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!