It is hard to believe, but 2024 is almost over, which means it is already time to start thinking about Disney World vacation plans for 2025.
A trip to Disney World in 2025 may look completely different, as many parts of the parks will be under construction to make way for new and exciting projects like Villains Land, two new Cars-themed attractions, Pueblo Esperanza — the Tropical Americas-themed land, and so much more. Plus, a brand new hotel perk starts in 2025! When deciding to plan a vacation to Disney World, it is never really too early to start planning.
When it comes to planning a trip to Disney World, there is so much to think about. You need to book travel, a hotel, Advance Dining Reservations, and purchase park tickets. This may seem overwhelming, but that is why we are here to help you figure out when you should start planning your trip.
2025 Vacation Packages and Hotels
Believe it or not, vacation packages and hotels are already available for booking in 2025. If you want to have the best chance of booking when there is availability, it is best to start booking NOW!
As we get closer to 2025, many popular dates may already be sold out for the hotel you are looking to book. We see this happen a lot towards the holiday season as well as popular events like runDisney race weekends.
Vacation packages, hotels, and even park tickets are subject to availability. If you have an idea of the dates you would like to travel, the best thing you can do is lock in your hotel and tickets early to ensure you can travel during the dates you wish.
If you do decide to book later, your hotel choices may be more limited, or the room type you want may not be available. Regardless, there are great options for hotels in Disney World, even if the hotel you end up at is not your first choice.
Park Tickets
The Park Pass Reservation system is still around but is much more relaxed. For those who have date-based tickets, you do not need to worry about making Park Pass Reservations.
It gets a little bit tricky if you are an Annual Passholder or non-date based ticket holder trying to book a trip. Annual Passholders and other select guests still need to book a reservation to all four parks. If Annual Passholders plan on visiting a park after 2 PM, a park reservation is not required. At Magic Kingdom on the weekend, you need a reservation no matter what time you decide to visit. Disney has recently introduced “Good to Go” Days for Annual Passholders. On these days, no Park Pass Reservation is required, but you still need to check the calendar to see if you need a reservation.
If you are an Annual Passholder or other guest that need park reservations looking to visit during busy periods like summer and the holidays, it is best to lock down your reservations earlier rather than later to avoid not being able to make a reservation. The good news is that all-day park hopping is back, meaning if you cannot get a reservation for the park you wish to go to, you can always make a reservation for another park and hop over.
When it comes to budgeting for park tickets, it’s important to know that Disney World has flex pricing for its tickets. This means certain days are cheaper than others, and the time of the year plays a factor in what you will pay. Prices have gone up for tickets each year, and 2025 is no exception. On average, ticket prices are $5-$10 more than they were last year.
We Found EVERY SINGLE 2025 Disney World Ticket Price Increase So You Don’t Have To
The best advice we can give you is to make sure you book your vacation packages or snag your park tickets ASAP to ensure you lock in the existing prices.
FULL LIST of the CHEAPEST Days to Go to Disney World in 2025
Dining Reservations and Other Extras
This step is one of the last few steps you will make in the planning process, as dining reservations open 60 days in advance. We highly suggest having your dates locked in by this point so you can start booking your Advance Dining Reservations as soon as the booking window opens.
We know it can be frustrating to feel like you need to plan out everything so far in advance, but popular restaurants can fill up fast! If you are unable to get the reservations you want, we suggest choosing your second or third choice as a backup. You are able to check back every day to see if more reservations opened up. You are also able to modify your reservation with no penalty at most restaurants up to two hours before your reservation time.
In most cases, you can also book fireworks cruises and tours like the Behind the Seeds Tour 60 days in advance. There are limited spots for these experiences, and we highly recommend booking these extras as soon as you are able.
Lightning Lane Selections
Lightning Lane has changed in Disney World. Genie+ is now Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Individual Lightning Lane is now Lightning Lane Single Pass.
The main thing to keep in mind when booking your trip is remember your booking window for Lightning Lanes. While this service is completely optional as it costs an additional fee, if you plan to use it, those staying at a Disney World hotel can book their selections seven days in advance, all others can book three days prior.
Breaking Down Disney World’s NEW Lightning Lane System in Under 1,000 Words
Construction to Keep in Mind
Disney World is about to undergo massive changes, which means you can expect to see construction walls during your trip. While we do not have exact closing dates, you can expect construction in the following areas of Disney World:
Magic Kingdom
- Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America will close to make way for two new Cars attractions. Construction may affect other parts of Liberty Square and Frontierland.
- The Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade has closed as it undergoes its transformation into a Disney Vacation Club Lounge.
- Construction behind Big Thunder will start to make way for Villains Land.
- Construction will start in Adventureland to make way for a Pirates in the Caribbean-themed lounge.
EPCOT
- Test Track is currently closed and will re-open as Test Track 3.0 in 2025.
- Construction will start on the Spaceship Earth-themed Lounge.
Hollywood Studios
- Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy will no longer be available. It is being replaced with a Disney Villains stage show that will open in the summer of 2025.
- The Monsters Inc.-themed Land will start construction.
Animal Kingdom
- DinoLand, U.S.A. will not be open as it is being re-themed into a Tropical Americas-themed land named Pueblo Esperanza. This new land will have three new attractions and is set to open in 2027.
- The Tree of Life will receive a new show called Zootopia: Better Zoogether!, which will open in the winter of 2025.
Water Parks
- As of right now, Disney World has only been operating one water park at a time. Blizzard Beach will be the water park that is open during the first part of 2025. If it follows the schedule it has been, Typhoon Lagoon will open later in the year.
FULL Timeline of Major Additions Coming to Disney World
Resort Construction
- The Fantasia Pool at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort will be closed from January 2025 to April 2025. During this time, guests can swim in the Duck Pond Pool (as well as the feature pools at the neighboring All-Star Resort hotels).
- Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is undergoing a lengthy refurbishment from September 2024 to September 2025. While the resort is still available to book during these times, rooms may be limited. Disney also warns that guests will see and hear construction work throughout Bay Lake Tower. You’ll also want to allow extra time for travel as the typical routes may not be open.
- From January 2025 to June 2025, Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool will be closed at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club. This closure is due to routine maintenance, and guests staying at those resorts may hear construction noises during the daytime. During the closure, guests are welcome to swim at the Tidal, Admiral, and Dunes Cove leisure pools.
Overall
All in all, it is never too early to start booking your vacation to Disney World! The earlier you plan, the more likely you are to secure the hotel, tickets, and dining reservations you want.
How Much Does a Disney World Vacation Cost in 2025?
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