We'd recommend making reservations weeks or months in advance, rather than days ahead of time. While you'll be fine most of the time booking Park Passes at the last minute, that's not always the case. Availability varies wildly depending upon demand.

As of 2026, the timing for making Disney park reservations depends on which coast you are visiting. At Disneyland Resort in California, park reservations remain a mandatory requirement for all guests and should be made as early as 240 days in advance for standard ticket holders. Because Disneyland serves a large local population, popular weekends and holidays often reach capacity months ahead of time. Magic Key holders can book up to 90 days out on a rolling basis. In contrast, Walt Disney World in Florida has largely moved away from park reservations for guests with date-based tickets; however, reservations are still required for Annual Passholders and certain non-dated tickets on specific "high-demand" days. For Disneyland, the best practice is to book your reservations the moment you purchase your tickets to ensure availability for your preferred park (Disneyland Park or California Adventure). If you are park hopping, you only need a reservation for the first park you plan to visit. It is always wise to check the official "Availability Calendar" on the Disney website before your trip, as dates can sell out or reopen unexpectedly due to cancellations.