In the movie Alice in Wonderland, the White Rabbit knows if he's late the Queen of Hearts will say...."Off with his head!"
If you have promised your little girl that she can eat in Cinderella's Castle with all the princesses only to find out that it's too late to make reservations, decapitation might seem like a welcomed alternative for you.
To get the most out of your Disney vacation there are certain important deadlines that you need to know. You may be surprised to learn that thousands of people out there watch the clock and start making advanced Disney reservation the moment they become available. Many character dining options and events actually take place in surprisingly intimate, small venues so there simply aren't that many spaces available for such high demand.
The sooner you can start planning your Disney World Vacation, the better!Knowing rules and availability dates will certainly give you a planning advantage:
DISNEY RESORTS/499 days – Pricing & availability for Disney resorts located within the park becomes available 499 days in advance. If you plan to visit during a major holiday or spring break, it is IMPERATIVE that your reservations are made as soon as space becomes available for the best choice and to avoid disappointment. If you have your heart set on staying at a specific resort or need a certain room type, you do need to book far in advance to insure availabilty. If you have 3 or more kids and need larger accommodations, you MUST book in advance because these spaces always sell out first.
It's important to remember you must make a deposit to confirm your room reservations. Normally the required deposit amount is the cost of one night's hotel stay.
Please know, Disney does not discount for booking your room this far in advance like many other hotels do. Actually the price of Disney rooms can increase from 1-3% year over year. Making a deposit on a Disney room will guarantee your space, not price. So what's the point of booking early?...
- You have the best chance of getting the room that your family wants or needs
- Vacationkids can add flights, park tickets and dining reservations as these components become available to create an entire package. Disney doesn't give you any special discounts for buying complete vacation packages.
- With one night's deposit we can confirm and hold your reservation.
- With advance reservations, you can choose set up a layaway payment plan thru Vacationkids breaking up your vacation cost into monthly credit card payments.
- If you're worried about missing out on some great last minute deal, don't be. Vacationkids will babysit your reservations. If Disney announces a deal or discount, we work with Disney to convert your reservation and get you the cheaper price.
- Disney resort have very generous cancellation policies. It's easy to cancel an existing reservation but impossible to get a sold out room for a last minute trip.
- If you are traveling during off season, plan to make your hotel reservations at the same time you book your flights.
AIRLINES/330 days – Most airline Pricing & availability becomes available 330 days in advance of departure.
DISNEY DINING/180 or 190 days – Disney restaurant reservations become available to the public 180 days in advance. Families with an existing Disney room reservation number are allowed to make dining reservations 190 days out. Often having an advance room reservation number is means all the difference when it comes to getting the Disney Dining experiences that you want or missing out. If you have your heart set on a specific character meal or dining experience, you must make reservations as soon as space becomes available.
Disney Spas/120 days – Guests staying at Disney Resorts can make their spa reservations 120 days in advance of their arrival.
Special Magic/ 90 Days – Reservations for Wishes Fireworks or Illumination cruises or evening baby sitting at one of the Disney Kids Clubs need to be made 90 days out.
Special Requests/30 days – Stroller Rentals, crib requests, flowers, birthday cakes or grocery delivery are suggested about 1 month before you arrive.
Disney Park Tickets - Park tickets same consistent throughout the year, they do not vary by season or supply & demand the way hotel rates do. Park prices usually change, or should I say increase each summer. You can save a little by purchasing your tickets by the end of June before prices go up.
