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 general resort and dining reservations all the way to cabana rentals, plus, we even tell you which Disney reservations you can expect to see in your My Disney Experience account.
Let's take a look...
Determining key dates for reservations
The 2 most common dates for reservations that people need to know are typically the days you can make your dining-related reservations (which is 180 days out) and when you can make your FastPass+ reservations (which is 60 days out for on site guests and 30 days out for guests staying off-site).
If you aren't sure what those dates are for your vacation, our monthly Crowd Calendars calculate them for you.
Want some help?
If looking at the charts below 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 one of the agents at Perfect Story Travel now.
General/basic reservation info
These are the basics that you'll need when making your 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.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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), up to 499 days ahead of time. | 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 to 499 days beforehand | 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 |
| FastPass+ reservations | Up to 60 days beforehand (beginning at 7 a.m.) for on-site, Swan/Dolphin, and guests at a few other select off-site resorts and up to 10 days of FP+ can be made at a time. Up to 30 days before the day you'll be in a park for everybody else (which means being online multiple days in a row for people staying off-site). " | 407-939-7765 or FP+ section of the WDW site (the website is the preferable method but the phone number can be handy if you run into issues)" | N/A | N/A | 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 |
| Magical Express | 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 | Yes |
| 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 |
Nearly all of these can be booked using the same methods, but the payment terms and other details vary.
| 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.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Most Table Service reservations and Be Our Guest breakfast and lunch | Up to 180 days ahead of time (people staying on-site can make up to 10 days worth of reservations at once) | Online beginning at 6 a.m. eastern time 180 days beforehand (parties of 8 or more can also book by calling 407-WDW-DINE beginning at 7 a.m. eastern time) | 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 |
| Cinderella’s Royal Table, Hoop Dee Doo Revue, Spirit of Aloha Luau | Up to 180 days ahead of time | Online beginning at 6 a.m. eastern time 180 days beforehand (parties of 8 or more can also book by calling 407-WDW-DINE beginning at 7 a.m. eastern time) | 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 |
| Rainforest Cafe (2 locations) and T-Rex Cafe | Up to 180 days ahead of time, beginning at 7 a.m. eastern time | 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. |
| The BOATHOUSE | Up to 180 days ahead of time, beginning at 7 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 |
| Dessert Parties | Officially up to 180 days in advance but it's often not available until later | Online (beginning at 6 a.m. eastern time 180 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 |
| Perfectly Princess tea party | Up to 180 days ahead of time | 407-WDW-MYTEA | Can cancel up to 3 days beforehand | Full payment due when booking | Yes |
| Candelight Processional Dinner Package | Usually released at the end of June or early July | 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 |
| 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 |
| Early Morning Magic | Usually available a few months before | 407-827-7350 | Must cancel at least 24 hours in advance | Full payment required at time of booking | Yes |
Special event 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.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tours | Up to 180 days for most | 407-WDW-TOUR | Must be canceled 48 hours beforehand to receive a refund | Full payment due when booking | No |
| Halloween and Christmas party tickets | Usually becomes available as early as January to as late as April or May | 407-W-DISNEY or on Disney's ticket page | Tickets are non-refundable | Full payment due when booking | Yes |
| Disney After Hours events | Reservations usually become available a few months before | 407-939-7795 or online | Tickets are non-refundable | Full payment due when booking | Yes |
| Private portrait session | Up to 365 days in advance | 407-934-4004 | Cancellation fees apply | Payment in full due at time of booking | No |
| Food and Wine special events | When they are released, often in late July | 407-WDW-FEST | Non-refundable | 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 |
| 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 |
Recreation 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.) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| The Pirates League | Online (beginning at 6 a.m. eastern time; follows the same rules as dining for on-site guests and can be made 180 days from when your trip begins), or by phone beginning at 7 a.m. eastern time | beginning at 7 a.m. eastern time" | 407-WDW-DINE or 407-WDW-CREW | Must cancel at least 24 hours in advance or a $10 fee will be charged | 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 | |
| Pirate Adventure Cruises, fireworks cruises, horse-drawn carriages at Port Orleans Riverside, fishing at resorts, surfing lessons at Typhoon Lagoon | Up to 180 days ahead of time, beginning at 7 a.m. eastern time | 407-WDW-PLAY | Must be made at least 24 hours in advance or the full payment will be charged | No deposit required | No | |
| Harmony Barber Shop | Online (beginning at 6 a.m. eastern time; follows the same rules as dining for on-site guests and can be made 180 days from when your trip begins) | or by phone beginning at 7 a.m. eastern time" | 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 |
| Archery, horseback riding | Up to 180 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 | |
| Pirate and Pals Cruise | Up to 180 days beforehand (follows the same rules as dining for on-site guests and can be made 180 days from when your trip beings) | 407-WDW-PLAY | Must be canceled at least 48 hours in advance to avoid cancellation fees. | Full payment due when booking | No | |
| Umbrella/cabanas at water parks and monorail resorts | Up to 180 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 | |
| Spa services | Up to 180 days ahead of time, beginning at 7 a.m. eastern time | 407-WDW-SPAS | Must cancel at least 4 hours beforehand to avoid the full price of the services being charged to your room bill | No deposit or credit card guarantee required | No | |
| Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique | Online (beginning at 6 a.m. eastern time; follows the same rules as dining for on-site guests and can be made 180 days from when your trip begins), or by phone beginning at 7 a.m. eastern time | 407-WDW-DINE or 407-WDW-STYLE | Must call to cancel by 11 p.m. eastern time the night before or a $10/person fee will be charged | Credit card guarantee is required when booking | No | |
| 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 |
Full payment required 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.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tours | Up to 180 days for most | 407-WDW-TOUR | Must be canceled 48 hours beforehand to receive a refund | Full payment due when booking | No |
| Cinderella’s Royal Table, Hoop Dee Doo Revue, Spirit of Aloha Luau | Up to 180 days ahead of time | Online (beginning at 6 a.m. eastern time 180 days beforehand) or by calling 407-WDW-DINE (beginning at 7 a.m. eastern time) | 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 |
| Halloween and Christmas party tickets | Usually becomes available as early as January to as late as April or May | 407-W-DISNEY or on Disney's ticket page | Tickets are non-refundable | Full payment due when booking | Yes |
| Pirate and Pals Cruise | Up to 180 days beforehand | 407-WDW-PLAY | Must be canceled at least 48 hours in advance to avoid cancellation fees. | Full payment due 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 |
| 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 |
| Dessert Parties | Officially up to 180 days in advance but it's often not available until later | Online (beginning at 6 a.m. eastern time 180 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 |
| Food and Wine special events | When they are released, often in late July | 407-WDW-FEST | Non-refundable | Full payment due when booking | Yes |
| Perfectly Princess tea party | Up to 180 days ahead of time | 407-WDW-MYTEA | Can cancel up to 3 days beforehand | 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 |
| Umbrella/cabanas at water parks and monorail resorts | Up to 180 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 |
| 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 After Hours events | Reservations usually become available a few months before | 407-939-7795 or online | Tickets are non-refundable | Full payment due when booking | Yes |
| Early Morning Magic | Usually available a few months before | 407-827-7350 | Must cancel at least 24 hours in advance | Full payment required at time of booking | Yes |
*****************
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.
54 Comments
Do they still offer scuba diving at Epcot?
What about Pixar Play Place?
I just read that Pixar Play Place at the Contemporary is closing and turning back into a game room.