Should You Book That Last Minute Disney World Trip in 2021?

Can we let you in on a little secret? Sometimes we dream about driving away and just ~escaping~ for a bit. Do you relate?

Welcome to Disney World!

Maybe you’re thinking about escaping over to — oh, I dunno — Disney World, perhaps? No judging here. We love that place (did our name give it away? ). Gives us something to write about on a daily basis. But before you make the trek out to the Most Magical Place on Earth, let’s play a rousing game of Red Light, Green Light.

Escaping to Magic Kingdom to eat a Mickey Pretzel the size of your head and take a nighttime joyride on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is tempting. But before you make that impulse decision to book a last-minute vacation, you’ll want to play Red Light, Green Light with your travel party.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

No, this version of the game doesn’t require any REAL running (unless you’re running to your car already to get a head start to Disney World). All you’ve got to do is consider the following factors:

Red Light factors are those pesky problems you may run into that’d suck away the joy of making the last-minute trip in the first place.

Green Light factors are why you should say, “Not today, adulting! I’m going to Disney, y’all!”

Let’s play.

(Red Light) BOO Bash Isn’t a Full-Scale Halloween Party

Sorry, we’re starting off on a “Red Light.” We’re not trying to be pessimistic here — just giving it to ya straight.

Time for Some Halloween Fun

If the main reason you want to book a last-minute trip to Disney World right now is to see what Magic Kingdom’s new BOO Bash After Hours Event is all about, just know it’s not going to be like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.

Mickey wreaths are just so tempting, though… .

The hours have shortened (9 PM to 12 AM most nights), the tickets are pricier, and the entertainment has dwindled down significantly. Not to mention: NO event merchandise and VERY limited exclusive treats. If you’ve experienced Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party in the past, this new event may not live up to your full-scale Disney event expectations.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Plus, BOO Bash After Hours tickets are selling out fast. If the day you’re wanting to get your spook on is also sold out (because, you know, you wanted to make plans last-minute and all), then you may want to put off that impromptu trip for now.

Is Disneyland’s Halloween event a WAY better deal than BOO Bash? Find out HERE!

(Green Light) Modified Holidays May Be Sticking Around For a Bit

If you really love the holidays in Disney World and you’re willing to pay the price for a BOO Bash ticket, don’t let our little Red Light, Green Light game stop you — especially when we start comparing Disney World After Hours events to former Disney World Party events.

We miss you, MNSSHP!

The truth is, it’s unclear how long Disney’s going to keep up these modified events. We’re already hearing about modified similarities between BOO Bash and Disney’s newest Christmas event starting in November, Disney’s Very Merriest After Hours. Sure, guests will get a liiiiittle more time to play in the parks for the Christmas event, plus a parade and fireworks — they’ll also pay a heftier price tag for it. That being said, we’re still learning the details about this new Christmas event — so we’ll continue to keep you updated when we learn more!

Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration

So why would Disney World continue to provide modified events with fewer hours, fewer experiences, and more expensive prices? Well, the first factor is because of the gradual rephasing due to COVID-19, with guidelines and restrictions being fluid it impacts when and if certain features are available. Consider things like stage shows and parades, which require actors and performers who are restricted based on their union negotiations and their own unique safety concerns.

Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire

Or food availability, which fluctuates based on manufacturing, transportation, and even harvest, which was also impacted by COVID.  Because these events are planned months in advance and because COVID protocols have changed, it’s likely that Disney’s BOO Bash plans erred on the side of caution when they were developing it.

A BOO Bash physically distanced howdy

But possibly the biggest factor to consider is that Disney is a business, and businesses like to make money. Disney’s still selling a LOT of tickets for these events without having to put on a full-scale production! Think about it — would YOU really want to create a full-scale event that took more effort and planning on your part if you knew you could make just as much money (if not more money) for putting in half the effort? If people will pay more for less, why give them more? What incentive does Disney have to bring back the bigger production events they previously put on if just as many people lined up to pay for the limited events?

Happy Halloween!

On a more positive note, if you haven’t ever been to a Disney World Halloween Party in the past, then you have nothing to compare this one to. And even if you have been to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party before BOO Bash, there are still a handful of activities to experience at this modified event — such as trick-or-treating, character sightings, Cadaver Dan performances, and (limited) exclusive Halloween treats! Oh, and you get to wear your costume to the Magic Kingdom! (Uh oh, now that may take a little more planning. What are you going to *wear*??)

Click HERE to learn more about Disney’s Very Merriest After Hours Event!

(Red Light) Crowds Are MASSIVE and Lines Are LONG

Say whaaaa? Disney World is crowded?? Surely not, right?

Kilimanjaro Safaris Crowds

LOL we know — Disney World is usually crowded. But ever since park capacity increased, the crowds have felt worse than usual, thanks to our missing FastPasses. Recently we learned about Disney’s new planning feature, the Disney Genie and the Disney Genie+! The basic premise is that anyone can use Disney Genie to help plan their day and navigate the parks for free, just like My Disney Experience. However, if you want to use the FastPass+ (now called Lightning Lane) feature, you’re gonna have to pay for it. It’s the “+” part of Disney Genie+. Yup, + equals $$$. $15 per day per person, to be exact. Wanna go on the most popular rides? You’re gonna have to pay a premium per person for that as well.

FastPass Kiosks Closed in Magic Kingdom

Before last year’s shutdown, we could make FastPasses for our favorite three rides for FREE and skip those long lines. We could even make MORE FastPasses after using all three if more FastPass selections were available for the day. (Good times, goooooood times…). Now we know, if want want to skip the standby line, we’re gonna have to fork out some money for it OR endure the incredibly long standby lines.

Wow! That’s a lot of people

We’re still waiting to learn about WHEN exactly we can start using Disney Genie & Genie+. The latest news is that it will available in Fall 2021, but since “Fall” technically runs from September 22 until December 21 (according to the Northern Hemisphere calendar), that release could be at any point in that three-month window. So, until then we’re FORCED to wait in those massive lines for hours on end just to have a single ride on Space Mountain. (Are we speaking from personal experience? Perhaps.) Even going to the park early for Rope Drop isn’t the fail-safe plan it used to be — you’re just going to run into another giant crowd that’s probably heading toward the same ride you’re wanting to head toward.

Basically, even with school JUST back in session and the brief window of lighter crowds we’ve seen, Disney World is about to get REAL busy and STAY busy for the foreseeable future in the coming weeks (that whole “50th Anniversary” thing might have something to do with it! ). So if you plan to go like NOW…expect to wait.

Read more about Disney Genie HERE!

(Green Light) Your Expectations Have Been Managed

If you’re a frequent flier to the Disney World parks, then what we’re telling you right now about the massive crowds and long lines probably isn’t a shock to you.

Magic Kingdom morning crowd

You can still have a fulfilling day in the parks without hitting up those major attractions. Take pictures with the newly-decorated Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom. Stroll around the World Showcase and visit 11 different countries in EPCOT. Say hi to the different animals in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Shop the Hollywood Boulevard strip at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Ah. Peaceful… .

Or don’t enter the parks at all! You can spend time at Disney Springs, play a round of mini-golf, swim at your resort pool, or enjoy some fine dining at one of the signature restaurants around the property.

Mini Golf

For Disney World fans, going to Disney isn’t so much about accomplishing EVERYTHING, but rather enjoying being there and escaping from everyday life for a bit. Plus, if you’re a seasoned pro, you probably already have a game plan to escape those massive crowds… right? 

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run FastPass…er….Lightning Lane…

If you happen to hit the parks after the release of Disney Genie+ and it fits within your family’s budget and vacation style, you might find that shelling out some extra dough for a chance to spend less time waiting in line to be a worthwhile investment! They do say that “time is money” so when you consider the length of your trip, your vacation expectations, how often you visit, and how long (or short) your “impatience-fuse” is, you might discover that your time and sanity is worth an extra $15+ a pop (per day/per person).

Click HERE to see some of the best meals you can have OUTSIDE a Disney World park!

(Red Light) Not Everything Is Open And Operating Like Before

How many different ways can we hound you about how *different* Disney World is now?

Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Another reason why crowds are feeling worse than ever is that there are still numerous entertainment options that remain unavailable for guests. So the experiences that ARE open are getting that crowd influx that they might not have experienced before last year’s shutdown. Meaning your impromptu trip might feel a little *stuffy.*

Finding Nemo the Musical, we miss you!

A few of the entertainment options that remain currently unavailable are Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade, Meet and Greets, Fantasmic!, Finding Nemo the Musical, Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire, and several other fan-favorite shows and attractions. Many resorts and restaurants also remain temporarily unavailable, making your last-minute trip more difficult to book. You can find a more detailed list of everything that STILL hasn’t opened here.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter FINALLY has a reopening date!

On top of the entertainment that remains unavailable, many restaurants that are open and operational have limited operating hours. In fact, finding restaurants that are open and ready to serve after 10PM is SUPER hard to find right now — which may be bad news for guests who’ve put off eating to squeeze in a few more rides before wrapping up their evening.

Never fear! We’ve got a list of the places that ARE open in Disney World after 10PM! And you can find it HERE!

(Green Light) You Want To See Happily Ever After and EPCOT Forever One Last Time

We were so excited to see the fireworks shows, Happily Ever After and EPCOT Forever, return to the Disney World parks! But just as soon as we said “hello, old friend,” we learned we’d have to say “goodbye” again very, very soon.

Happily Ever After

Starting on October 1, Magic Kingdom and EPCOT will be getting two brand-new fireworks spectaculars to celebrate Disney World’s 50th Anniversary. We knew EPCOT Forever would be permanently replaced by Harmonious, but we were taken off-guard when we learned Happily Ever After would be gone for good after Disney Enchantment takes its place.

©Disney

Happily Ever After has been around since 2017, so long-time fans of the production are heartbroken to see this still relatively new show wrap up. If you’re one of those fans, you may want to book a trip ASAP to say farewell to this production. (Ugh. We’re getting teary-eyed just thinking about it!)

Disney Enchantment ©Disney

However, we’re excited to see what Disney Enchantment has in store, too! Based on the concept art, it’s looking pretty epic. But will it compete with Happily Ever After? Hmm… . Guess that’s something to write about come October.

What’s the BEST way to see the Happily Ever After fireworks? Learn more HERE!

(Red Light) The Experiences You’re Wanting To Do Require More Planning

Last-minute trips are fun to plan and all, but if there’s something you’re wanting to do that requires reservations waaaaaaay far out, you may want to pump the breaks on your impromptu trip.

Oga’s Cantina

Are you wanting to fully experience ALL that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has to offer? Then you’re going to have to plan ahead. Building your own droid at Droid Depot, customizing an authentic lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop, and having drinks at Oga’s Cantina are popular attractions — so they’re going to require a 60-days out reservation to secure your spot. (Okay, so the droid customization is a little more lenient. But the other two experiences FOR SURE you need to book waaaaaay in advance.)

Droid Depot

Many popular signature dining locations also book up ahead of time, such as Cinderella’s Royal Table, Be Our Guest Restaurant, Le Cellier Steakhouse, ‘Ohana, and several other seated restaurants that you can learn more about here.

Inside Cinderella’s Royal Table

Quick note, though — if wanting to make reservations for a character dining experience is keeping you from making that last-minute Disney trip, don’t let it. Many of the signature dining restaurants with character meet-and-greets have been heavily modified for the time being, so study up on the restaurant you’re wanting to make a reservation for before you go.

Learn more about how character dining is different right now HERE!

(Green Light) The Experiences You’re Wanting To Do DON’T Require More Planning

There are WAY more Disney World experiences on property that you can do without having to plan 60 days out. Are you wanting to experience the International Food and Wine Festival over at EPCOT? No reservations are needed there! (Besides reserving your place in the park for the day, that is.)

EPCOT!

Do you want to ride Rise of the Resistance? All Boarding Passes are distributed the DAY OF your park visit — so no need to worry about prior reservations. (Although we DO recommend you study up ahead of time so you know exactly *how* to snag those day-of Boarding Passes.)

Rise of the Resistance

Plus, if we’re talking about the lack of FastPasses again, there is ONE positive side of it — you don’t have to stress over making those FastPass reservations ahead of time! You just go to the parks and jump in the lines you wanna jump in. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy. This is a great chance to try your hand at a truly spontaneous Disney day.

Check out the International Food and Wine Festival offerings HERE!

Red Lights and Green Lights aside, the decision to book a last-minute Disney World vacation is ultimately up to you and your travel party. Just be prepared for the major park changes in the midst of your impromptu getaway fantasy.

Still wanting to do a last-minute Disney World trip? Click HERE to figure out how to ROCK it!

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What other Red Lights/Green Lights would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Should You Book That Last Minute Disney World Trip in 2021? first appeared on the disney food blog.

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