Disney World is a magical place where dreams come true, but planning your trip can be a daunting task. From securing a spot at popular dining venues to ensuring access to your favorite rides, there are several reservations you need to make to ensure a seamless Disney experience. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the ins and outs of Disney World reservations, so you can focus on creating unforgettable memories.
Reservations you need at Disney World include theme park entry reservations through the Disney Park Pass system, dining reservations at various restaurants, attraction reservations using Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane, special experiences and tours reservations, and Disney Resort Hotel reservations. Additionally, there are lesser-known reservations for experiences like Oga’s Cantina and Savi’s Workshop. It’s recommended to make these reservations as early as possible to secure your spots.
Theme Park Entry Reservations
First things first, to enter any of Disney World’s four theme parks – Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you need a valid admission ticket and a theme park reservation through the Disney Park Pass system for the same park on the same day. Theme park reservations are currently required until January 8, 2024.
Dining Reservations
One of the highlights of any Disney World trip is the food. With over 200 dining locations, including table-service restaurants, quick-service venues, snack stands, and lounges, there’s something to satisfy every palate. However, dining reservations at Disney World are highly recommended, especially for table-service restaurants.
You can make dining reservations up to 60 days in advance, and if you’re staying at a Disney World Resort hotel, you can make reservations for your entire stay (up to 10 days) 60 days before the first day of your trip. Some of the must-have dining reservations include Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Victoria & Alberts at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, and ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to name a few.
Attraction Reservations with Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane
Disney World has replaced the FastPass+ system with the Disney Genie+ service. For a per-ticket per-day fee, Disney Genie+ allows you to make reservations for Lightning Lane entrances at select attractions. You can make your first Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane selection at 7:00 AM on the day of your visit. After you’ve used your initial selection, you can make additional selections one at a time, throughout the day.
Special Experiences and Tours
Disney World offers several special experiences and tours that require reservations. These include the Disney Private VIP Tour, Wild Africa Trek, and Taste of Magic Kingdom VIP Tour among others.
Disney Resort Hotel Reservations
Staying at Disney World Resort hotels offers several benefits, including first access to Disney Genie+ selections and Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs), early theme park entry, extended evening theme park hours, complimentary transportation, and much more.
Lesser-known Reservations
There are several lesser-known reservations that can make your Disney World trip extra special. These include Oga’s Cantina, Savi’s Workshop, Droid Depot, Belle Vue Lounge, and more.
Conclusion
Planning a trip to Disney World can be overwhelming, but with the right reservations, you can ensure a magical and memorable experience. Remember to book as early as possible, stay flexible, and don’t forget to explore new dining and attraction experiences. With a bit of planning and a dash of Disney magic, your dream vacation awaits!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Disney Park Pass system?
The Disney Park Pass system is Disney World’s reservation system for park entry. It was implemented to manage capacity and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests. You need to make a theme park reservation in addition to having a valid admission ticket.
How can I make dining reservations at Disney World?
Dining reservations can be made online via the Disney World website, through the My Disney Experience app, or by calling (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463. Remember, you can make these reservations up to 60 days in advance.
What is the Disney Genie+ service?
Disney Genie+ is a paid service that allows you to access the Lightning Lane entrances at over 40 attractions across Disney World’s four theme parks. It replaced the former FastPass+ system and costs $15 per ticket per day.
What are some special experiences and tours at Disney World that require reservations?
Disney World offers several special experiences and tours such as the Disney Private VIP Tour, Wild Africa Trek, and Taste of Magic Kingdom VIP Tour. These offer unique, behind-the-scenes experiences and require reservations.
What are the benefits of staying at a Disney World Resort hotel?
Staying at a Disney World Resort hotel offers numerous benefits, including early access to Disney Genie+ selections and dining reservations, early theme park entry, extended evening theme park hours, and complimentary transportation within the resort.
What are some lesser-known reservations at Disney World?
Lesser-known reservations that can enhance your Disney World trip include Oga’s Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Savi’s Workshop where you can build your own lightsaber, Droid Depot to build a custom droid, and Belle Vue Lounge for a relaxing evening.
