If you want to book online...
Booking directly on the DisneyWorld.com website is easy to do, but I don't usually recommend it. Sure, it's great if you just want to type in your travel dates and find out what the rack rates for resort rooms are, etc. But here's the strange thing: if you know of a discount code or a promotion that you'd like to take advantage of for your reservation, their website doesn't allow you to include that! So basically, booking online means you're paying FULL PRICE for absolutely everything. That's why I usually avoid booking this way.
If you want to book by phone...
This is the way I book my Disney vacations, but that's because I like to get my hands dirty and get right in there with all the plans. If you're the same way, you will be calling 1-407-W-DISNEY (that's the number for Disney's Central Reservations). They can handle pretty much any reservation need you have, or they can transfer you to the right department. Get your pen & planning worksheet ready -- they'll be giving you confirmation numbers galore! You will be making your resort reservations at Central Reservations -- they can also handle taking your Magical Express reservation and dining reservations as well if you wish, or you can call those specific departments when you're ready through the contact numbers on my Resources Page if you wish.
If you are purchasing your park passes through a third party dealer (like Undercover Tourist or Official Ticket Center) you'll need to visit their websites to buy those. Make sure you write down any relevant confirmation numbers from these places as well!
Booking everything yourself by telephone/online is great, but you've got to be organized. Use your planning worksheet to the fullest -- that way, all your confirmation numbers and vacation information is all recorded in one place!
If you want someone to do the booking for you...
An obvious option if you're still feeling overwhelmed, or if you just want to get a second opinion on what you've got planned, is to go through a travel agent. Most travel agencies nowadays have people on staff who are familiar with Walt Disney World and can be a wealth of knowledge. They can help you with your Disney vacation planning, as well as booking your airline flight!
BUT DID YOU KNOW... there are many travel agencies out there that specialize in only planning Disney vacations! AND, they don't cost anything to use!
The cool thing about these places is that they basically do everything for you; they'll make your dining reservations wherever you'd like, help you plan what you want to do every day, they'll make your resort reservations for you, etc. BUT THE BEST PART??? They will actually monitor your reservation and if an applicable discount comes up before you go on your vacation, they'll automatically apply it to your account and give you the refund. They truly are Disney experts who live & breathe everything to do with Disney World, so they're a great help if you're interested.
The 2 Disney specialist agencies I like are Magical Journeys and Mouse Fan Travel.
You've done it! You're booked! But don't stop yet!
BE SURE to check out the next few pages of steps
for some important information!
Keep that planning worksheet handy!
You need to go to Step #8 - Dining & Activity Reservations
You need to go to Step #8 - Dining & Activity Reservations