Disney Vacation Planning

Disney by the Numbers

When it comes to planning a Disney vacation, numbers are VERY important! No those aren’t budget numbers (though those are important too!), I’m talking about different dates that come up as you’re planning your magical vacation.

Let’s starting with the first number you’ll encounter, when can you first book your Disney vacation package? You can book a Walt Disney World vacation package up to 499 days in advance! What I love about this is, with only a $200 deposit, your room is held and it gives more than enough time to budget. I also love a countdown!

Our current countdown! Only 16 days left!!

The next important number will be 180 days before you check in. At 180 days you can start booking your Dining Reservations! I know it sounds early, but you’d be amazed how quickly Be Our Guest gets booked up on the 180th day to check-in! Disney Dining reservations can be made for most sit-down or in Disney speak, Table Service restaurants in the 4 Walt Disney Parks and Disney Springs.

At 180 days you can also book reservations for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and The Pirates League which transform your child into their favorite princess, knight pirate or mermaid. Be on the look out for a future post for more information about these fun extras!

When you hit 60 days before check-in (if you’re a Disney Resort guest), you’ll be able to make your FastPass+ selections. Every member of your traveling party can select 3 FastPass+ Reservations in one of the 4 Disney Parks for each day of their stay.

Should anything happen that you can no longer go on your magical vacation, your $200 deposit, and any payment that you’ve made up to 45 days before your check-in is 100% refundable.

30 days before your check-in is when your final payment must be made by.

If you want to receive your customized MagicBand to your house before you leave for your trip, you must complete your MagicBand customization at least 11 days before your check-in date. MagicBands are in essence your ticket to the magic, look out for a future post for more on MagicBands!

To make sure you are able to get all the pictures from your magical vacation, add Memory Maker to your vacation package at least 3 days before your check-in date. Memory Maker gives you access to all the photos taken you take with Disney photographers, look out for a future post for more on Memory Maker!

Want to avoid renting a car? Make sure to add Disney’s Magical Express to your vacation package at least 2 days prior to your check-in. Disney’s Magical Express is a free service offered to Walt Disney World Resort guests that will take you from Orlando MCO airport to your Disney Resort Hotel and bring you back to Orlando MCO airport when its time to say goodbye.

Now you’re ready to leave for your magical Walt Disney World vacation! Ready to start planning? Let me take the stress of all these numbers away from you! Start by filling out the form in the Request More Information or Disney Quote Request drop-down.

Disney News

What’s new at Walt Disney World for 2018!?

We may only be a few days into 2018, but let’s talk about some exciting things that are happening at Walt Disney World this year!

Disney Springs is going to open 8 new dining locations throughout the year! New locations include The Edison, Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante, Enzo’s Hideaway, Pizza Ponte, Terralina Crafted Italian, Wine Bar George, Jaleo and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill!

Opening in early 2018

All new dining locations opening in early 2018 are located in The Landing at Disney Springs

  • The Edison – A lavish, industrial gothic-style hotspot for classic American cuisine, craft cocktails and unique entertainment! The Edison has already opened as of New Years Day.
  • Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante- Modeled after the Golden Age of air travel, savor authentic Italian cuisine inside this stunning trattoria. Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante opened just this week!
  • Enzo’s Hideaway – Sip on prohibition-era cocktails and enjoy delicious bites at a tunnel bar exuding an intimate, 1920s speakeasy-vibe!
  • Pizza Ponte – Grab a slice of pizza, sandwhich or dessert availabile morning to night!

Opening in late 2018

Terralina Crafted Italian and Wine Bar George will be located in The Landing at Disney Springs, while Jaleo and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill will be located in Town Center at Disney Springs

  • Terralina Crafted Italian – Enjoy authentic Italian home cooking at a waterfront location.
  • Wine Bar George – An estate-style wine bar offering sharable small plates and more than 100 wine selections from acclaimed wineries and up-and-coming regions— handpicked by Master Sommelier George Miliotes.
  • Jaleo – Bringing you the spirit and flavors of Spain through an extensive menu of tapas reflecting the rich regional diversity of traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine.
  • Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill – Modernizing the traditional “bar and grill” concept in a setting inspired by traditional farmhouses with a touch of elegance.

The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival will celebrate its 25th Anniversary, running from February 28th through May 28th. Epcot will be flooded will Disney character topiaries and tasty offerings at 15 Outdoor Kitchens, garden tours, the Garden Rocks music series, exciting new kids activities and the Egg-Stravaganza scavenger hunt!

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Photo courtesy of ShareOrlando.com

Another anniversary in 2018, Disney’s Animal Kingdom turns 20. The celebration and milestone 20th anniversary will take place on Earth Day, April 22.

Last, but certainly not least, the opening that I’m looking most forward to this year, Toy Story Land will open this Summer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! This new addition to Hollywood Studios will take you inside the world of a toy inside the larger than life setting of Andy’s backyard. Toy Story Land will feature 2 new attractions, Alien Swirling Saucers and the Slinky Dog Dash family coaster as well as Woody’s Lunchbox quick service dining location!

*If you’re visiting before summer and still want to get a sneak peek at Toy Story Land, inside Hollywood Studio’s Walt Disney Presents attraction, where you can view the model and some attraction vehicle models*

ToyStoryLand_Jan52018
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World