Planning Tips

Ideal Disney Vacation Planning Timeline

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How far out should you actually book your Walt Disney World vacation? With all of the advance work that is now required to go to Disney, the further out you book your trip, the better.

Here are the key planning dates to keep in mind when thinking about going to the Happiest Place on Earth:

499 Days Out: You Can Start Booking Your Disney Resort

The official window for making Disney resort reservations opens 499 days out from your arrival date. This is about a year and four months, so pretty far in advance. It is not necessary to book this far out, but it can be beneficial if you plan on going during a peak season like the holidays or Spring break.

7 Months Out: Contact WDW Park Planners for planning help!

If you’re using my Park Planning Service, you’ll ideally want to have your resort booked by the seven month marker. This gives time for us to confirm your trip logistics (who’s traveling, your Disney “must dos,” etc.) and for me to map out a recommended trip outline for your group (which parks you’ll visit on which days).

180 Days Out: Your Advance Dining Reservation Window Opens

It’s important to have your vacation outline determined before this window opens. That way you’ll know which parks or resorts you’ll be dining at on which days. The window opens at 7am ET, so I get up extra early for my clients to make sure they get all their top restaurant choices for their vacation!

60 Days Out: If Staying On-Property at Disney, Your Fast Pass+ Window Opens

One huge perk of staying on-property for your Disney vacation is that your window for booking Fast Passes opens 60 days out from your trip, instead of the typical 30 days for non-property guests. That means you have a better chance at getting the popular rides and good time slots. Disney has affiliate resorts that they extend this perk to, so be sure to check out the full list of resorts HERE.

Park tickets need to purchased and linked to your account in order to book your Fast Passes. This booking window also opens at 7am ET, so I get up early for my clients to ensure they have the best chance at getting the best Fast Pass+ selections possible (I’m a pro at this!). Fast Passes are available for the full duration of your trip when the window opens.

30 Days Out: If Staying Off-Property, Your Fast Pass+ Window Opens

Same goes here if you’re staying off-property – the window opens at 7am ET to make your selections. Make sure your tickets are purchased and linked to your account before this date hits!

Before you know it, you’ll be saying, “I’m going to Disney World!” Any questions about these dates or the best time to go, just send me a message below and I’d be happy to help!

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Reviews

Restaurant Review: Biergarten Restaurant

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Rating:

Location: Epcot

Hoi Hoi Hoi! Enjoy a lively dinner at Germany’s Biergarten Restaurant in World Showcase –  it’s full of live polka music, dancing and beer steins! Our family has been to this spot several times over the years, and there’s never a shortage of fun when we dine here.

What we like:

The atmosphere at Biergarten Restaurant is the best – it’s Oktoberfest all year round! You’ll feel like you’re actually transported to Germany for the evening, so embrace the fun. Don’t be embarrassed to get up and dance to the polka band’s lively tunes – if you’re lucky you’ll get to do a chicken dance or two 🙂 You can eat at your own leisure at this buffet dinner, so have a relaxing night under the stars.

Things to note:

The tables are communal biergarten-style, so if you’re a smaller group, you will be seated with other people. When it was just our family of six, we usually had an additional couple seated at our table – we always had a ton of fun meeting new Disney friends! The food is traditional German-style, so very heavy and filling. It’s not my favorite food-wise, but usually everyone can find something here, and the drinks are great!

WDW Park Planners Tip:

Save some room for dessert after your big buffet dinner 🙂 We love stopping in the Werther’s shop (right outside the restaurant) – they have the best homemade caramels, caramel popcorn and caramel treats! Even if you just go in for the smells, it’s worth it.

Reviews

Restaurant Review: San Angel Inn

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Rating:

Location: Epcot

The San Angel Inn located in World Showcase’s Mexico pavilion is a set inside a Mayan pyramid. This restaurant is good for all ages and has a boat ride inside the pyramid – the Gran Fiesta Tour featuring Donald Duck!

Our family has been going here for years, and it’s still a must-do for everyone in our group! From the food to the atmosphere – we love everything about the dining experience.

What we like:

The food at San Angel Inn is delicious – they serve higher end Mexican food. Don’t worry, there’s a kids’ menu for the pickiest of eaters. Make time to enjoy the plaza inside the pyramid. They sell authentic Mexican items and gifts – be sure to try on the giant sombreros!

Things to note:

Since the vibe is dining at twilight (no matter what time of day you’re dining), it’s very dark in the pyramid and in the restaurant. If that bothers anyone in your group, either have your phone flashlights ready to go or maybe reconsider this spot.

WDW Park Planners Tip:

Don’t miss the Gran Fiesta Tour boat ride through the pyramid. If you have a later dinner reservation, plan to ride it before you eat since it likely won’t be open by the time you’re done with your meal. We’ve missed it before and were so bummed!