suggestions, I would look into which resort you’d like to stay at and prioritize that booking. For convenience, you can also book your tickets at the same time!
You’ll also have the option to add a
Disney Dining Plan to your vacation package. This is essentially a way to prepay for some of your meals and snacks while you’re on vacation. Many Guests love the convenience and like not having to worry about paying for their meals while they’re on vacation. You can also add
Memory Maker to your package, which will give you your
Disney PhotoPass photos and attraction photos and videos during your visit. These always make great keepsakes!
As a friendly heads-up, you will be able to make your
dining reservations 60 days before your reservation date. If you’re staying at a
Disney Resorts Collection hotel, you’ll be able to book dining reservations for the entire length of your stay (up to 10 days) 60 days before your check-in date. For
Lightning Lane Passes, you’ll be able to purchase these 7 days before your check-in date if you’re staying at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel, and 3 days before your park visit if you’re staying elsewhere.
Another great perk of staying at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel is
Early Theme Park Entry! You’ll be able to enter each of the theme parks 30 minutes before official park opening during your visit. That alone, in my opinion, is reason enough to consider a Disney Resort!
I hope this answers your question, Colleen! If you have any questions as you begin the planning process, please don’t hesitate to come back and see us here at
planDisney! We’re always happy to help!
Happy planning!
Olivier