Blog

Walt Disney World has introduced 2025 trip packages and resort reservations information, together with a number of the add-ons that what is going to and gained’t be supplied subsequent yr. This put up presents dates and particulars about accommodations, tickets, and extra. Plus, commentary on all the adjustments, reserving subsequent yr’s packages, and extra.

Along with the small print 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 Record of “Massive Little” Issues Walt Disney World Must Convey Again. I respect the hassle, 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 massive “not again” issues out of the way in which on the outset. First up, and this could come as zero shock to anybody who’s paying consideration, however Walt Disney World just isn’t bringing again free FastPass. Given how properly Genie+ bought over spring break regardless of hitting its highest value ever–over double the fee on the similar time a yr in the past–it’s secure to imagine Lightning Lanes are right here to remain for at the least the subsequent couple of years.

Regardless of loads of wishful considering 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 imagine 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 via 2025. It’s our expectation that these are choices are the everlasting alternative for Additional Magic Hours.

These have their very own professionals & cons, from being solely obtainable to on-site friends to requiring individuals to stand up early or keep late. For those who’re unfamiliar with the ins and outs of every, be taught extra in our Information to Early Entry at Walt Disney World and Information to Prolonged Night Hours at Walt Disney World. Moreover, we’ve a couple of dozen or so “Additional Hours” Photograph Studies, with extra coming for Spring Break.

In a throwaway line that was simple to overlook, Walt Disney World additionally confirmed that the Low cost MagicBand Pre-Arrival Program will proceed. To our disappointment, that has mainly was 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 reasonably 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 was a slight ($5) upcharge and now could be a minimal $25 outlay per individual, as there are not any “low cost” MagicBand+ choices which are any cheaper.

Nonetheless, the shortage of change right here is price proactively addressing since Walt Disney World did retire complimentary MagicBands for friends reserving resort reservations with one current launch of trip packages. No less than as of proper now, there’s no indication that they’re retiring the low cost program–or scrapping MagicBands utterly–in order that’s a silver lining, of kinds!

Lastly and most significantly, Walt Disney World Resort resort friends arriving in 2025 can get pleasure from 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. It is 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 have to be on the reservation.

Walt Disney World’s water parks have one thing for everybody: massive thrills, lazy rivers, wave swimming pools, interactive play areas for youthful youngsters and even water slides the entire household can get pleasure from collectively. The enjoyable can begin on day one at a Disney water park whenever you keep in one of many on-site Walt Disney World accommodations.

Though tangential to the subject at hand, we assume which means, 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 similar time in Summer season 2024, however there is probably not 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 is likely to be questioning find out how to make the most of a free day within the water parks, and my recommendation can be arriving late. That a lot is kind 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 crimson 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 a substitute, goal 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 comparable dynamic to Animal Kingdom (too dangerous they’re not providing free arrival day tickets there!), which has a mass exodus in mid-afternoon. That leaves the tip 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 may arrive in road garments and alter into swimwear. Critically, it’s also possible to change again into regular apparel previous to leaving. From Blizzard Seaside, think about a go to to close by Animal Kingdom Lodge or Coronado Springs Resort for dinner. Sanaa, Jiko, Boma, Three Bridges, and Toledo are all wonderful eating places which are ceaselessly neglected. For those who’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 principally 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 prompt followers for Hurricane Lagoon and Blizzard Seaside.

I’ve gushed about it through the years, 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 properly, and is a thematic exemplar–top-of-the-line at Walt Disney World.

On the floor, Hurricane Lagoon looks as if a fairly “secure” idea for a water park. It’s tropical, laid again and is conducive to sitting on the seaside, swimming, and different water actions. However when you get past the seaside vibe, there may be wealthy theming all through Hurricane Lagoon, and the Imagineered tropical surroundings has the added components of a tropical resort and the large storm that decimated it layered on prime.

These themes are all properly conveyed via the small print of every water park, and each coalesce very well. Every little thing about Blizzard Seaside and Hurricane Lagoon is phenomenal, from the environment to the small print to its underutilized mascots, Lagoona Gator and Ice Gator. Because of this, Hurricane Lagoon and Blizzard Seaside each have nice senses of place, and it’s nice to only be there.

This is way and away the most important purpose why I feel 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 preserve 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 wished World Celebration at EPCOT to be (or nonetheless fake that it’s). Don’t let the truth that these are water parks discourage you—even for those who don’t care about water slides or anything, Hurricane Lagoon and Blizzard Seaside is a superb place to waste a morning…or an arrival afternoon…at Walt Disney World!

Turning again to issues not talked about, a shocking one is that there’s (nonetheless!) radio silence about pre-arrival Lightning Lane experience 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 will start January ninth together with all the different massive adjustments.

Actually, I feel it’s form 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, at the least 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 imagine it’ll be prepared within the subsequent couple of months at this level. Given how little continues to be recognized, it wouldn’t be shocking 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 Begin at Walt Disney World?

Just about all the things else can also be unknown about advance reserving of Lightning Lanes, together with what number of days previous to arrival friends will be capable to make experience reservations. Our guess is that it’ll be a a lot shorter timeframe than the previous FastPass+ system, however far sufficient upfront that individuals with weeklong journeys can ebook Lightning Lanes during their journeys forward of touring. It’s additionally unknown what the reservation limits shall be, however our guess is 3 to start out, and certain with a tier system for a number of the parks. In all probability, that is going to look quite a bit like FastPass+ however paid.

Every time it does change, it’s possible that advance reserving of Lightning Lanes will (once more) radically overhaul all the line-skipping system. We additionally wouldn’t be in the least shocked if Walt Disney World overhauls DAS once more, because it positive looks as if the DAS Abuse Crackdown from late final yr was merely a gap salvo.

With all of that out of the way in which, right here’s what we learn about 2025 Walt Disney World trip packages and room reservations: bookings shall be obtainable for theme park tickets, resort resort stays, and 2025 WDW packages starting February 27, 2024. Out there journey dates at the moment shall be January via October 2025.

Regular phrases and situations for ultimate funds, cancellations, and alter charges will apply for all 2025 Walt Disney World trip bundle bookings. Primarily, all the commonplace guidelines apply.

With that mentioned, there’s one change to Walt Disney World’s cancellation coverage: For 2025 arrivals, room solely reservations could be canceled with out penalty till 8 days previous to arrival.

Subsequent, a phrase of warning(ish) for these already itching to ebook a 2025 Walt Disney World trip bundle vibrant and early on February 26 when bookings go stay. As with most Walt Disney World “drop days,” the cellphone traces is likely to be jammed and the net system will possible gradual to a crawl at peak occasions, with Sew consuming the occasional web page right here and there.

Until you need a very restricted room class or specialty suite (e.g. Nantucket or Steeplechase Suite), it’s in all probability not essential to struggle the push and name or ebook immediately. No common room classes are going to promote out–not even for widespread dates–the primary few days that reservations can be found. You may 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 cellphone traces haven’t actually had points with overwhelming demand for current low cost releases. I used to be truly shocked by how properly the drop day for Free Eating went, and that’s the most well-liked low cost of the yr. So maybe tomorrow morning gained’t be dangerous–however I gained’t be on-line on the first light to search out out.

Alternatively, it’s all the time a good suggestion to make use of a journey agent. We suggest requesting a quote from Be Our Visitor Holidays, a no-fee Licensed Disney Trip Planner, earlier than the reserving window opens to allow them to do the give you the results you want. The brokers there’ll ebook your trip and assist take the stress out of planning.

Their providers don’t price further, they’ll reserve your room, make it easier to with eating reservations and itineraries, and apply the perfect reductions to your reservation as soon as they’re launched. That’s particularly worthwhile for those who’re reserving a 2025 Walt Disney World trip bundle ASAP, as particular presents possible gained’t be obtainable 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 Licensed Disney Trip Planner is the win-win choice for those who’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 bundle launch, it’s as if Walt Disney World’s reservations heart wished 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 quite a bit much less that’s presently set in stone for 2025.

Some important adjustments would require cautious consideration and deliberation by numerous groups of individuals. It’s attainable 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 come back, 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 bundle releases. All of these issues had been restored regularly, and have become obtainable to ebook following official bulletins of their return.

There’s an preliminary flurry of stories with the announcement of Walt Disney World trip packages, after which a gradual trickle of further information and updates within the weeks and months that comply with, with all particulars usually 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. In brief, don’t deal with any of those trip bundle particulars as conclusive of the totality of what is going to and won’t be obtainable during 2025 at Walt Disney World. Heck, it’s not even indicative of what’s on the horizon for the rest of 2024. Principally, the one factor they provide is a preview of what’ll be bookable tomorrow.

One ultimate factor that I discover attention-grabbing about this announcement is the timing, which is as soon as once more occurring 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 obtainable for the whole lot of final yr.

Nearly 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 Occasion and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Occasion.

Disney doesn’t provide reductions out of generosity, and the timing of the releases just isn’t coincidental–it’s purposeful. Identical to we’re seeing extra offers (just like the return of Free Eating!) as a result of bookings are smooth, the identical can also be in all probability true with the discharge of the 2025 Walt Disney World trip packages.

Releasing these sooner reasonably than later captures trip reservations for 2025 and secures a dedication of future income. (It’s not a assure, nevertheless it’s higher than nothing.) It’s a savvy transfer amidst or forward of an anticipated journey slowdown, because it’d be a method to lock-in bookings earlier than shoppers begin decreasing their budgets and scaling again plans.

That’s just about all the commentary we’ve in regards to the announcement of 2025 Walt Disney World trip packages. Even with all the above mentioned, our recommendation is to ebook Walt Disney World trip packages after they go on sale to lock-in ticket and part pricing as a safeguard towards the inevitable value will increase. That’s very true if there’s a sure resort or room kind that’s vital in your journey.

Whereas we stay of the idea that costs will drop because of 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? Find out about accommodations on our Walt Disney World Inns Critiques web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Critiques. To economize on tickets or decide which sort to purchase, learn our Suggestions for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets put up. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys put up takes a singular have a look at intelligent objects to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Trip Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the perfect place to start out is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for all the things you have to know!

YOUR THOUGHTS

Will you be reserving a 2025 Walt Disney World trip bundle after they’re launched on February 27, 2024? Discover something attention-grabbing about resort room or bundle costs? Something shock you? Glad 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 strategy? Do you agree or disagree with our assessments right here? Any questions we may also help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even whenever you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!