What to book in advance at Disney World!

Booking certain experiences in advance at Walt Disney World is crucial to ensure you get the most out of your visit, especially during busy periods.

Here are what our private virtual VIP Disney World Tour Guides suggest as some key experiences and services you should consider booking ahead of time:

1. Park Reservations

- Disney Park Pass System**: After purchasing your tickets, make park reservations immediately for each day of your visit through the Disney Park Pass system. This is essential as parks can reach capacity, especially during peak seasons.

2. Dining Reservations

- Advance Dining Reservations (ADR)**: Available 60 days in advance, booking your table-service restaurant reservations early is highly recommended, especially for popular dining locations like Cinderella’s Royal Table, Be Our Guest Restaurant, and 'Ohana.

3. Disney Genie+ Service

- Genie+ Selections: If you plan to use the Disney Genie+ service, you can make your first selection at 7 AM on the day of your park visit. It's worth strategizing in advance to secure faster access to popular attractions.

4. Individual Lightning Lane Selections

- These are separate from Genie+ and allow you to book arrival windows for high-demand attractions like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Availability can be limited, so be prepared to book these as soon as you can on the day of your visit.

5. Special Events and Experiences

- Special Ticketed Events: Events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party sell out quickly. Purchase these tickets as soon as they are available.

- Tours and Experiences: Disney offers a variety of special tours such as "Keys to the Kingdom" or "Wild Africa Trek." These should also be booked in advance as they have limited availability.

6. Character Dining

- Character meals are extremely popular. Book these experiences as soon as your reservation window opens to avoid disappointment.

7. Resort Stays

- Especially if you are visiting during peak visitor times (like summer, holidays, or special event periods), book your Disney Resort hotel well in advance to secure your preferred accommodation.

8. Spa Services

- If you are looking to relax at one of Disney’s spas, like the Senses Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, make sure to book these treatments in advance.

9. Recreational Activities

- Golf tee times, fishing excursions, boat rentals, and other recreational activities can also be reserved prior to your arrival.

10. Enchanting Extras Collection

- These experiences include everything from dessert parties to specialty cruises, and they can enhance your visit, but often require advance booking.

General Tips

- Regularly Check Availability: If initially unable to book a preferred experience, keep checking back as guests often change plans and cancel reservations.

- Use the My Disney Experience App: This app is a useful tool for managing your reservations, changing plans on the go, and checking wait times at the parks.

Efficient planning and early bookings will significantly enhance your Disney experience, allowing you to enjoy more of your time at the parks with less stress and fewer waits.