How to book
Now you’re ready to start making your Walt Disney World trip come to fruition. Here’s what to do next.
Booking Options
You have several options to book your Disney trip. Here's a breakdown on the pros and cons of each:
Through a Travel Agent (No Fee):
Pros:
Expert advice and guidance from experienced professionals
Access to personalized recommendations and assistance
Less responsibility for you to take on
Click HERE to start your vacation planning with affiliated Main Street 101 Travel!
Through My Disney Experience:
Pros:
Seamless integration with Disney's official platform
Direct access to Disney's promotions and deals
Cons:
Limited flexibility if seeking alternatives outside Disney's offerings
Requires you to do the heavy lifting
Through Travel Portal (Points/CC):
Pros:
Potential to use travel points or credit card rewards for discounts
Flexibility to compare prices across various travel platforms
Cons:
Limited to the terms and conditions of your points or credit card program
Discounts may not always be as significant
Can be a hassle to link all the accounts together in My Disney Experience
Through 3rd Party Ticket Sales (e.g., DVC Rentals, Undercover Tourist):
Pros:
Potential for discounted tickets
Offers flexibility in choosing ticket types and add-ons
Cons:
Limited to the terms and conditions of the third-party seller
May not include certain perks available with direct Disney purchases
Can be a hassle to link all accounts together in My Disney Experience
TICKET TYPES
Disney World offers various types of tickets:
Purchased Ticket Options:
1 Park Per Day Ticket:
Allows access to one park each day.
Park Hopper Ticket:
Flexibility to visit multiple parks on the same day.
Park Hopper Plus Ticket:
Combines Park Hopper benefits plus one additional water park or select attraction (ESPN Wide World of Sports, Mini-golf, Oak Trail Golf course).
Annual Pass:
Offers unlimited access to the parks for a year, including special perks and discounts.
Florida Resident Tickets:
Exclusive ticket options and discounts for Florida residents.
There are three basic ways to hold your ticket:
MagicBands:
Wearable bands that serve as your park tickets, room key, and can link to PhotoPass. You can order these via My Disney Experience, there are lots of fun designs to choose from! Shipping of MagicBands takes around 10 business days. When your Magic Bands arrive make sure they are linked to your My Disney Experience account. You can also link a credit card so your MagicBand can make purchases. MagicBands are waterproof so they’re ok to wear in the pool!
*Main Street 101 recommends this option – by linking credit cards you don’t need to bring wallets into the park!
MagicBand+:
These act as your park ticket, room key, purchases etc as well, however MagicBand+ are a little more magical! They vibrate and light up with night time entertainment, shows, and interactive games in the parks and have gesture recognition which set off magical experiences. They need to be charged with an included charging cable. MagicBands+ are also waterproof.
MagicBand
MagicBand+
2. Phone/App Tickets:
Tickets can be stored digitally on the My Disney Experience App on your phone. Download MagicMobile to access MagicBand features on your mobile device.
3. Key to the World Card:
Free plastic card that allows you to open your Resort room door, scan into the parks and link to PhotoPass.
ADD-ONS & EXTRAS
It's Disney - of course there is more! Here is a run down of the popular add-ons and extras:
Memory Maker:
Unlimited downloads of the photos taken by Disney PhotoPass photographers (photographers in green stationed around the parks). The price beats having to purchase each photo separately. Most photographers can add special “magical effects” that appear on your photos, if they don’t mention a magic photo, just ask!
*Main Street 101 Favorite - We get this every time!
Lightning Lane Multi Pass
Lightning Lane Multi Pass is a paid service to skip long lines. Guests can book up to 3 LIGHTNING LANE MULTI PASS return times in advance. Guests staying at a Disney World Resort can book 7 days in advance and guests not staying at a Disney world resort can book up to 3 days in advance. Guests can book up to 3 LIGHTNING LANE MULTI PASS experiences in 1 park each day and Guests can now buy purchase all at once prior to visiting. Learn more about ride selections here.
Lightning Lane Single Pass
Guests can book 2 LIGHTNING LANE SINGLE PASSES in advance. Guests staying at a Disney World Resort can book 7 days in advance and guests not staying at a Disney world resort can book up to 3 days in advance. Guests can now purchase all at once prior to visiting.
Tours & Events:
There’s so much happening in Disney at all times! Check out our Even More Magic page to learn more about what’s happening at the parks.
Go “backstage” and learn all about Magic Kingdom's hidden secrets.
Be part of Living with the Land and explore the greenhouses and fish farm at EPCOT.
Want to feel fancy? Book a personalized tour with a Disney VIP guide for an unforgettable day (But we warned you - this is pricey!)
Love fireworks AND desserts? You will have exclusive viewing areas for nighttime shows with a variety of delicious desserts.
On certain nights Disney will host extended park hours.
Pros:
Limited attendance and shorter wait times.
Cons:
You have to purchase an additional ticket, and the late hours might not be great for smaller children.
Special Events:
Disney hosts Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party in Magic Kingdom on various nights from Aug - Oct.
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is a separated ticketed event after park hours close. There’s special event themed treats, trick-or-treating throughout the park, Halloween overlays, dance parties, villains and more! Guests are encouraged to wear a costume!
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party:
Disney hosts Nov - January
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party offer specialty treats & holiday themed drinks, entertainment, holiday parades & it even snows! Throw on your best ugly sweater and join the festivities!
It snows on Main Street USA!
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
New holiday party in Hollywood Studios that celebrated the glamor of old Hollywood. Features exclusive snacks, entertainment and more! This past year featured a sing-a-long with Jack Skellington, a variety show hosted by Kermit & Miss Piggy from the Muppets as well as Holiday Character greats and Santa meets.
Celebrate the holidays around the World Showcase. Learn about the holidays from different countries, how they celebrate, Santa Claus from around the world and taste festive holiday goodies.
New Year's Eve Events:
Special celebrations throughout the parks on December 31st.
Cinderella Castle Holiday Projections
There are 5K, 10K, half marathons and full marathons throughout the year, filled with characters, live entertainment and magical moments! These runs go through specific parks and each has their own theming for instance in February is the Princess Half Marathon. After runs are celebrations and fun-filled post-race parties.
DINING
There are three main dining options: Quick-Service (walk-up an order your food), Table-Service dining or Character Dining.
Quick-Service:
Quick-Service dining offers fast and convenient meals without reservations. You order at a counter and then find a seat. There are a variety of counter-service locations available throughout the Parks, Resorts and Disney Springs.
Quick Service Food Court in a Resort
Woody’s Lunch Box Quick Service in Hollywood Studios
Table-Service Dining (Reservations):
Dining where you sit down and either a waiter serves you from a menu or it's a buffet. These can range from casual to fine dining options. You must book Table-Service 2 months out from your first day of your Disney trip.
Pros:
Great way to get a great meal and a sit down break.
Cons:
Can be pricey, and do require reservations that can be difficult to secure and start booking up 60 days in advance. There are opportunities to join walk-up lists to some restaurants but it really depends on availability and dining times.
Sebastian’s Bistro at Caribbean Beach Resort
The Boathouse in Disney Springs
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ Thigh High Chicken Biscuits
Character Dining (Reservations):
Similar to Table-Service but your favorite Characters join in the fun! These are great for those wanting to meet certain Characters while enjoying a meal and a break! You can start to book Character Dining 2 months out (60 days) from your first day of your Disney trip.
Character Dining at Chef Mickey’s
Character Dining at Crystal Palace
Character Dining at Cinderella Castle
Snacking Around:
Want to eat on the go? We get it! Snacking around the parks is a great way to sample a bunch of different items. We often order a few and share them with our family.
Mickey Beignets
Mobile Ordering:
Mobile order is available throughout the Parks and Resorts. It allows you to put in your order and then just pickup at the time you choose. Great way to skip the lines and maximize your days! Just order through your mobile order meal through the My Disney Experience App.
Pick Your Time
Build Your Order
Finalize Order and Submit
Meal Plans:
Disney Dining Plans offer prepaid meal credits per night of your stay for use at select dining locations. This is a good options if you like a more “all-inclusive” feel to your trip. If you decide on a dining plan, everyone on the room reservation must have the same dining plan.
Quick Service Dining Plan:
2 Quick Service Meals (per night of stay)
1 Snack/Non-alcoholic Drink (per night of stay)
1 Resort-Refillable Drink Mug
Disney Dining Plan:
1 Quick Service Meal (per night of stay)
1 Table Service Meal (per night of stay)
1 Snack/Non-alcoholic Drink (per night of stay)
1 Resort Refillable Drink Mug
*Main Street 101 Tip: It’s great for keeping to a budget, but we don’t find we get the full value for our family. An alternative way to budget for your meal expenses is to buy a Disney gift card to purchase meals.
There are several ways to book dining:
1) Online
2) Via the app
3) Phone: The Disney advance dining reservations phone number is 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463). Remember—booking by phone opens at 7AM Eastern Time, but restaurants may be available for booking online as early at 5:45AM Eastern.
-You can try walking up and seeing if there is availability but most likely if the restaurant has a waiter, you need a reservation. You don’t need dining reservations for other restaurants like Quick Service, Carts, Stands etc.
ACCESSIBILITY
Walt Disney World truly goes above and beyond to make sure all their guests have a magical experience.
Learn more about Disney’s Accessibility here.
Accessible Attractions:
Many attractions are designed to accommodate guests of all abilities, featuring accessible ride vehicles, ramps, and alternative boarding options.
Assistive Listening Devices:
Available at various shows and attractions to assist guests with hearing impairments.
Service Animals:
Guests with disabilities are welcome to bring service animals into the parks.
Mobility Devices:
Wheelchair and Electronic Conveyance Vehicle (ECV) rentals are available for guests at each of the four theme parks and Disney Springs.
You can also rent an ECV for the duration of your trip, learn more here.
Wheelchair Rentals:
Manual wheelchairs are available for rent at all four theme parks and Disney Springs. They can be used throughout the parks but must be returned when exiting the park.
ECV (Electronic Conveyance Vehicle) Rentals:
ECVs, motorized scooters, are available for rent and can be used in the parks, but they must be returned when leaving.
Stroller Rentals from Disney:
Strollers can be rented at all four theme parks and Disney Springs. Single and double strollers are available, and they are not allowed outside the park entrances. Disney offers two types of Stroller rentals - Daily and Length of Stay Rentals:
Daily Rental:
If you opt for the daily rental from Disney, the stroller is yours for the entire day. You’ll return it when you leave the park, and it's not transferable to other parks.
• Single Stroller Rental: $15 per day
• Double Stroller Rental: $31 per day
Length of Stay Rental:
With a Length of Stay rental, you pay once and can use the stroller for the duration of your stay. This can be a more cost-effective option if you plan to visit the parks on multiple days.
Rental Locations are at the front of the parks
Disney World Strollers
Stroller Rentals from 3rd Parties:
Strollers can also be rented from local 3rd party companies for the duration of your trip. There are options to pick up/drop off at MCO and also pickup/dropoff at your resort. Main Street 101 recommends this option - there are more stroller options, and the Disney strollers are made of hard plastic and less comfortable.
Stroller as Wheelchair Tag:
Guests that use strollers as mobility devices can obtain a special tag for strollers which allows guests to access line queues with their strollers. Learn more here.
Accessibility Maps:
Maps highlighting accessible routes, restrooms, and services are available to help assist guests in navigating the parks. You can pick up a copy at Guest Relations, Guest Experience Team stations or view here.
Guest Relations in the front of Animal Kingdom
Assorted Park Maps at the front of the park entrance
Guest Experience Team can be found at the parks under the BLUE umbrellas
Disney's Disability Access Service (DAS):
This service is designed for guests who cannot tolerate extended waits at attractions due to a developmental disability. It allows guests to schedule return times for attractions. Learn more here.
Captioning and Reflective Captioning:
Available for shows and attractions to assist guests with hearing impairments.
Visual and Hearing Impairment Services:
Disney provides Braille guidebooks, reflective captioning, and handheld captioning devices for guests with visual and hearing impairments.
Accessible Accommodations and Transportation:
All Disney resorts offer accessible rooms with features like roll-in showers and visual alarms. Buses are handicap accessible. There are also designated parking areas for guests with disabilities all throughout Disney World. A disability parking permit is required.
Special Dietary Needs:
Disney is committed to catering to special dietary needs, whether it's food allergies, intolerances, medically restricted diets, or specific dietary requirements such as kosher and halal meals. Many menus include a special allergy friendly as well as plant based sections. Most restaurants have their menus available online to review prior to reservations. Look for the green leaf on menus and Allergy-Friendly menu items can be found on Mobile Order as well. Guests can speak to a special diets trained Cast Member or chefs about dietary needs. When making dining reservations, specify any allergy-friendly or dietary requests.
• Call (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463 for any special dietary requests
Let’s recap the next phase of your Disney planning!