How early should you book?

[aristocatz]

My friend is planning a trip for October. She wants to take advantage of ADR's, FP+, etc...

I am so used to planning 9-12 months out (because I'm obsessed lol!!!)

But, for a normal person, how many months in advance is reasonable to book, in order to take advantage of FP+, ADR's, etc?

Thanks!

 

[Shanti]

Two days advance planning is fine if you know the parks and live close by.

For an out-of-state newbie who is planning a rare trip: she should plan as far in advance as she's able to. More lead time is better- she should book a resort now, & be ready to book dining 6 months + days in advance. Advance planning will give her a chance to read up on the basics of the resorts, FastPasses, ADR's, & some general touring strategies (nothing extremely detailed needed, though.) Help her out a bit with your Disney knowledge. Make sure she knows about MNSSHP when booking for October, etc.

 

[loves to dive]

I have a trip coming up the first week in March. I booked my room last week and have not booked ADRs or FP+. Of course, I probably won't either until the night before, I've always been able to get FP that way but we have no kids so meet and greets don't matter and if we don't get a ride it's not the end of the world. I usually book ADRs the day of at GS at the park I happen to be with. Again, we don't have to have a specific restaurant the time doesn't matter and we have PHs so the park doesn't matter either.

 

[minnie mum]

I think you should start as soon as you know your dates. If your friend is new to WDW, she should start researching now, and book before 180 days if she can, provided the trip doesn't depend on getting a discount.

 

[aristocatz]

Thanks-she is kind of a newbie. They are from out of state & this will be their first trip in 4 years & their very first trip with kids. If it wasn't for FP+, I would say booking in the summer would be fine, but with FP+ involved & planning with two kids, I told her she should book now!