Hi James and welcome to planDisney!
How exciting that you're planning a visit to
Walt Disney World, with another family, this October. You've picked an amazing Disney Resort hotel to stay at by the way -
Disney's Beach Club is one of my family's favourites.
Right, let's talk strategy!
1/
Dining ReservationsDining reservations can be made from 6:00 AM EST (that's 11:00 AM GMT, here in the UK), 60 days in advance, via the
Walt Disney World website or
My Disney Experience App and, what's more, as you are staying at a Disney Resort hotel, you are able to make reservations for the first 10-nights of your stay, 60 days in advance of your arrival date. This is such a great perk for Guests staying on-site!
As there will be a large group of you, I would highly recommend being poised, ready to make your dining reservations, the minute that they are released. In your situation, I would suggest that someone from the family which will be arriving at Walt Disney World first, makes the dining reservations (for the number of guests in both travel parties) as they will have access to making these bookings prior to the other family, who check-in 3 days later.
Should you encounter any difficulties making your dining reservations online, or, would prefer to call, you are also able to
make dining reservations by telephone starting from 7:00 AM EST (that's 12noon GMT, here in the UK), 60 days in advance.
2/
Lightning Lane PassesCurrently, it is only possible for Guests from the UK to
purchase Lightning Lane passes upon arrival in the US. If both families want to be able to experience the same attractions, at the same time, your best bet would be to wait to purchase your Lightning Lane passes until the second family have arrived at Walt Disney World.
Assuming that you will be visiting for 14-nights, in order to take advantage of the ability to choose experiences and arrival windows starting 7 days before the first day of your Resort stay, I would suggest planning to purchase your Lightning Lane passes for the second week of your stay. This will give you a wider variety of Lightning Lane experiences to choose from and arrival windows.
Just remember that you will need to connect everyone in both travel parties on your
Family & Friends list in the My Disney Experience App so that you’ll be able to purchase Lightning Lane passes and make plans for everyone that is eligible.
I hope that this has answered your question, James and I will keep my fingers crossed that you're able to obtain all of the dining reservations and Lightning Lane passes that you hope to.
Please feel free to re-visit us, here at planDisney, if we can be of any further help with the planning of your trip.
Wishing you a magical holiday filled with memories which will last a lifetime!
Emma