Walt Disney World has introduced 2025 trip packages and resort reservations data, together with a number of the add-ons that what’s going to and gained’t be supplied subsequent yr. This submit gives dates and particulars about resorts, tickets, and extra. Plus, commentary on all the adjustments, reserving subsequent yr’s packages, and extra.
Along with the main points of 2025 Walt Disney World trip packages, the corporate has made its “pitch” for staying on-site, with a brand new water park perk for subsequent yr. This follows within the footsteps of final yr’s “5 updates to make your go to simpler” besides is one thing all-new as a substitute of restoring one thing that’s been lacking within the post-reopening period.
The commonality is that this new perk additionally in all probability is in response to visitor suggestions and complaints, and Walt Disney World looking for methods to deal with that. Personally, I want that the powers that be would’ve pulled from our List of “Big Little” Things Walt Disney World Needs to Bring Back. I admire the trouble, however the 2025 adjustments (up to now) don’t actually transfer the needle for me.
Earlier than we delve into the excellent news, let’s simply get the large “not again” issues out of the best way on the outset. First up, and this could come as zero shock to anybody who’s paying consideration, however Walt Disney World shouldn’t be bringing again free FastPass. Given how nicely Genie+ offered over spring break regardless of hitting its highest worth ever–over double the fee on the identical time a yr in the past–it’s protected to imagine Lightning Lanes are right here to remain for not less than the subsequent couple of years.
Regardless of a variety of wishful pondering from followers, Walt Disney World indicated zero intention of making a competitor to Mears Join or restoring their partnership with that airport shuttle service. There’s no purpose to consider Disney’s Magical Categorical will return in 2025…or ever. Though, by no means say by no means. Sufficient of an financial downturn or Common siphoning off attendance may change the equation. Simply not till after Epic Universe opens in Summer season 2025.
Now, let’s flip to what has been confirmed for 2025. First up, Walt Disney World confirmed within the announcement that Early Theme Park Entry and Prolonged Night Hours will stick round by way of 2025. It’s our expectation that these are choices are the everlasting substitute for Additional Magic Hours.
These have their very own professionals & cons, from being solely out there to on-site friends to requiring individuals to stand up early or keep late. If you happen to’re unfamiliar with the ins and outs of every, be taught extra in our Guide to Early Entry at Walt Disney World and Guide to Extended Evening Hours at Walt Disney World. Moreover, now we have a couple of dozen or so “Extra Hours” Photo Reports, with extra coming for Spring Break.
In a throwaway line that was straightforward to overlook, Walt Disney World additionally confirmed that the Discount MagicBand Pre-Arrival Program will proceed. To our disappointment, that has mainly became the MagicBand+ pre-arrival low cost, as just about no new MagicBands (non-plussed) have been launched within the final yr.
From our perspective, that’s unlucky–we’d relatively simply stick with the OG bands. Not solely as a result of we don’t want the plussified options, however as a result of the OG MBs had been a lot cheaper. What began as a “free” MagicBand with a resort keep became a slight ($5) upcharge and now could be a minimal $25 outlay per individual, as there aren’t any “low cost” MagicBand+ choices which can be any cheaper.
Nonetheless, the dearth of change right here is value proactively addressing since Walt Disney World did retire complimentary MagicBands for friends reserving resort reservations with one latest launch of trip packages. At the least as of proper now, there’s no indication that they’re retiring the low cost program–or scrapping MagicBands fully–in order that’s a silver lining, of types!
Lastly and most significantly, Walt Disney World Resort resort friends arriving in 2025 can take pleasure in admission to one of many water parks, Disney’s Hurricane Lagoon Water Park or Disney’s Blizzard Seaside Water Park, on their check-in day. This can be a new perk that’s included in stays. Notably, room-only reservations, trip packages and Disney Trip Membership stays on factors will all be eligible–however all friends should be on the reservation.
Walt Disney World’s water parks have one thing for everybody: huge thrills, lazy rivers, wave swimming pools, interactive play areas for youthful youngsters and even water slides the entire household can take pleasure in collectively. The enjoyable can begin on day one at a Disney water park if you keep in one of many on-site Walt Disney World resorts.
Though tangential to the subject at hand, we assume which means that, on the absolute newest, each Hurricane Lagoon and Blizzard Seaside water parks will as soon as once more function concurrently by Spring Break 2025. We’re nonetheless holding out a sliver of hope that they’ll each function on the identical time in Summer season 2024, however there will not be sufficient demand (or staffing shortages would possibly persist).
With Walt Disney World providing this new “free” water park perk in 2025, they’ll just about have to have each Blizzard Seaside and Hurricane Lagoon operational by subsequent spring to accommodate the added demand.
A few of you could be questioning tips on how to make the most of a free day within the water parks, and my recommendation could be arriving late. That a lot is form of a given because it’s arrival day and also you in all probability gained’t be touchdown in Orlando at 6 a.m. except you’re coming from the West Coast and take the purple eye. However my level is extra that you shouldn’t roll up at like midday or 1 p.m., which is the height of the day on the water parks.
As an alternative, purpose to reach round 3 hours or so earlier than the water parks shut. That is when individuals begin getting their fill of enjoyable within the solar and head for the exits. The water parks have a really related dynamic to Animal Kingdom (too unhealthy they’re not providing free arrival day tickets there!), which has a mass exodus in mid-afternoon. That leaves the top of the day as a good time to go to, proper because the solar is beginning to get decrease within the sky (seasonally-dependent).
The water parks have altering areas, so you possibly can arrive in avenue garments and alter into swimwear. Critically, you may as well change again into regular apparel previous to leaving. From Blizzard Seaside, take into account a go to to close by Animal Kingdom Lodge or Coronado Springs Resort for dinner. Sanaa, Jiko, Boma, Three Bridges, and Toledo are all glorious eating places which can be regularly neglected. If you happen to’re doing Hurricane Lagoon, head to Disney Springs for dinner and dessert. Seems like a stable arrival afternoon and night to me!
We’re trying ahead to this free water park day largely as a result of we all know it’s going to introduce a ton of lifelong Walt Disney World followers (and even informal friends–however we’re extra within the lifers) for the very first time. And in so doing, it’s going to create a ton of on the spot followers for Hurricane Lagoon and Blizzard Seaside.
I’ve gushed about it over time, imploring Walt Disney World followers to present the water parks an opportunity, as they’re criminally underrated. Blizzard Seaside is a grasp class in thematic juxtapositions, mixing water park with ski resort to nice impact. It really works insanely nicely, and is a thematic exemplar–top-of-the-line at Walt Disney World.
On the floor, Hurricane Lagoon looks like a fairly “protected” idea for a water park. It’s tropical, laid again and is conducive to sitting on the seashore, swimming, and different water actions. However when you get past the seashore vibe, there’s wealthy theming all through Hurricane Lagoon, and the Imagineered tropical atmosphere has the added components of a tropical resort and the large storm that decimated it layered on prime.
These themes are all nicely conveyed by way of the main points of every water park, and each coalesce rather well. Every little thing about Blizzard Seaside and Hurricane Lagoon is outstanding, from the environment to the main points to its underutilized mascots, Lagoona Gator and Ice Gator. In consequence, Hurricane Lagoon and Blizzard Seaside each have nice senses of place, and it’s nice to only be there.
This is much and away the largest purpose why I believe the water parks are a must-do for Walt Disney World followers. They provide cohesive design and are the one two parks at Walt Disney World that keep full thematic integrity so lengthy after opening. Whereas I really like each, I give the sting to Hurricane Lagoon. It truly is what so many followers needed World Celebration at EPCOT to be (or nonetheless faux that it’s). Don’t let the truth that these are water parks discourage you—even if you happen to don’t care about water slides or the rest, Hurricane Lagoon and Blizzard Seaside is a good place to waste a morning…or an arrival afternoon…at Walt Disney World!
Turning again to issues not talked about, a stunning one is that there’s (nonetheless!) radio silence about pre-arrival Lightning Lane ride reservations coming to Walt Disney World. This was initially introduced final yr when 2024 packages had been unveiled, and a few followers mistakenly believed it could start January ninth together with all the different huge adjustments.
Actually, I believe it’s sort of absurd that Walt Disney World is now saying 2025 packages and isn’t even mentioning Lightning Lane advance reserving. Even when the specifics aren’t ironed out or able to be shared, not less than say one thing. A easy “that is nonetheless coming, keep tuned for extra particulars by Summer season 2024” would suffice. One other replace is lengthy overdue.
From what we’ve heard, Walt Disney World made the choice to announce advance reserving of Lightning Lanes earlier than determining the logistics, and there’s no purpose to consider it’ll be prepared within the subsequent couple of months at this level. Given how little remains to be recognized, it wouldn’t be stunning if the brand new system doesn’t launch till simply earlier than the beginning of Summer season 2024. We talk about the ‘why’ of that in When Will Pre-Arrival Lightning Lanes Start at Walt Disney World?
Just about every thing else can be unknown about advance reserving of Lightning Lanes, together with what number of days previous to arrival friends will be capable to make journey reservations. Our guess is that it’ll be a a lot shorter timeframe than the previous FastPass+ system, however far sufficient prematurely that folks with weeklong journeys can e-book Lightning Lanes throughout their journeys forward of touring. It’s additionally unknown what the reservation limits can be, however our guess is 3 to start out, and sure with a tier system for a number of the parks. In all chance, that is going to look rather a lot like FastPass+ however paid.
At any time when it does change, it’s doubtless that advance reserving of Lightning Lanes will (once more) radically overhaul the whole line-skipping system. We additionally wouldn’t be in the least shocked if Walt Disney World overhauls DAS once more, because it positive looks like the DAS Abuse Crackdown from late final yr was merely a gap salvo.
With all of that out of the best way, right here’s what we learn about 2025 Walt Disney World trip packages and room reservations: bookings can be out there for theme park tickets, resort resort stays, and 2025 WDW packages starting February 27, 2024. Accessible journey dates at the moment can be January by way of October 2025.
Regular phrases and circumstances for closing funds, cancellations, and alter charges will apply for all 2025 Walt Disney World trip package deal bookings. Primarily, all the customary guidelines apply.
With that mentioned, there’s one change to Walt Disney World’s cancellation coverage: For 2025 arrivals, room solely reservations might be canceled with out penalty till 8 days previous to arrival.
Subsequent, a phrase of warning(ish) for these already itching to e-book a 2025 Walt Disney World trip package deal vivid and early on February 26 when bookings go stay. As with most Walt Disney World “drop days,” the telephone strains could be jammed and the web system will doubtless sluggish to a crawl at peak occasions, with Sew consuming the occasional web page right here and there.
Except you desire a very restricted room class or specialty suite (e.g. Nantucket or Steeplechase Suite), it’s in all probability not essential to combat the push and name or e-book straight away. No common room classes are going to promote out–not even for standard dates–the primary few days that reservations can be found. You possibly can name or browse the web site within the afternoon on February 27 and even March 1 and gained’t run into points or be caught ready on maintain for as lengthy. You’ll save your self some headache and frustration.
With that mentioned, the DisneyWorld.com web site and telephone strains haven’t actually had points with overwhelming demand for latest low cost releases. I used to be truly shocked by how nicely the drop day for Free Eating went, and that’s the preferred low cost of the yr. So maybe tomorrow morning gained’t be unhealthy–however I gained’t be on-line on the morning time to search out out.
Alternatively, it’s at all times a good suggestion to make use of a journey agent. We advocate requesting a quote from Be Our Guest Vacations, a no-fee Approved Disney Trip Planner, earlier than the reserving window opens to allow them to do the be just right for you. The brokers there’ll e-book your trip and assist take the stress out of planning.
Their companies don’t price further, they’ll reserve your room, enable you with eating reservations and itineraries, and apply one of the best reductions to your reservation as soon as they’re launched. That’s particularly precious if you happen to’re reserving a 2025 Walt Disney World trip package deal ASAP, as particular gives doubtless gained’t be out there for subsequent yr’s journey dates till late September or October (and that’ll solely be for the start of the yr–reductions are launched on a rolling foundation).
Utilizing an Approved Disney Trip Planner is the win-win possibility if you happen to’re overwhelmed by the complexities of Walt Disney World, don’t wish to do all the “homework” your self, or need somebody to watch your reservation so that you lower your expenses.
We additionally wouldn’t learn something into what hasn’t been introduced but. With the 2025 trip package deal launch, it’s as if Walt Disney World’s reservations middle needed to drum up enterprise and begin accepting new bookings. On condition that they’re being launched in February versus the traditional summer season months (2-3 months sooner than regular!), there’s rather a lot much less that’s presently set in stone for 2025.
Some vital adjustments would require cautious consideration and deliberation by varied groups of individuals. It’s doable that has not occurred but, or there isn’t consensus on timelines or specifics. In any case, there’s a level to which the discharge of 2025 Walt Disney World trip packages are a forward-looking sneak peek of the yr to return, and a level to which they’re a snapshot in time.
We point out this as a result of it’s exactly what has occurred for the final a number of years. Resorts that had not but reopened, ticket choices that hadn’t but returned, and water parks had been all handled equally with earlier trip package deal releases. All of these issues had been restored step by step, and have become out there to e-book following official bulletins of their return.
There’s an preliminary flurry of reports with the announcement of Walt Disney World trip packages, after which a sluggish trickle of further information and updates within the weeks and months that comply with, with all particulars sometimes launched by late September or early October–across the begin of the brand new fiscal yr. Final yr, the identical day that costs elevated, Walt Disney World introduced different constructive adjustments, such because the return of all-day Park Hopping.
We’d count on nothing completely different for 2025 Walt Disney World trip packages. Briefly, don’t deal with any of those trip package deal particulars as conclusive of the totality of what is going to and won’t be out there throughout 2025 at Walt Disney World. Heck, it’s not even indicative of what’s on the horizon for the rest of 2024. Mainly, the one factor they provide is a preview of what’ll be bookable tomorrow.
One closing factor that I discover fascinating about this announcement is the timing, which is as soon as once more taking place sooner than historic precedent. As we’ve mentioned elsewhere, Walt Disney World already has already launched over a dozen completely different reductions for 2024, which is greater than had been out there for everything of final yr.
Virtually all of those reductions have additionally been launched sooner than regular by historic requirements, and provide higher financial savings than their counterparts from the final two years. At this level, about the one factor that Walt Disney World has not launched early is dates and tickets for the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Celebration and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Celebration.
Disney doesn’t provide reductions out of generosity, and the timing of the releases shouldn’t be coincidental–it’s purposeful. Similar to we’re seeing extra offers (just like the return of Free Eating!) as a result of bookings are gentle, the identical can be in all probability true with the discharge of the 2025 Walt Disney World trip packages.
Releasing these sooner relatively than later captures trip reservations for 2025 and secures a dedication of future income. (It’s not a assure, however it’s higher than nothing.) It’s a savvy transfer amidst or forward of an anticipated journey slowdown, because it’d be a strategy to lock-in bookings earlier than shoppers begin decreasing their budgets and scaling again plans.
That’s just about all the commentary now we have in regards to the announcement of 2025 Walt Disney World trip packages. Even with all the above mentioned, our recommendation is to e-book Walt Disney World trip packages after they go on sale to lock-in ticket and part pricing as a safeguard towards the inevitable worth will increase. That’s very true if there’s a sure resort or room kind that’s vital to your journey.
Whereas we stay of the assumption that costs will drop due to the discharge of reductions, that’s not a positive factor. If there’s one factor we’ve discovered over the course of the final two years, it’s to count on the sudden. From a monetary perspective, it by no means hurts–solely helps–to get one thing locked in now. Plus, there’s the thrill and optimism of getting one thing to assist construct anticipation!
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Study resorts on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To economize on tickets or decide which kind to purchase, learn our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets submit. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips submit takes a singular have a look at intelligent objects to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, one of the best place to start out is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for every thing you want to know!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Will you be reserving a 2025 Walt Disney World trip package deal after they’re launched on February 27, 2024? Discover something fascinating about resort room or package deal costs? Something shock you? Pleased to have a free day at Blizzard Seaside or Hurricane Lagoon, or are you not a water park individual? Will you be reserving quickly, or taking a wait and see method? Do you agree or disagree with our assessments right here? Any questions we might help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even if you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!
