The BEST Time to Start Planning Your 2024 Disney World Vacation
If you’ve ever planned a Walt Disney World vacation, you know that the process involves A LOT of moving parts. And if you’ve never planned a Disney World vacation?
Well, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices and endless amount of information!
From choosing a Disney resort to choosing where to dine, planning a Disney vacation involves a fair bit of research, a good deal of planning, and a whole bunch of difficult decisions.
If you’re considering a Disney World vacation in 2024, chances are you’re wondering WHEN you should begin the planning process.
Photo: Disney
So when is the BEST time to start planning your 2024 Walt Disney World Vacation? Well, the short answer is… NOW!
Or, at least as soon as you know that a Disney vacation is in your plans (and in your budget) this year.
Photo: Disney
Whether you’re booking far in advance or planning a spontaneous last-minute visit, getting a jump start on your Disney planning will help you get the most out of your vacation.
How Far In Advance Should I Book My Disney Vacation?
If you already know that a Disney vacation is in your plans this year, don’t wait to start planning!
Photo: Disney
While last-minute Disney vacations are easier than ever, it’s highly suggested to plan as far in advance as possible — especially if you’re a first-timer, if you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime Disney experience, or if you are very particular about where you eat and stay.
Plan Ahead For The Best Resort and Dining Availability
Walt Disney World is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world – and as such, some of its most popular resorts and restaurants are extremely quick to fill up, especially during busy seasons like Spring Break and the winter holidays.
Photo: Disney
By booking in advance, you’ll secure your room at the resort of your choice, and give yourself the best chance at scoring those hard-to-get dining reservations.
Time To Prepare
Planning ahead gives you plenty of time to prepare for your Disney World vacation. From Genie+ to Disney transportation, you’ll want to read up on all those important Disney World basics.
Disney Skyliner
You don’t need to pre-plan every minute of your Disney World vacation (and for your sanity, you probably shouldn’t even try!).
However, tackling your Disney vacation with a loose plan and basic knowledge of the parks will make for a more relaxing and magical experience.
Happily Ever Fireworks at Disney’s Magic Kingdom
Whether you’re a first-timer or a Disney veteran, planning ahead gives you the advantage of TIME. Time to figure out what you want, time to solidify your budget, and time to research all that Disney has to offer. Best of all, you’ll have the time to enjoy the anticipation!
Plan Ahead For Financial Benefits
When you plan your Disney vacation in advance, you’ll even enjoy added financial benefits. From paying slowly over time to scoring the best prices possible, booking in advance gives you a definitive edge.
Photo: Disney
If you think you have to hold out for those last-minute discounts to get the best deals — think again! When you work with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, they’ll look out for deals, discounts, and promotions even after you’ve booked — making sure you get the best price possible.
Photo: Disney
As an added bonus, MickeyTravels will help you tackle all those practical planning details, from dining reservations to customized itineraries. MickeyTravels services are always 100% free, so you’ll never pay a fee.
How Far In Advance CAN I Plan?
Until August 2022, Disney guests were able to book room-only reservations up to 499 days in advance. However, the current booking system only allows room-only reservations to be booked as far out as you can book a “package,” which includes accommodations and park tickets.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
In general, packages for the following year are released sometime in the late spring or early summer. As such, the earliest you can book is typically a year in advance.
Can I Book A Last-Minute Disney Vacation?
Contrary to popular belief, last-minute Disney vacations are not only possible, but they’re also a TON of fun! With the help of an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, you can beat the odds and enjoy an ultra-magical (and super spontaneous!) Disney World vacation.
Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom
In the past, spontaneous Disney World trips could be extremely tricky to pull off. Pre-pandemic, Advance Dining Reservations were made 180 days in advance, with hard-to-get ressies disappearing like smoke in the wind.
As a result, most Disney guests considered the 6-month mark the absolute latest to begin planning.
(Matt Stroshane, photographer)
Then, the pandemic triggered the implementation of park reservations, which made last-minute planning difficult, especially for those hoping to travel during busy times.
While it’s still ideal to plan in advance, recent changes have made last-minute visits a very real — and tempting — possibility. Dining reservations have been moved to 60 days in advance for on-site guests, and as of January 9th of this year, park reservations are a thing of the past for date-based tickets.
Photo: Disney
As a result, planning a spontaneous or last-minute Disney vacation is now quite a bit easier. While last-minute bookings still pose certain limitations, you’ll still enjoy all the magic and wonder you’d expect of a Disney vacation.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Keep in mind that resort and dining reservations may be limited with a last-minute Disney vacation, and planning in advance is highly suggested. But if you’re flexible on where you dine and where you stay, don’t rule out a last-minute trip!
The Best Time to Start Planning is…Now!
Whether you’re planning far in advance or a magical last-minute escape, the best time to start planning your 2024 Disney World vacation is … NOW!
Photo: Disney
If you’re ready to experience the magic of Walt Disney World this year, consider this your sign to GET STARTED!
Photo: MickeyTravels
