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.

reservation timeline for walt disney world

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:

Read more about our Crowd Calendars

General/basic reservation info

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

Disney Park Pass Reservations

When to make: As soon as you purchase your tickets.
How: You can make reservations online or go through the My Disney Experience app, which links out to the reservation page online.
Cancellation Policy: Park Pass reservations can be canceled or modified without penalty.
Deposit Required: N/A
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: Yes

Important: Starting with park visits on January 9, 2024, theme park reservations will no longer be required for date-based tickets (these are the standard ticket options offered at Disney World).

Disney World Vacation Package

When to make: Reservations can be made once they are released for the year you’re traveling (usually released in June or July the year prior)
How: You can make reservations online, by using a travel agent, or by calling (407) 939-5277.
Cancellation Policy: 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.
Deposit Required: $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.
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: Yes

Room-only Disney resort reservation

When to make: Up through the current available booking window. (Booking windows for the following year typically open in late spring/early summer.)
How: Once room rates are announced, you can book online. You can also 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.
Cancellation Policy: Can cancel up to 5 days beforehand without paying any penalty (up to 6 days if booked online).
Deposit Required: 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.
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: Yes

Disney Vacation Club booking (not booked through Disney)

When to make: Varies by resort. Check this list for more info – DVC Request chart
How: Can book directly with a DVC owner or through a site like DVCRequest.com
Cancellation Policy: No refunds available if you need to cancel, which is why trip insurance may be especially helpful when using DVC points.
Deposit Required: Full payment usually required when booking
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: Yes

Memory Maker

When to purchase: Anytime, but must purchase at least 3 days beforehand to receive the pre-purchase discount.
How: On the Disney World site
Cancellation Policy: Non-refundable unless purchased as part of a vacation package
Deposit Required: Full payment due when booking or you can book it as part of a package and then the package rules apply
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: Yes

Mears Connect

When to make: Anytime, but highly suggest making it at least 10 days beforehand (you must have flight booked to schedule ride)
How: On Mears Connect site
Cancellation Policy: 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.
Deposit Required: Full payment required when booking.
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: No, but you can add it as a note

Stroller and ECV/scooter rental

When to make: If renting from Disney, you can rent in person (ECVs have very limited quantities). If booking through a third-party company, it will vary.
How: 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.
Cancellation Policy: When booking from a third-party vendor, most require cancellation at least 48 hours beforehand.
Deposit Required: When booking from a third-party vendor, your card will usually be charged at the time you book.
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: No, but you can add it as a note

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

runaway railway lightning lane at hollywood studios

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

Genie+

When to make: All guests (both on-site and off-site) can make selections beginning at exactly 7 a.m. on the day of use
How: Selections are made inside the My Disney Experience app, but you’ll need to purchase Genie+ before you can make your first selection
Cancellation Policy: Non-refundable after purchase
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: Yes

Individual Lightning Lane Selections (pay-to-ride)

When to make: On-site resort guests (including Shades of Green and the Swan and Dolphin) can make selections starting at 7 a.m.; off-site guests can’t make selections until park opening (but they don’t have to be inside the park to do so).
How: Selections are made inside the My Disney Experience app
Cancellation Policy: Non-refundable after purchase (exceptions are made if a ride breaks down and does not reopen
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: Yes

Virtual Queue for TRON Lightcycle / Run

When to make: All guests (both on-site and off-site) can join the virtual queue beginning at exactly 7 a.m.; the 2nd drop time is at 1 p.m.; Deluxe Resort guests can also join a 6 p.m. drop time during Extended Evening Theme Park Hours
How: You can request to join the virtual queue inside the My Disney Experience app
Cancellation Policy: You can cancel without penalty
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: Yes

Virtual Queue for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

When to make: All guests (both on-site and off-site) can join the virtual queue beginning at exactly 7 a.m.; the 2nd drop time is at 1 p.m.; Deluxe Resort guests can also join a 6 p.m. drop time during Extended Evening Theme Park Hours
How: You can request to join the virtual queue inside the My Disney Experience app
Cancellation Policy: You can cancel without penalty
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: 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 dining reservations for tips on increasing your chances.

Most Table Service reservations

When to make: 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
How: 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; you can also book dining in the My Disney Experience app
Cancellation Policy: Previously, you had to cancel a dining reservation at least 24 hours in advance without penalty. But, now, most Disney World dining allows you to cancel up to 2 hours prior to your reservation window without a cancellation fee. It’s important to check all cancellation policies.
Deposit Required: A credit card guarantee is required to make most reservations, but will only be charged $10 per 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. There are a few restaurants (like Cinderella’s Royal Table) that require full payment when booking.
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: Yes

Cinderella’s Royal Table

When to make: Up to 60 days ahead of time
How: 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; you can also book in the My Disney Experience app
Cancellation Policy: Must cancel at least 2 hours prior to reservation time to receive full refund. If you don’t show up, the full cost of the experience will be charged per person.
Deposit Required: Full payment required at time of booking.
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: Yes

Hoop Dee Doo Revue

When to make: Up to 60 days ahead of time
How: 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; you can also book in the My Disney Experience app
Cancellation Policy: Must cancel at least 1 day prior to reservation time to receive full refund. If you don’t show up, the full cost of the experience will be charged per person.
Deposit Required: A credit card guarantee is required when booking the reservation.
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: Yes

Rainforest Cafe (2 locations) and T-REX Restaurant

When to make: 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.)
How: Online or in the My Disney Experience app (Rainforest Cafe at Animal Kingdom; Rainforest Cafe at Disney Springs; T-REX Restaurant at Disney Springs); can also call (Rainforest Cafe at Animal Kingdom location: 407-938-9100; Rainforest Cafe atDisney Springs: 407-827-8500; T-REX Restaurant at Disney Springs: 407-828-8739)
Cancellation Policy: If you book through Disney’s system, you must cancel at least 2 hours prior to reservation time to receive full refund. If you book by calling the restaurant directly, there’s no credit card needed or cancellation fees.
Deposit Required: If you book through the Disney system, Disney rules apply that require a credit card to guarantee and a $10 per person fee if you don’t show up. If you book by calling the restaurant directly, there’s no credit card needed or cancellation fees.
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: Yes, if booked through Disney’s dining system. No, if booked directly with the restaurant.

Restaurants in both OpenTable and in Disney’s Reservation System (including The BOATHOUSE, Frontera Cocina, Paddlefish, & Homecomin’)

When to make: When booking through Disney’s system, 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.)
How: Book on OpenTable; or book on the Disney World website or in the My Disney Experience app
Cancellation Policy: If you book through Disney’s system, you must cancel at least 2 hours prior to reservation time to receive full refund. If you book by calling, there aren’t any cancellation fees.
Deposit Required: If you book through the Disney system, Disney rules apply that require a credit card to guarantee and a $10 per person fee if you don’t show up. If you book on OpenTable, there’s no credit card needed or cancellation fees.
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: Only if booked through Disney

Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties

When to make: 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.)
How: Online (Pre-Party; Post-Party; Seats & Sweets) or in the My Disney Experience app
Cancellation Policy: Must cancel at least 7 days in advance to get payment refunded. If you don’t show up, the full cost of the experience will be charged per person.
Deposit Required: Full payment due at time of booking
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: Yes

EPCOT Fireworks Dining Packages

When to make: 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.)
How: Online (Rose & Crown; Spice Road Table) or in the My Disney Experience app
Cancellation Policy: Must be canceled at least 24 hours beforehand to receive a refund. If you don’t show up, the full cost of the experience will be charged per person.
Deposit Required: Full payment due when booking
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: Yes

Candelight Processional Dinner Package

When to make: Depends when they are released. 2022 packages were available beginning in early October.
How: Book online or in the My Disney Experience app
Cancellation Policy: You must cancel at least 2 hours prior to reservation time to receive full refund. There is a $10 per person fee if you don’t show up.
Deposit Required: A credit card guarantee is required when booking the reservation.
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: Yes

Special-order cakes (only available at select restaurants)

When to make: As soon as you book your dining reservation; at least 4 days prior to your reservation
How: When you book your dining reservation online or through the My Disney Experience app. You can also submit an order in-person at the restaurant’s host podium at least 4 days prior to your reservation. All requests for same-day cakes must be made in person upon arrival at the restaurant.
Cancellation Policy: Must cancel at least 24 hours in advance
Deposit Required: A credit card guarantee is required when booking the reservation.
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: No, but you can add it as a note

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.

Build a droid at Droid Depot

When to make: 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.)
How: Book online or in the My Disney Experience app
Cancellation Policy: You must cancel at least one day prior to your reservation to avoid a per builder cancellation fee. If you fail to timely cancel and are a no-show, the credit card provided at the time of reservation will be charged the full price.
Deposit Required: A credit card guarantee is required to make these reservations. Full payment is due before building your droid.
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: Yes

Capture Your Moment photo sessions

When to make: Up to 60 days in advance
How: Book online (Magic Kingdom – Fantasyland & Beyond, Magic Kingdom – Main Street, U.S.A. & Cinderella Castle, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom) or in the My Disney Experience app
Cancellation Policy: f you cancel within 24 hours of the reservation time or if you fail to show up, you will be charged the full price of the session.
Deposit Required: Full payment due at time of booking
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: Yes

Enchantment at the Top Dessert Party at Bay Lake Tower (DVC Members)

When to make (only available on Fridays): Reservations are available for most Friday nights up to 60 days in advance for eligible DVC Members with access to Membership Extras when using their Membership to stay at a Disney-owned-and-operated hotel at Walt Disney World Resort
How: To book, call Member Services at (800) 800-9800
Cancellation Policy: Must be canceled at least 48 hours beforehand to receive a refund
Deposit Required: Full payment due when booking
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: Yes

Disney After Hours events

When to make: Tickets usually become available a few months before
How: Purchase online or in the My Disney Experience app
Cancellation Policy: Tickets are non-refundable
Deposit Required: Full payment due when booking
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: Yes

Disney Florist (closing August 26, 2023)

When to make: Up to a year in advance, but at least 48 hours notice is usually required
How: Purchase online at or call (407) 939-4438
Cancellation Policy: Can cancel up to 48 hours ahead of time unless your order includes custom embroidery
Deposit Required: Full payment is required when booking
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: No, but you can add it as a note

Important: Beginning August 27, 2023, Walt Disney World Resort is transitioning its floral & gifts operations to a new Central Florida third-party vendor. As a result, guests and clients will not have the option to add floral, gifts and other related Disney Resort hotel in-room amenities to Walt Disney Travel Company packages.

These amenities can continue to be added to Walt Disney Travel Company packages that will be fulfilled on or before August 26. Any guest orders that have been placed through Disney Floral & Gifts of August 27 or later will be fully refunded, and should appear on accounts in the coming days.

Drawn to Life (Cirque du Soleil)

When to make: Reservations usually available at least a year in advance
How: Online on the Cirque du Soleil website
Cancellation Policy: Tickets are non-refundable
Deposit Required: Full payment due when booking
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: No, but you can add it as a note

EPCOT Fireworks Dining Packages

When to make: 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.)
How: Online (Rose & Crown; Spice Road Table) or in the My Disney Experience app
Cancellation Policy: Must be canceled at least 24 hours beforehand to receive a refund. If you don’t show up, the full cost of the experience will be charged per person.
Deposit Required: Full payment due when booking
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: Yes

Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties

When to make: 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.)
How: Online (Pre-Party; Post-Party; Seats & Sweets) or in the My Disney Experience app
Cancellation Policy: Must cancel at least 7 days in advance to get payment refunded. If you don’t show up, the full cost of the experience will be charged per person.
Deposit Required: Full payment due at time of booking
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: Yes

runDisney events

When to make: As soon as they open up for registration (Club runDisney members have access to early registration)
How: Book online
Cancellation Policy: No refunds available
Deposit Required: Full payment due when booking
Will it show up in My Disney Experience? No

Savi’s Workshop (build a lightsaber)

When to make: Up to 60 days in advance
How: Book online or in the My Disney Experience app
Cancellation Policy: You must cancel at least one day prior to your reservation to avoid a per builder cancellation fee. If you fail to timely cancel and are a no-show, the credit card provided at the time of reservation will be charged the full price.
Deposit Required: A credit card guarantee is required to make these reservations. Full payment is due when checking in for the experience.
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: Yes

Tours (limited availability)

When to make: Up to 60 days in advance beginning at 5:45 a.m. eastern time (some reservations may not open up until 6 a.m. eastern time or later)
How: Book online or in the My Disney Experience app
Cancellation Policy: Must be canceled 48 hours beforehand to receive a refund. If you fail to timely cancel and are a no-show, the credit card provided at the time of reservation will be charged the full price.
Deposit Required: Full payment due when booking
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: Yes

VIP Tours

When to make: Up to 60 days in advance
How: (407) 560-4033
Cancellation Policy: You will incur a cancellation fee equal to 2 hours at the booked rate per tour if you do not provide at least 48-hour notice when cancelling any Private VIP Tour.
Deposit Required: Full payment due when booking
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: No

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

Aerophile balloon ride in Disney Springs

When to make: Tickets must be purchased in person the day of unless you buy through a Groupon that;s sometimes available.
How: In person. 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.
Will it show up in My Disney Experience? No

Archery, horseback riding

When to make: Up to 60 days beforehand
How: (407) 939-7529
Cancellation Policy: There is a 1-day cancellation policy. Full price will be charged/forfeited if a you cancel within one day or fail to show up for the reservation.
Deposit Required: Credit card guarantee is required when booking
Will it show up in My Disney Experience? No

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

When to make: Up to 60 days in advance
How: Book online or in My Disney Experience app
Cancellation Policy: A $10 cancellation fee will be applied to credit cards for all no-shows or if a reservation is canceled within 24 hours of scheduled time.
Deposit Required: Credit card guarantee is required when booking. Your credit card will not be charged before your visit.
Will it show up in My Disney Experience? Yes

Fort Wilderness golf cart rental

When to make: Up to 1 year in advance (phones are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 7 days a week)
How: 407-824-2742
Cancellation Policy: Must cancel by 1 p.m. the day before to avoid the cancellation fee of 1 day’s rental
Deposit Required: Credit card guarantee is required when booking
Will it show up in My Disney Experience? No

Golf tee times

When to make: Up to 90 days in advance for Disney World resort guests and up to 60 days in advance for non-resort guests
How: Book online at GolfWDW.com
Cancellation Policy: Must be canceled at least 24 hours in advance or a fee will be charged ($25 fee for May through September, and $40 for October through April)
Deposit Required: No deposit required, but a credit card is needed to make a reservation
Will it show up in My Disney Experience? No

Harmony Barber Shop

When to make: Up to 60 days in advance
How: Book online or in My Disney Experience app
Cancellation Policy: Reservations must be cancelled at least one day prior to avoid a $10 cancellation and/or “no show” fee
Deposit Required: A valid accepted credit card number is required at the time of booking
Will it show up in My Disney Experience? Yes

Horse drawn carriages and sleighs (seasonal)

When to make: Up to 60 days in advance
How: Book online or in the My Disney Experience app
Cancellation Policy: There is a one-day cancellation policy. Full price will be charged/forfeited if a you cancel within one day or if you don’t show up.
Deposit Required: Full payment due when booking
Will it show up in My Disney Experience? Yes

The Grand Floridian Spa

When to make: Up to 60 days in advance
How: Book online
Cancellation Policy: If reservations have not been canceled or rescheduled within 24 hours of the appointment time, the full service amount will be charged
Deposit Required: No
Will it show up in My Disney Experience? No

Cabanas (water parks and Monorail resorts)

When to make: Up to 60 days in advance
How: (407) 939-7529
Cancellation Policy: Must give 24-hour notice for cancellation. The full price of your reservation will be charged in the event of no-shows or same-day cancellations. Rentals may be cancelled by the Resort hotel due to inclement weather. Guests will not be charged in this case.
Deposit Required: Full payment due when booking
Will it show up in My Disney Experience? 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.

Capture Your Moment photo sessions

When to make: Up to 60 days in advance
How: Book online (Magic Kingdom – Fantasyland & Beyond, Magic Kingdom – Main Street, U.S.A. & Cinderella Castle, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom) or in the My Disney Experience app
Cancellation Policy: f you cancel within 24 hours of the reservation time or if you fail to show up, you will be charged the full price of the session.
Deposit Required: Full payment due at time of booking
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: Yes

Cinderella’s Royal Table

When to make: Up to 60 days ahead of time
How: 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; you can also book in the My Disney Experience app
Cancellation Policy: Must cancel at least 2 hours prior to reservation time to receive full refund. If you don’t show up, the full cost of the experience will be charged per person.
Deposit Required: Full payment required at time of booking.
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: Yes

Disney After Hours events

When to make: Tickets usually become available a few months before
How: Purchase online or in the My Disney Experience app
Cancellation Policy: Tickets are non-refundable
Deposit Required: Full payment due when booking
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: Yes

Disney Florist (closing August 26, 2023)

When to make: Up to a year in advance, but at least 48 hours notice is usually required
How: Purchase online at or call (407) 939-4438
Cancellation Policy: Can cancel up to 48 hours ahead of time unless your order includes custom embroidery
Deposit Required: Full payment is required when booking
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: No, but you can add it as a note

These amenities can continue to be added to Walt Disney Travel Company packages that will be fulfilled on or before August 26. Any guest orders that have been placed through Disney Floral & Gifts of August 27 or later will be fully refunded, and should appear on accounts in the coming days.

Disney Vacation Club booking (not booked through Disney)

When to make: Varies by resort. Check this list for more info – DVC Request chart
How: Can book directly with a DVC owner or through a site like DVCRequest.com
Cancellation Policy: No refunds available if you need to cancel, which is why trip insurance may be especially helpful when using DVC points.
Deposit Required: Full payment usually required when booking
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: Yes

Drawn to Life (Cirque du Soleil)

When to make: Reservations usually available at least a year in advance
How: Online
Cancellation Policy: Tickets are non-refundable
Deposit Required: Full payment due when booking
Will it show up in My Disney Experience? No

Epcot Fireworks Dining Packages

When to make: 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.)
How: Online (Rose & Crown; Spice Road Table) or in the My Disney Experience app
Cancellation Policy: Must be canceled at least 24 hours beforehand to receive a refund. If you don’t show up, the full cost of the experience will be charged per person.
Deposit Required: Full payment due when booking
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: Yes

Horse drawn carriages and sleighs (seasonal)

When to make: Up to 60 days in advance
How: Book online or in the My Disney Experience app
Cancellation Policy: There is a one-day cancellation policy. Full price will be charged/forfeited if a you cancel within one day or if you don’t show up.
Deposit Required: Full payment due when booking
Will it show up in My Disney Experience? No

Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties

When to make: 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.)
How: Online (Pre-Party; Post-Party; Seats & Sweets) or in the My Disney Experience app
Cancellation Policy: Must cancel at least 7 days in advance to get payment refunded. If you don’t show up, the full cost of the experience will be charged per person.
Deposit Required: Full payment due at time of booking
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: Yes

Mears Connect

When to make: Anytime, but highly suggest making it at least 10 days beforehand (you must have flight booked to schedule ride)
How: On Mears Connect site
Cancellation Policy: 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.
Deposit Required: Full payment required when booking
Will it show up in My Disney Experience? No

Memory Maker

When to purchase: Anytime, but must purchase at least 3 days beforehand to receive the pre-purchase discount.
How: On the Disney World site
Cancellation Policy: Non-refundable unless purchased as part of a vacation package
Deposit Required: Full payment due when booking or you can book it as part of a package and then the package rules apply
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: Yes

runDisney events

When to make: As soon as they open up for registration (Club runDisney members have access to early registration)
How: Online
Cancellation Policy: No refunds available
Deposit Required: Full payment due when booking
Will it show up in My Disney Experience? No

Stroller and ECV/scooter rental

When to make: If renting from Disney, you can reserve in person (ECVs have very limited quantities). If booking through a third-party company, it will vary.
How: 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.
Cancellation Policy: When booking from a third-party vendor, most require cancellation at least 48 hours beforehand.
Deposit Required: When booking from a third-party vendor, your card will usually be charged at the time you book.
Will it show up in My Disney Experience? No

Sunshine Flyer

When to make: Anytime (reservations accepted up until 4 days before service)
How: Book online
Cancellation Policy: No charge if cancelled/changed more than 72 hours prior to first scheduled pick up. 100% future credit will be applied if cancelled/changed less than 72 hours prior to pick up time. During periods of an active sales promotion, cancellations will be applied as a future credit.
Deposit Required: Full payment required when booking
Will it show up in My Disney Experience? No

Tours (limited availability)

When to make: Up to 60 days in advance beginning at 5:45 a.m. eastern time (some reservations may not open up until 6 a.m. eastern time or later)
How: Book online or in the My Disney Experience app
Cancellation Policy: Must be canceled 48 hours beforehand to receive a refund. If you fail to timely cancel and are a no-show, the credit card provided at the time of reservation will be charged the full price.
Deposit Required: Full payment due when booking
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: Yes

Cabanas (water parks and Monorail resorts)

When to make: Up to 60 days in advance
How: (407) 939-7529
Cancellation Policy: Must give 24-hour notice for cancellation. The full price of your reservation will be charged in the event of no-shows or same-day cancellations. Rentals may be cancelled by the Resort hotel due to inclement weather. Guests will not be charged in this case.
Deposit Required: Full payment due when booking
Will it show up in My Disney Experience? No

VIP Tours

When to make: Up to 60 days in advance
How: (407) 560-4033
Cancellation Policy: You will incur a cancellation fee equal to 2 hours at the booked rate per tour if you do not provide at least 48-hour notice when cancelling any Private VIP Tour.
Deposit Required: Full payment due when booking
Will it show up in My Disney Experience?: 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.