Hi Nicole,
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! Let the happy dancing begin. My family loves planning Walt Disney World vacations!
Although
Special Offers come out at various times each year, I would start checking in January. We have gone in June, July and August and had a wonderful time each visit. As you select your month, keep your eye on the
Disney Parks Blog for special events during those months. Although you may want to attend those events, you may also want to avoid additional crowds, so make your choice based on your family's preferences. Know that the weather typically includes afternoon showers, so we always pack rain ponchos, lightweight rain jackets and umbrellas.
As I plan, I always book our trip at least 181 days prior to our arrival date regardless of the special offers that may or may not be posted when I book. I do so because guests with Walt Disney World Resort Hotel reservations can make
advanced dining reservations 180 days in advance for up to 10 days. We make these reservations especially for hard-to-get restaurants like Cinderella's Royal Table and Be Our Guest Restaurant. We also make our
Fast Pass+ selections at 60 days in advance so that we have a good chance of making selections for popular rides like Slinky Dog Dash and Avatar Flight of Passage.
Nicole, since we book our vacation package early, I keep checking the special offers. If one comes out that is applicable to our package, I call 407-939-5277 to see if a cast member can apply the discount to our reservation!
Magic, memories and Minnie Mouse hugs,
Donyell