Making reservations for a Disney hotel is simple. A travel agent is not needed, but if you have a great travel agent, by all means consult him or her—they do not generally charge extra fees for their services and they may have access to special deals. Here’s the lowdown on reservations:

Before you make your reservations, read the hotel descriptions on the following pages and use the Lodging Worksheet on page 80 to jot down the dates you prefer to visit along with any alternates, or try our new on-line tools at Disneyplanner.com. Even a one-day change in your travel dates can open the door to a great deal. Be familiar with all resorts in your price range. Check to see if any special promotions are in effect for your dates at https://disneyland.disney.go.com/offers-discounts/.

Reservations for all Disney hotels can be made at 714-956-MICKEY (714-956-6425). Disney representatives can offer assistance in English, Spanish, Japanese, French, and many other languages. If you have Internet access or prefer to use mail, use the resources described at Finding the Best Disney Hotel Rates, page 36. You may be able to hold more than one reservation for the same date, but eventually you have to put down a deposit or lose the reservation. Most reservations can be canceled for full credit up to 72 hours prior to arrival (or up to 30 days prior to arrival for packages). Disney sends a confirmation of your reservation by mail or e-mail.

Ask about other special deals or packages when you call. If deals for your dates aren’t available, ask about alternates. Sometimes you can get a discount for part of your stay. Lock in whatever discount you can get, and book at full price for the rest. Keep calling back, as cancelations are released every morning. If a lower rate comes out later, ask if it can be applied.

Make any special requests at the time of reservation and again at check-in. If you need a barrier-free room, a rollaway bed, or a crib, request this now. If you have a particular location or room in mind (we make many suggestions later on), make sure to tell the reservations agent. Disney will not guarantee a particular room or view, but if your request is “in the system,” they will try their best to make your wish come true. Call your resort about three days before arrival to confirm any requests you made.

Finalize Disney hotel reservations after you make your flight reservations. Room reservations can usually be changed or canceled without penalty, whereas flight changes often incur a fee. If you wish to cancel your Disney hotel reservations without penalty, cancel no later than 72 hours prior to your arrival (or no later than 30 days for packages).

Once you’ve made reservations, record the information on your trip planning pages at Disneyplanner.com, including the name of the hotel, dates, type of room, price, reservation number, and any special information you want to note. This is also an ideal place to note any special requests you want to verify at check-in. 

Typically, Disney hotel reservations are held for just 24 hours without confirmation. Confirmation requires a deposit equal to one night’s stay plus the 15% hotel tax (packages require a deposit of $200, due within three days). Be sure to pay your deposit before midnight Pacific Time (if you are calling, note that the phone lines close at 10:00 pm PT). Your deposit can be made over the phone with the Disney Visa, American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, JCB, Diner’s Club, or through mail or fax with the same credit cards or a personal check. If you pay your deposit over the phone, your credit card is not charged until check-in. The Lodging Worksheet at the end of the chapter, page 80, has spaces to check off confirmations and deposits made, too!  Or check out our new on-line tools at Disneyplanner.com.