A First-Timer’s Guide to Walt Disney World: Reservations, Dining, and Lightning Lane Strategies
Visiting Walt Disney World for the first time is exciting, but planning can feel overwhelming! If you’re staying on Disney property, you’ll have key advantages, like early dining reservations and Lightning Lane selections. Here’s a breakdown of when to book everything to make your trip as magical and stress-free as possible.
Booking Your Resort Stay
To maximize perks like early theme park entry and Lightning Lane selection access, book your Disney resort stay as soon as possible. Disney hotel guests can make Lightning Lane selections earlier than off-property visitors, giving them an edge on ride availability.
Dining Reservations
Disney’s popular dining locations fill up quickly, so it’s important to book reservations in advance. Here’s when to do it:
- 60 Days Before Your Trip: Guests staying on Disney property can book dining reservations for their entire stay (up to 10 days), starting at 6 AM EST.
- Must-Book Restaurants: Cinderella’s Royal Table, Be Our Guest, Space 220, and Oga’s Cantina are among the hardest-to-get reservations.
- Pro Tip: If your desired reservation isn’t available, try checking a few days before your trip or using the walk-up waitlist on the My Disney Experience app.
Lightning Lane: How to Book and Plan
With the new Lightning Lane system, Disney hotel guests can pre-book three Lightning Lane selections per day, starting seven days before check-in for their entire stay (up to 14 days). After using each reservation, you can book another one.
How to Use Lightning Lane Effectively:
- 7 Days Before Check-in: Select your three Lightning Lane rides per day, prioritizing the most popular attractions.
- Day of Visit: Once you use a Lightning Lane pass, book another one immediately in the app.
- Best Rides to Prioritize: TRON Lightcycle / Run, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and Slinky Dog Dash.
Early Park Entry for Resort Guests
Guests staying at Disney resorts can enter all four theme parks 30 minutes early each day. This is a great time to ride popular attractions before crowds build up!
Final Tips for a Smooth First Visit
- Use Mobile Order: Skip the lines by ordering quick-service meals ahead of time in the My Disney Experience app.
- Keep Refreshing the App: Dining and Lightning Lane availability can change throughout the day.
- Pack Smart: Bring portable chargers, ponchos, and comfy shoes to make the most of your day.
By following this guide, you’ll navigate your first Disney trip like a pro and enjoy more magic with less stress!