To secure the best selection and pricing at Walt Disney World or Disneyland, it is widely recommended to book your resort hotel at least 6 to 12 months in advance. Disney typically releases vacation packages and room-only reservations for the following year in waves, often starting as early as April or May of the previous year. Booking early is particularly crucial if you are aiming for "value" resorts during peak periods like Christmas, Spring Break, or the opening of major new attractions. While you can sometimes find last-minute availability, the most popular rooms—such as those with a view of the savanna at Animal Kingdom Lodge or the monorail-adjacent rooms at the Contemporary—often sell out within days of the booking window opening. Furthermore, having a hotel reservation allows you to book your dining reservations and "Enchanting Extras" starting 60 days before your arrival for your entire stay, giving you a significant advantage over non-resort guests who must book their dining day-by-day.