We’ve got you covered with information to consider as you being to plan your 2024 Walt Disney World vacation.
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Seasonal Events
When planning your visit to Walt Disney World in 2024, it’s important to consider the seasonal events that add an extra layer of magic and excitement to the parks. Two major events at Epcot that shouldn’t be missed are the Flower & Garden Festival and the Food & Wine Festival.
Epcot’s annual culinary extravaganza, the Food & Wine Festival, takes place from late summer to mid-November. It offers a delightful array of international cuisine, beverages, and culinary experiences that will tantalize your taste buds. If you’re a foodie or enjoy exploring different flavors, scheduling your visit during this festival is highly recommended.
On the other hand, if you appreciate the beauty of horticulture and stunning gardens, the Flower & Garden Festival at Epcot is a must-see. This event runs from early spring to mid-summer and showcases captivating topiaries, vibrant blooms, and engaging garden displays. It’s a perfect time to immerse yourself in the colorful wonders of nature while enjoying the attractions and offerings at Epcot.
In addition to these festivals, Epcot also hosts other special events throughout the year. The Epcot International Festival of the Arts takes place from mid-January through Presidents’ Day, celebrating various forms of art, including visual, culinary, and performing arts. On the other hand, the Festival of the Holidays, which starts after Thanksgiving and runs through December, allows you to experience the festive spirit of the holiday season with special entertainment, food, and cultural traditions.
For Magic Kingdom, two highly anticipated seasonal events are Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, which typically takes place from August to October, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, held from November to December. These special ticketed events offer exclusive entertainment, character experiences, and themed parades, providing a unique and enchanting experience for guests.
By aligning your visit with these seasonal events, you can immerse yourself in the spirit and festivities of the specific time of year, adding an extra touch of magic to your Walt Disney World adventure in 2024.
New Attractions
Scheduling your visit to Walt Disney World in 2024 based solely on new attractions should not be a high priority, as most major projects, including the extensive overhaul of Epcot, are expected to be completed by the end of this year.
However, there is one highly anticipated attraction scheduled to debut in 2024 – Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Magic Kingdom. This immersive journey will transport guests into the vibrant world of Princess Tiana and her friends. To maximize your chances of experiencing this ride, you should plan your trip close to the Christmas season when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is expected to be open to guests.
Crowds
From a crowd perspective, mid-August through late September 2024 will likely be the best time to visit, as it generally sees lower attendance compared to peak seasons. Similarly, the period post-Easter through mid-May tends to offer a similar advantage of manageable crowds. It’s worth noting that lower prices and crowds often coincide, making it advantageous to book your trip during these less busy periods.
On the other hand, peak crowd periods typically align with higher prices and fewer discounts. If you prefer to visit during these popular times, be prepared for larger crowds and potentially higher costs. It’s essential to consider both factors when planning your trip, as the combination of high prices and increased crowds can impact on your overall experience.
As a general rule, the highest prices and crowds tend to occur when schools are out of session, such as during major holidays and school vacation periods. If you can plan your visit during times when schools are in session, you can potentially avoid the largest crowds and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.
Keep in mind that while planning your trip based on crowd levels and pricing is a good strategy, there are other factors to consider, such as weather, special events, and personal preferences. By weighing all these factors, you can make the most of your visit to Walt Disney World, regardless of the time of year you choose to go.
Pricing
When it comes to pricing at Walt Disney World, it can vary significantly depending on when you visit. In general, off-season periods are cheaper, and the biggest price increases usually occur early in the year, with February and October being common months for food and ticket price bumps. In general, January and September are the most affordable months to visit.
While prices have been steadily increasing over the years, there is a possibility of prices going in the opposite direction in 2024 due to economic slowdown. If this occurs, expect to see an uptick in the amount and depth of discounts offered throughout the year – similar to 2023.
Speaking of discounts, while the dining plan is returning in 2024, it’s unlikely that Free Dining will be available for travel dates in early 2024. If it does return, it will likely be offered later in the year. However, Disney is routinely releasing various promotions and discounts, such as discounted room rates or package deals, to make the visit more affordable and enticing for guests throughout the year.
Dining
The big dining story for 2024 is the return of the Disney dining plan.
With the Quick-Service Dining Plan, guests can savor delectable meals and snacks at a wide array of fast-casual dining locations throughout the parks. Meanwhile, the standard Dining Plan allows visitors to enjoy a mix of table-service and quick-service meals, providing a more comprehensive culinary experience. Both Dining Plans offer a range of options to suit every taste and preference, ensuring that guests can fuel their magical adventures with delightful cuisine. From iconic character dining experiences to international flavors and classic American fare, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
See our post about the return of the Disney dining plan for more information.
Park Benefits
Disney continues to offer exclusive benefits to enhance the stay of all Disney Resort hotel guests in 2024. The popular perk of 30-minute early theme park entry allows guests to enter the parks before they officially open to the public, providing valuable extra time to explore popular attractions and beat the crowds.
Moreover, for those staying at Deluxe resort hotels, the excitement extends even further with the continuation of extended evening hours. This exclusive offering grants Deluxe resort hotel guests the opportunity to enjoy extended access to select attractions and experiences after regular park closing hours.
These coveted benefits, available throughout the year, ensure that Disney Resort hotel guests can make the most of their magical vacation, enjoying additional time and flexibility in the parks.
Genie+
It is anticipated that Free FastPass+ will not be making a comeback in 2024. However, Disney is continually striving to enhance the guest experience and is expected to introduce incremental improvements to the Genie+ service.
The Genie+ service, introduced in recent years, offers guests the opportunity to access a selection of attractions with reduced wait times by purchasing the Genie+ pass. With this convenient service, visitors can enjoy a more seamless and efficient park experience, optimizing their time spent enjoying the magic.
While specific details about improvements to Genie+ are yet to be revealed, Disney is committed to refining and enhancing the system. This should provide guests with an even better way to navigate the parks and make the most of their visit in 2024.
When to Book?
It’s a good idea to book the packages within a few weeks of their release to protect against potential price increases and secure your desired accommodations and options. By booking early, you have the advantage of potentially locking in lower prices and ensuring availability during popular travel periods.
Furthermore, it’s important to note that discounts can be applied retroactively. If a better offer becomes available after you’ve booked, you can take advantage of having the discount applied to your package. This approach allows you to secure your reservation and have the flexibility to take advantage of any future promotional offers.
If you are certain about visiting Walt Disney World in 2024, it is recommended to make your booking between now and late September 2023 to make a wise and well-informed decision that maximizes your chances of securing the best package for your magical vacation.
Why You Should Book
Booking a 2024 Walt Disney World package is an opportunity to embark on a magical journey filled with cherished memories. With the return of the Disney Dining Plan, exclusive benefits for Disney Resort hotel guests, and incremental improvements to the Genie+ service, you can enjoy an even more seamless and immersive experience at Walt Disney World in 2024.
And If you need help booking, I’ve spent years learning the ins and outs of theme park vacation planning and would love to help you plan your next visit to Walt Disney World. Complete my simple get started form or contact me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @nextstopaaron to begin planning your next theme park vacation.
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