Planning in Advance for Disney: Why It Matters!

Many questions I hear about Disney center around planning time.

For example:

• How far in advance to I need to plan for a Disney vacation?
• Why plan in advance?
• If I wait, can I get a better deal?

Cinderella's Castle at the Magic Kingdom

Read more to find out the answers to these questions, as well as other planning advice.

How far in advance do I need to plan for a Disney vacation?

The answer to this question depends on 2 things:

1. How particular are you about getting what you want when you want it?
2. Which Disney destination are you visiting?

If you are very particular about your plans for your trip, you should plan as far ahead as possible. By planning ahead, you will have your choice of accommodations, as well as dining reservations and activities. If you have your heart set on popular dining locations and activities, it is imperative that you plan well in advance so that you will have the opportunity to participate in those experiences.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

If, on the other hand, you are willing to take what you can get, you can plan the day before if you like. By planning last minute, you will only have the options available based on what is left after other have booked. This can be a fun and adventurous way to travel, if you are open to trying new things. However, you do need to understand that there are certain reservations that are unlikely to be available the later you plan (more on this later in the post).

Coronado Springs Resort

Different Disney destinations require different levels of planning time:

• Disney World: If you are going to Disney World, my advice is always to book your trip at least 7 months in advance. This gives you a month to decide which reservations you would like to make before those dates become available to reserve experiences.
• Disneyland: Disneyland is a bit more flexible than Disney World, as reservations for dining and other experiences at Disneyland are available up to 60 days in advance.
• Disney Cruise Line: Reservations for shore excursions and signature dining experiences can be made up to 75 days in advance for first-time guests on the Disney Cruise Line. Because these reservations open up to 120 days in advance for repeat guests, it is very important to book your Disney cruise at least 3 months in advance, so that you will have time to decide which experiences you would like to reserve.
• Aulani: Aulani does not have the same restrictions on reservations as other Disney destinations. You can book a year in advance or wait until the last minute. Because Aulani is relatively new, it remains to be seen what the most popular experiences will be, and how far in advance they will need to be booked.
• Adventures by Disney: Adventures by Disney only offers certain trips on certain dates, with limited availability, so it is very important to book as far in advance as possible.

Stones of the Brave in Scotland (Adventures by Disney)

 Why plan in advance?

A main advantage to planning in advance is getting your preferences rather than taking the leftovers. However, there are other advantages as well:

• Payment plan: All Disney destinations have a deadline for final payment. The further in advance you plan, the more you can spread out the cost so the pain in the pocketbook isn't as obvious. If you book after the final payment deadline, full payment is due at the time of booking. You might be surprised at how little it costs to reserve a Disney vacation!
• Availability: Especially if you are travelling during times when almost the entire USA is on school break, options can decrease very quickly. These times include: the week between Christmas and New Year's, the month of July, Easter week, and Thanksgiving week. Presidents' week in February and the months of June and August are also busy, but since some schools are in session, the crowds are a bit lighter.
• Special experiences: Certain experiences book very quickly. If you want to eat at Cinderella's Royal Table (in the castle) at Disney World, or get a princess makeover at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, these reservations fill up extremely quickly, especially during peak travel times. Also popular are the dinner shows like Hoop-de-Doo Revue and Spirit of Aloha. The Disney Cruise Line has signature dining restaurants and shore excursions that have limited availability as well.
• Magical Express: Disney World's free transportation to and from the Orlando International Airport must be reserved at least 2 weeks in advance.

Disney Wonder in Alaska

 If I wait, can I get a better deal?

Actually, you can get the same deals whether you wait or not!

One special perk of doing a Disney vacation is that Disney will adjust the price of your vacation to reflect new discounts! They will not do this automatically; someone needs to call and ask for the adjustment to a specific reservation.

An excellent reason to use a Disney Vacation Planner is that we keep track of the discounts for you, make the calculations, and ask for the adjustments that will get you a better deal.

Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland Park

Why wait?

I hope that this post has helped to answer some questions about planning for Disney vacations.

I think the best question from me is: What are you waiting for?

Grand Floridian Resort

Resort Spotlight: Disney's Wilderness Lodge

One of my favorite Deluxe Resorts at Walt Disney World is Disney's Wilderness Lodge.

In my opinion, Wilderness Lodge has some of the best theming of all of the Disney World resorts. Designed around the ideas of the Pacific Northwest, the resort opened in May of 1994, and resembles a grand forest lodge. The Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone Park was the inspiration for the main building, and the design of the buildings and grounds incorporates natural and Native American elements.

The main lobby features Lodgepole Pine imported from Oregon, authentic totem poles towering 55 feet, and an enormous fireplace of 82 feet.

The resort features the Silver Creek Springs pool and Fire Rock (man-made) geyser. In the morning, even the ducks like to go for a swim!

For all the rustic charm of the Wilderness Lodge, it earns its deluxe designation by the top-line amenities and services, including a signature restaurant. Artist Point is a fine dining restaurant specializing in cuisine from the Pacific Northwest, with a dining room inspired by National Park Lodges and murals depicting scenes of the American frontier.

In addition, there is the Roaring Fork quick service restaurant, and Whispering Canyon Cafe, where guests who ask for ketchup receive every bottle in the restaurant and large drinks come in enormous jars. And of course, every deluxe resort has room service!

Rooms are spacious and can accommodate up to 5 people. Some rooms even have bunk beds! Suites are available, as well as club level rooms with concierge service. If your party requires additional space, you can also reserve a villa through the Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, the Disney Vacation Club property located adjacent to the main resort.

Wilderness Lodge is located on Bay Lake, and the Magic Kingdom is just a boat launch ride away. Boat transportation is also available to Disney's Fort Wilderness (home of the Hoop-de-Doo Musical Revue) and Disney's Contemporary Resort (site of Chef Mickey's and California Grill). The ease of transportation to the Magic Kingdom, combined with the beauty and service of the resort itself, make this a favorite deluxe resort for many Disney World guests.

 

Watch this video for more trivia tips about Disney's Wilderness Lodge!

 

 



Limited Time Magic: Year of the Ear and January events

It's finally here: the first Limited Time Magic announcements have been made by Disney Parks!

Limited Time Magic is the 2013 special event at Disney Parks. For the entire year, Disney Parks will host special limited time events at the parks. Each event will continue until the next event takes its place. Events are announced shortly before they begin; however, you can be guaranteed a special Limited Time Magic event no matter when you visit Disney Parks in 2013!

Today the first special Limited Time Magic events were announced:

Year of the Ear:  

Disney Parks has committed to making 2013 the "Year of the Ear." This special event features new ear hats and headwear released each month in 2013, from limited-release couture to funky and fun. The year starts off with limited-edition Disney Couture Ear Hats.

Bling in the New Year:  
From December 30, 2012 through January 5, 2013, the "Bling in the New Year" dance party will be held in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom. This party is an opportunity for guests to dance to hit dance party tunes and party with Disney Characters.

Three Kings Celebration: 
From January 4-6, 2013 in Frontierland at the Disneyland Park, the Three Kings Day party will consist of 3 days of music, activities, and food to celebrate the end of the holiday season and honor Southern California's Mexican culture.

A Salute to the Golden Horseshoe Revue: 
From January 10 to February 4, 2013, there will be a revival of the Golden Horseshoe Revue at Frontierland in the Disneyland Park. The Golden Horseshoe Revue was an original world-famous show in Disneyland. This new show will feature favorite song and dance productions in honor of the original show, and as a tribute to fun family-friendly musical productions.

 

Stay tuned for more information on Disney Parks Limited Time Magic! It promises to be a truly magical time for all!

Have a magical day!

Star Wars Weekends: A Disney Jedi's Dream!

There has recently been much talk about Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm, and of the Star Wars franchise that goes with it. However, Disney's affiliation with Star Wars in fact began years ago.

Star Tours was the first Disney attraction inspired by a non-Disney film. The first Star Tours ride opened at Disneyland in January of 1987. Its success resulted in a version at the then Disney-MGM Studios just 2 years later, in December of 1989. There are also versions of the ride at Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disneyland. An updated version named Star Tours: The Adventure Continues opened at Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disneyland in the spring of 2010, and is scheduled to open in Tokyo Disneyland in 2013.

The first Star Wars Weekends festival was held at the then Disney-MGM Studios in 1997. It has since been held in 2000 and 2001. The festival began its annual appearance in 2003.

The Star Wars Weekends are popular with crossover fans of Disney and Star Wars. They feature appearances by celebrities of the Star Wars franchise, parades, and Hyperspace Hoopla! (a music, comedy, and dance show featuring Star Wars characters).

Although these weekends can be crowded, careful planning can result in a fun time for all involved.

Dates have recently been released for the 2013 Star Wars Weekends. The 2013 festival will take place at Disney's Hollywood Studios every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from May 17-June 9, 2013.