When to Reserve?

[JustAKid]

When should I start reserving and buying for my trip? Hotels, flights, tickets, seating, shuttles...it's a lot to take in.

I've heard mixed things, some say you can get PS 60 days in advance, some say 30. Do I need PS for character breakfasts if I have vouchers? I'll be eating at BB, Ariel's, Goofy's Kitchen, Cafe Orleans, and Rainforest Cafe.

TIA!!

 

[bumbershoot]

PS at 60 days out, especially for Blue Bayou. The vouchers are just a way to pay; they don't reserve space for you.

Rainforest Cafe needs to be contacted separately, but when you call Disney Dining they give you the phone number for RFC, so that's helpful. If you are a Safari Club member you don't need a PS b/c the card gets the seating for you; and if you plan to join the Safari Club while there you get the seating privileges right then. NOw, if it's jam-packed they can rescind that privilege, so you might want to make the seating arrangements anyway.


To organize my brain, I bought a plastic folder thing that has slots that I can flip through. And I organize it chronologically. The first spot has how I'm getting to the airport, parking or shuttle, then plane ticket printouts. Next section is how I'm getting from the DLR area airport, hotel info printout. etc etc. It really helps me to think things through chronologically...

 

[Susie63]

Quote "To organize my brain, I bought a plastic folder thing that has slots that I can flip through. And I organize it chronologically. The first spot has how I'm getting to the airport, parking or shuttle, then plane ticket printouts. Next section is how I'm getting from the DLR area airport, hotel info printout. etc etc. It really helps me to think things through chronologically..."

That sounds great. Where did you buy something like that?

 

[HydroGuy]

When should I start reserving and buying for my trip? Hotels, flights, tickets, seating, shuttles...it's a lot to take in.

I've heard mixed things, some say you can get PS 60 days in advance, some say 30. Do I need PS for character breakfasts if I have vouchers? I'll be eating at BB, Ariel's, Goofy's Kitchen, Cafe Orleans, and Rainforest Cafe.

TIA!!

Well, hotel is easy. Do it as soon as you know your dates or approximate dates. No penalty to change or cancel. If you do not know exact dates then make the reservation for a larger chunk of two weeks and then change it to the exact days once you know. If you have not decided hotels then pick the most likely ones and make reservations for all of them. Just remember to cancel the ones you do not need.

Flights are harder because there is a penalty to change or cancel. On the one hand you might know dates now and could buy your plane tickets now. But what if something happens to derail your plans and you need to cancel or postpone the trip? So I would wait on plane tix until 2-3 months before to minimize the possibility of a postponed trip after you have paid for tix.

As for DLR dining ressies, make ressies as far in advance as possible - either 30 or 60 days depending on what you are doing.

 

[bumbershoot]

That sounds great. Where did you buy something like that?

Either Target or an office supply store...I just found it, it's a Pendaflex brand thingie with "Esselte" under the brand name. There's also a number on it, 51050.

I originally bought it to put mail in...bills and such, so I didn't put them everywhere and lose track, but it's been repurposed for our trips.

 

[disneyfan1955]

If you are going to watch Fantasmic! with Premium Seating, then you need to reserve seats exactly thirty days in advance.

 

[JustAKid]

Either Target or an office supply store...I just found it, it's a Pendaflex brand thingie with "Esselte" under the brand name. There's also a number on it, 51050.

I originally bought it to put mail in...bills and such, so I didn't put them everywhere and lose track, but it's been repurposed for our trips.

I have been waiting to make my first official DL purchase, and thanks to you, this will be it!!!! You are absolutely correct, this will be a great way to organize all of my DL needs, from plans and itineraries to my reservation confirmation letters. GREAT FIND!!!