Your 2024 Disney World trip is right around the corner!
When thinking about your upcoming trip in 2024, it’s a great 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. We’ve got your back, so let’s talk about some of the best times to come to Disney World in 2024!
Before we even start, let’s just say that the best time to visit Disney World is going to be different for everybody. But typically, you’re going to want to look for times when crowds have dwindled, prices are lower, and the weather isn’t going to burn you to a crisp or, (on rare occasions), freeze you out.
Late January to Early February
Late January to early February is like a hidden gem. After the “whirlwind” of the holiday season, crowds usually die down, and the parks take on a quieter feel. This is a great time if you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, shorter wait times, and dining reservations that are easier to come by.
Also, Florida’s weather during January and February is usually pretty mild and comfortable, which makes strolling down Main Street, U.S.A., or exploring Pandora in Animal Kingdom so much easier. You’ll also see that the ticket prices become a little more budget-friendly (your wallet thanks you in advance).
Late February to Early March
If you’re looking for a “touch” of warmth (not that typical scorching Florida summer heat), late February to early March is your time to shine! During these weeks, you’ll experience the best of both worlds – nice temperatures and reasonably manageable crowds. Most of the crowds typically return home after Presidents’ Day weekend, so you should find the atmosphere a little quieter.
Just like with January, you’ll find that the ticket prices from late February to early March are pretty reasonable (gives you more wiggle room for all those extra souvenirs!) Overall, it’s a good time to explore the parks and not feel rushed in the slightest.
Late April to Early May
It’s Springtime at Disney World. The best time to arrive is after the spring break crowds have started to return home. During these weeks, the Florida weather in a single word is “delightful.” It’s the perfect time to go exploring EPCOT’s Flower and Garden Festival or even take a boat ride through Disney Springs!
Typically, late April to early May is all about affordability. Ticket prices are generally reasonable, making it a great option to fit your 2024 budget. So, if you’re looking for great weather, lighter crowds, and budget-friendly options, the springtime window just might check off all the boxes.
Late August
As summer vacations draw to a close and schools across the nation prepare to kick off their academic sessions, late August shows up as another “hidden gem” for a Disney World visit. During this period, you tend to find significantly fewer crowds, and that translates into shorter wait times, which makes it an ideal time for all you thrill-seekers and families alike.
Even though the end of August has fewer crowds, you have to stay alert about hurricanes. This marks the beginning of hurricane season in Central Florida, which typically runs from June through November. While Disney World doesn’t often experience direct hits, you may want to consider trip insurance that covers hurricane-related events just in case.
You’ll find that the weather in late August is still warm, with temperatures ranging from the high 70s to the low 90s (a little better than that sweltering summer heat). Overall, late August is a pretty good balance between manageable crowds, pleasant weather, and potentially budget-friendly ticket prices.
Early to Mid-November
If you love all the holidays, early to mid-November offers you the opportunity to experience both Halloween and Christmas decorations in Disney World. The crowd level is pretty modest, so you’ll feel that you can enjoy the ambiance without feeling too rushed.
The weather in early to mid-November is comfortable, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-70s, which is great for all those leisurely strolls through the parks, character meet-and-greets, and outdoor entertainment! Also, you can find some potentially budget-friendly ticket prices.
Early December
The first two weeks of December are practically bursting with the holiday season at Disney World. Think of all the Christmas decorations, towering trees, sparkling lights, and festive garlands you’ll experience, and don’t get us started on Cinderella Castle all lit up. So, if Christmas is your jam, and you’d rather deal with fewer crowds than those on Christmas Day and New Year’s, early December is your answer.
The weather in early December is comfortably cool, with temperatures ranging from the 50s to the 70s. This makes it the perfect time to enjoy Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party or indulge in seasonal snacks at EPCOT’s Holiday Kitchens. You’ll also find that the ticket prices in early December tend to be friendlier on the budget compared to the peak Christmas and New Year’s weeks.
Attractions in 2024
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
A new ride is coming to Magic Kingdom. Splash Mountain closed in early 2023 to make way for a NEW ride themed to Disney’s animated film The Princess and the Frog. The new attraction is called Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and is set to take visitors through the bayous of Louisiana to help Tiana with her new endeavor, Tiana’s Foods.
This ride will pick up the moment after The Princess and The Frog ends and we will “join Princess Tiana and Louis on a musical adventure – featuring some of the powerful music from the film – as they prepare for their first-ever Mardi Gras performance.”
So what actually happens after the film? Tiana opens Tiana’s Palace and requires the riders’ help finding a missing key ingredient for the Mardi Gras party she’s throwing for the people of New Orleans. We’re going to be seeing old and new characters, hearing familiar and new songs, and embarking on a whole new adventure with Tiana! It’s set to open in 2024.
Country Bear Jamboree
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 — they’ll sing their usual songs in new styles like country, rockabilly, and bluegrass.
Country Bear Musical Jamboree 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.”
Opening in Late 2023
Hatbox Ghost is Coming to Disney World
Disneyland’s infamous Hatbox Ghost will finally be making the journey East to appear inside Disney World’s Haunted Mansion. Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, took to the stage at the D23 Expo in 2022 to make the announcement.
Hatbox Ghost is set to start haunting Haunted Mansion guests in late November 2023!
Journey of Water — Inspired by Moana
If you haven’t heard, EPCOT has been undergoing an EPIC transformation over the past few years, with much of it set to complete in December 2023. That means that EPCOT visitors will finally get to enjoy a new attraction, Journey of Water — Inspired by Moana. The walkthrough attraction will feature lots of shade, as well as a series of water features.
This attraction will officially open on October 16th, 2023! We were able to attend a preview of the new attraction and we can now share a look inside — along with a FULL WALK-THROUGH — with you!
World Celebration Completion
Most of the construction at EPCOT is happening at what is now the World Celebration section of the park. The good news is that those construction walls should all be down sometime in December 2023. That means that riders exiting Spaceship Earth will have a good look at Dreamers Point, which will feature a new statue of Walt Disney.
The CommuniCore Plaza Festival Area and CommuniCore Hall should also be complete in December 2023. Communicore Plaza is an outdoor space for visitors to relax while enjoying festivals, although the space can also host concerts and performances. CommuniCore Hall is inside the plaza and will be the first structure built in EPCOT to support festival programming.
New Nighttime Show
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!
General Tips
Weekdays and Mid-Week Trips
Whatever month you choose for your 2024 vacation, consider choosing weekdays (Monday to Thursday) for your Disney World trip. Weekdays typically have fewer crowds compared to the weekends, meaning shorter wait times for your favorite rides, which ultimately means more time for those magical experiences and less time spent in lines.
Avoid Peak Holidays
Save yourself a lot of headaches and try to steer clear of the peak holiday periods like Thanksgiving week, Christmas week, and New Year’s Eve. They tend to draw some of the largest crowds and even longer lines. Basically, just avoid these times at all costs.
Keep an Eye Out for those Special Events
Keep an eye out for any of the special events that pique your interest, such as the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival or Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. 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.
Stay Flexible
Our biggest tip is to stay flexible and pack extra patience. Also, make use of tools like Genie+ and Lightning Lanes to help you navigate the parks efficiently, especially during peak periods.
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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