How and when to make all Disney World reservations

One of the most stressful parts about planning a vacation to Disney World is knowing how and when to make all those important Disney reservations.

And when you add in the variety of different cancellation and deposit policies, it can be more than a bit confusing to try to figure out.

Below, we have compiled lists that will make all that easier. We cover everything from Genie+ to general resort and dining reservations. Plus, we even tell you which Disney reservations you can expect to see in your My Disney Experience account.

Let’s take a look…

In this article

When can you make reservations at Disney World?

Dining reservations and Enchanting Extras can be highly competitive, so jumping in and trying to snag the reservations right when your booking window opens is the best way to get what you want.

And, although there used to be multiple windows to know about (primarily 180-day and 60-day), currently for most things you’ll just need to know when your 60-day window opens up.

If you aren’t sure what those dates are for your vacation, our monthly Crowd Calendars calculate them for you.

how to find your disney reservation dates

If you are on mobile, you’ll need to click the expand button to see the dates. After you’ve found your check-in date, if you click the “+” sign, you’ll be able to add it to your calendar:

General/basic reservation info

Just getting started? These are the basic things that you’ll likely need to make reservations for.

RESERVATION TYPE	WHEN TO MAKE	HOW	CANCELLATION POLICY	DEPOSIT REQUIRED	WILL SHOW UP IN MDE? (THINGS THAT AREN’T ADDED IN MDE AUTOMATICALLY CAN BE ADDED AS A NOTE.)
Disney Park Pass Reservation	As soon as you purchase your tickets.	You can make reservations online or go through the My Disney Experience app, which links out to the reservation page online.	Park Pass reservations can be canceled or modified without penalty.	None	Yes
Disney World vacation package	Reservations can be made once they are released for the year you’re traveling (usually released in late June or July the year prior)	You can make reservations online, by using an agent, or by calling (407) 939-5277.	Packages canceled 30 days or more in advance will allow you to get a full refund (except for travel insurance or airfare if you purchased those through Disney). Packages canceled 2-29 days beforehand will result in a $200 cancellation fee. Packages canceled a day prior will be charged in full.	$200 deposit required within 7 days (if booking online, the deposit is due immediately) and insurance is due immediately if you add it. Full payment is due 30 days before your trip begins. Payments can be applied until then if you’d like to pay as you go.	Yes
Room-only Disney resort reservation	Up through the current available booking window. (Booking windows for the following year typically open in late spring/early summer.)	Call Disney World at (407) 939-5277 (just be careful that the phone rep doesn’t try to upgrade you to a package if that’s not what you want) or booking through an agent is the way to do it if resort rates for your travel dates haven’t been announced yet. Once room rates are announced, you can also book online.	Can cancel up to 5 days beforehand without paying any penalty (up to 6 days if booked online).	1 night’s deposit due within 3 days if booking by phone, deposit due immediately when booking online. Final payment is due when you check in.	Yes
Disney Vacation Club booking	Varies by resort. Check this list for more info – DVC Request chart	Can book directly with a DVC owner or through a site like DVCRequest.com	No refunds available if you need to cancel which is why trip insurance may be especially helpful when using DVC points	Full payment usually required when booking	Yes
Memory Maker	Anytime, but must purchase at least 3 days beforehand to receive the pre-purchase discount	On the WDW site	Non-refundable unless purchased as part of a Magic Your Way package	Full payment due when booking or you can book it as part of a package and then the package rules apply	Yes
Mears Connect (starts Jan. 1, 2022)	Anytime, but highly suggest making it at least 10 days beforehand (you must have flight booked to schedule ride)	On the Mears website	No charge if canceled/changed more than 24 hours prior to pickup time. 100% charge if canceled/changed less than 24 hours prior to pick up.	Full payment required when booking.	No
Magical Express (ends Dec. 31, 2021)	Anytime, but highly suggest making it at least 10 days beforehand (preferably at least several weeks beforehand so you can receive all of your information by mail)	On the ME site or by calling (866) 599-0951	None	None	No
Stroller and ECV/scooter rental	If renting from Disney, you can rent in person (ECVs have very limited quantities). If booking through a third-party company, it will vary.	If renting from Disney, you need to go in person to the rental places. If booking through a third-party vendor, you’ll need to contact them directly.	When booking from a third-party vendor, most require cancellation at least 48 hours beforehand.	When booking from a third-party vendor, your card will usually be charged at the time you book.	No

contemporary resort goofy and pluto on the lawn

When can you make Genie+ and pay-to-ride Lightning Lane reservations?

Unlike the old FastPass+ system, Genie+ and Lightning Lane selections are made on the day that you will be using them.

RESERVATION TIME	WHEN TO MAKE	HOW	CANCELLATION POLICY	DEPOSIT REQUIRED	WILL SHOW UP IN MDE? (THINGS THAT AREN’T ADDED IN MDE AUTOMATICALLY CAN BE ADDED AS A NOTE.)
Genie+	All guests (both onsite and off) can make selections beginning at exactly 7 a.m. on the day of use	Selections are made inside the My Disney Experience app, but you’ll need to purchase Genie+ before you can make your first selection	Non-refundable after purchase	Payment is due at time of purchase. Packages can purchase for the length of trip OR day-by-day	Yes
Individual Lightning Lane Selections (pay-to-ride)	Onsite resort guests (including Shades of Green and the Swan and Dolphin) can make selections starting at 7 a.m. Offsite guests can’t make selections until park opening (but they don’t have to be inside the park to do so).	Selections are made inside the My Disney Experience app	Non-refundable after purchase (exceptions are made if a ride breaks down and does not reopen)	Payment is due at time of purchase	Yes
Virtual Queue for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure	All guests (both onsite and off) can join the virtual queue beginning at exactly 7 a.m. Must have an Epcot Park Pass reservation in order to join queue	You can request to join the virtual queue inside the My Disney Experience app	N/A	N/A	Yes

When can you make dining reservations at Disney World?

Nearly all of these can be booked using the same methods, but the payment terms and other details vary.

Tip: Some dining reservations can be more difficult to snag than others. Make sure you check out our guide on How to Snag Hard-to-Get Disney World Reservations for tips on increasing your chances.

RESERVATION TYPE	WHEN TO MAKE	HOW	CANCELLATION POLICY	DEPOSIT REQUIRED	WILL SHOW UP IN MDE? (THINGS THAT AREN’T ADDED IN MDE AUTOMATICALLY CAN BE ADDED AS A NOTE.)
Candelight Processional Dinner Package	Usually released at the end of June or early July, although 2021 packages were available beginning October 26	407-WDW-DINE or book online	Must cancel at least 48 hours in advance to avoid cancellation fees	Credit card guarantee is required when booking	Yes
Celebration at the Top: 50th Flavors & Fireworks at Disney’s Contemporary Resort	Up to 60 days in advance	Online (beginning at 6 a.m. eastern time 60 days beforehand) or by calling 407-WDW-DINE (beginning at 7 a.m. eastern time)	Must be canceled at least 24 hours beforehand to receive a refund	Full payment due when booking	Yes
Cinderella’s Royal Table	Up to 60 days ahead of time	Online beginning at 5:45 a.m. eastern time (some restaurants may not open up until 6 a.m. eastern time or later) 60 days beforehand	Must be canceled at least 24 hours beforehand to receive a refund	Full payment required at time of booking if you’re not on the Disney Dining Plan. If you’re using the Disney Dining Plan, your credit card will be used to hold the reservation.	Yes
Harmonious Dining Package	Up to 60 days in advance	407-939-3463 or online	Must be canceled at least 24 hours beforehand to receive a refund	Full payment due when booking	Yes
Hoop Dee Doo Revue (currently unavailable)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Magic Kingdom 50th Fireworks Dessert Parties	Officially up to 60 days in advance but it’s often not available until later	Online beginning at 5:45 a.m. eastern time, 60 days beforehand (sometimes they don’t open until 6 a.m.) or by calling 407-WDW-DINE (beginning at 7 a.m. eastern time)	Must cancel up to 5 days in advance to get payment refunded	Full payment due when booking	Yes
Most Table Service reservations	Up to 60 days ahead of time (people staying on-site can make up to 10 days worth of reservations at once) Note: the booking window used to be 180 days, however, it is currently 60 days	Online beginning at 5:45 a.m. eastern time (some restaurants may not open up until 6 a.m. eastern time or later) 60 days beforehand	Disney says they must be canceled 24 hours beforehand, but it’s really midnight the night before.	A credit card guarantee is required to make these reservations, but will only be charged $10/person if nobody in your group shows up for the reservation. If at least part of your group shows up, you won’t be charged a no-show fee.	Yes
Perfectly Princess tea party (currently unavailable)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Rainforest Cafe (2 locations) and T-Rex Cafe	Up to 60 days ahead of time, beginning at 5:45 a.m. eastern time (if it doesn’t open right at 5:45, keep checking; sometimes they don’t open until 6 a.m.)	Some available online but calling can often be easier. Rainforest Cafe (Animal Kingdom location) – 407-938-9100, Rainforest Cafe (Disney Springs location) – 407-827-8500, T-Rex Cafe – 407-828-8739	If you book through Disney’s system, you need to cancel by midnight the night before. If you book by calling, there aren’t any cancellation fees.	If you book through the Disney system, Disney rules apply that require a credit card to guarantee and a $10 fee if you don’t show up. If you book by calling the restaurant directly, there’s no credit card needed or cancellation fees.	Yes, if booked through Disney’s dining system. No, if booked directly with the restaurant.
Restaurants in both Open Table and in Disney’s Reservation System (including The BOATHOUSE, Frontera Cocina, Paddlefish & Homecoming)	Up to 60 days ahead of time, beginning at 6 a.m. eastern time	Book on OpenTable and eventually reservations on the WDW site will be available	If you book through Disney’s system, you need to cancel by midnight the night before. If you book by calling, there aren’t any cancellation fees.	If you book through the Disney system, Disney rules apply that require a credit card to guarantee and a $10 fee if you don’t show up. If you book on OpenTable, there’s no credit card needed or cancellation fees.	Yes, if booked through Disney
Special-order cakes	At least 72 hours beforehand, up to 3 weeks beforehand	407-827-2253	Must cancel at least 24 hours in advance	Credit card guarantee is required when booking	No

When can you make reservations for “Enchanting Extras” (After Hours, tours, etc.)?

There are lots of different ways to add some extra magic to a trip, things like tours, dessert parties, etc. Here’s when you can make those reservations.

RESERVATION TYPE	WHEN TO MAKE	HOW	CANCELLATION POLICY	DEPOSIT REQUIRED	WILL SHOW UP IN MDE? (THINGS THAT AREN’T ADDED IN MDE AUTOMATICALLY CAN BE ADDED AS A NOTE.)
Build a droid at Droid Depot	Up to 60 days in advance	Online	A credit card guarantee is required to make these reservations, but will only be charged if you are a no-show	No; full payment is due when checking in for build	Yes
Capture Your Moment photo sessions	Up to 60 days in advance	407-939-7758 or online	Must be canceled at least 24 hours beforehand to receive a refund	Full payment due when booking	No
Celebration at the Top	Officially up to 60 days in advance but it’s often not available until later	Online (beginning at 6 a.m. eastern time 60 days beforehand) or by calling 407-WDW-DINE (beginning at 7 a.m. eastern time)	Must be canceled at least 24 hours beforehand to receive a refund	Full payment due when booking	Yes
Disney After Hours events (Boo Bash and Disney Very Merriest)	Tickets usually become available a few months before	407-939-7795 or online	Tickets are non-refundable	Full payment due when booking	Yes
Disney Florist	Up to a year in advance, but at least 48 hours notice is usually required	407-939-4438 or DisneyFlorist.com	Can cancel up to 48 hours ahead of time unless your order includes custom embroidery	Full payment is required when booking	No
Drawn to Life (Cirque du Soleil)	Reservations usually available at least a year in advance	Online on the Cirque du Soleil website	Tickets are non-refundable	Full payment due when booking	No
Food and Wine special events (currently not available)	When they are released, often in late July	407-WDW-FEST	Non-refundable	Full payment due when booking	Yes
Harmonious Dining Package	Up to 60 days in advance	407-939-3463 or online	Must be canceled at least 24 hours beforehand to receive a refund	Full payment due when booking	Yes
Horse drawn carriages and sleighs (seasonal)	Up to 60 days in advance	407-939-7529	Must be canceled at least 24 hours beforehand to receive a refund	Full payment due when booking	No
Magic Kingdom 50th Fireworks Dessert Parties	Officially up to 60 days in advance but it’s often not available until later	Online (beginning at 6 a.m. eastern time 60 days beforehand) or by calling 407-WDW-DINE (beginning at 7 a.m. eastern time)	Must cancel up to 5 days in advance to get payment refunded	Full payment due when booking	Yes
runDisney events	As soon as they open up for registration (a limited number of spots open up early to DVC and AP holders). See this page for dates	407-939-iRun or rundisney.com	No refunds available	Full payment due when booking	No
Savi’s Workshop (build a lightsaber)	Up to 60 days in advance	Online	A credit card guarantee is required to make these reservations, but will only be charged if you are a no-show	No; full payment is due when checking in for build	Yes
Tours (limited availability)	Up to 60 days in advance	407-560-4034	Must be canceled 48 hours beforehand to receive a refund	Full payment due when booking	No
VIP Tours	Up to 60 days in advance	407-560-4033	Must be canceled 48 hours beforehand to receive a refund	Full payment due when booking	No

When can you make reservations for recreational activities at Disney World (golf, horseback riding, etc.)?

RESERVATION TYPE	WHEN TO MAKE	HOW	CANCELLATION POLICY	DEPOSIT REQUIRED	WILL SHOW UP IN MDE? (THINGS THAT AREN’T ADDED IN MDE AUTOMATICALLY CAN BE ADDED AS A NOTE.)
Aerophile balloon ride in Disney Springs	Tickets must be purchased in person the day of unless you buy through a Groupon that’s sometimes available. Wind conditions are a big factor so call the boat dock beforehand to see what the conditions are before heading there – (407) 828-3150, press 3, then ask to be connected to the boat dock where the Aerophile balloon is located	In person	N/A	N/A	No
Archery, horseback riding	Up to 60 days beforehand	407-WDW-PLAY	Must cancel at least 24 hours in advance to avoid the $10 cancellation fee	Credit card guarantee is required when booking	No
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (currently unavailable)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Ft. Wilderness golf cart rental	Up to 1 year in advance (phones are open 9-5, 7 days/week)	407-824-2742	Must cancel by 1 p.m. the day before to avoid the cancellation fee of 1 day’s rental	Credit card guarantee is required when booking	No
Golf tee times	Up to 90 days in advance for Disney World resort guests and up to 60 days in advance for non-resort guests	407-WDW-GOLF or online at golfwdw.com	Must be canceled at least 24 hours in advance or a fee will be charged ($25 fee for May-September, and $40 for the rest of the year)	No deposit required, but a credit card is needed to make a reservation	No
Harmony Barber Shop (currently unavailable)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Horse drawn carriages and sleighs (seasonal)	Up to 60 days in advance	407-939-7529	Must be canceled at least 24 hours beforehand to receive a refund	Full payment due when booking	No
Spa services (currently unavailable)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Umbrella/cabanas at water parks and monorail resorts	Up to 60 days in advance	407-WDW-PLAY	Must cancel at least 24 hours in advance to avoid paying the full price as a cancellation fee. Same-day cancellations are allowed in inclement weather.	Full payment due when booking	No

Which Disney reservations require full payment when booking?

Although most Disney reservations just require a credit card to guarantee a reservation, these are the ones that require full payment when you book.

RESERVATION TYPE	WHEN TO MAKE	HOW	CANCELLATION POLICY	DEPOSIT REQUIRED	WILL SHOW UP IN MDE? (THINGS THAT AREN’T ADDED IN MDE AUTOMATICALLY CAN BE ADDED AS A NOTE.)
Capture Your Moment photo sessions	Up to 60 days in advance	407-939-7758 or online	Must be canceled at least 24 hours beforehand to receive a refund	Full payment due when booking	No
Celebration at the Top: 50th Flavors & Fireworks at Disney’s Contemporary Resort	Up to 60 days in advance	Online (beginning at 6 a.m. eastern time 60 days beforehand) or by calling 407-WDW-DINE (beginning at 7 a.m. eastern time)	Must be canceled at least 24 hours beforehand to receive a refund	Full payment due when booking	Yes
Cinderella’s Royal Table	Up to 60 days ahead of time Note: At this time, many experiences, including Hoop Dee Doo Revue are unavailable for booking	Online beginning at 5:45 a.m. eastern time (some restaurants may not open up until 6 a.m. eastern time or later) 60 days beforehand	The 2 dinner shows must be canceled 48 hours in advance to get a refund. Cinderella’s Royal Table can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance.	Full payment required at time of booking if you’re not on the Disney Dining Plan. If you’re using the Disney Dining Plan, your credit card will be used to hold the reservation.	Yes
Disney After Hours events (Boo Bash and Disney Very Merriest)	Tickets usually become available a few months before	407-939-7795 or online	Tickets are non-refundable	Full payment due when booking	Yes
Disney Florist	Up to a year in advance, but at least 48 hours notice is usually required	407-939-4438 or DisneyFlorist.com	Can cancel up to 48 hours ahead of time unless your order includes custom embroidery	Full payment is required when booking	No
Disney Vacation Club booking	Varies by resort. Check this list for more info – DVC Request chart	Can book directly with a DVC owner or through a site like DVCRequest.com	No refunds available if you need to cancel which is why trip insurance may be especially helpful when using DVC points	Full payment usually required when booking	Yes
Drawn to Life (Cirque du Soleil)	Reservations usually available at least a year in advance	Online on the Cirque du Soleil website	Tickets are non-refundable	Full payment due when booking	No
Food and Wine special events (currently not available)	When they are released, often in late July	407-WDW-FEST	Non-refundable	Full payment due when booking	Yes
Harmonious Dining Package	Up to 60 days in advance	407-939-3463 or online	Must be canceled at least 24 hours beforehand to receive a refund	Full payment due when booking	Yes
Horse drawn carriages and sleighs (seasonal)	Up to 60 days in advance	407-939-7529	Must be canceled at least 24 hours beforehand to receive a refund	Full payment due when booking	No
Magic Kingdom 50th Fireworks Dessert Parties	Officially up to 60 days in advance but it’s often not available until later	Online (beginning at 6 a.m. eastern time 60 days beforehand) or by calling 407-WDW-DINE (beginning at 7 a.m. eastern time)	Must cancel up to 5 days in advance to get payment refunded	Full payment due when booking	Yes
Mears Connect (starts Jan. 1, 2022)	Anytime, but highly suggest making it at least 10 days beforehand (you must have flight booked to schedule ride)	On the Mears website	No charge if canceled/changed more than 24 hours prior to pickup time. 100% charge if canceled/changed less than 24 hours prior to pick up.	Full payment required when booking.	No
Memory Maker	Anytime, but must purchase at least 3 days beforehand to receive the pre-purchase discount	On the WDW site	Non-refundable unless purchased as part of a Magic Your Way package	Full payment due when booking or you can book it as part of a package and then the package rules apply	Yes
runDisney events	As soon as they open up for registration (a limited number of spots open up early to DVC and AP holders). See this page for dates	407-939-iRun or rundisney.com	No refunds available	Full payment due when booking	No
Stroller and ECV/scooter rental	If renting from Disney, you can reserve in person (ECVs have very limited quantities). If booking through a third-party company, it will vary.	If renting from Disney, you need to go in person to the rental places. If booking through a third-party vendor, you’ll need to contact them directly.	When booking from a third-party vendor, most require cancellation at least 48 hours beforehand.	When booking from a third-party vendor, your card will usually be charged at the time you book.	No
Tours (limited availability)	Up to 60 days in advance	407-560-4034	Must be canceled 48 hours beforehand to receive a refund	Full payment due when booking	No
Umbrella/cabanas at water parks and monorail resorts	Up to 60 days in advance	407-WDW-PLAY	Must cancel at least 24 hours in advance to avoid paying the full price as a cancellation fee. Same-day cancellations are allowed in inclement weather.	Full payment due when booking	No
VIP Tours	Up to 60 days in advance	407-560-4033	Must be canceled 48 hours beforehand to receive a refund	Full payment due when booking	No

Want some help?

If looking at the charts above feels overwhelming, you should consider booking your vacation with a travel agent that specializes in Disney World vacation planning.

A good travel agent will help you out with all your reservations so you don’t have to stress plus they will also be able to provide personalized recommendations and suggestions for your trip.

Sound like something you might be interested in?

Get a no obligation quote from an experienced agent now.

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Have other Disney reservations you’re hoping to book or questions about any of the info above? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.