There are a lot of decisions to make when you’re booking a Walt Disney World vacation. When do I want to go? Where do I want to stay? Are Park Hoppers worth the extra money? Do I need a Dining Plan? Do I REALLY need vacation insurance? There are thousands of blogs, books and other resources that can keep you informed, or completely overwhelm you. If you plan to stay at a Disney hotel, these 7 tips can help you focus on the key aspects of planning a Disney vacation.
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I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, planning a Disney vacation can be overwhelming. In an effort to simplify things, I’ve put together 7 tips to help make the process a little easier.
Yes, I realize everyone does not stay in on-site Disney Resort hotels. However, these tips cover important information for those guests planning to stay on-site with Walt Disney World Resort vacation packages.
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TravelingMom Tip: You can now book Disney vacations up to 500 days in advance! That means you can book now for visits in 2022. All it takes is a $200 down payment. The balance isn’t due until 30 days prior to travel. You can get details on this, as well as help booking, from our partners at Get Away Today. Not only does the company have the lowest prices, it offers a best price guarantee. If you ever find park tickets cheaper, Get Away Today won’t just match the price, the company will beat it.
Choose Travel Dates, Make a Disney Park Reservation
Meeting Princess Anna in Epcot. Photo Credit: Katherine May.
The first step to booking any kind of vacation is knowing when you want to go.
When it comes to a Walt Disney World vacation you should really try to book at least 3-6 months in advance. Why? Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs) open 60 days from your arrival date. If you are looking for character dining reservations, put that at the top of your Disney To-Do List!
Some of us will be online at 6 a.m. the morning the reservations go live. Yes, it’s kind of a big deal. Pre-pandemic guests were allowed to book ADRs 180 days in advance. At this time we are uncertain whether or not the 60 days scheduling window is permanent.
If you aren’t sure when you want to visit, look at a crowd calendar to see what is recommended. If you can, avoid the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve at all costs. This is when crowds are at an all-time high.
When the Walt Disney World Resort reopened after the pandemic shutdown in July of 2020, the new normal included the Disney Park Pass Reservation System. To enter a park, both a park reservation AND valid admission for the same park on the same date are required.
Once you have selected your preferred travel dates, check park availability. Once your reservation has been secured with a deposit you will be able to log into your My Disney Experience account and book your park reservations.
TravelingMom Tip: A Disney Resort hotel reservation does not guarantee theme park access. Only a park reservation does that!
Contact a Disney Travel Agent
Meeting Cinderella at Cinderella’s Royal Table. Photo Credit: Katherine May
Did we mention that booking a Disney vacation can be complicated? Make it easier by calling in professional help. Travel agents specializing in Disney vacations can help you plan your vacation — for free. Seriously.
Not only will they help you score that extra special breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table, but they can help take the stress out of the entire planning process.
The best part about using a travel agent is that you can do as much of the planning process on your own as you want to. With all of the changes as a result of Covid-19 it is even more important than ever to get the help of a professional and knowledgeable Disney expert travel agent.
TravelingMom Tip: If you want to plan non-park days during your trip, check out these 30+ fun things to do in Orlando with kids.
Select Your Disney Resort Hotel
There is a Walt Disney World Resort hotel for just about every family vacation budget. The hotels come in four categories: Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villas. Each category offers something unique.
The first question I am asked when someone is seeking Disney planning advice is: “Where should I stay?” This is a very personal decision that only you can make. Here are some facts that may help you narrow down your choices. Each room can accommodate a set number of guests, plus 1 child under age 3 in a crib.
Value Disney Resorts
Affordable, comfortable & convenient for budget minded families
Standard rooms sleep up to 4 guests
Family suites sleep up to 6 guests
Quick-Service dining
Bus service and Skyliner (at some) transportation to the parks
Bus service, water launch service or monorail service transportation to the parks
Deluxe Villa Resorts
Spacious, multi-room, condo-style resort offering the comforts & convenience of home
One, Two and Three bedroom villas offer full kitchens & in-room washer & dryers
Shared benefits of Disney’s Deluxe Resorts
Bus service, water launch service, Skyliner or monorail service transportation to the parks
As a result of the pandemic Disney has not yet reopened all of their resorts. You can check the Disney website or consult with your travel agent to determine which resorts are currently closed.
Meeting Minnie Mouse for the very first time on Main Street U.S.A. Photo Credit: Katherine May
Select Your Tickets
How many days do you want to visit the theme parks? There are four theme parks – Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and two water parks – Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach. Each of these parks requires a ticket for entry. The only location in Walt Disney World that does not require a ticket is Disney Springs. The four theme parks are reopened but the water parks are expected to remain closed until March 2021.
Once you know how many days you will need to decide if you want Base tickets or Park Hopper tickets. What’s the difference? Base tickets allow you entry into only one park per day. You can leave the park as many times as you would like throughout the day. However, you may only visit that one park. Park Hopper tickets allow you to visit as many of the four theme parks as you would like in one day.
As a result of Covid-19, Disney is selling only Base tickets through the end of 2020. Walt Disney has said Park Hopper sales will resume on January 1, 2021. Here’s how to decide whether a Park Hopper is worth it for your family.
TravelingMom Tip: Walt Disney World is a giant place. There really is no way to see and do it all in one visit. A 4-day Park Hopper ticket is a great option if you are trying to see as much of Disney World in one day as possible. Planning to visit one of the water parks? Consider adding the Water Park Fun & More Option. It is more economical to add this to your package than to pay for individual daily admission to one of the water parks.
Where Can I Buy Discount Disney Tickets?
Searching online for discount Disney tickets can feel overwhelming. It’s important to make sure you’re buying from a reputable website. Our TravelingMom team recommendsGet Away Today for discount Disney tickets and vacation packages.
If you ever find park tickets cheaper, Get Away Today won’t just match the price, the company will beat it! Great customer service is another reason why we recommend Get Away Today. From buying your tickets to planning your Disney vacation, they help you every step of the way. Read our full review of Get Away Todayhere.
If you want to know what it would cost to go to Disney World for your family, ask for afree quote here.
Get Away Today is offering to hold your 2020 and 2021 Disney vacation for just $175 down. Better yet, the final payment is due just seven days before you go. So put your next Disney vacation on layaway and have fun planning your next trip!
Select a Disney Dining Plan
Meeting Stitch at ‘Ohana Best Friends Breakfast. Photo Credit: Katherine May
Editor’s note: Disney Dining Plans have been suspended into 2021. This section details how the Disney Dining Plan used to work. We fully expect Dining Plans will return at some point in the future. We will update the details once they’re announced.
To dine or not to dine, that is the question. Personally I am a huge fan of the Disney Dining Plan. I have traveled to Disney World with and without it and I will admit there are pros and cons. I think the pros outweigh the cons. There are four dining plans:
Quick-Service Dining Plan
If your family likes to eat on the go and doesn’t like to schedule sit-down meals, this is a great option for you. Each person gets the following per package night:
Two (2) Quick-Service meals
Two (2) Snacks
Refillable drink mug (to be refilled at self-service beverage islands at quick-service locations at any Disney Resort hotel)
Mickey signing autograph book at ‘Ohana. Photo Credit: Murtagh Photography
Disney Dining Plan
If you are planning to book character dining meals this is a great plan to consider. Each person gets the following per package night:
One (1) Table-Service meal
One (1) Quick-Service meal
Two (2) Snacks
Refillable drink mug (to be refilled at self-service beverage islands at quick-service locations at any Disney Resort hotel)
Disney Dining Plan Plus
This dining plan is perfect for visitors who want more flexibility with their dining credits. Each person gets the following per package night:
Two (2) Meals per night of stay (any combination of Table-Service or Quick-Service meals)
Two (2) Snacks or Non-Alcoholic beverages
Refillable drink mug (to be refilled at self-service beverage islands at quick-service locations at any Disney Resort hotel)
Deluxe Dining Plan
Those families who are wanting to experience Signature dining restaurants and dinner shows (each take 2 dining credits per meal), this is a great option for you. Each person will enjoy the following per package night:
Three (3) Meals (*credits can be used as Table-Service or Quick-Service)
Two (2) Snacks
Refillable drink mug (to be refilled at self-service beverage islands at quick-service locations at any Disney Resort hotel)
Kids under the age of 3 do not pay for the Dining Plan and are required to eat off the plate of an adult, or you can buy them a meal from the children’s menu.
Beverages are included with each meal. Guests under 21 years of age may choose from a variety of nonalcoholic beverages. Guests 21 and older may order beer, wine and cocktails.
Vacation Insurance
Personally, I will not travel without vacation insurance. This is a small price to pay to in comparison to what you could lose should your vacation have to be canceled and you not be able to recoup the funds. Sadly, I have seen it happen. Time and time again.
Do you still need vacation insurance now? I think so, yes.
Disney has temporarily modified its cancellation policy to provide full refunds if you cancel within 24 hours of arrival versus the standard 30 days. However, once you are 24 hours from arrival nothing is refundable without insurance.
Plus, vacation insurance covers other expenses, like lost luggage and trip interruption. If you have insurance and you get sick or injured during your trip, you can file a claim for the missed portion of your trip.
TravelingMom Tip: Vacation insurance can be added to your Disney vacation package any time before you make your final payment.
6 Comments on “7 Useful Tips on How to Book a Walt Disney World Vacation in 2021”
What site do you use to book your reservations that only require the 200 down?
Need info on booking a summer vacation in June 2019 for my family.
Can you make dining and fast pass reservations with just the $200 deposit? Or do you have to wait until the vacation is paid off?
You can make all dining and FastPass+ reservations with just your $200 deposit. Dining reservations open 180 days prior to arrival and FastPass+ reservations open 60 days prior to arrival for on-site guests (30 days for off-site). Your balance isn’t due in full until 30 days before arrival.
This helps so much to make sure the magic is not dampened with things we don’t know. Dinning plan, yes important
5
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What site do you use to book your reservations that only require the 200 down?
Need info on booking a summer vacation in June 2019 for my family.
Can you make dining and fast pass reservations with just the $200 deposit? Or do you have to wait until the vacation is paid off?
You can make all dining and FastPass+ reservations with just your $200 deposit. Dining reservations open 180 days prior to arrival and FastPass+ reservations open 60 days prior to arrival for on-site guests (30 days for off-site). Your balance isn’t due in full until 30 days before arrival.
This helps so much to make sure the magic is not dampened with things we don’t know. Dinning plan, yes important
5