Planning a Disney World Vacation in 2024

Thinking about a Disney World Vacation this year? Get ready to head to the House of Mouse with a plan! Filled with all the best info for planning a Disney World vacation in 2024, this guide includes everything opening, happening and what to know before you go. A Walt Disney World Vacation in 2024 gives guests a break from the big events that have dominated the last couple of years, bringing the park back to hopefully a simpler experience. And while there are still new restaurants, rides, and resort refurbishments to be seen, we expect 2024 at Walt Disney World to be a calmer, and more enjoyable year, in all aspects. 

As such we’re doing a round-up of everything that is happening and how you can go about planning your Disney Vacation in 2024. Whether this is your First Disney vacation, your only Disney vacation, or just making your annual trip. This Disney World Trip Guide is filled with things to help you get the most out of your vacation to the most magical place on earth. 

Walt Disney World has seen tons of changes in the last couple of years. Add in the political struggles, and the strong competition of Universal Studios Epic Universe in 2025, and you can see how 2024 is set to make Walt Disney World reset some of its goals. There’s been talk of a new land announcement at the upcoming D23 EXPO in 2024, but we’re more interested in just getting back to having fun in the parks. Which is hopefully what 2024 is all about. 

Disney World in 2024

If you’re taking a Disney World Vacation in 2024, there are a few things to know right off the bat. It’s not a heavy construction year! Woohoo! In fact most of the major construction projects have finished as of July 2024. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is OPEN in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland, the Fort Wilderness Cabins are available for booking and the EPCOT Communicore Plaza is finally done! 

• Walt Disney World Events Calendar 2024
• What’s New at Walt Disney World in 2024?
• runDisney Races and Events in 2024

Disney World Trip Planning Basics

To make things easy, get a handle on the main questions involved in planning a Disney World trip. Only you can answer these, and they will make planning your Disney World Vacation in 2024, enjoyable rather than overwhelming. 

1. How many people are in your travel party?
2. How will you get there?
3. When do you want to visit?
4. How long will you stay?
5. Where do you want to stay?
6. How many days will you be in the parks?
7. What is your Disney budget?

Who is included in your Travel Party?

How many people are going with you on this vacation? Is this a Disney adult trip or a family trip? Will you have pets that need boarding during your stay? Think of things ahead of time. It will be important that each person in your party has a My Disney Experience account. Before you do anything else, take some time to get these set up if you have not already! 

How will you Get There?

Will you be driving or flying to Disney? Perhaps you are considering taking the train? We sometimes recommend driving to Disney, simply for convenience and safety. If flying you will need to consider airlines, the cost for each person, and additional transportation once you arrive in Orlando. Keep in mind that there are new ways to get from Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World that will cost you. 

When do you want to Visit?

Choosing the right time to take a Disney World Vacation in 2024 can make or break your vacation. Take a look at our Disney Calendar of Events to get a handle on the holidays and events that may be happening during your stay. Things like runDisney marathons, festivals, and holiday weekends can all interfere with the best-laid plans. So, as you’re figuring out work and school schedules, compare them against the calendar to see what may conflict with or support your Disney Vacation. Be sure to check out the Best Time to Visit Walt Disney World post. And if you’re hoping to be in the parks during a certain festival, party, or holiday, take a look at our Year of Walt Disney World Events to get a glimpse of happenings each month. And if you haven’t nailed down a month yet, check out what you can do each season at Disney World. 

• Spring at Disney World March-May
• Summer at Disney World June- July
• Fall at Disney World August- November
• Halloween at Disney World 
• Christmas at Disney World 
• Winter at Disney World December- February

How Long Will You Stay?

We always recommend staying on vacation as long as possible. Obviously. But since everyone has a “real life” to get back be sure to check out our post on How Many Days Should You Stay at Disney. This will give you a good idea of what you can fit into your vacation without feeling rushed. And give you some insight into what you may want to skip if you need a shorter vacation. The sweet spot tends to be between 7-12 days to help you really make the most of your vacation. 

Where do you want to stay?

Choosing a Disney Resort or a Hotel Near Disney World is one of the most important parts of your trip, and will make or break the magic when it comes to having a good Disney Vacation. We talk more about Disney Resort options late in the post. But here are some things to consider. Will you want a resort within walking distance of certain Disney parks? Do you plan to have a car at Disney World and drive to the parks each day? Are you staying at any late night events  in the parks, like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, that may warrant a resort that easy to get back to late at night. Are you planning to take breaks at the resort throughout the day, to stay out of the heat and crowds? Figuring out your ideal day at Disney World, can help you choose the best resort for your trip. 

How many days will you be in the parks?

One of the best ways to save money on a Disney trip is to have fewer park tickets. This not only saves money, but also sanity, as every Disney trip is typically a mad rush to the rides, restaurants and shows. As such we typically recommend skipping the parks on your first day at Disney World, and your last day at Disney World. As both of these days are travel days, you may not be able to justify the cost of a park ticket, on a day when you can’t spend the full day in the parks, or are jet lagged from the trip. 

What is your Disney budget?

How Much Does a Disney World Vacation Cost? To be clear, it doesn’t matter what amount you set for your Disney Budget. If it’s lower, then you can simply plan to stay at the cheaper Disney Resorts. While having more money allotted to your Disney Budget is helpful, and offers you tons of flexibility, we’ve done Disney World for 5 days on a $1500 budget, with 3 people in the past, and so can you. Things like traveling during the cheapest times of year, choosing the cheaper rooms, and finding Disney hotel deals with a third party, are all things you can do to save you money at Disney World. Choose an amount that works for you, and you can calculate the prices of things as you work through this planning checklist. 

Planning Your 2024 Disney World Trip

It’s true that with all the vacation considerations like transportation, resorts, and when to visit planning a Disney Vacation may begin to feel a little more like work than the magical experience you looked forward to. No worries. We have you covered. If you’re looking, we have a free 12-Step Disney Planning Guide for getting your Disney Vacation planned and booked. And if you’re not ready to do this on your own, be sure to work with a Disney Travel Agent.

Disney World 2024 Planning Checklist

Planning a Disney Vacation typically involves a lot of steps. As such, consider this your checklist for a Disney World Vacation in 2024. And if you go through this post, answering all the questions, you’ll have a complete Disney Vacation planned in no time.

• Set up a My Disney Experience Account on the Disney Website
• Choose How to Get There ( Fly/ Drive)
• Choose Where to Stay ( Pick Your Resort)
• Buy Your Tickets or Vacation Package
• Get Your MagicBands
• Book Your Transportation
• Build Your Disney Itinerary
• Book Dining Reservations
• Add Special Event Tickets
• Decide What to Pack

Get a Disney MagicBand+

In order to make the most of everything Disney Parks has to offer, then having a Disney MagicBand+ is necessary. It can open your resort room, scan you into your lightning lane rides, interact with the Golden Statues in the parks, and more.  You can buy these ahead of time at Disneystore.com, in the parks, and at a discounted rate when purchasing a Disney Vacation package.

Add the My Disney Experience App to your Phone

In addition to a MagicBand+ its important to download the My Disney Experience App on your phone. Once signed into your Disney account on this app you can access your park tickets, resort reservations, dining reservations, mobile order, and choose your Lightning Lane Passes. Check out everything you can do on the My Disney Experience App. This will be your most helpful planning tool for your vacation. 

Vacation Planning Printables

If you want to see your vacation in print, so you can organize every day of your trip, we recommend grabbing one of our Vacation Planning Printables from the shop. Featuring fill in planning sheets so that you can plan your Disney Day Itinerary, Disney World Ride and Restaurant Lists and lined sheets so that you can organize your packing list, these are invaluable at making planning a Disney World Vacation in 2024 easier. 

Disney World Resorts in 2024

With over 25 resorts at Walt Disney World, at a variety of price levels, there are many places to stay on property at Walt Disney World. Are you looking for something fun that feels like Disney, as an All-Star Resort? Or something more relaxed and island-like like Caribbean Beach Resort? Perhaps you want glamourous accommodations at the Grand Floridian or animal viewing from your room at Animal Kingdom Lodge? Maybe you’re hoping for tons of ease and convenience and want a resort within walking distance of Hollywood Studios Park and EPCOT. Maybe check out the Boardwalk Inn? Think about which resort will make your Disney Vacation feel special. We recently stayed at the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve which is a wonderful Disney Resort for Adults, as it’s out of the way, just next to the BoardWalk. 

Choose a Disney Resort by Cost

• Disney Value Resorts: Bus transportation. Pop Century and Art of Animation also have Skyliner transportation.
• Disney Moderate Resorts: Bus Transportation. Caribbean Beach Resort also has Skyliner transportation.
• Disney Deluxe Resorts. Bus transportation. Some offer monorail, ferry, and Skyliner transportation.

Choose a Disney Resort by Location

• Disney Boardwalk Resorts: Within walking distance of EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
• Disney Monorail Resorts: Within walking distance of Magic Kingdom. 
• Disney Ferry Boat Resorts: Ferry boat resorts are located near EPCOT and Magic Kingdom
• Disney Skyliner Resorts: Includes Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. 

Staying on Disney Property Disney Resort Perks

If you’re going back and forth on whether to stay on-site or off-site at Walt Disney World, the perks over the last few years have changed. Currently, Disney Resort Guests get an early theme-park entry of 30 minutes before park opening, Discounted MagicBands upon checkout, 7 am Lightning Lane, and Disney Genie + access ( as opposed to 9 am), and an earlier Dining Reservation window ( when available).

Stay at a Disney Value Resort if…

If you’re visiting Walt Disney World during less busy times of the year, like early January, February, and September ( and all the other lower crowd times at Disney World), then you’re safe to stay at a Value Resort and save some money. We highly recommend Pop Century Resort as it’s one of the best and is now also on the Disney Skyliner line. A word of warning though, during busy times of the year and through the summer months, value resorts are filled to the brim with school groups, spring breakers, and international groups and can be very noisy and busy. Read our Disney Value Resort Reviews. 

Stay at a Disney Moderate or Deluxe Resort if…

If you’re ready to graduate from Value Resorts to Moderate Resorts, we definitely have our favorite Disney Moderate Resorts to consider. But, Walt Disney World during the busiest times of year is best spent in the more expensive resorts. Disheartening yes, but sleep is important. While many clubs, groups, squads, etc. will all pile themselves into the cheapest resorts possible during the busy times of the year if you’re just hoping for a nice vacation spring for the higher-end resorts. They are less affected by the crowds. So at least while the parks may be crowded, your resort experience can be relaxing. We like the Boardwalk Inn best for its easy access to the parks and quiet relaxing atmosphere. Read our Disney Deluxe Resort Reviews.

Disney Tickets and Vacation Packages in 2024

When choosing your Disney World Tickets as part of your vacation package there are a couple of things to consider that may help you save money, or help you save time. Here are some things to consider for your Disney World Vacation in 2024.

Will you Want to be in the Parks Every Day of your Vacation?

If you’re looking to save some money at Disney consider exploring the parts of Walt Disney World that don’t include a park day. We love taking time to meander through the Fort Wilderness Campgrounds and stop by Wilderness Lodge for a coffee. Planning a Disney Monorail Resort day or Disney Boardwalk Resort day are also things we like to do regularly. Heading to Disney Springs and boating over for beignets at Port Orleans French Quarter gives you an insider’s look at all things Walt Disney World and can really make your trip feel more than just a checklist. Choosing this route for a typical 8-day vacation could easily have only 5 tickets allowing you a few days to be outside of the parks. Consider your Disney Arrival Day and Disney Departure Day as free days, without tickets, to just explore. 

• Magic Kingdom Checklist
• Animal Kingdom Checklist
• Epcot Checklist
• Hollywood Studios Checklist

What To Do At Walt Disney World Without a Park Ticket?

When planning a Disney Vacation it’s important to build in times that don’t mean racing around the park all day. As such we love skipping the parks on Arrival Day and Departure Day. This means we can take time to do things that don’t require a park ticket. From Mini Golf to Walking Paths, we’ve rounded up some fun ways to just take it easy on vacation. Check out our Walt Disney World Without a Park Ticket post for some ideas to help you save money and have fun, without the crowds.

Are you Adding a Park Hopper Ticket?

Do you need to be in more than one park per day? The Walt Disney World Park Hopper Ticket is an extra add-on ticket per length of your stay, so can get very pricey as an extra perk if you have several people in your travel party. The Park Hopper Ticket allows you access to more than one park per day and is an added convenience. As Walt Disney World is made up of 4 parks, this could allow you to spend your morning at Magic Kingdom and your evening at Hollywood Studios. We usually skip purchasing this ticket and plan for one park per day. There is so much to do in each Disney Park that it feels inopportune to leave halfway through the day.

However, if you’re trying for a short Disney trip and will not get all the parks in during your vacation, then this may be a ticket you consider. Be sure to keep in mind the travel time between parks, if you’re on a schedule. As Disney transportation is complimentary, it is something to streamline if you’re hoping to Save Time at Disney World. 

Are you Adding a Water Park and Sports Ticket?

Walt Disney World has 2 water parks; Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. They are open year-round. If you are traveling during the extremely hot and humid summer months of Florida, then a Disney Water Park ticket added for each person in your travel party may be a good idea. Just like any Disney park you can go and stay all day. If you are traveling in the Dec- February months, however, it does get a little chilly in Florida and a water park ticket may not be needed.

The Sports portion of this ticket also allows you access to the golf courses and is a great way to get a little bit of variety if you’re looking for a more complete leisurely vacation. The sports complex ticket gets you access to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course, Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course, and Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course.

Are you Adding Event and Party Tickets to your Vacation?

While the EPCOT festivals are FREE and included with your park tickets for the day, other events like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are extra. For events like these, since special event tickets can often be as expensive as regular Disney tickets, we recommend skipping your day park ticket on the day of your special event. This will save you some money and allow you time to explore Disney Resorts, Boardwalk, or Disney Springs. Here are some additional events to consider adding to your Disney World Vacation in 2024.

• Mickey’s Not so Scary Halloween Party: Magic Kingdom, mid-August- October. 
• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: Magic Kingdom, late November- December. 
• Disney After Hours: Select Parks, intermittently throughout the year. 
• Fireworks Dessert Party: select parks, intermittently offered throughout the year. 

Are you Adding a Walt Disney World Tour to your Vacation?

Another way to make your Disney World Vacation in 2024 extra special is by adding a Tour. We most like the little tours that don’t take a ton of time, but still give you a behind-the-scenes look at Disney World, in all its glory. Tours can range from tens of dollars to hundreds of dollars per person. So be sure to do your homework if you’re thinking of adding a Disney World Tour to your trip. Here are a few of our favorites. 

• Behind the Seeds Tour EPCOT 
• Wild Africa Trek Tour Animal Kingdom

Disney Dining in 2024

One of the biggest expenses of a Disney Vacation in 2024 is food. Whether it’s the $10 breakfast and coffee, the $15 lunch, or the $40 dinner, something will catch you off guard when it comes to the cost of food. Disney snacks alone can be close to 8 dollars each, and you have to consider that’s just for 1 person. Check out our Disney Dining Budget post for details on how to budget your Disney food expenses. We typically say plan for between 70-100 dollars per person per day. But of course, check out the dining budget post for alternative things like packing meals or sticking with only Disney quick-service meals. Be sure to check out the Best Disney Restaurants on a Budget and all of our Disney Restaurant Reviews for ideas on what to book and where to eat, and how much it will all cost. 

Is Disney Dining Plan be Available in 2024?

Yes! The Disney Dining Plan is available in 2024. The Disney Dining Plans, are a great way to take care of your Dining budget ahead of time. Plus, this past year we saw the Disney Dining Card Promo which allowed for a credit to be added to your Disney Vacation Package, so be on the lookout for that this coming year. 

Dining Reservation Timeline

The Disney Dining Reservation window for guests is 60 days before the first day of their vacation. We recommend reserving the most popular restaurants as soon as the window opens. As dining reservations are increasingly difficult to obtain during the busiest times of the year. Check out all of our Disney Restaurant Reviews to see which ones you want to add to your vacation. 

Disney Vacation Cost in 2024

Just like everything Disney Vacations are getting more expensive. With a price hike at least once a year, it’s best to local in lower prices now and adjust your vacation later. That said, here are a few things to help you get the most value for your Disney World Vacation in 2024.

What is your Maximum Disney Budget?

A big thing to consider is your overall Disney Budget. Whether you are going into your planning with a maximum number you can’t go over OR just a general idea of costs you can stomach here are a couple of things to know.

• The longer you stay at Disney, the cheaper per-day ticket prices become.
• There are three levels of Disney Resorts when it comes to pricing.
• There are deals all year long that may work for you on Disney’s Special Offers page.
• Certain times of year are much cheaper. Check out the Most Expensive and Least Expensive Times to Visit Walt Disney World.
• Consider a Disney Food Budget as part of your expenses, as this cost can be close to 100 dollars a day per person, depending on the type of dining you choose.
• Discounts and special offers can be applied to an existing reservation.
• You will not Save Money on your Disney Vacation by waiting to book. Booking as early as you can lock in lower prices and gives you time to take advantage of deals that pop up along the way.
• Work with a Disney Travel Agent for Free if you need to make the most of your budget. 

Booking Your 2024 Disney World Trip

If you’re looking at this list and wondering where to start, grab our printable Disney Deluxe Planner for a fill-in template that will get all your thoughts and ideas in one place. You can also bring all these questions to a Disney travel agent to get help with your vacation planning.

How do You Book a Disney Vacation?

Once you have gone through the entire planning process we share above, you are ready to book. You can do this quite easily by visiting the Walt Disney World website, putting in your dates, selecting your resort, and choosing your tickets. 

All About 2024 Disney World Vacation Packages

Some things to know before you book if you’re feeling a bit gunshy about committing your hard earned cash on a Disney Vacation. 

• Disney World Packages (Resort Room + Tickets): A $200 dollar deposit is required to hold your vacation. The remaining balance is due 30 days before check-in. You can add the Dining Plan (when available). You are able to add Memory Maker. Your Disney Vacation can be canceled and refunded up to 30 days before your trip. Magical extras are included. And you can add on the Dining Plan. 
• Disney World Room Only: The deposit is your first night’s resort rate at the time of booking. The remaining balance is due at check-in. No dining plan is offered at checkout. Tickets purchased separately cannot be refunded, though the date of the tickets can be changed. No magical extras. If you cancel less than 6 days before your trip date there is a cancellation fee of the first night’s room rate. 

What’s included in a Disney Vacation Package?

A Disney Vacation Package includes your hotel stay, your park tickets and your magical extras, which includes things like discounts on surrey bike rentals, Splitsville Lanes and free Miniature Golf Tickets. Magical Extras are only available if you stay at a Disney Resort. Staying at a Disney Resort also gets you perks like Early theme Park Entry, complimentary transportation, and the ability to purchase Lightning Lane Multi-Pass passes up to 7 days in advance of your trip. 

When Can I Book a Disney Vacation Package? 

Now! You can book a Disney Vacation Package now. Check out our Disney Timeline for all the details. In general, a Disney Resort room can be booked about 16 months in advance and Disney Packages for each year are usually released the previous summer. 2025 Disney World Vacation Packages are available now. Note: You will not save money by waiting to book your vacation. All deals that may arrive after you book, are always able to be added, simply by calling and requesting that discounts be added to an existing reservations. As Disney World prices go up 5% or more every year, and price hikes happen multiple times a year, it’s in your best interest to book your Disney World Vacation as soon as you can. 

Disney World Cancellation and Change Policies

Be aware of Walt Disney World’s cancellation policies. If you cancel less than 30 days before your trip there is a fee of $200. If you cancel less than 6 days before your trip the fee is the first full night’s room rate. You can change the date of your vacation up to 30 days before your vacation. Check out the Disney World website for all of Disney’s Cancellation policies. 

Disney Transportation Options 

Disney World doesn’t have a free shuttle to the Disney World resorts as such if you’re flying in or driving you will  have some things to consider. 

Getting from the Orlando Airport to the Disney Resorts

You are on your own in regard to transportation to and from the airport to Walt Disney World. Of course, if you are driving to Walt Disney World then you can skip this step. If not be prepared to factor in transportation costs as needed. Whether that be a rental car or Uber, or Mears Connect, if you’re not driving to Disney, add this to your planning. 

Should you Rent a Car for your Disney Vacation in 2024?

We’ve talked about the pros and cons of Driving to Walt Disney World before, and still stand by those realities. Flexibility is key, and since all guests will have to figure out transportation to and from the Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World, do what is best for you. It’s easy to use Disney Transportation during your stay. This is one of our favorite ways to stay in the Disney bubble on vacation. If you are driving be sure to take note of  Disney Parking Fees. 

Disney Complimentary Transportation

One of the perks of staying on property at Disney World is access to the complimentary Disney transportation. Depending on your resort you can get access to transportation to and from the parks, and Disney Springs by a variety of methods. Buses, the Disney Skyliner, Boats and the Monorail are all part of the complimentary transportation at Disney World to help get you to and from the resorts to the parks throughout your stay. 

Perks of Staying on Property at Disney World in 2024

While we don’t usually make a blanket statement regarding the Disney On vs. Off-Property discussion in 2024 it’s important to be on property at Walt Disney World. Why? Because there are A LOT of CHANGES at Walt Disney World that give priority to Disney Resort Guests. Read up on all the Perks of Staying on Property at Walt Disney World. Here are just a few. 

• Early Theme Park Entry is currently available and will be helpful during busy times.
• Early booking for Lightning Lane Multi Pass 7 Days Before your trip
• Ability to purchase a Dining Plan
• Extended Evening Hours for Disney Deluxe Resort Guests
• Early booking for Special Events, like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
• Additional Virtual Queue Boarding Pass access for Disney Deluxe Resort Guests
• Free Disney Theme Park Parking

Early Theme Park Entry for Disney Resort Guests

Available to Disney Resort Guests, Early Theme Park Entry is a perk that allows guests to enter the parks 30 minutes before the official park opening time. Early Theme Park Entry Crowds will still be high. So, we recommend getting to the gates at least 30-60 minutes before your early theme park entry time if you’re hoping to rope-drop popular rides like Rise of the Resistance or Flight of Passage. 

Extended Evening Theme Park Hours

For Disney Deluxe Resort Guests, extended theme park hours are available for a couple of hours after regular park closing. At Magic Kingdom Park this means guests can typically stay from 11 pm to 1 am. At EPCOT guests can stay from 9 pm to 11 pm. Staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort also gets you an additional chance to book a Virtual Boarding Pass for Guardians of the Galaxy at EPCOT. Neither Animal Kingdom nor Hollywood Studios are currently included in this benefit. Be sure to check the Extended Evening Theme Park Hours Schedule.

Disney Lightning Lane Multi-Pass and Single Pass

Want to skip the lines at rides? By far one of the best strategies for riding all the rides in Magic Kingdom, planning to have Lightning Lane Multi-Pass for at least your Magic Kingdom day is always a good idea, if  you can maximize it. With the new Lightning Lane Multi Pass you can choose up to 3 Lightning Lane ride selections, in a theme park, in ADVANCE of your visit. If you’re staying at a Disney Resort you can reserve your rides up to 7 Days in Advance of your visit. 

As you reserve the ride selections you are able to also choose available times, so that you can make your Disney Day Planning easier. Note that each member of your family will need to have a My Disney Experience Account and Lightning Lane Multi-Pass activated on each account to take advantage of the services included. Select rides are available for individual Lightning Lane purchases. Read more about Disney Lightning Lane Passes.

Disney Vacation Tips in 2024

A Disney World Vacation in 2024 should be a great year to visit. However, be aware that certain things always make vacations to Disney easier. Here are some of our best Disney Tips for an easy vacation. 

Book Your Vacation Early

We share this with the knowledge that travel is at an all-time high, and if you are competing with just about everyone for rooms, rides, food, and space.  So, if you’re hoping for a Disney Vacation in 2024 and beyond book as early as you can! You can always adjust days, or add special offers along the way without any fees up to 30 days before your vacation, just by calling Disney. 

If Flying, Book Your Flight Early

Airline fuel is expensive. As such, airline travel is getting more and more expensive! That said, just like hotel and car rental, if you are flying to Disney, be sure to book it as far out as you can. Try to select arrival dates of Tuesday or Wednesday- which are generally the cheapest flying days. At the latest, try to book your airline travel at least 45 days before your vacation mark for the best price. If you’re looking to avoid bag costs, try Southwest. If you’re looking for non-stop flights, we recommend Spirit. And if you’re anywhere near a Jet Blue hub, that’s the airline to choose. 

Try a Travel Agent

Don’t be afraid to use a Disney Travel Agent if it all starts to feel overwhelming. Trust us, we get it. You’re trying to run your life but really need a vacation, the last thing you have time to do is plan a vacation. Especially with the changes at Walt Disney World including new transportation options, park hopper rules, and crowd levels. There are more things now than before to consider when planning a vacation. With many things changing regularly, it is good to have a travel agent on hand to help. 

Visit During Low Crowd Times

A Disney Vacation in 2024 should see average crowds. But beware of summer when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens. You can expect high crowd levels through the summer and into fall as a result of this new attraction. Check out our Best Days to Visit the Disney Parks for a monthly breakdown of what is happening throughout the year.

Disney Anniversaries in 2024

Just like every other year, Disney Parks honor a variety of Disney anniversaries by sharing new Disney Dooney and Bourke Bags, New Snacks, New Merchandise, and more. Here are all the Disney Anniversaries happening that may be part of your Disney World Vacation in 2024.

• May 1: Disney’s Hollywood Studios 35th Anniversary
• June 1: Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon 35th Anniversary
• June 9: Donald Duck’s 90th Birthday

Film Anniversaries

• Sleeping Beauty ( 65th Anniversary)
• Tarzan ( 25th Anniversary)
• The Lion King ( 30th Anniversary)
• Mary Poppins ( 60th Anniversary)
• 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea ( 70th Anniversary)

What’s New at Walt Disney World in 2024?

In addition to new rides, restaurants, and upgraded resorts, you can also find New Disney World Snacks, new merchandise, and shows. And many of the construction projects from 2023 will finally be past the new and crowded phase. So we’re hoping that taking a Disney World Vacation in 2024 gives us a little more calm, with just a few new things on the horizon. Here’s all the New Things at Disney World in 2024. 

• Tron Lightcyle Run at Magic Kingdom (opened in 2023)
• Roundup Rodeo BBQ restaurant in Hollywood Studios (opened in 2023)
• Moana: Journey of Water at EPCOT (opened in 2023)
• Happily Ever After fireworks at Magic Kingdom (returned in 2023)
• Luminous: The Symphony of Us fireworks at EPCOT (opened in 2023)
• The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure at Hollywood Studios (opening in 2024)
• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom (opened June 28, 2024)
• Country Bear Jamboree at Magic Kingdom (re-them opening July 17, 2024)
• Disney’s Fort Wilderness Cabins Refurbishment ( available September 27, 2024)

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure | OPEN

In a much-needed refresh, Splash Mountain is set to transform into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. This Princess and the Frog re-imagining of Splash Mountain turns this boat ride into a bayou-focused ride featuring Princess Tiana, Mama Odie, and friends, opening at both Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park and Disneyland. Recreating a New Orleans Mardi Gras experience this ride includes jazz music, bayou culture, familiar faces from Princess and the Frog, and more. This new ride features Tiana, Naveen, and Louis the alligator preparing to host a Mardi Gras Celebration. This ride picks up where the movie left off. 

The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure | Hollywood Studios Fall 2024

Coming in Fall 2024, Hollywood Studios gets a whole new show in The Littler Mermaid building. After a long hiatus, this new rendition is newly imagined and beautifully designs. “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic “The Little Mermaid,” will debut in the newly refreshed Animation Courtyard theater in fall 2024. When it opens, the show will feature stunning new set pieces, cutting-edge effects, and a bold new design that captures Ariel’s imagination and emotions through her unique view of the world around her. Featuring familiar songs, we’re sure to see “Part of Your World,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” and “Kiss the Girl” as part of the shows big musical numbers. 

New Disney Fort Wilderness Cabins DVC Renovation

As part of the overhaul of certain resorts at Walt Disney World, the latest to be added to the list are the Fort Wilderness Resort Cabins. These cabins are a mainstay in the Fort Wilderness Resorts and Campgrounds offering guests a little more luxury. Well, now, it’s going to get even more luxurious! All 350 cabins are being replaced by new energy-efficient cabins, falling under the DVC umbrella. They will be built on the existing cabin footprint to limit environmental impact. Each cabin will sleep up to six adults and include a bedroom, bathroom, living room, full kitchen, and private patio, with a select number of cabins expected to be designated as dog-friendly. Available for Stays starting September 27, 2024

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort DVC Tower Project

Set to open in late 2024 this new Disney Vacation Club Villas wing at Disney’s Polynesian Resort features a fresh look honoring elements from the Pacific Islands. Complete with views of the water. Situated in the area of the permanently closed Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show, this addition to the resort is a major project. Therefore, we do expect some modifications of the Pathway from Magic Kingdom to the Polynesian as a result of this project. Open TBD 2024

EPCOT Festivals 2024

2024 brings a whole new series of International Festivals at EPCOT. So if you’re planning an EPCOT Festival Vacation you’re in luck, because they run throughout the year, featuring different themes, foods, performances and more. 

Festival of the Arts | January 12-February 19, 2024

• Festival of the Arts | Mid-January- Mid-February
  • This art festival features artists displaying Disney-inspired artwork across the park. Festival of the Arts also includes beautiful foods,  a community mural that you can help paint, chalk artwork on the sidewalks, and photo ops with great masterpieces across the park. 
• Festival of the Arts Menus
• Disney on Broadway: Festival of the Arts includes the Disney on Broadway Series, which showcases performers from Disney Broadway shows.
• Colorful Cuisine: At this art festival you can tackle the Wonderful World of Colorful Cuisine featuring dishes at select outdoor kitchens, aligned to a color on the paint palette. 
• Figment’s Brush with the Masters: Featuring works of art, this game has you on the hunt for Figment hiding in each important painting around the park. The Figment’s Brush with the Master’s Game includes stickers and a prize once you complete the game. 

Flower and Garden Festival | February 28-May 28, 2024

• Flower and Garden Festival | March- June
  • This garden-focused festival gives you the chance to see your favorite Disney characters sculpted in topiaries. Everything from Bambi to the Beast is included. You can also visit the learning gardens, the Butterfly House, and try tons of foods featuring fresh flavors. 
• Flower and Garden Festival Menus
• Garden Rocks Series: The Flower and Garden Festival hosts the Garden Rocks Series, featuring performers of old-school bands.
• Garden Graze:  This spring festival at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT Park features fresh foods in the Garden Graze foodie challenge.  With farm-to-table options, veggies galore, and fruit-filled treats, this challenge serves up a specialty dole whip as a prize. 
• Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration: Honoring the honeybee, the Spike the Bee’s Pollen-Nation Exploration Game highlights pollinator flowers in each country, and area in Epcot. Find each one, add a sticker to the board and collect your prize. 

Food and Wine Festival | August 29-November 23, 2024

• Food and Wine Festival | July- November
  • This festival is all about food and wine. Specialty foods and beverages show up at each booth across the park and are meant to be savored. With more food booths than any other festival, this one gives you plenty to choose from. 
• Food and Wine Festival Menus
• Eat to the Beat Concert Series: At Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival, there is the Eat to the Beat Concert Series which goes a bit higher level with bands like Boyz to Men and Plain White T’s.
• Fromage Montage: You can collect stamps for Emile’s Fromage Montage featuring cheese dishes across multiple kitchens. 
• Remy’s Hide and Squeak Game:  The game at the Food and Wine Festival is Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak Game, featuring our favorite rat, Remy! This game gets you familiar with an important culinary ingredient in each country, and includes stickers and usually a food-related prize at the end of the game. 

Festival of Holidays | November 29-December 30, 2024

• Festival of Holidays | December
  • Honoring the holidays around the world, the Festival of Holidays showcases traditions in each culture. Food Kitchens offer holiday foods from each region and festive drinks. Some World Showcase countries even feature a Holiday Storyteller to tell each country’s story. 
• Festival of Holidays Menus
• Candlelight Processional: At the Festival of Holidays, you can find the Candlelight Processional which is a Christmas Choral Music concert, highlighting the retelling of the Nativity Story by a celebrity speaker. 
• Cookie Stroll: Finally, if you’re up for Christmas Cookies you can collect them on the Festival of Holidays Cookie Stroll. This challenge includes festive traditional cookies from certain outdoor kitchens. And can sometimes be collected in an exclusive cookie jar when they are offered. 
• Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition: For an extra festive game at EPCOT during the holidays, you can play Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition. This game gives you a glimpse of each culture’s holiday traditions. The gameboard includes stickers and the prize is typically Frozen-themed. 

Disney Vacation Planning in 2024

Sure, planning for a Disney Vacation in 2024 may feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Grab a cute journal or planner and just get started. Once you’re confident you’ve answered some of the big questions here, you’ll be ready to start booking your Disney vacation in no time! Are you planning even farther ahead? Check out the 2025 Disney Events Calendar for everything that may be happening during your next trip!