Disney World, the “happiest place on Earth”, is a popular destination for families, couples, and individuals of all ages. Whether you’re planning a vacation during the peak season or the off-peak months, one question that frequently comes up is, “How early can you make reservations at Disney World?” In this comprehensive guide, we aim to answer this question and provide you with all the essential information you need to plan your Disney World vacation.
The earliest you can make reservations at Disney World is 60 days in advance. 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 your trip begins. Reservations can be made online starting at 6:00 AM EST.
How Early Can You Make Reservations?
The earliest possible timeframe to make reservations at Disney World is 60 days in advance. If you are 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. Reservations can be made online starting at 6:00 AM EST. It is recommended to be online and logged in by 5:45 AM EST, as sometimes the system releases dining reservations earlier than the official opening time.
Specific Rules and Restrictions
Disney World has specific rules and restrictions for making early reservations. For early theme park entry, you must be a registered guest at a Disney Resort Hotel or a select partner hotel. Valid theme park admission, park reservation, and Resort ID are required. Guests can make reservations up to 60 days in advance. If you have a valid Disney Resort Hotel reservation, you can make reservations for your entire length of stay (up to a 10-night stay) 60 days in advance.
Starting January 9, 2024, theme park reservations will no longer be required for date-based tickets, like single-day or two-day tickets. However, annual passholders will still require park reservations on certain days that are not designated as “Good to Go” days. For Early Theme Park Entry, a park reservation for the park you start at and a park ticket are still required.
For dining reservations, you can make them 60 days in advance. Guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel can make dining reservations for their entire stay, up to 10 days, 60 days in advance of their check-in day.
Peak and Off-Peak Seasons
The reservation process for peak and off-peak seasons mainly differs in terms of pricing, availability, and promotional strategies. During peak seasons, hotels experience high demand, allowing them to charge premium rates for accommodation. In contrast, off-peak seasons have lower demand, leading to lower prices to attract more guests.
Benefits of Early Reservations
Making reservations at Disney World as early as possible can provide you with better availability, early access to dining reservations and theme park entry, potential discounts, flexible payment options, and overall peace of mind.
Amending or Cancelling Reservations
Generally, you can amend or cancel a reservation, but the conditions for doing so may vary. For hotels, amendments depend on the rate and room availability. Cancellation policies differ among hotels, and some may charge a fee for cancellations made within a specific time frame before the check-in date.
Reservation Tools and Platforms
There are various tools and platforms that guests can use to make early reservations, such as SevenRooms, Picktime, Square Appointments, Wisely, Eat App, Tock, and Cloudbeds. These platforms offer various features and integrations to help businesses manage reservations efficiently and provide a seamless experience for guests.
Tips and Tricks for Securing the Best Reservations
Securing the best reservations at Disney World can be achieved by booking in advance, being flexible with your dining times, using the refresh method, changing your party size, prioritizing difficult reservations, staying at a Disney Resort, and keeping trying if you can’t find a reservation initially.
In summary, planning a trip to Disney World involves several factors, including knowing when to make reservations, understanding the rules and restrictions, being aware of the differences between peak and off-peak seasons, and knowing how to secure the best reservations. By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to planning a magical Disney World vacation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “refresh method” mentioned in the tips and tricks section?
The “refresh method” refers to the practice of continuously refreshing the Disney World reservation page to check for any newly available slots. This can be particularly useful during peak times when reservations fill up quickly.
What are the “Good to Go” days mentioned in the section about theme park reservations?
“Good to Go” days are specific days designated by Disney World where annual passholders do not require an additional park reservation. These days are typically during off-peak seasons or weekdays.
Is there a benefit to staying at a Disney Resort Hotel versus other accommodations in terms of making reservations?
Yes, guests staying at a Disney Resort Hotel have the benefit of being able to make dining and theme park reservations for their entire stay (up to 10 days) 60 days in advance of their check-in day. This can give them an advantage in securing preferred dining times and park entries.
What is the purpose of the various reservation tools and platforms mentioned?
The reservation tools and platforms like SevenRooms, Picktime, Square Appointments, Wisely, Eat App, Tock, and Cloudbeds are used by businesses to manage reservations efficiently. They can offer features like instant booking confirmations, reminders, and easy rescheduling, which provide a seamless experience for guests.
What happens if I miss my reservation time at Disney World?
If you miss your reservation time at Disney World, the reservation is typically forfeited. However, if you contact Disney World as soon as possible, they might be able to reschedule your reservation depending on availability.
