There is a lot of talk about when to go on a Disney vacation – how to avoid crowds, when park hours are longest, when you’ll find the best rates, and so on. But do you know when you should start planning your trip? Here are my recommendations for when to book your Disney vacation.
Walt Disney World® Resort
When to Book: 7-9 months in advance (9-12 months for major holiday travel)
Why: Walt Disney World is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. As you’d expect, popular rooms book up quickly. When you book your Disney Resort stay or Disney vacation package seven months before you travel, you’ll have time to explore your park options and choose your Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs) before the reservation “window” opens 180 days prior to check-in. Promotions aren’t typically released until three months before travel dates, but if you’re working with a vacation planner we’ll be able to automatically adjust your package as new discounts are released.
Disneyland® Resort
When to Book: 4-6 months in advance (9-12 months for major holiday travel)
Why: It’s true Disneyland doesn’t require quite as much planning as its Florida counterpart. But you’ll still want to make sure to book in advance, especially if you want to stay in one of the three Disney Resorts on property. Dining reservations open up 60 days ahead of travel for this destination. Again, promotions are typically released three months ahead of travel, but a vacation planner can watch for these and adjust your package accordingly.
Disney Cruise Line®
When to Book: As soon as cruise itineraries are released
Why: Unlike the Disney Parks where discounts are offered close to travel, Disney Cruise Line rates increase as you approach the sailing date. By booking as soon as the cruise is announced you can take advantage of the lowest rates and have your choice of stateroom categories. The dates of these announcements vary from year to year. A vacation planner can keep an eye out for you and alert you as soon as a new sailing is available. For example, Summer 2018 cruises were released on 2/23/17.
Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa
When to Book: 4 months in advance (6 months for major holiday travel)
Why: Aulani is a beautiful Disney Resort located on the island of O’ahu in Hawaii. Ocean-view rooms are in high demand, so booking several months in advance will allow you a variety of room options. This also gives you time to arrange for flights, transfers, and excursions on the island.
Adventures by Disney®
When to Book: As soon as the itineraries are released
Why: Like Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney itineraries are at their lowest rates the day they are released. Tour groups are limited to 40 people to ensure a quality experience with the Adventure Guides. Once again, a vacation planner can monitor itineraries as they are released and alert you of availability. For example: 2018 river cruises were announced on 3/2/17.
Booking your Disney vacation early has so many great benefits: better availability, better rates, and more time to plan the perfect trip. And when you book with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner that specializes in Disney Destinations like Ears of Experience, you’ll get peace of mind knowing you’ll be the first to take advantage of new promotions and itineraries.
So which Disney vacation are you ready to start planning?
Ready for your next Disney trip? Let me help design your dream Disney vacation! I offer stress-free vacation planning, personalized itineraries, concierge services, and more at no cost to you. Request a free, no-obligation quote through my web form, email me at jtullino@themouseexperts.com, or call me at (321) 222-DSNY. I’d love to help your plan your most memorable vacation yet!
