Countdowns are a HUGE part of Disney planning. Whether you are going to Walt Disney World or Disneyland there are certain dates and times prior to your check-in that you want to remember so that you have provided your Adventure Coordinator with the proper information so that they can help you plan a magical adventure.
Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World Resort countdowns can vary based on where you are staying. The “times” for these countdowns are based on Eastern Standard Time (also known as WDW Time.) As a perk to Walt Disney World Resort guests, many things with a “countdown” involved open earlier for resort guests. We will go over resort and non-resort information together just to make comparison easier.
Walt Disney World Dining Reservations
Dining opens online at 6am and on the phones at 7am at 180 days in advance. The perk for WDW resort guests is that 180 days from check in, the first ten days of their trip opens up for dining. For park guests not staying on property it is an exact 180 days.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and Pirates League Reservations
Reservations for these services open at180 days out and can be booked through the dining line.
Harmony Barber Shop
Reservations for this working Barber Shop on Main Street open at the 180 day mark. Their first haircut package is a guest favorite. While reservations are not required they are recommended.
Walt Disney World Resort Park Tours
Park tours like Behind the Seeds, Epcot Dive Quest etc. open at 180 days out.
Walt Disney World Resort Private Premium VIP Tours
These tours include a CM that takes your party around the park. This tour costs $400-$600 per hour for up to 10 guests (varies seasonally and higher rate applies if booked less than 48 hours in advance). and there is a 7-hour minimum for this tour. Park admission is not included in the costs of this type of tour which should be booked 90 days out.
Walt Disney World Resort Spa Appointments
Want a massage? Need to “get your nails did” or your toes painted? Walt Disney World Resort Spa appointments open 180 days out by calling 407-WDW-SPAS.
FastPass+
FP+ reservations open at 60 days out for resort guests, and 30 days out for non-resort guests at 12:00 AM ET. There is some bad information that floats around forums regarding FP+ booking, and that is that it opens late on nights with late park hours or PM Extra Magic Hours. This is not the case…. In talking to higher level tech support on the MDE system they have confirmed that when guests see this occur they are in fact pushing system updates and doing scheduled work to the the system as this is a industry wide practice.
Walt Disney World Resort Online Check-In
Resort guests that wish to use Walt Disney World’s online check-in system can do this 60 days out, usually after 6 AM.
MagicBand Customizing
The majority of the time your Adventure Coordinator will create your My Disney Experience and handle this option. The option to customize your MagicBand is usually available once a reservation is claimed. Bands start shipping at about 29 days or less from check-in to guests in the United States. Per Disney “if you customize your MagicBand between 9 and 6 days prior to your arrival at Walt Disney World Resort, you will receive it when you arrive at your Disney Resort hotel. If you do not customize your MagicBand until 5 days or less before your arrival, you will receive a non-customized MagicBand or card when you arrive at Walt Disney World Resort.”
Dessert and Firework Parties
Select parties that tend to run all year in the parks like IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party, the Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage and Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party open at 180 days out and can be booked through Disney Dining. Please note special event parties may open at different time frames and will be announced by Disney.
Resort Balance Due Date
Starting in 2016, your resort Magic Your Way Package balance is due 30 days prior to check in. Room only reservations the balance is due at check-in.
Resort Check-in and Out Time
Check-out is at 11:00 AM and check-in is at 3:00 PM, meaning your room does not have to be ready until 3:00PM.
Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Resort reservations open at the same time frame for resort and non-resort guests. Disneyland reservations tend to open at a much short time frame than Walt Disney World Resort’s reservation system.
Dining Reservations
Reservations are offered up to 60 days in advance at select restaurants.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and Anna & Elsa’s Boutique
Reservations for both children’s spa locations open 60 days in advance.
Park Tours
Guided Park Tours like Disney California Story Tour and “Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps” Guided Tour can be booked 30 day in advance. Specialty and Holiday Tours may have special dates that booking opens, if this is the case Disneyland will make an announcement.
Private Premium VIP Tours
These tours include a CM that takes your party around the park. “Reservations may be made up to 90 days in advance. There is a maximum limit of 10 Guests per Tour Guide, with a minimum requirement of 6 consecutive hours per tour. Disney’s VIP Premium Tour prices vary from $400 to $550 per hour, depending on the season.”
Disneyland Spa Services
Per Disneyland’s website “To schedule treatments, call the Spa. Reservations are highly recommended. Please call as far in advance as possible. Most major credit cards are accepted, one of which is required to hold your reservation.”
Resort Balance
Your resort package balance is due 30 days prior to check in. Room only reservations the balance is due at check-in.
Resort Check-in and Out Time
Check-out is at 11:00 AM and check-in is at 3:00 PM, meaning your room does not have to be ready until 3:00PM.
Currently the Disneyland Resort does not participate in online check-in or FastPass+.
* Please note this article was originally written by myself for the TMSM Explains series.
