Walt Disney World is a popular vacation destination for families and individuals alike. However, there are several reasons why someone might want to avoid visiting the park in 2024.
One of the main reasons is the high cost of tickets, which can be a barrier for many people. According to the Disney web site, the price for a 1-day 1-park ticket ranged from $109 to $164 (non-Florida resident). Another reason not to visit Walt Disney World in 2024 is the crowds.
Typically the worst weeks to visit the park are during Winter Break (January 1-7, 2024; January 1-5, 2025). The days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve are particularly crowded, and even the early park entry. January 2024 also starts off crowded with New Year’s Day, and it includes the 2024 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and the start of the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts.
Finally, there are a very limited amount of new attractions coming to Walt Disney World in 2024, which might be a disappointment for some visitors. While there are still plenty of rides and shows to enjoy, those who are looking for something new and exciting might want to wait.
Overall, there are several reasons why someone might want to avoid visiting Walt Disney World in 2024, including the high cost of tickets, the crowds, and the lack of new attractions.
Significant Changes and Renovations
Epcot’s Transformation
Epcot is currently undergoing a major transformation that is set to be completed in 2024. This includes new attractions, restaurants, and other changes to the park.
A large portion of World Celebration behind Spaceship Earth is not complete including CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza. It appears that these venues will not be available for guests until later in 2024.
New Attractions Rollout
In addition to the new attractions at Epcot, there are several other changes and renovations happening throughout Walt Disney World. One of the only upcoming attractions is Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which is set to open in late 2024 in the Magic Kingdom. This attraction is currently under contraction but when open, will likely bring large crowds and extensive wait times to the Magic Kingdom.
There are also several construction projects happening throughout the resort, including the ongoing renovation of Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. While this renovation is expected to be completed in mid-2024, there may be some disruptions to guests during their stay.
Overall, while there are exciting changes and new attractions coming to Walt Disney World in 2024, guests should be aware of the ongoing construction and potential disruptions to their stay. It is important to plan ahead and be aware of any changes or updates to the park before booking a trip.
Crowd Control and Attendance
Peak Season Overcrowding
One of the top reasons to avoid visiting Walt Disney World in 2024 is the issue of peak season overcrowding. The park can get extremely crowded during holidays, spring break, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
It’s our experience that the worst weeks to visit are during the winter break (January 1-7, 2024), spring break (March/April) and the days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. During these times, crowds can be overwhelming, and wait times for attractions can be very long.
Reservation System Challenges
Another reason to think twice about visiting Walt Disney World in 2024 is the reservation system challenges.
In 2020, Walt Disney World introduced a new theme park reservation system that requires guests to make a reservation in advance to visit the park. While this system was implemented to help control crowds during the pandemic, it has caused some challenges for guests.
According to recent reports, attendance levels at Walt Disney World have been declining, with wait times for attractions decreasing. However, this does not mean that the parks are not busy. During peak season, the park can still get crowded, and guests may experience long wait times for attractions. Therefore, it is essential to plan ahead and consider the potential challenges of visiting Walt Disney World in 2024.
Ticketing and Reservation Costs
Dynamic Pricing Model
Walt Disney World has implemented a dynamic pricing model for its theme park tickets. This means that ticket prices will vary based on the date of the visit, with higher prices during peak seasons and lower prices during off-peak seasons. While this may seem like a fair way to price tickets, it can make planning a trip to Disney World more challenging and expensive.
The new pricing model also eliminates the need for guests to make park reservations ahead of time. While this may seem like a positive change, it can lead to overcrowding and longer wait times for popular attractions. Guests may also find it more difficult to plan their itinerary without knowing which parks will be the most crowded on a given day.
Annual Pass Restrictions
In addition to the dynamic pricing model, Walt Disney World has also implemented restrictions for annual passholders. These restrictions include blackout dates during peak seasons, limiting the number of days that passholders can visit the parks, and eliminating discounts on merchandise and dining.
While these changes may be frustrating for annual passholders, they are necessary to manage crowd levels and ensure that all guests have a positive experience at Walt Disney World. Guests who are considering purchasing an annual pass should carefully review the new restrictions and weigh the benefits against the costs.
Overall, the ticketing and reservation costs at Walt Disney World may make it more challenging and expensive to plan a trip in 2024. Guests should carefully consider their budget and itinerary before purchasing tickets or an annual pass.
Planning and Logistics
Advanced Planning Required
Visiting Walt Disney World in 2024 requires advanced planning and reservations. With the pandemic, the park has implemented a reservation system to manage the number of visitors. Guests must book their park tickets and reservations in advance to secure their spot.
Additionally, park-goers must plan their visit around the park’s new “good-to-go” days. These days are designated for passholders and Cast Members to visit the parks without a reservation during certain times. However, Disney has yet to release more information regarding these opportunities.
For families planning a vacation, it is important to secure accommodations and dining reservations in advance. With reduced capacity and staffing shortages, the park’s restaurants and hotels may fill up quickly. It is recommended to book reservations as soon as possible to ensure availability.
Park Hopping Limitations
Another factor to consider when planning a visit to Walt Disney World in 2024 is the park’s new park hopping limitations. Guests are now required to make a reservation for their initial theme park visit, and only after 2 p.m. are they allowed to hop to another park.
This restriction limits the number of theme parks a guest can visit in a day and may impact the overall park experience. It is important to plan accordingly and choose which parks to visit carefully.
In conclusion, visiting Walt Disney World in 2024 requires advanced planning and reservations, and park hopping is limited. Families planning a vacation should book accommodations and dining reservations in advance and carefully consider which parks to visit.
Dining and Disney Genie+ Considerations
Disney Dining Plan Availability
One of the things to keep in mind while planning a trip to Walt Disney World in 2024 is the availability of the Disney Dining Plan. The popular dining plans have been on pause since Walt Disney World reopened after their COVID-19 closures, but they will be returning as optional add-ons with vacation packages.
The Quick-Service Disney Dining Plan is designed for those who prefer not to spend too much time (or money) on table-service meals. The plan includes two quick-service meals and two snacks per day, per person. The Disney Dining Plan, on the other hand, includes one table-service meal, one quick-service meal, and two snacks per day, per person.
It is important to note that dining reservations are highly recommended and can be made up to 60 days in advance. Guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel can make reservations up to 60 days in advance of their check-in date, while guests staying off-property can make reservations up to 30 days in advance.
Genie+ and Lightning Lane Access
Walt Disney World previously implemented a new attraction reservation system called Disney Genie+ that replaced the FastPass+ system. Genie+ is a paid service that allows guests to access the Lightning Lane for select attractions. The Lightning Lane is a new virtual queue system that replaces the FastPass+ queues.
Guests can purchase Genie+ for approximately $15 per person, per day, and it includes access to the Lightning Lane for select attractions. Guests can also purchase individual Lightning Lane access for select attractions for an additional fee.
It is important to note that Genie+ and Lightning Lane access are not included in the price of park admission. Guests must purchase these services separately. Additionally, availability for Lightning Lane access is limited and not guaranteed, so guests should plan accordingly.
Overall, while the Disney Dining Plan and Genie+ could be welcome when visiting Walt Disney World in 2024, guests should carefully consider their options and plan accordingly to ensure the best possible experience.
Accommodation and Additional Expenses
When planning a trip to Walt Disney World, accommodation and additional expenses are important factors to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Hotel Pricing and Availability
The cost of staying at a Walt Disney World hotel can be expensive, especially during peak seasons. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, for example, can cost upwards of $700 per night for a standard room. However, there are also more affordable options, such as the Value Resorts, which can cost around $150 per night. It’s important to book early and research different options to find one that fits your budget.
Extra Costs to Consider
In addition to hotel costs, there are other expenses to consider when planning a trip to Walt Disney World. If staying at an off-site hotel, the cost to park at a Disney theme park is $30 per day which can add up for a multi-day visit.
Merchandise is another expense to consider. Disney World has a wide variety of souvenirs and gifts available for purchase, but they can be expensive. It’s important to set a budget for merchandise and stick to it.
Overall, it’s important to plan ahead and budget accordingly when considering a trip to Walt Disney World. By researching different options and considering all expenses, visitors can have a magical vacation without breaking the bank.
Seasonal and Weather Impacts
When it comes to planning a trip to Walt Disney World, the time of year can play a significant role in the overall experience. While there are certainly benefits to visiting during peak season, there are also some drawbacks to consider.
Here are some of the seasonal and weather impacts to keep in mind when planning your trip to Walt Disney World in 2024.
Unpredictable Weather Patterns
One of the biggest challenges of visiting Walt Disney World is dealing with unpredictable weather patterns. While the weather is generally warm and sunny throughout the year, there are occasional periods of rain and storms that can impact your trip (especially during hurricane season).
It is important to check the weather forecast before your trip and pack accordingly, including rain gear and clothing that is appropriate for the temperature.
Impact of School and Public Holidays
Another factor to consider when planning your trip to Walt Disney World is the impact of school and public holidays. Winter holidays (January 1-7, 2024; January 1-5, 2025) are one of the worst times to visit Walt Disney World as crowds were extraordinarily large in the days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
If you want to avoid the crowds, it is best to plan your trip during a time when schools are not on break and there are no major holidays or events taking place.
While Walt Disney World is a magical place to visit at any time of year, there are some factors to consider when planning your trip. Be sure to check the weather forecast and pack accordingly, and try to plan your trip during a time when schools are not on break and there are no major holidays or events taking place to avoid the crowds.
Comparison with Other Destinations
Alternatives to Disney World
While Walt Disney World is undoubtedly a popular vacation destination, there are plenty of other alternatives that offer unique experiences. One such alternative is the Universal Orlando Resort , which is located just a few miles away from Walt Disney World Disney World. Universal Orlando is known for its thrilling rides and attractions such as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the Jurassic World VelociCoaster.
Another alternative to Disney World is SeaWorld Orlando, which is a marine park and thrill park that offers a variety of shows and exhibits featuring marine animals as well as a number of modern roller coasters.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
When deciding whether or not to visit Walt Disney World in 2024, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. On the one hand, Disney World offers a wide variety of attractions and experiences that are sure to delight visitors of all ages. From classic rides like Space Mountain to newer attractions like the Avatar Flight of Passage, there’s something for everyone at Disney World.
On the other hand, there are some downsides to visiting Walt Disney World. For one thing, the park can be quite crowded, especially during peak season. Visitors may have to wait in long lines for popular rides and attractions, which can be frustrating and time-consuming. Additionally, Disney World can be quite expensive, with tickets, food, and lodging all adding up quickly.
Whether or not to visit Walt Disney World in 2024 is a personal decision that will depend on a variety of factors, including budget, time constraints and personal preferences. While Walt Disney World is certainly a popular destination, there are plenty of other alternatives that offer unique experiences and may be more suitable for some visitors.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Disney World in 2024
While Walt Disney World is a magical place that brings joy to millions of people every year, there are some valid reasons why one might want to hold off on visiting in 2024. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
Crowd Levels
One of the biggest factors to keep in mind when considering a trip to Disney World is the crowds. As the search results indicate, school holidays and other peak times can result in larger crowds and longer wait times for attractions. While Disney World does offer tools like the My Disney Experience app to help guests navigate the parks more efficiently, it’s worth noting that lines can still be quite long during busy times.
Changes and Construction
Another thing to keep in mind is that Walt Disney World is constantly changing and evolving. While this can be exciting for some visitors, it can also mean that certain attractions and experiences may be closed or under construction during your visit. Additionally, new attractions and experiences may not be fully operational or may have long lines due to their popularity.
Cost
Finally, it’s worth noting that a trip to Walt Disney World can be quite expensive, especially if you have children in tow. From park tickets to transportation to lodging to food and souvenirs, the costs can quickly add up. While there are ways to save money, such as booking a package deal or staying off-site, it’s still important to budget carefully and be aware of the costs associated with a Disney World vacation.
Overall, while there are certainly many reasons to visit Disney World in 2024, it’s important to weigh the potential downsides as well. By considering factors like crowd levels, changes and construction, and cost, visitors can make an informed decision about whether or not a trip to Disney World is right for them.
