Ultimate Guide to Disney Reservations (Walt Disney World & Disneyland)

Planning a Disney vacation isn’t just about buying tickets—you’ll want to know exactly what to reserve and when.

From resort rooms and dining to Lightning Lane and special experiences, a smart booking plan saves time (and sanity).

If you’re a U.S. military family, a few specific items—like the Disney Armed Forces Salute and the Shades of Green Resort—change the playbook a bit. This guide covers it all.

Resort Reservations

Your resort choice shapes transportation, downtime, and how easy mornings feel. Book early, especially if you’re eyeing Monorail, EPCOT-area, or Skyliner resorts, or larger DVC villas for extended family.

• How far out you can book: WDW up to 499 days; Disneyland roughly 18 months; Shades of Green up to 1 year (rates reset annually on Oct 1).
• Deposits & payment rules: Disney packages require a $200 deposit; Disney room-only reservations require a deposit of the first night’s rate; Shades of Green requires first night’s rate also.
• Military discount note: Disney Armed Forces Salute room discounts cannot be booked online. You must call Disney or use a military-savvy travel agent like
  The Mouse Experts Military Disney Vacation Specialists.
• Shades of Green bookings: Book directly with Shades of Green (not Disney). Eligibility rules apply.

Disney World Resorts

Disneyland Hotels

Shades of Green 

Dining Reservations (ADRs)

Dining can make a trip feel special—and the most coveted restaurants can vanish fast. Good news: onsite perks help.

• When ADRs open: 60 days out, at ~6:00 a.m. Eastern.
• Onsite advantage (60 + 10): Guests staying at Disney resorts and Shades of Green can book for their entire stay (up to 10 days) once they hit the 60-day mark.
• Tough gets: GEO-82, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Space 220, Story Book Dining, Oga’s Cantina, and Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’.
• Pro tip: Keep trying—same-day and last-minute cancellations pop up often.

Disney Advance Dining Reservations Ultimate Guide

Lightning Lane (Multi Pass & Single Pass)

Skip-the-line planning varies by coast, so plan accordingly.

• Walt Disney World: Purchase day-of in the My Disney Experience app (both Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass). Military tickets function the same as regular tickets.
• Disneyland: Only here can Lightning Lane Multi Pass be added to eligible military tickets at purchase (e.g., via ITT/MWR or an agent) for all days of your visit. Or you can add Lightning Lane after the purchase at Disneyland’s ticket windows. You can also purchase Lightning Lane the day-of in the Disneyland app.
• Strategy: Prioritize the fastest-filling headliners first (e.g., Rise of the Resistance, TRON Lightcycle / Run at WDW; Radiator Springs Racers at Disneyland).

Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass

Special Experiences

Level up your trip with reservations beyond rides and restaurants.

• Fireworks dessert parties & cruises: Bookable online/phone, typically 60 days out. A great way to enjoy the show without heavy crowds.
• Tours: Keys to the Kingdom (MK), Wild Africa Trek (DAK), and more—ideal for superfans.
• Makeovers & workshops: Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Droid Depot, Savi’s Workshop—reserve in advance.
• Seasonal parties (ticketed): Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party & Very Merry Christmas Party sell out—buy early. Shades of Green’s Ticket Office sells slightly discounted tickets.

Special Experiences Phone – (407) 939-7529

How to Make Disney Reservations

You’ve got options—choose what fits your style and status.

• Disney site & app: Best for ADRs and day-of Lightning Lane (WDW).
  • Disney World Website
  • Disneyland Website
• Phone: Required for Armed Forces Salute room discounts—you cannot book these online.
  • Disney World   – (407) 934-7639
  • Disneyland – (714) 956-6425
• Travel agents: Save time and stress, especially for military families. We recommend The Mouse Experts Military Disney Vacation Specialists.
• Shades of Green: Book rooms directly with SOG either online or via phone; use Disney platforms for dining, Lightning Lane, and extras.
  • Website
  • Phone – (888) 593-2242

Military Family Tips

Shades of Green

Small differences, big impact:

• Disney Armed Forces Salute room discounts: Must call Disney or use a travel agent—not bookable online.
• Shades of Green: Eligible for the 60 + 10 dining window.
• Lightning Lane add-on: Only pre-add at Disneyland when purchasing military tickets; WDW is day-of purchase in the app.
• Deposits recap: Disney packages $200; Disney room-only first night; Shades of Green first night.
  • Package vs Room Only -Rules and cancellation policy differences

Conclusion

Disney reservations don’t have to be overwhelming. Lock in your resort, circle your 60-day window for dining (and 60 + 10 if you’re onsite or at Shades of Green), decide your Lightning Lane plan by coast, and pick a couple special experiences to make the trip yours. Military families: lean on a trusted agent for Armed Forces Salute room discounts and let them work the phones for you.

What’s the hardest Disney reservation you’ve ever scored? Share your win (or near-miss!) in the comments—your tips may help another family.

FAQ: Disney Reservations

How To: Make Disney Reservations in the Right Order

1. Book your resort. If using Armed Forces Salute, call Disney or use a military-savvy travel agent. Shades of Green is booked directly with SOG.
2. Mark your 60-day ADR date. Onsite (including Shades of Green) gives you 60 + 10—plan a “toughest first” dining list.
3. Decide your Lightning Lane plan by coast. WDW: purchase day-of in My Disney Experience. DLR: pre-add Multi Pass to eligible military tickets at purchase.
4. Reserve special experiences. Dessert parties, fireworks cruises, tours, Bibbidi/Savi’s/Droid often open ~60 days out—book early.
5. Backfill and monitor. Refresh for cancellations the week/day before and even day-of for surprise openings.
6. Confirm payment details. Have card ready for deposits: $200 for packages; first night’s rate for room-only and Shades of Green.
7. Do day-of checks. Verify ADR times, purchase WDW Lightning Lane, and set alarms for rope drop priorities.

• Back to Basics Posts - A great place to start, offering basic topics!
• Disney Veteran & Military Discount Eligibility Guide
• The Military Family’s Walt Disney World Comprehensive Vacation Planning and Preparation Guide 
• Military Disney Tips Disney Packing Checklist 
• Disney Military Tickets – Your Start-to-Finish Guide

• Resorts/Hotel Overview Page
• Dining Overview Page
• Transportation Overview Page
• Technology Overview Page
• Shades of Green, WDW’s Military-Only Resort

The Mouse Experts is a travel booking company specializing in Disney vacations. Military family owned and operated! They know all the ins and outs of Disney military discounts!