Last-Minute Disney Trip Pros and Cons

First, let’s define “last minute” in Walt Disney World vacation terms. The optimal lead time for a Disney World trip is at least 180 days in advance of your arrival, when dining and activities reservations open for booking. Those wishing to dine in the castle with princesses, or in search of a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique makeover beforehand, are best off booking their Disney package more than six months ahead.

By 60 days out, you’re in danger of missing out on valuable FastPass+ ride reservations. You don’t want to neglect this particular perk that is only available for onsite guests!

Not everyone is aware of this timeline, of course. Sometimes, the decision to take a vacation happens closer in – an unexpected windfall, a change in school or sports schedules, or even a great airfare sale. Maybe you’ve just been too busy to get the pieces of the puzzle sorted out.

If you’ve waited longer than you intended to book that Disney trip, or you just didn’t realize you should’ve started earlier, let’s look at some of the Pros, Cons, and best strategies (personalized help!) for making sure your trip is a success.

Limited Resort Room Availability

There’s a hidden Pro to this aspect of last-minute trips: Fewer choices mean some decisions are made for you. The most popular resorts and room types may be booked up. This can actually narrow your choices and make it easier to select the best remanining fit. If you had a specific resort in mind however, it might not be available.

Keep your possible travel dates as flexible as possible to unlock the most choices. Modifying your trip dates even slightly can sometimes reveal availability. Work with someone who knows how to find all your best options!

Living the Dream Sooner

Fans of instant gratification, rejoice! Your trip will be here before you know it. That’s a Pro, right?

The Con is, you’ll likely be planning up until the minute you arrive, because planning a Disney trip takes time and knowledge. Just finding dining reservations alone will take quite a bit of persistence checking for cancelations.

Outsource your planning to an expert to keep the weeks leading up to your trip stress-free. A close-in trip requires an insider who knows all the shortcuts!

Calendar Considerations

The good news is, by about 60 days out, any planned ride or attractions closures affecting your trip have likely already been announced – no ugly surprises.

The bad news is the FastPass+ clock is ticking. If you’re booking at or inside of 60 days, you’ll need to book yours immediately. First you’ll need to know which three will benefit you most in each park; then, you’ll need a plan for the rides you don’t use FastPass+ for.

A smart ride plan is key to an enjoyable Disney World experience. There is no one-size-fits-all touring plan; each family has a different makeup and wish list to accomplish.

An expert Disney planner who designs custom touring plans for each of YOUR specific park days is the secret weapon to avoiding long lines, especially when you’re not equipped with ideal FastPass+ selections.

Thinking about a trip to Disney World? Don’t hesitate – act now so you can take advantage of all the best timeframes. But don’t go it alone. My services make it easy to start anticipating your stress-free, best-it-can-be Walt Disney World vacation sooner than you thought possible! Contact me today!