Welcome to planDisney, Erin!
We’re thrilled you stopped by to ask us your question. It’s always a pleasure to help fellow guests dream up and plan the most magical visit to the most magical place on earth!
Ok, a
Disney Springs stay, you say? I see you. Being able to stroll over for dinner, grab a sweet treat, maybe do a little shopping after a park day… that’s such a fun way to do Disney. My crew and I always have to make a pit stop at Disney Springs on our arrival days. It marks the beginning of a magical vacation, and it’s one of my favorite traditions. We pick a new restaurant to check out, take in the sights and the magic, and fuel up before we hit the parks. It’s always been a fail-proof plan for us!
Erin, if you’re referring to the
advance dining reservation window of 60-days plus another 10 of the duration of your stay, this is a benefit that is exclusive for guests staying at Disney Resorts Collection hotels (and select other Disney-owned properties). But like Timon and Pumbaa would say: hakuna matata; no worries! You’ll still be able to book dining 60 days in advance. You’ll just book one day at a time instead of your whole trip at once. Is it workable? Absolutely. It just requires a little early-morning Disney ninja energy.
So, here’s my pro-planner tip so you can lock in all your must-do’s: If character dining is high on your wish list, guest-fave spots like
Chef Mickey’s, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Garden Grill, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall… I would set that alarm for 60 days out and hop into the
My Disney Experience app right when your window opens. Prioritize the hardest-to-get meals first (usually the most popular characters or prime dinner times), then build around that.
And here’s another little insider reassurance: reservations shift constantly. People change plans. Spots open back up. If you don’t snag exactly what you want on day one, keep checking. Disney magic loves persistence. I’ve been known to score some hard-to-get rezzies 24 hours prior because I kept checking, and it became available. Talk about a sprinkle of pixie dust!
Oh, and another really nice bonus for your stay: when staying at the DoubleTree, you will be able to enjoy
Early Theme Park Entry. That means you’ll be able to enter any of the four theme parks 30 minutes before the official park opening time each day of your stay, including both check-in and check-out days. Those extra 30 minutes can be a game-changer. Heading straight to a headliner attraction before the general public arrives can completely shift the flow of your morning in the best way.
You picked a great location to stay at, Erin, and with a tiny bit of strategy, you’ll still be collecting those character hugs and magical bites with ease. Please let us know if you want help deciding which character meals are worth waking up early for. I’ve got opinions and a game plan ready for you!
See ya real soon,
Emille