Find Your 60-Day Disney Planning Start Date
Enter your desired Disney trip start date below, and we'll tell you the exact date you should begin making those crucial 60-day reservations!
Unlocking the Magic: Your Essential 60-Day Disney Planning Guide
Embarking on a Walt Disney World or Disneyland adventure is a dream for many, but turning that dream into a seamless reality requires strategic planning. While some spontaneous trips can be fun, a Disney vacation, especially for first-timers or those with specific dining and experience goals, truly benefits from early preparation. And at the heart of this preparation lies a critical milestone: the 60-day mark before your trip.
Why is the 60-Day Mark So Crucial for Disney Planning?
The 60-day window is not just an arbitrary number; it's a key date set by Disney for several highly sought-after reservations and bookings. Missing this window can mean missing out on some of the most memorable parts of your vacation. Here’s why it's so important:
- Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs): This is arguably the most significant reason. Many popular table-service restaurants, character dining experiences, and dinner shows at Disney Parks and Resorts can be booked 60 days in advance. Iconic spots like Cinderella's Royal Table, Be Our Guest Restaurant, 'Ohana, and Space 220 fill up within minutes of the booking window opening. If you have specific dining experiences in mind, marking this date on your calendar is non-negotiable.
- Enchanting Extras and Experiences: Beyond dining, a variety of special experiences also open for booking at the 60-day mark. This includes:
- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (for royal makeovers)
- Savi's Workshop (build your own lightsaber)
- Droid Depot (build your own droid)
- Dessert Parties for fireworks viewing
- Specialty tours and events
- Understanding Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane (ILL): While the actual booking of Genie+ selections and Individual Lightning Lane purchases happens on the day of your visit (or at 7 AM for resort guests), knowing your 60-day mark allows you to finalize your park days and touring plans with these services in mind. You can research which attractions utilize which service and prioritize your must-do experiences long before the trip.
Before the 60-Day Countdown: What to Do First
While 60 days is crucial, your planning journey starts even earlier. Here's a quick checklist for what to accomplish before your 60-day planning date:
- Book Your Resort and Tickets: Secure your accommodation (on-site Disney resort offers benefits like early park entry!) and purchase your park tickets. You'll need these linked to your My Disney Experience account to make dining reservations.
- Link Reservations: Ensure all members of your travel party are linked in My Disney Experience.
- Download My Disney Experience App: This app is your digital key to the magic, managing reservations, wait times, mobile ordering, and more.
- Research Parks and Attractions: Decide which parks you want to visit on which days and identify your top must-do rides, shows, and parades.
- Draft a Dining Wishlist: Know which restaurants you absolutely want to try. Have backup options too!
Using the 60-Day Disney Calculator
Our simple calculator above takes the guesswork out of finding your crucial 60-day planning start date. Just follow these steps:
- Enter Your Desired Trip Start Date: Input the first day you plan to enter a Disney park.
- Click "Calculate Planning Date": The calculator will instantly display the exact date 60 days prior.
- Mark Your Calendar: Add this date to your personal calendar with an alert!
Remember, reservations for dining and experiences typically open at 6:00 AM EST (for Walt Disney World) or PST (for Disneyland) on your 60-day mark, so be ready to book right when the window opens for the best chance at securing your desired times!
Beyond 60 Days: Final Preparations
Once your critical 60-day reservations are secured, the rest of your planning can fall into place:
- Packing List: Start thinking about essentials like comfortable shoes, sunscreen, portable chargers, and themed outfits.
- Transportation: Plan your travel to and from the parks each day.
- Mobile Ordering: Familiarize yourself with mobile ordering for quick-service meals to save time.
- Relax and Anticipate: The hard work is done! Now you can look forward to the magic.
Conclusion
A Disney vacation is an investment in unforgettable memories. By leveraging tools like the 60-day Disney calculator and understanding the importance of early booking, you can significantly reduce stress and maximize your enjoyment. Don't leave your dream dining experiences or unique activities to chance. Plan smart, calculate your 60-day mark, and get ready for a truly magical adventure!