What to Book When

Disney vacations come with a lot of dates to remember. Use this timeline to know what to book, when to book it and what can wait.

Disney policies and booking windows can change, so always confirm current requirements before your trip.

6–12 Months Before

Book the Big Stuff

This is the time to establish the foundation of your vacation.

Book or decide

• ☐Disney Resort hotel
• ☐Vacation package or tickets
• ☐Travel dates
• ☐Approximate number of park days
• ☐Park Hopper or one-park-per-day tickets
• ☐Flights, if you're ready to purchase

Start thinking about

• ☐Which parks are priorities
• ☐Resort preferences
• ☐Must-do attractions
• ☐Special events or parties
• ☐Whether you want the Disney Dining Plan
• ☐Whether you want Included Planning or Park Star Concierge

Park reservations: Most guests using date-based tickets do not need theme park reservations. Certain ticket types and Annual Passes may still require them.

3–5 Months Before

Start Building Your Vacation

Now it's time to turn your trip into an actual plan.

Start thinking about

• ☐Which park you'll visit each day
• ☐Restaurants you'd like to try
• ☐Character dining
• ☐Resort/rest days
• ☐Disney Springs
• ☐Special experiences
• ☐Transportation between parks and resorts
• ☐Your family's must-do attractions

If you're considering popular extras—such as tours, dessert parties or other Enchanting Extras—start making your wish list now so you're ready when your booking window opens.

60 Days Before

Dining Day!

This is one of the most important dates on your Disney planning calendar.

Disney Resort hotel guests can make dining reservations beginning 60 days before check-in for their entire stay, up to 10 nights. Other guests can make reservations 60 days before each dining date. New availability for select restaurants generally opens around 6:00 AM Eastern.

This is when you'll want to book

• ☐Table-service restaurants
• ☐Character meals
• ☐Popular signature restaurants
• ☐Many Enchanting Extras and special experiences

Prioritize the reservations that matter most to your family first.

30 Days Before

Get Trip-Ready

Your vacation is getting close!

This is a good time to:

• ☐Review your itinerary
• ☐Confirm dining reservations
• ☐Download/update the My Disney Experience app
• ☐Make sure everyone is connected in Family & Friends
• ☐Confirm that tickets are properly linked
• ☐Complete Disney Resort Online Check-In
• ☐Order or locate MagicBand+ devices if you're using them
• ☐Review transportation plans
• ☐Start your packing list

Disney Resort guests can use Online Check-In before arrival, which can also enable Direct-to-Room features when available.

1–2 Weeks Before

Finalize Your Strategy

Now is when your vacation starts becoming very real.

Review

• ☐Park hours
• ☐Early Entry availability
• ☐Attraction closures
• ☐Entertainment schedules
• ☐Dining reservations
• ☐Weather forecast
• ☐Transportation
• ☐Your family's attraction priorities

If you're purchasing Lightning Lane passes, decide which parks and attractions matter most before your booking window opens.

7 Days Before

Lightning Lane — Disney Resort Guests

Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels and certain other eligible hotels can purchase Lightning Lane passes beginning 7 days before the first day of their Resort stay, starting at 7:00 AM Eastern, for eligible days during their stay (up to 14 days).

Depending on your plans, you may choose among:

Lightning Lane Multi Pass — Select up to three experiences and arrival windows in advance.

Lightning Lane Single Pass — Purchase access to select high-demand attractions individually.

Lightning Lane Premier Pass — Provides one-time Lightning Lane access to each eligible attraction in a park without selecting arrival windows.

Availability and pricing vary.

3 Days Before

Lightning Lane — Other Guests

Not staying at a Disney Resort or other eligible hotel?

Most other guests become eligible to purchase Lightning Lane passes 3 days in advance. The exact window depends on your admission type.

Before purchasing, make sure everyone in your party is connected through Family & Friends and has valid park admission.

The Day Before

Final Check

You're almost there.

Take a few minutes to:

• ☐Charge phones and portable chargers
• ☐Charge MagicBand+ devices
• ☐Check tomorrow's weather
• ☐Review park hours
• ☐Review your first few priorities
• ☐Confirm dining and Lightning Lane times
• ☐Pack your park bag
• ☐Set your alarm
• ☐And then…stop planning.

You've done the work. It's time to enjoy the trip.

A Quick Reference

One last thing…

You do not need to have every minute of your Disney vacation scheduled. A good plan gives you direction while leaving room for spontaneity, breaks and those unexpected moments that often become your favorite memories.