When can I book/plan Disney for 2025/6. Planning Disney- you can start now. Many times your banks don't charge for an extra savings account, or Holiday account. Start putting 50$ in it a week if you can.
Booking Disney- typically happens in April or May- they release the dates and plans.
The only Disney app anyone should ever use is my disney experience- love it. Learn it and use it. Play around on it. Yes, there are other fun apps. But mainly Disney Experience an absolute must
Resorts vs off Site- as much as some may disagree- IF you are planning to do Disney- I highly recommend staying at the resort for so many reasons. 1. INDIVIDUAL LIGHTNING LANE- You can reserve at 7am vs when park opens (HUGE plus when trying to plan your day out) or even being able to buy the spot- if it's ridiculously crowded- It may already be sold out. 2. Magic Bands- you can use your credit card to link it and scan it for everything- get back to your resort and pay off your balance with your gift cards. 3. You can Rope Drop - which some rides allow you to ride before the public 30mins early- HUGE BONUS! 4. The busses to every park back to your resort are convenient. Saves you on renting a car. Or paying to park your car every single time 5. Disney Dining is ONLY available for resort guests. 6. Reservations for dining/special events like BBB or Cinderella Royal Castle- you can start booking 60 days dining/ 45 days special events from the first day you check in to the resort for your entire trip. Vs not resort is 60 days/45 from the day you go to the park. So from my own experience in both situations. Almost impossible to get a BBB spot outside of staying at a Disney Resort. And several dining locations are super hard! SPACE 220, CRT, ASKERHUS. 7. TA or NOT. This is a question only for you. TA should not cost you any money. Only add value. TA will help find you promotions but.. they have the same prices as Disney. They are just the ones calling for you and staying on the phone to change or add things for your family. They should have their certifications for Disney and IATA Numbers. If you choose a TA, just do your homework. Be upfront tell them what you need and make sure they are a good fit. There are some who just book your resort. There are some that do everything including provide you guides for the parks. Answer your calls and texts all the time. Arrange shuttles for you, if you need it for airport or other resorts or parks. So when asking these questions, it's really up to you. A TA does not cost you anything. Just make sure you select the right fit for your family of what you need.
Genie, Lighting Lane, ILL Okay so here is the run down Genie IS FREE- it just gives you a breakdown of some rides and times with the lowest waits.
Lightning Lanes - costs vary per day and park. If you stay at the resort you can pick your rides for your entire stay 7 days before. If you are not staying at a resort you will have access to it 3 days before you leave. But you would need to reserve it per 3 days.
ILL or Individual Lightning Lanes- this is a specific ride you pay for to ride, instead of standby- this ride is NOT available for Genie Plus selection MAGIC- TRON AND 7 DWARVES, HOLLYWOOD- RISE OF RESISTANCE, EPCOT- COSMIC REWIND, ANIMAL KINGDOM - FLIGHT OF PASSAGE
Virtual que- this is for only Tianas and Cosmic Rewind - this is FREE. You get 2 chances to try and get in this virtual line. 7am and 1pm. Once they are sold out, they turn it off. So be quick
Your ride starts at 10:30am! You can join the line 5mins before and oh goodness you are running late. They give you 1 hour. So from 10:30- 1130 to get in line. And just for added comfort for guest. An extra 15mins if you are running even later.
Rule of thumb - DISNEY IS ALWAYS crowded. The weather even if it shows it's going to rain. Sometimes doesn't rain at all. Or sprinkles here and there, so just bring an extra pair of socks. Lol. Disney World starting end of May- Sept are super hot! It's in Florida!
Of course use Disney Black Out Dates as another rule of thumb that Disney is definitely anticipating to be extra busy! And makes these black out dates for annual passholders, military tickets, and/or any other situations that Disney feels could help a little with crowd control unable to come to the parks on these dates. So, expect HIGH HIGH HIGH CROWDS These dates.
Last but not the least Just some things I bring to the park or enjoy-
Fuel Rods- when you need a new charged one- these are located everywhere at resorts and parks. Ornaments (blank) characters sign the back. I print the pictures out, and put them on the ornaments of my daughter and the character. I love using my Magic Bands, Sunscreen, Extra socks, Long -Sleeve for night In case it gets chilly, Mini backpack to keep snacks or little waters to keep with you when you are standing in line If you are renting a stroller or bringing one - Airtag bc cast members love to watch us play scavenger hunt w them! Lol, Small blanket for the stroller to make it not so uncomfortable for Littles to sleep in. Water bottle to fill your water up. Many refill stands My souvenirs is mainly the penny machines my kids love finding them. They are cheap and fun! Scavenger Hunts- magic Kingdom has this in Adventureland and Epcot has it - currently its Olaf. But in November was Remy. Cute Disney Ears Comfy shoes, Stroller and rain covers- these are nice to have and cheap at the stores or amazon- have it in case you need it. If you have kids prepare yourself to buying a bubble wand or plan ahead and buy one before leaving.
Okay so one last thing if you want to drive to the parks- staying at the resorts- scan your magic Bands or show that you are staying at one of the resorts- you don't pay to park at the parks.
Memory Maker- worth it! Do it before your trip when it's cheaper. Use the cast members take all the pictures you can! Don't forget to ask for the Magic Shots!!!
Buy the popcorn bucket at the park! It only cost 1 or 2$ to refill it. So worth it. You basically have a snack all the time.
Magic Shot example below: where cast members can add a character or something in your picture to make extra special.
