Park Reservations

[BRDisney]

Is this here to stay or it will be only during pandemic?

I´m asking this because, as we live overseas, we are planning a long trip to Orlando (35 days or more) in July. The last time we did this an annual pass was the best option (we go to Disney parks more or less 18 days). Now with park reservations needed I'm afraid we will have difficulties to reserve the parks as we would only have 5 days to make them. Am I right?

Thanks in advance!

 

[FCDub]

Here to stay

 

[Robo]

1. Is this here to stay or it will be only during pandemic?
I´m asking this because, as we live overseas, we are planning a long trip to Orlando (35 days or more) in July. The last time we did this an annual pass was the best option (we go to Disney parks more or less 18 days).
2. Now with park reservations needed I'm afraid we will have difficulties to reserve the parks...

1. Here for AWHILE, at least.
2. Unless you are there for the "4th of July" holiday and nearby dates,
I'd not sweat being able to get park reservations for most parks most days.

One solution: You could buy a 10-day hopper (or longer, for European guests) in advance and book the more "difficult" (more busy) dates, then upgrade to AP at the appropriate time during your trip.

 

[BRDisney]

Thanks for the answers. I think I will go with the tickets if this didn't change. It's a shame we will lose Free Parking and the discounts.

 

[HopperFan]

Is this here to stay or it will be only during pandemic?

I´m asking this because, as we live overseas, we are planning a long trip to Orlando (35 days or more) in July. The last time we did this an annual pass was the best option (we go to Disney parks more or less 18 days). Now with park reservations needed I'm afraid we will have difficulties to reserve the parks as we would only have 5 days to make them. Am I right?

Thanks in advance!

I feel like based on Disney comments this might be a through 2022 unless business parameters say to change it. They could also just up the number of reservations allowed for APs, which would be nice as I only get 3.

BUT to fill the gap, I bought Universal AP with no blockout dates so we will just go there with our money on our open days.

 

[luv2cheer92]

I feel like based on Disney comments this might be a through 2022 unless business parameters say to change it. They could also just up the number of reservations allowed for APs, which would be nice as I only get 3.

BUT to fill the gap, I bought Universal AP with no blockout dates so we will just go there with our money on our open days.

They've already got park reservations open into 2023, and have for a while. Though I know not very far

 

[BRDisney]

I feel like based on Disney comments this might be a through 2022 unless business parameters say to change it. They could also just up the number of reservations allowed for APs, which would be nice as I only get 3.

I really hope they change the number to a more days too. Let´s wait and see.

BUT to fill the gap, I bought Universal AP with no blockout dates so we will just go there with our money on our open days.

We usually stay four or five days in Universal. I think this time we are gonna stay there the double and less in Disney. The two DD are getting older and are liking the thrill rides and Harry Potter more. Also it is easier to do things there if you can stay in one of the three closer hotels. Early entry, Express Pass unlimited, walking distance, room cleaned everyday. All that for less money.

 

[BRDisney]

They've already got park reservations open into 2023, and have for a while. Though I know not very far

I don't think they will do it, but if they stop with parking reservations they will not harm anyone as all the people that have reservation will still can go to the parks they reserved.

 

[HopperFan]

I really hope they change the number to a more days too. Let´s wait and see.

We usually stay four or five days in Universal. I think this time we are gonna stay there the double and less in Disney. The two DD are getting older and are liking the thrill rides and Harry Potter more. Also it is easier to do things there if you can stay in one of the three closer hotels. Early entry, Express Pass unlimited, walking distance, room cleaned everyday. All that for less money.

I hope Disney doesn't shoot themselves in the foot long term. I said many months ago when everywhere was opening but most Disney hotels were not - NOW is the time for the others to up their game, woo the Disney hotels guests, show them what they get for so much less money.

As more and more folks move offsite, I mean what are they getting onsite? Dining ADR a few days earlier, early 30 minutes (some non-Disney hotels also get that) and the Deluxe only evening hours. Is that really enough for most? NOW if you fly and plan no car and only Disney, I get it. I drive and even I never thought I'd stay offsite but I did and now that is all I do. 140-150 stays onsite (value, moderate and deluxe), now probably close to half that offsite.

But what is really going to shift the tide for many is when Universal opens park #3. GAME CHANGER for Orlando theme parks and Disney better be ready for people to have to make a decision with their budgets.

 

[lanejudy]

we would only have 5 days

Maybe I missed it — do you stay offsite? An onsite stay with AP does not count towards the 5 day limit.

 

[BRDisney]

Maybe I missed it — do you stay offsite? An onsite stay with AP does not count towards the 5 day limit.

Probably offsite all the vacation..

 

[lanejudy]

Probably offsite all the vacation..

If you can arrange a split stay, the onsite days won't count towards the 5 AP allotment so you could have onsite+5. And there are some "bonus" reservation days where it doesn't count towards your allotment either, if any align with your travel dates.

 

[Robo]

Difficult to make the new rules fit favorably to many situations.

 

[BRDisney]

If you can arrange a split stay, the onsite days won't count towards the 5 AP allotment so you could have onsite+5. And there are some "bonus" reservation days where it doesn't count towards your allotment either, if any align with your travel dates.

Thanks, thinking about it right now (and making budget calculations). Maybe a value hotel. Let´s see.