25 Dates to Consider When Planning Your 2024 Disney World Vacation
Are you ready for 2024 in Disney World? It’s already shaping up to be a great year!
Are you prepared for the changes coming to Disney World?
There are so many things coming by the end of this year and into the new one — things like returning fireworks shows, park transformations, and hotel makeovers just to name a few. There are also some big things that Disney World is doing for the FIRST time in 2024 — here’s our full list!
When you’re thinking about your upcoming Disney trip in 2024, it’s a pretty good idea to start by checking out the calendar that way you can see what’s happening at the parks and if there are any cool events or holidays you’d like to catch. Plus, it’s a smart move especially if you want to try to avoid those big crowds. So, here are 25 dates, events, and other things to think about for your 2024 trip!
Holidays
Let’s talk about Holidays. You already know that at Disney they’re a big deal. Lots of folks love celebrating these special moments in the parks, and Disney usually goes all out with some extra magic during these times. Think unique treats, new shows, and limited-edition merch you can bring home.
Hollywood Studios
After New Year’s, Valentine’s Day is the first holiday that pops up and it can be a pretty fun time to visit Disney! You’ll find loads of sweet treats for that lovey-dovey holiday. The parks usually aren’t much busier than usual, but you should keep an eye out on booking those Advance Dining Reservations, especially if you want a special Valentine’s Day dinner with your loved one.
Valentine’s Day
Next up, we’ve got spring breaks in March and early April, followed by Easter on March 31st. During Easter, don’t forget to check out the amazing chocolate eggs displayed at the Beach Club and the Grand Floridian. Plus, you can meet the Easter Bunny in Magic Kingdom!
Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny
If you’re planning to surprise your parents with a Disney trip, keep in mind that Mother’s Day (May 12th) and Father’s Day (June 16th) are coming up. It’s a great way to show your appreciation for your folks by treating them to some Disney magic. These holidays also bring fun seasonal treats, but like Valentine’s Day, it’s a good idea to book a Mother’s Day Brunch early to snag your preferred spot.
Mother’s Day is coming
Disney’s regular nighttime shows are already fantastic, but on the 4th of July, they’re extra special! In past years, both Magic Kingdom and EPCOT have lit up the night with some pretty epic fireworks shows. So, if you’re all about those fireworks, just be ready for some pretty big crowds. (Try to book your Park reservations ASAP as we’ve seen them disappear fast, sometimes as early as April or May.)
Another Look at the Planes
Now, let’s keep moving right along and dive right into fall and the spooky season, which means we’re talking about Halloween! Disney World really goes all out for Halloween with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. It’s a special ticketed event where you can come to Magic Kingdom in the evening and dress up in your favorite costume. If you’re 14 or older, this is your chance to wear costumes in the parks. The Halloween Party is a blast with rare villain character meet and greets, spooky snacks, and unique experiences you won’t find during the day.
Halloween in Magic Kingdom
Thanksgiving (November 28th) is a food lover’s paradise at Disney. Many dining spots serve up special holiday dishes and menu items. Some of these treats are available in the days leading up to Thanksgiving, while others are exclusive to the day itself. If you want to savor a Disney-fied Thanksgiving meal, plan to be in the parks on the holiday. But remember, dining reservations for Thanksgiving fill up super fast, so book yours 60 days in advance when the reservation window opens.
Thanksgiving Feast Time!
Christmas Day and the days around it are some of the busiest times at Disney World. If you’d rather avoid the crowds but still want to enjoy the holiday vibes, consider visiting near the end of November or early January. During that time, you’ll still find holiday decorations and treats, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party usually runs from early November to late December. (The really big crowds usually hit right after Christmas, so keep that in mind when planning your trip.)
Holiday Dapper Dans
The last (and first!) holiday of the year is New Year’s, which is another fantastic fireworks-centered holiday. That means you’ll see all kinds of lights, fireworks, and nighttime shows in the parks. If you’re all about the shows but want to skip the big crowds, think about booking a hotel or resort room with an awesome view to enjoy the festivities comfortably.
New Year’s Eve at EPCOT
Lastly, while it’s not a fixed date for everyone, you might have your own special holidays or milestones you want to celebrate in the parks. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or any other accomplishment, check the availability of accommodations and dining reservations around your big day. And when you get to the parks, don’t forget to grab a complimentary celebration button – you might get some surprises throughout the day!
What are YOU celebrating in Disney World?
7 Things Disney World is Doing for the First Time in 2024
Disney World Events
Alright, let’s dive into what’s cooking at Disney World in 2024! There’s a whole bunch of exciting stuff lined up, some classics, and some brand-new goodies like rides and dining experiences. Plus, we’ve got the lowdown on ride closures so you don’t miss your favorites!
EPCOT
As you know, EPCOT is definitely where the party’s at with its four festivals throughout the year. Lots of folks love planning their visits around these because they add an extra layer of fun to your park time. First up is the Festival of the Arts, which runs from mid-January to mid-February. This one’s all about celebrating art in every form – from Broadway performances to incredible chalk art and, of course, mouthwatering culinary creations!
EPCOT Festival of the Arts
Next in line is the Flower and Garden Festival which usually stretches from early March to early July. During this time, EPCOT gets a major garden makeover with stunning topiaries featuring our beloved Disney characters. Food-wise, it’s all about farm-to-table goodness and plenty of plant-based treats.
Flower and Garden Festival
Then there’s the festival that started everything – Food & Wine! This mouthwatering festival, which generally runs from late July to mid-November, is a food lover’s paradise. Picture all the food booths dishing out delectable small plates and drinks all over the World Showcase. It’s a fan favorite for sure!
EPCOT Food & Wine Festival
As the year winds down, EPCOT decks the halls with the Festival of the Holidays. This one’s all about celebrating holiday traditions and cuisines from around the world. It kicks off just after Thanksgiving and runs to the end of the year. Keep an eye on our site for all the official news when it drops!
Festival of the Holidays
Now, if you’re a running enthusiast, get ready for the runDisney events at Disney World. They host races throughout the year, ranging from 5Ks to full marathons. The big one, the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, will happen from January 3rd through 7th. Another crowd-pleaser is the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, scheduled for February 22nd to the 26th. Check out the runDisney events schedule here!
Princess Half Marathon Weekend (2023)
In 2023 we bid farewell to Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom and we saw the ride being rethemed into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, inspired by The Princess and the Frog. Now, don’t get too excited — we don’t have this date YET (it is scheduled to open in 2024). But rest assured, when it’s announced what day this new ride will be opening, you’ll want to stay FAR AWAY if you’re willing to wait to ride. This ride revamp is widely anticipated, meaning that hundreds of people will likely be crowding at the gates to be one of the first to ride on opening day.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Construction
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is Disney World’s premier Deluxe Resort and it’s undergoing some major construction at the moment. We don’t have the exact finish date yet, but it’s currently scheduled to be all completed in 2024
Lots of work is being done
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is also undergoing a major overhaul. Disney is currently in the process of expanding this resort to include more Disney Vacation Club villas, which will bring new recreation and dining options. We’ve seen a large portion of the building going up in the past few months. This is what the construction site looked like in July 2023. At the time, we noticed a lot more equipment on the site. However, it’s not scheduled to finish until late 2024, so that’s a long time to deal with the construction!
New building construction
Disney Vacation Club has announced its plan to redesign the cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. The proposal calls for more than 350 refreshed cabins to replace the existing cabins at the resort. Although the new cabins will be part of the Disney Vacation Club resort lineup, the proposed cabins will be open for reservations to all guests, including those who are not Disney Vacation Club Members.
Fort Wilderness Cabin Concept Art ©Disney
There will also be an updated pool and walking trail enhancements. And a new dining experience has already debuted at Trail’s End Restaurant, with Crockett’s Tavern being refurbished, as well. Currently, Disney expects the new Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort to open in 2024.
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is currently constructing some new Disney Vacation Club villas at the resort that are set to open sometime in 2024. This will give DVC members some new options for staying at the resort. The new rooms will feature waterfront views with most also offering balconies.
©Disney | Polynesian Village Resort concept art
The new structure will also offer new dining and swimming options, as well as other recreation areas.
Here’s Everything We Know About the New Hotel Rooms Coming to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Now, let’s talk about some ride updates. Disney has announced that a NEW SHOW is coming to Country Bear Jamboree in Magic Kingdom! In 2024, the beloved bears will be learning an all-new act called the Country Bear Musical Jamboree. It will be a take on the classic variety shows found in Nashville, Tennessee, and Nashville musicians are involved in the new arrangements. For instance. we’ll be hearing a new version of “Bare Necessities” in a rockabilly style! A Disney Imagineer has shared, “The music is going to be amazing, and the show will still have the fun and friendly tone that we all love about the Country Bears.”
©Disney
EPCOT will also be debuting a new nighttime show in late 2023 as part of the Walt Disney Company’s 100th Anniversary celebration, so make sure to experience it when you come in 2024. That’s right… a BRAND NEW nighttime spectacular will make its debut on December 5th, 2023 in honor of Disney 100 Years of Wonder: Luminous The Symphony Of Us!
©Disney
Click HERE to find out more about Luminous!
The Disney Dining Plan will be returning on January 9th, 2024, and this will be the first time it is available at Disney World’s newest restaurants. For those who don’t know what the dining plan is (especially since it’s been missing from Disney World since early 2020), it’s a way for Disney World guests who book a vacation package through Disney to pre-pay for their dining costs.
The Disney Dining Plan is returning!
Two plans will be available: the Standard Dining Plan and the Quick Service Dining Plan — here are FULL details on what each plan will offer and here’s a list of all the Disney World restaurants participating in the plan.
Which Disney Dining Plan is Right for You?
On January 9th, 2024 park pass reservations will NOT be needed for those who purchase date-based tickets. This means that guests who buy theme park tickets tied to specific dates will not need to make a reservation.
Park pass reservations are going away — sort of
However, this change doesn’t affect those with tickets that are not based on specific dates. They will still need to make park pass reservations (i.e. Annual Passholders unless they’re visiting specific parks after 2PM, Cast Members, and other non-date-based ticket types).
Read More About The Park Pass Reservations Change
Disney recently shared that they’ve listened to guests who wanted to “plan with Disney Genie+ service and individual Lightning Lane selections before the day of their park visit.” The company has expressed that is now “working on ways guests may do this for visits in 2024.”
Genie+ on the My Disney Experience app
However, Disney has not yet revealed any further details on what this means for guests using Genie+, but more details should be released later. Disney did announce a new change to the pricing of Genie+, but we think there are more changes to come in 2024.
Disney Genie+ Has Changed 9 Times — But We’re Still Waiting on ONE Big Update
So, as you plan your 2024 trip, keep these dates and events in the back of your mind. Think about what’s most important to you – whether it’s celebrating a special holiday, avoiding crowds, or checking off must-do attractions – and let that guide you in picking the perfect dates for your magical vacation!
Everything NEW Coming to Disney World in 2024
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The post 25 Dates to Consider When Planning Your 2024 Disney World Vacation first appeared on the disney food blog.
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