5 Key Dates When Planning a Disney World Vacation
One of the biggest mistakes I see when people are planning a Disney vacation is not paying attention to the timeline of key dates for things you need to do before even get to the Most Magical Place on Earth!
60 Days: Advanced Dining Reservations
Booking dining in advance is especially important for popular restaurants and limited character dining. It’s even more important if you’re travelling during a busy time of year, like summer, spring break, or Christmas.
Onsite hotel guests can make dining reservations 60 days in advance of arrival for the entirety of their vacation, if the trip is less than 10 days. It’s a great perk to staying onsite! Guests need a valid theme park ticket plus park reservation before making dining reservations.
60 Days: Enchanting Extras
Enchanting Extras include experience like VIP Tours, Carriage Rides, Cabana Rentals, Specialty Tours (Like Keys to the Kingdom & Wild Africa Trek), Boat Rentals, and Spa Appointments. If you’re interested in something like this and particular about which day you do them, booking at the 60 day window is critical.
50 Days: Airport Transfers
With the removal of Disney’s free Magical Express service, you now must go elsewhere to book a bus or car to get to and from the airport from your Disney resort. Availability can fill up fast for private car services, so if you want the best rates and availability, book early.
30 Days: Final Payment Due for Packages
If you booked a package (tickets & room) reservation, your final payment will be due 30 days prior to check in. This is also the last day to cancel your vacation without being charged any cancellation or change fees. If your final payment is not made in time, Disney will automatically cancel your reservation…we don’t want that!
30 Days: MagicBand Selection
MagicBands are one of my favorite souvenirs of a Disney vacation. I’ve personally got a collection now! MagicBands are what you can use to unlock your Disney Resort room door, enter the theme parks, pay for merchandise, and link to PhotoPass pictures. It’s a fun tool and they all have unique designs. So it’s a win-win for fashion and functionality!
Well there you have it. Some key dates to be sure you’re on top of your Disney vacation planning. I think the moral of this story is not to wait! Set reminders of your timeline or keep in touch with your travel agent (like me!!) to be sure you’re on track.
