How Long Will You Stay
We always recommend staying on vacation as long as possible. Obviously. But since everyone has a real life to get back to be sure to check out our post on How Many Days Should You Stay at Disney. This will give you a good idea of what you can fit into your vacation without feeling rushed. And give you some insight on what you may want to skip if you need a shorter vacation. We typically recommend about 9-12 days to really make the most of a Disney Vacation.
If You Want To Spend A Bit Less
The budget figure given above $3,927 involves a stay at one of Disneys All-Star hotels, few-to-no table service meals , and a discounted ticket option. Its a relatively low target if youre booking a traditional Disney World stay.
To go below that, youll need to start thinking out of the boxbooking around only the best Disney deals booking non-Disney hotels or Airbnb waiting for deep deals on Priceline cutting a day off your tickets buying groceries and bringing your own food. We cover much of these in the rest of this guide in the appropriate sections.
Beyond the rest of this post, we also have a separate post of 50+ Ways to Save On Your Disney Vacation.
When Do You Want To Visit
Choosing the right time to visit Walt Disney World can make or break your vacation. Take a look at our Disney Calendar of Events for 2022 to get a handle on the holidays and events that may be happening during your stay. Things like runDisney marathons, festivals, and holiday weekends can all interfere with the best-laid plans. So, as youre figuring out work and school schedules, compare them against the calendar to see what may conflict or support your Disney Vacation. Be sure to check out the Best Time to Visit Walt Disney World post. Then check the Park Pass Reservation system to see if your tentative dates have park availability. And if youre hoping to be in the parks during a certain festival, party or holiday, take a look at our Year of Walt Disney World Events to get a glimpse of happenings each month.
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See More About Mobile Check
The My Disney Experience app also now lets you join Virtual Waitlists for many Disney World restaurants. So, lets say you couldnt score a reservation at the one spot where you really wanted to eat. Or, maybe you didnt think youd have time for a table service meal, but now you do. You could always check to see if there are any regular Advanced Dining Reservations available. But, you also might be able to join a Virtual Waitlist for the restaurant and potentially get a walk-up spot with this feature.
Mobile Dine Walk-up Waitlist screenshot
The app will show you if the walk-up waitlist is at capacity for that restaurant already, or what the estimated walk-up wait would be.
When Can You Book Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
Makeovers at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique are very popular. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance and are highly recommended. A valid accepted credit card number is required at time of booking. While the boutique remains open until the park closes, the salons last makeover reservation is at 6:00 PM each day.
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Disney Reservation Calculator Timeline
WDW allows you to make advance reservations for lodging, dining, and other various activities around the park.
As part of our Disney Reservation Calculator, use our Advance Dining Reservations calculator to determine when to book your dining and in-park reservations.
Heres a timeline to help guide you through the Disney Reservation Calculator as you decide when to book certain aspects of your trip.
Update: Advance Dining Reservation can be made up to 60 days prior to your arrival. Additionally, the Disney Dining Plan has been suspended until further notice. Stay tuned for more updates as 2021 progresses.
Do You Have A Particular Disney Resort In Mind
With over 25 resorts at Walt Disney World, at a variety of price levels, there are many places to stay on property at Walt Disney World. Are you looking for something fun that feels like Disney, as an All-Star Resort? Or something more relaxed and island-like like Caribbean Beach Resort? Perhaps you want glamourous accommodations at the Grand Floridian or animal viewing from your room at Animal Kingdom Lodge? Maybe youre hoping for tons of ease and convenience and want a resort within walking distance of Hollywood Studios Park and EPCOT? Maybe check out the Boardwalk Inn? Think about which resort will make your Disney Vacation feel special.
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Learn More About Marriott Vacation Club & Destinations Club Ownership
If youd like to learn more about current resale prices, you can view our active , our . If you have any remaining questions about Marriott booking windows or any other aspects of the Marriott timeshare ownership, feel free to contact us by filling in a form, and well have one of our licensed agents that specializes in Marriott respond to your inquiry.
Considering A Walt Disney World Airbnb
One thing budget travelers will need to consider is renting an Airbnb near Walt Disney World. Airbnb is a service that allows people to rent out their apartment like a hotel room. But near Walt Disney World, its more common to see apartments, condos, or vacation homes that are rented out exclusively to vacationers.
Airbnb rentals tend to have good price, and youll have the space of an apartment, usually including a full kitchen. This makes an Airbnb a great savings option if youre willing to cook some meals or pack lunches.
The biggest downside of an Airbnb is transportation. Youll need to either drive or rely on Uber to get to Walt Disney World. As Disney hotels now charge for parking, drivers may find great value in Airbnb rentals that include parking. Those who rely on Uber can find rentals that are a $10 Uber ride from the parks, which means youll spend an extra $20-$25 per day on transportation.
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When Should I Go To Walt Disney World
One of the very first things youll want to think about is when to go, and the most important factor is when you can go. Work, school and extracurricular activity schedules should all be considered in your planning. Once youve figured out when works best for you, there are a few other things to consider. Many people like to consider special events, weather and potential crowds in their Walt Disney World planning. So lets take a closer look at these.
How Far In Advance Can You Book A Disney Cruise
Currently, Disney Cruise Line departures are suspended through at least December 6, 2020. However, as usual, Disney Cruise Line trips can be booked very far in advance. Currently, vacations can be booked through all of 2021. But if you want to start booking a trip for 2022 thats over a year in advance then below are the dates to keep in mind:
Advance Booking for Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club MembersIf youâre currently a Platinum, Gold or Silver Castaway Club member, take advantage of the opportunity to book our new cruises before they go on sale to the general public on October 22, 2020. Youâll be able to book early 2022 itineraries online or by phone during a designated booking window.
When to Book
Disney Cruise Line is also offering flexible cancelations and modifications. For Disney Cruise Line, this is called Cruise Date Flexibility.You can read all about this here or call 951-3532 for assistance with an already-booked trip.
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Some Facts About Booking A Walt Disney World Vacation:
- Walt Disney World will allow you to book a room only reservation up to 499 days in advance, nearly a year and a half.
- Walt Disney World releases their room rates and packages in one year chunks, usually sometime in July for the following year. For 2017 rates and packages, we should see them sometime later this Summer.
- If you book a room only reservation for a time when the rates have yet to be released, Disney will estimate a price for you. Once rates are released, Disney will then update the rate you booked at to the correct rate.
- You cannot book a package for a time when rates and packages are not yet made available. So, if you want to travel next January, even if we are within 499 days, your only option is to book a room only reservation, you will have to wait until July, or whenever Disney decides to release 2017 packages, to book a package.
- Room only reservations cannot be converted into packages. So, if you book a room only reservation way in advance, and think you will just convert it to a package when they become available, you cannot, you will have to cancel your initial reservation and start over.
- Any money you have paid on your Disney package reservation is fully refundable up until the final balance is due, which is currently 30 days before travel. For Disney World room only reservation, as long as you cancel more than 5 days before arrival you will receive your deposit back.
Transportation At Walt Disney World
One important decision is . Even if youre sure you want a car, we recommend you read some of our tips about having a car at Walt Disney World.
Generally, youll be relying on bus, boat, monorail, or walking to get to and between the parks. You can also Uber around Walt Disney World. If youre unsure how to get between two points, ask the concierge or desk staff at your hotel, or ask a Cast Member at a park .
Transportation at Walt Disney World can, unfortunately, be quite slow. This is especially true of bus and boat transportation. If youre in a hurry, consider Uber.
Disney used to off its own rideshare systemMinnie Vansthrough a partnership with Lyft, but it hasnt operated in a while. If they return, the high prices of Minnie Vans make them not worth considering for most purposes other than getting to the Magic Kingdom, where other drivers are not allowed to make drop-offs. Theyre also good if you need two car seats, as Uber Car Seat cars typically only have one.
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Disney Dining Reservation Calculator For Disney World Vacations
Our Disney Reservation Calculator is a simple tool to determine when to book your Advanced Dining Reservations for your next Disney vacation.
When booking a Walt Disney World vacation, trying to figure out when to make your reservations can be confusing. That said, Disney has streamlined the process since re-opening after the Covid shutdowns. We have created a Disney Dining Reservation Calculator so you will know when to book your dining reservation.
Just enter the date you arrive at the park and let the Disney Reservation Calculator do the math for you!
Visiting Walt Disney World During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Please be aware that certain parks, hotels, restaurants, and experiences may be modified, limited, or unavailable at this time.
Note that Disneys Dining Plans have been suspended . FastPass+ has been replaced with Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane passes. Extra Magic Hours has been discontinued and will soon be replaced with Early Theme Park Entry later this year. Contact your Disney travel agent for the latest information.
- Advance Dining Reservations can now be made up to 60 days prior to your arrival.
- Advance reservations for recreation, the Enchanting Extras Collection, and other Disney experiences can also be made up to 60 days in advance.
Note: Disney Resort hotel Guests are able to make their reservations up to 60 days in advance PLUS the length of their stay .
Disney Park Pass System
Face Coverings
Benefits Of Using A Travel Agent For Your Disney Road Trip
Did you know that a travel agent who specializes in Disney trips can help you have a better vacation even when you are driving, not flying, to Disney World? Sure, you can get a Disney package that includes airfare but that is such a tiny part of what we do for you. We immerse ourselves in all things Disney so that we can come along side you for every step of the vacation planning process. Thats important because Disney is so huge with so many choices that it can easily become overwhelming. You need to know about hotels, restaurants, dining plans, tickets, theme parks, rides, and more. Disney World rolled out a new My Disney Experience program that offers some great benefits but you have to set up an account, customize your Magic Bands, and book your FastPass+ reservations prior to arrival. You can take the time to become a Disney expert on your own or you can get the help of someone who already eats, drinks and breathes all things Disney on a daily basis. We can help you assess all the available options and quickly eliminate those that arent a good fit for your family, saving you a lot of wasted time and freeing you focus on those things that will give you a great vacation. The best part is that we are a fee-free agency so getting our help doesnt cost anything when you book your hotel and tickets through us.
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Order Groceries Fromgarden Grocer
You may ask yourself Why am I buying groceries on vacation?, but I promise it is worth it. We order a handful of breakfast items, snacks, milk, and bottled water when staying in a regular room. If staying in a Disney World deluxe villa with a kitchen we also order food to cook some meals in our room.
We eat breakfast in our room to avoid breakfast lines and added expense at the parks. It is also nice to have some food on hand in case your group wants a snack at night when you get back to your room. I have all of my tips and tricks for ordering from Garden Grocer in my detailed guide.
The Deluxe Villas and Fort Wilderness Cabins have full size refrigerators. Mini fridge and beverage coolers are available at these other resorts at Disney World. Disney World deluxe villa 1-bedroom and larger villas have full kitchens.
Walt Disney World Basics And Essential Tips
Walt Disney World is a vacation destination outside of Orlando, Florida with four theme parks, two waterparks, numerous hotels, world class dining, and several other offerings .
If youre brand new to Walt Disney World planning, start with our Basic Things To Know About Walt Disney World. Thats a quick read that will get you familiar with Walt Disney World.
Then move on to our Essential Tips for Planning Your First Disney World Vacation. Theres some overlap between that list and this guide, but thats okay, youll just be a little ahead of the curve in the rest of your planning.
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Stay At A Disney Value Resort If
If youre visiting Walt Disney World during less busy times of the year, like early January, February, September , then youre safe to stay at a Value Resort and save some money. We highly recommend Pop Century Resort as its one of the best and now also on the Skyliner Gondola line. A word of warning though, during busy times of the year and through the summer months, value resorts are filled to the brim with school groups, spring breakers, and international groups and can be very noisy and busy.
Notable Changes In 2022 Packages
- Disney Dining Plans remain unavailable at this time.
- Normal terms and conditions for final payments, cancellations, and change fees will apply for all 2022 vacation bookings.
- Minnie Vans remain unavailable for bookings.
- Guests will continue to no longer receive complimentary MagicBands, which were suspended at the beginning of January 2021.
- Select Disney resort hotels remain unavailable to book, as they have yet to receive opening dates. This doesnt mean they wont reopen come 2022, but, right now, we arent sure when they will open again. These resorts include: All Star Music, All Star Sports, Animal Kingdom Lodge , BoardWalk Inn, Port Orleans French Quarter, and Port Orleans Riverside.
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When Can I Book 2022 Walt Disney World Vacation Packages
Walt Disney World Packages can be booked into 2022 for arrivals up to 500 days in advance. Requests for quotes beyond the 500-day mark will be placed on our waitlist and quoted at the appropriate time when those dates are made available by Disney.
NOTE: If you are interested in a quote for dates later than that, please write to and we will add you to our waitlist for when your dates become available.
This question is the one that we get asked more than any other as most people looking to visit the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando know that planning ahead is a must. Some even say that planning your Disney vacation is almost as much fun, if not more, than the actual vacation itself!
Walt Disney World Resort Theme Park Admission Ticket Information
This how-to guide covers the ticket needs of the vast majority of Walt Disney World visitors. Disney does offer annual passes and some other options that only affect very small, specific situations but the above information applies to almost everyone who visits the Disney World theme parks, whether you purchase your ticket as part of a Walt Disney World Resort vacation package or you just walk up and buy a ticket at the gate. Your Build A Better Mouse Trip agent will make help you select a ticket that covers all of your Disney vacation priorities without wasting money on options you wont use when you purchase tickets or book your vacation through us. There is no extra charge for our services.
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