Hey Disney friends, I know, I know. We are still in the thick of spooky season; the Halloween merchandise is calling our names, and there are pumpkins everywhere you look. Halloween seems to take over the Disney calendar from August right through to the end of October, leaving Christmas to squeeze itself into what feels like the tiniest window of the year. But here’s your friendly reminder from someone who knows how quickly a Disney vacation to-do list can get away from you: you can enjoy the moment and still get your Christmas plans sorted! In fact, I think it’s time to put down the pumpkin spice for five minutes, cue up a Christmas playlist, and call a family meeting.

Yesterday, Chloé shared the news that 10 dates for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Walt Disney World had already sold out. Friends, that is exactly why I’m bringing this up now! These holiday experiences are not always the sort of thing you can decide to do on a whim once you arrive. Some require tickets, others need dining reservations, and those special extras can disappear while you’re busy putting up all of those Disney Halloween decorations we bought over the last few weeks. Nobody wants to discover that the one festive evening the whole family was counting on is no longer available. You don’t need to have every detail of your holiday figured out today, but the things that need a firm booking deserve your attention first.

Here’s my little holiday action plan to get everyone moving without completely abandoning the spooky season.

• Step 1: Hold the family meeting. Get everyone together and work out the non-negotiables. What are the events, restaurants, shows, or special experiences that would make the holiday feel complete?
• Step 2: Book the big-ticket items. Check dates, ticket availability, dining reservations, and anything else that needs to be secured in advance. If your first choice is unavailable, have a backup ready.
• Step 3: Make a holiday calendar. Put your confirmed bookings in one place, along with reservation windows and reminders for anything you still need to organise. I like to have this printed so I can write in the little boxes and move things around as needed.
• Step 4: Leave some room for spontaneity. Not every moment needs a reservation. Some of the loveliest Disney memories happen when you have time to wander, discover something unexpected, or stop for one more festive treat.

Now, I am absolutely not suggesting we rush through October, wishing the days away. Halloween deserves its moment, and I intend to enjoy every bit of it! But there is a difference between soaking up the season and accidentally letting your Christmas plans slide until all the good options have disappeared. So, Disney friends, consider this your permission slip to play a few Christmas carols before Halloween is officially over. Get the family talking, check those dates, and tick off the bookings that matter most. Your future holiday self will thank you, and you can get right back to enjoying those pumpkins knowing the important stuff is taken care of. Now, who’s ready to make some Christmas plans? And if you need help, don’t forget to contact our favorite Disney travel agents, Dreams Unlimited Travel.

The post Disney Friends, It’s Time to Get Those Holiday Plans Moving! first appeared on The DIS.