How to Plan Disney Vacations Now
Okay, I’ll be blunt.
Everything you thought you knew about planning Disney vacations just vanished in a puff of smoke, Maleficent style.
With Disney overhauling its virtual queuing system, everything just reset.
Fortunately, the “new” Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass programs look a lot like something we had five years ago.
Meanwhile, the Advanced Dining Reservations system has changed since then.
So, you’ll need a new strategy starting in July. Here’s how to plan Disney vacations now.
Several Months Out
![theme parks](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Screen-Shot-2022-04-13-at-5.53.56-PM-1024x695.png)
![theme parks](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Screen-Shot-2022-04-13-at-5.53.56-PM-1024x695.png)
Photo: orlandoattractions.com
Obviously, the first steps involve purchasing admission tickets and hotel accommodations.
You may wonder how early you should book. The answer depends on when you’ll visit Disney…and which theme park.
![Halloween 2024 Oogie Boogie Bash](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Halloween-2024-Oogie-Boogie-Bash.jpg)
![Halloween 2024 Oogie Boogie Bash](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Halloween-2024-Oogie-Boogie-Bash.jpg)
Photo: Disney
Disneyland Resort operates differently from Walt Disney World, and I can prove this in an odd way.
Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party won’t arrive until September, yet presales for the event sold out in June!
![Oogie Boogie Bash](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023-dlr-dca-disney-california-adventure-oogie-boogie-bash-.png)
![Oogie Boogie Bash](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023-dlr-dca-disney-california-adventure-oogie-boogie-bash-.png)
Photo: Disney
Now, those were a special inventory exclusively for Annual Passholders, but you understand the point.
Demand for Disney varies wildly depending on whether you’re traveling at a peak tourist period like an official holiday or not.
Similarly, crowds increase for the start of EPCOT festivals, after-hours ticketed events, and the lack.
So, there’s no right or wrong time to book, as long as you don’t wait until the last minute.
![computer](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/dvcresorts-howtobook-story-knowbefore.jpg.webp)
![computer](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/dvcresorts-howtobook-story-knowbefore.jpg.webp)
Photo: DVC
I suggest three to six months before your visit, although I generally book at least seven months early.
I like knowing that I have everything reserved already. It provides me with peace of mind.
Please remember that unless you’re an Annual Passholder, you’ll buy time-based tickets.
That fact relieves you of the aggravation of having to schedule Park Passes as well.
![Annual Passholder Lounge](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-wdw-EPCOT-Annual-Passholder-Lounge-18.png)
![Annual Passholder Lounge](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-wdw-EPCOT-Annual-Passholder-Lounge-18.png)
Annual Passholder Lounge
The only people who must take that extra step now are the ones with annual passes or older, non-time-based admission tickets.
As for hotel accommodations, you should reserve your room a few months early. That way, you’ll enjoy a larger selection of room types.
![internet](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/shutterstock-world-laptop-internet.jpg.webp)
![internet](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/shutterstock-world-laptop-internet.jpg.webp)
Photo: Rappler
Also, when you make room requests earlier, you have better odds of Disney honoring them for the same reason. There’s more inventory.
When you wait too long, you risk being shut out. However, Disney sometimes offers better deals later.
![Disney 2024](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/mickey-mouse-and-young-guest-at-cinderella-castle.jpg)
![Disney 2024](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/mickey-mouse-and-young-guest-at-cinderella-castle.jpg)
Photo: Disney
Sometimes, you need to book new reservations and cancel the old ones to get the best deal.
Two Months Out
![goofy character dining](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/SDC12763.jpg)
![goofy character dining](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/SDC12763.jpg)
Photo: Lauren S
When you’re roughly 60 days away from the start of your trip, you should do a couple of things.
The first is to schedule your Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs).
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Character-Dining-Disneyland-Paris.jpg)
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Character-Dining-Disneyland-Paris.jpg)
Photo: Disney
Many of Disney’s most popular restaurants sell out all their tables long before you’ll arrive at the parks.
To guarantee that you get to eat at Disney’s most popular restaurants, you should plan ahead.
I’d suggest making a list of the Table Service restaurants where you’d like to dine.
During a six-night, seven-day visit, you’ll probably want to pick at least three.
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Rodeo-Roundup-BBQ-Hollywood-Studios-Toy-Story-Land-inside-interior-decor-dining-room-areas-tables-13.jpg)
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Rodeo-Roundup-BBQ-Hollywood-Studios-Toy-Story-Land-inside-interior-decor-dining-room-areas-tables-13.jpg)
We’ll be back!
Then again, if you’re like me, you may choose eight or nine. We like to sit down and eat a nice, relaxing meal.
Most guests these days grab something via Mobile Ordering, though. So, I’m in the minority here.
Anyway, presuming that you want to book a few character meals or experiences like Space 220, you need to do it at 60 days.
That’s when your ADR reservation window opens. When you’re 60 days out, you can book ADRs for the entirety of your stay.
![dining plan 2024](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/1215ZS_0617KP_jrod_1-scaled-e1672921067636.jpg)
![dining plan 2024](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/1215ZS_0617KP_jrod_1-scaled-e1672921067636.jpg)
Photo: Disney
So, even if something has booked on the first date, you’ll find better odds of snagging that ADR later in your trip.
In an extreme example, we’ve booked two-week vacations before. From day ten on, we’re among the first to schedule ADRs.
![banana split](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Banana-Split.jpg)
![banana split](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Banana-Split.jpg)
Photo: Disney Dining
Thus, Disney somewhat rewards you for staying longer by increasing your odds of scheduling ADRs.
The other consideration is plane tickets. According to Travel + Leisure, the best time to book right now is 28 days out.
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/WDW_Victoria-and-Alberts_0713ZO_0023KP-scaled.jpg)
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/WDW_Victoria-and-Alberts_0713ZO_0023KP-scaled.jpg)
Photo: Kent Phillips || Victoria & Albert’s
Still, I’d suggest you start getting a feel for available flights at 60 days. If you see something you like, just go ahead and book it.
Personally, I get nervous the longer I wait. Thus, I’ve usually booked at 45 days out.
One Week Out
![computer](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Screen-Shot-2022-05-30-at-9.54.07-PM-e1709300354564.png)
![computer](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Screen-Shot-2022-05-30-at-9.54.07-PM-e1709300354564.png)
Photo:seoclerk.com
Now, we’ve reached the part that’s new and different…to an extent.
With Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass, you can now book seven days in advance, presuming you’re staying at an official Disney resort.
![Lightning Lane](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2024-wdw-lightning-lane-logo.jpg)
![Lightning Lane](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2024-wdw-lightning-lane-logo.jpg)
Photo: Disney
Otherwise, you can reserve these experiences three days prior to your visit. For this reason, you should ALWAYS stay onsite.
Anyway, when your window opens, you should make several decisions.
![Lightning Lane](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2024-wdw-lightning-lane-genie-plus-transition-my-disney-experience-app.jpeg)
![Lightning Lane](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2024-wdw-lightning-lane-genie-plus-transition-my-disney-experience-app.jpeg)
Photo: Disney
The most basic one is whether you should buy either form of Lightning Lane.
I wrote this guide, but let’s keep it simple for now. The answer varies depending on which park you visit.
![Lightning Lane](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2024-disney-lightning-lane.png)
![Lightning Lane](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2024-disney-lightning-lane.png)
Photo: Disney
Currently, I feel like you should purchase Multi Pass at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom.
You don’t need the service at Disney’s Animal Kingdom unless you’re planning to visit a second park later that day.
![july 4](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Screen-Shot-2022-04-13-at-8.55.37-AM-300x200.png)
![july 4](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Screen-Shot-2022-04-13-at-8.55.37-AM-300x200.png)
Photo: Todaysorlando.com
EPCOT used to be a no for me, but I’m leaning toward yes under the new system.
I’ve flip-flopped a bit because you guarantee a booking of either Frozen Ever After or Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure now.
![Disney attractions open](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Frozen-Ever-After-Epcot-300x170.jpg)
![Disney attractions open](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Frozen-Ever-After-Epcot-300x170.jpg)
Image Credit: Disney
That saves you an hour in line, giving you more time to eat and shop at EPCOT. But it’s a judgment call with no wrong answer.
With Single Passes, you NEED Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Tron Lightcycle / Run. The other options aren’t necessary.
![Rise of the Resistance](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/1117ZR_0819MS-750x500-1-300x200.jpg)
![Rise of the Resistance](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/1117ZR_0819MS-750x500-1-300x200.jpg)
Photo: Matt Stroshane
However, when you’re not staying at an official Disney resort, you’ll probably get shut out of the best Multi Pass listings.
These virtual queue passes book quickly, especially during holiday seasons.
After four days, you won’t be getting as much bang for your buck.
The Smartest Choice
![Park Pass Reservations](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Park-Pass-4.png)
![Park Pass Reservations](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Park-Pass-4.png)
Photo: Disney
Some people like to plan, and I’m one of them.
I’ll have whiteboards and apps featuring my proposed itineraries before I eventually settle on the best one.
![Disney 2024](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Diamond-EarMarked-Authorized-Disney-Vacation-Planner.png)
![Disney 2024](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Diamond-EarMarked-Authorized-Disney-Vacation-Planner.png)
MickeyTravels
You’re probably not like me, though. In fact, you’re probably reading this and thinking, “That sounds like a lot of work.”
Don’t worry! There’s a better way to do all this! Contacted an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner at MickeyTravels instead.
![Disneyland Sleeping Beauty](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Making-Magic-Disneyland.jpg)
![Disneyland Sleeping Beauty](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Making-Magic-Disneyland.jpg)
Mickey Travels
These people are the best of the best in booking Disney vacations, having earned Platinum status two straight years.
They book hundreds of trips each day and know all the best travel itineraries.
![Disney vacation](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/disney-vacation-memories-e1710804444126.jpg)
![Disney vacation](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/disney-vacation-memories-e1710804444126.jpg)
Photo: Disney
You can speak with one of them to take care of all this planning. Remarkably, MickeyTravels won’t charge you a dime, either!
They’ll plan your dream vacation for free, and nothing beats free, right?
![Vacation](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/VacationcreenVacationhot-2024-03-17-at-2.20.16 PM.png)
![Vacation](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/VacationcreenVacationhot-2024-03-17-at-2.20.16 PM.png)
Photo: Disney
Best of all, should Disney add any of the discounts I previously mentioned, your MickeyTravels agent will grab you that deal!
That’ll save you the aggravation of having to monitor all the Disney discounts.
![click bait](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Screen-Shot-2022-05-24-at-8.54.36-AM.png)
![click bait](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Screen-Shot-2022-05-24-at-8.54.36-AM.png)
Photo:buildcreate.com
I’m not trying to sound clickbaity, but this one little trick will help you plan the best Disney vacation of your life.
Thanks for visiting MickeyBlog.com! Want to go to Disney? For a FREE quote on your next Disney vacation, please fill out the form below, and one of the agents from MickeyTravels, a Diamond Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, will be in touch soon!