Uh oh! We don't support IE due to its failure to integrate new web standards.
For the best browsing experience, please use

More Info →

  • Podcast
  • Become a WDW Prep Patron
  • About
  • Get a Quote
  • Things We Recommend
  • Contact
  • Search
MENUMENU
  • Crowd Calendars
        • January Crowd Calendar
        • February Crowd Calendar
        • March Crowd Calendar
        • April Crowd Calendar
        • May Crowd Calendar
        • June Crowd Calendar
        • July Crowd Calendar
        • August Crowd Calendar
        • September Crowd Calendar
        • October Crowd Calendar
        • November Crowd Calendar
        • December Crowd Calendar
  • Parks
        • Magic Kingdom
        • Epcot
        • Disney World Tickets
        • Hollywood Studios
        • Slinky Dog Dash
        • Animal Kingdom
        • Typhoon Lagoon
        • Blizzard Beach
        • Disney Springs
        • Featured: Planning Tips for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge
  • Resorts
        • On-Site
        • Off-Site
        • Disney World Value Resorts
        • Disney World Moderate Resorts
        • Disney World Deluxe Resorts
        • Disney World Villa Resorts
  • Dining
        • Dining Basics
        • Disney World Dining Plan Satuli Canteen
        • Disney Dining Plan
        • Animal Kingdom Disney World Dining Plan
        • Our top Table Service restaurants
        • Our top Quick Service restaurants
        • Guide to all Disney World character meals
        • Best restaurants for fireworks views
  • Planning and Tips
        • 6 Step Planning Process
        • Disney binder planning workskeet
        • Planning Basics
        • Big Thunder Mountain exterior
        • What is coming to Walt Disney World in 2021 (and beyond!)
        • Disney Movie Magic
        • Trip Planning for Families
        • Special Needs
        • Money and Shopping
        • Downloadables
  • 2021 Planner
        • Mask tips for Disney World trips
        • Cast Member with a mask
        • Step-by-step guide to the Disney Park Pass System
        • Disney Park Pass choose day
        • Where to find characters right now
        • Joy
        • 13 ways Disney World planning has changed
        • How to tour Disney World right now
        • Budgeting for food (without using the Disney Dining Plan)
        • Mask-Free Relaxation Stations (w/maps & comparisons)
        • Choosing when to visit in 2021
        • Where to dine outdoors at Walt Disney World
        • How transportation works now
  • Mobile
      • Podcast
      • Become a WDW Prep Patron
      • About
      • Get a Quote
      • Things We Recommend
      • Contact
      • Search

When can I book a Disney World package for 2021?

Share on pinterest
PIN
Share on facebook
FB
WDW Prep School → Other Disney World Info → Featured → When can I book a Disney World package for 2021?
  • Heather Thomas
  • May 20, 2019
  • October 15, 2020

If you’re reading this then you probably know that there is more planning involved for a Disney World trip than you’ll find with many other vacations.

But, when do packages for the following year actually open up?

In this article (click for table of contents)

  • Packages and ticket-only purchases are now available for all of 2021
    • Resort availability
  • Notable changes in 2021 packages
  • Ready to book? Here’s what we recommend
    • Get in contact with an agent
  • How far in advance can you book a Disney World vacation?
    • Room Only reservations
    • Vacation Packages 
      • Historical release dates for Disney World vacation packages
  • Is booking earlier really better?

Packages and ticket-only purchases are now available for all of 2021

Originally on June 24, we saw 2021 packages and ticket-only purchases open up, but that only covered dates through September 27. 

But, on October 15, Disney expanded it which is great news for anybody waiting to book a vacation package in 2021 because Walt Disney World Resort Packages for travel dates through December 31, 2021 are now available to book. 

And, because of the new Disney Park Pass reservation system – which is here to stay through at least January 2022 – Guests will be able to view park reservation availability prior to purchasing their tickets (this includes stand-alone tickets, too).

Resort availability

It is important to note that not all resorts may be available to book. These are the resorts that are NOT currently accepting reservations through September 2021:

  • All-Star Movies Resort
  • All-Star Music Resort
  • All-Star Sports Resort
  • Port Orleans – Riverside Resort
  • Port Orleans – French Quarter
  • Wilderness Lodge

And, these are the resorts that ARE available to book:

  • Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort 
  • Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
  • Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
  • Art of Animation Resort 
  • Beach Club Villas
  • BoardWalk Inn
  • BoardWalk Villas
  • Caribbean Beach Resort
  • Contemporary Resort
  • Coronado Springs Resort
  • Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground 
  • Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Old Key West Resort
  • Polynesian Village Resort
  • Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
  • Pop Century Resort 
  • Riviera Resort
  • Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
  • Yacht & Beach Club Resorts 
  • The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Notable changes in 2021 packages

Lots of things have been changing in regards to Disney World vacation planning, including package details. Here’s a few important things to note:

  • Disney Dining Plans are currently not available to add to packages but they are expected later. If you have booked a package you would be able to add that to your existing reservation when that happens.
  • Beginning in January, air travel will no longer be offered through Disney. You will need to secure that on your own.
  • Also new for 2021, complimentary MagicBands will not be included. Guests will still be able to purchase a MagicBand if they want, or if they’d rather they’ll be able to use their phone or a Key to the World card that can be picked up at the front desk of your resort.

Ready to book? Here’s what we recommend

Now more than ever, booking with a travel agent makes a lot of sense.

With so many changes happening, it can be a lot less stressful having an expert available to help with the process.

Get in contact with an agent

Thinking about traveling in 2021? Right now is a fantastic time to start communicating with a travel agent. 

Ready to book a trip for 2020 or 2021?

An experienced travel agent can make all the difference. Fill out the info below to get started.

Learn more about all the reasons you may want to book your next Disney World vacation with a travel agent.

Disney's Polynesian Beach

 

How far in advance can you book a Disney World vacation?

Room Only reservations

First of all, you can book Room Only reservations 499 days in advance, but you can only do that via phone by calling (407) 939-1936.

So, if your dates are next year and within that 499 day time frame, and you are only planning on doing a Room Only reservation, you can do that now by phone.

Port Orleans French Quarter

Vacation Packages 

Packages, however, are different.

If you want to book a room reservation plus tickets, you’ll have to wait.  Packages for the following year typically are released in the summer – usually mid to late June although they have been released as late as July before, too.

Note: due to worldwide events, the Disney Dining Plan has been suspended through at least September of 2021. Previously, you could also book a package with one of the Dining Plans.

So, if you are looking to book a package for 2021 unless Disney changes how they do things you’ll need to wait until June/July of 2020 before you can do that.

Historical release dates for Disney World vacation packages

  • 2021 Walt Disney World Vacation Packages opened up on October 15, 2020 (for dates through December 31, 2021)
  • 2021 Walt Disney World Vacation Packages opened up on June 24, 2020 (for dates through September 27, 2021)
  • 2020 Walt Disney World Vacation Packages opened up on June 18, 2019
  • 2019 Walt Disney World Vacation Packages opened up on June 19, 2018
  • 2018 Walt Disney World Vacation Packages opened up on June 20, 2017
  • 2017 Walt Disney World Vacation Packages opened up on June 21, 2016
  • 2016 Walt Disney World Vacation Packages opened up on June 22, 2015
  • 2015 Walt Disney World Vacation Packages opened up on July 30, 2014

Animal Kingdom Lodge

Is booking earlier really better?

There are many reasons why people might want to book as far out as possible.

Sometimes people like to pay their vacation off a little bit at a time. The sooner the trip is booked, the sooner they can start applying payments to it.

Other times people might want a highly sought after room category or location and in order to maximize the chances of snagging it, they book as soon as they can.

Or, maybe you’re traveling during a busy time (like the holidays) and you want to make sure you get the resort and room category you want.

And then there are people like us – we just like knowing our next trip is booked! It makes it feel more “real” and there’s nothing like seeing it in our My Disney Experience accounts when we log-in.

Whatever the reason, when the packages open up Disney’s low deposit rates makes it easy for people to make reservations plus their cancellation policies are quite friendly too, giving you peace of mind that if something happens and you have to cancel, you won’t be out any money.

Port Orleans Riverside

**********

Want to compare the differences in deposit and cancellation policies between room-only and package reservations? Read our post on How and When to Make All Disney World Reservations for more information.

 

Read this next

Popular Related Articles

Related Posts:

  • Budgeting for food at Disney (without using the Disney Dining Plan)
  • 2020 Disney Dining Plan (cost, best credits, and is it worth it?)
  • 100+ free downloads for your Disney World binder
  • Where to dine outdoors at Walt Disney World
  • Walt Disney World is reopening, here's what you need to know
  • 100+ tips for your Disney World trip
  • What is open at the Walt Disney World resorts
  • How to get the Disney World resort room you want

In this category

More Tips and Tricks

  • Other Disney World Info

Ready to book a trip for 2021?

The team at Small World Vacations is ready to help get you started.

Get a quote now

Leave a Reply

Cancel reply

Start here

  • Crowd Calendars
    • January Crowd Calendar
    • February Crowd Calendar
    • March Crowd Calendar
    • April Crowd Calendar
    • May Crowd Calendar
    • June Crowd Calendar
    • July Crowd Calendar
    • August Crowd Calendar
    • September Crowd Calendar
    • October Crowd Calendar
    • November Crowd Calendar
    • December Crowd Calendar
  • Parks
    • Magic Kingdom
    • Epcot
    • Hollywood Studios
    • Animal Kingdom
    • Typhoon Lagoon
    • Blizzard Beach
    • Disney Springs
    • Featured: Planning Tips for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
  • Resorts
    • On-Site
    • Off-Site
    • Disney World Value Resorts
    • Disney World Moderate Resorts
    • Disney World Deluxe Resorts
    • Disney World Villa Resorts
  • Dining
    • Dining Basics
    • Disney Dining Plan
    • Our top Table Service restaurants
    • Our top Quick Service restaurants
    • Guide to all Disney World character meals
    • Best restaurants for fireworks views
  • Planning and Tips
    • 6 Step Planning Process
    • Planning Basics
    • What is coming to Walt Disney World in 2021 (and beyond!)
    • Trip Planning for Families
    • Special Needs
    • Money and Shopping
    • Downloadables
  • 2021 Planner
    • 13 ways Disney World planning has changed
    • Mask tips for Disney World trips
    • Budgeting for food (without using the Disney Dining Plan)
    • Step-by-step guide to the Disney Park Pass System
    • Choosing when to visit in 2021
    • How to tour Disney World right now
    • Mask-Free Relaxation Stations (w/maps & comparisons)
    • Where to dine outdoors at Walt Disney World
    • Where to find characters right now
    • How transportation works now
  • Mobile

More Goodies

  • Podcast
  • Become a WDW Prep Patron
  • About
  • Get a Quote
  • Things We Recommend
  • Contact
  • Search

I just got back from a five night stay at Coronado Springs and had the best time! Even though I went during the busy season I barely waited in any lines and was able to do everything I wanted!

Jonathan C.

Meet us there


IG

FB

PI

TW

YT

EM

WDWprepschool.com is not affiliated with, authorized or endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with, the Walt Disney Company.

PRIVACY POLICY

© 2021 PREP SCHOOL PRODUCTIONS, INC.

WDW PREP SCHOOL ON INSTAGRAM​

Anybody else fall in love with the Hollywood Studi Anybody else fall in love with the Hollywood Studios decor and want to have these vintage Christmas ceramics at home? 🙋🏻‍♀️ Here’s how.

For original vintage pieces, search “Lefton Christmas ceramics” or “Napco Christmas ceramics.” These often run you $100+ and can usually be found on Etsy, eBay, and other resale stores.

For less expensive replicas, check out VermontCountryStore.com which has a small - but more affordable - collection, including the trio of candy cane girls.
It appears the Frozen promenade (cavalcade) is out It appears the Frozen promenade (cavalcade) is out at Epcot, and random popups of Anna and Elsa in Norway are in.

They haven’t been appearing as reliably as Alice, Mary Poppins, Joy, and Winnie the Pooh, but be sure to be on the lookout when passing the Royal Sommerhus in Norway where they might just show up.
When I posted this drained space to my stories rec When I posted this drained space to my stories recently, many wondered what it was so let me explain.

This is the Rivers of America - the water that surrounds Tom Sawyer Island and the location where the Liberty Square Riverboat is usually located.

This area has been drained since late October, and it will be closed at least through February. They’re doing refurbishment work during this time.

This is a pretty common (and one of the only) downside of traveling this time of year - more projects being done. A small price to pay to not sweat or battle busy crowds. 😰

Swipe for map to help orient yourself where the video was taken ➡️
If I was the remarrying type, this is where I’d If I was the remarrying type, this is where I’d do it: right in the middle of Maharajah Jungle Trek.

There’s a lot of competition for Most Beautiful Place in Animal Kingdom, but this trek wins for me.

Have a fave AK pretty spot of your own?
Load More... Follow on Instagram