Hi Luke,
Welcome to planDisney! Thanks for dropping by with a great question!
I am delighted to hEAR you planning a trip during the
Holidays at Walt Disney World Resort. This is our favorite time of year to visit. Know that it is a very busy time of year so I am glad to see you planning early. Since it is such a busy time of year, I do suggest that you go ahead and book a
vacation package with a resort hotel and theme park tickets. Once you click on the
vacation package link, click on Book your Walt Disney World Vacation today. After you click on that link, you can enter your travel dates, number of people in your party, and you can compare prices across resort hotels.
My family loves
Disney's Contemporary Resort. Since we are always on a budget, we have stayed in the Garden Wing at this resort because those rooms are typically a bit more affordable. If you do select the Garden Wing, take a look at a resort map and request a room closer to the main building. I prefer first floor rooms in the Garden Wing at Disney's Contemporary Resort because they have patios.
Once you book that vacation package, make sure that you create a
My Disney Experience account. When you get your vacation package confirmation number,
link it in My Disney Experience. After your vacation package is linked, you can make payments online. Just log into My Disney Experience, click on My Plans, and then click on the Make a Payment link. Also make
Disney Park Pass system reservations. If you have hopes of visiting Magic Kingdom on Christmas day, definitely make a park pass reservation for that day.
As it gets closer to the dates of your visit, I strongly recommend that you make
advanced dining reservations. Currently, Guests can make dining reservations
60-days in advance. Given the time of year you plan to visit, dining reservations are a must-have. Since it sounds like you would like to visit another hotel,
explore more great accommodations as you plan.
Luke, make that vacation package reservation, Disney Park Pass system reservations, and then make plans for advanced dining reservations. You are planning to visit at such a beautiful time of year. Enjoy the gorgeous holiday decorations and the tasty treats!
Magic and memories,
Donyell