If you’re going to Disney World in 2025, make sure you know what you’re in for.
Magic Kingdom
It’s long been the case that a Walt Disney World vacation takes a lot of planning. However, even if you *think* you know everything there is to know about the resort, bear in mind things ARE always changing.
There are several things about going to Walt Disney World in 2025 that might completely shock you, especially if you haven’t been in a few years.
Genie+ is Going to be COMPLETELY Different
Genie+ was first introduced in October 2021, and many guests have only now gotten the hang of using the service.
Just in time for it to go away.
Lightning Lane
Beginning in July 24th, 2024, Walt Disney World’s skip-the-line service will be completely transformed. The Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes will disappear entirely, replaced by Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass.
Lightning Lane Multi Pass
You will now be able to make 3 Lightning Lane selections in a theme park, in advance of your visit, and choose available times as you make your selections. From there, as you use the first selection on each day of your visit, you can use the My Disney Experience app for availability to make an additional selection.
Lightning Lane at Spaceship Earth
Lightning Lane Single Pass
Lightning Lane Single Pass will remain similar to Individual Lightning Lanes, today in concept. You’ll still be able to “secure a time to ride one of (Disney’s) most highly demanded attractions” for an additional charge. However, you’ll now be able to make the purchase and plan in advance.
Kali River Rapids Lightning Lane sign in Disney’s Animal Kingdom
The changes brought on by Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass will extend to before the start of your trip, as they can be booked prior to your arrival. Disney hotel guests will be able to purchase and book them 7 days in advance, while those not staying at Disney hotels will be able to 3 days beforehand. Either way, be warned that if you don’t book them beforehand, you may not have many Lightning Lane options when you arrive.
Pack Your Swimsuit in Your Carry-On
As the start of 2025 rolls around, Disney will have rolled out another new perk for hotel guests… if you take advantage of it.
Blizzard Beach Water Park
All guests checking in at Disney Resorts (including DVC properties) between January 1st and December 31st 2025, will get a FREE park ticket to one of Disney’s water parks on their arrival day. You’ll be able to use this perk at either Blizzard Beach Water Park or Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, but only on your check-in day.
Typhoon Lagoon
While “free” water park tickets are a nice perk, there are a ton of logistical issues to think about. For starters, to truly take advantage, you’ll need to arrive early, which:
- Might lead to the need to schedule earlier flights or travel arrangements.
- Means your room likely won’t be ready when you arrive, so you may need to either travel in your water park attire OR change in your resort’s lobby restroom before dropping your bags off with guest services and heading to whichever water park is open.
While neither of those are vacation dealbreakers — nor reasons to not take advantage of the water park perk — they are things to keep in mind when planning and packing for your trip.
Castaway Creek Lazy River
These are just two of the changes you’ll need to be aware of before traveling to Walt Disney World in 2025. Stay tuned to DFB for further updates on changes to Disney World.
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What about if I plan multiple trips or do a split stay? Any specifics on whether the perk can only happen once or multiple times?
We are coming in February
I think it’s a nice idea, but it would be better if you could use the ticket for the water park any day of your vacation. You may have already made your reservations for certain rides or dinners on the day you arrive and don’t want the hassle of trying to change those plans that may not have been easy to make.