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 put up gives dates and particulars about motels, 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 an alternative of restoring one thing that’s been lacking within the post-reopening period.
The commonality is that this new perk additionally most likely is in response to visitor suggestions and complaints, and Walt Disney World looking for methods to handle that. Personally, I want that the powers that be would’ve pulled from our Checklist of “Huge Little” Issues Walt Disney World Must Deliver Again. I recognize the hassle, however the 2025 adjustments (to date) 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 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 will not be bringing again free FastPass. Given how effectively Genie+ bought over spring break regardless of hitting its highest worth ever–over double the price on the identical time a yr in the past–it’s secure to imagine Lightning Lanes are right here to remain for a minimum of the following couple of years.
Regardless of a number 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 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 time 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 substitute for Further Magic Hours.
These have their very own execs & cons, from being solely accessible to on-site friends to requiring individuals to rise up early or keep late. When you’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 now have a few dozen or so “Further Hours” Picture 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 principally changed into 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 moderately simply persist 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 have been a lot cheaper. What began as a “free” MagicBand with a lodge keep changed into a slight ($5) upcharge and now’s a minimal $25 outlay per particular person, as there are not any “low cost” MagicBand+ choices which might be any cheaper.
However, the shortage of change right here is price proactively addressing since Walt Disney World did retire complimentary MagicBands for friends reserving lodge reservations with one latest launch of trip packages. A minimum of 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 kinds!
Lastly and most significantly, Walt Disney World Resort lodge friends arriving in 2025 can get pleasure from admission to one of many water parks, Disney’s Storm 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 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 children and even water slides the entire household can get pleasure from collectively. The enjoyable can begin on day one at a Disney water park once you keep in one of many on-site Walt Disney World motels.
Though tangential to the subject at hand, we assume which means, on the absolute newest, each Storm 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 time 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 must have each Blizzard Seaside and Storm Lagoon operational by subsequent spring to accommodate the added demand.
A few of you is likely to be questioning the right way to make the most of a free day within the water parks, and my recommendation could be arriving late. That a lot is type of a given because it’s arrival day and also you most likely gained’t be touchdown in Orlando at 6 a.m. until 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, intention 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 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 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 wonderful eating places which might be continuously neglected. When you’re doing Storm Lagoon, head to Disney Springs for dinner and dessert. Appears 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 on the spot followers for Storm 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 effectively, and is a thematic exemplar–top-of-the-line at Walt Disney World.
On the floor, Storm Lagoon looks like a reasonably “secure” 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 Storm Lagoon, and the Imagineered tropical atmosphere has the added parts of a tropical resort and the massive storm that decimated it layered on prime.
These themes are all effectively conveyed via the small print of every water park, and each coalesce rather well. All the things about Blizzard Seaside and Storm Lagoon is outstanding, from the environment to the small print to its underutilized mascots, Lagoona Gator and Ice Gator. Because of this, Storm Lagoon and Blizzard Seaside each have nice senses of place, and it’s nice to simply 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 preserve full thematic integrity so lengthy after opening. Whereas I like each, I give the sting to Storm 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 in case you don’t care about water slides or anything, Storm 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 experience reservations coming to Walt Disney World. This was initially introduced final yr when 2024 packages have been unveiled, and a few followers mistakenly believed it will start January ninth together with all the different huge adjustments.
Truthfully, I believe it’s form of absurd that Walt Disney World is now asserting 2025 packages and isn’t even mentioning Lightning Lane advance reserving. Even when the specifics aren’t ironed out or able to be shared, a minimum of say one thing. A easy “that is nonetheless coming, keep tuned for extra particulars by Summer time 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 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 time 2024. We focus on the ‘why’ of that in When Will Pre-Arrival Lightning Lanes Begin at Walt Disney World?
Just about every part 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 experience reservations. Our guess is that it’ll be a a lot shorter timeframe than the previous FastPass+ system, however far sufficient prematurely that individuals with weeklong journeys can guide Lightning Lanes at some stage in their journeys forward of touring. It’s additionally unknown what the reservation limits shall be, however our guess is 3 to start out, and sure with a tier system for a number of the parks. In all probability, that is going to look lots like FastPass+ however paid.
Each time it does change, it’s possible that advance reserving of Lightning Lanes will (once more) radically overhaul your entire line-skipping system. We additionally wouldn’t be in the least stunned 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 way in which, right here’s what we learn about 2025 Walt Disney World trip packages and room reservations: bookings shall be accessible for theme park tickets, resort lodge stays, and 2025 WDW packages starting February 27, 2024. Obtainable journey dates at the moment shall be January via October 2025.
Regular phrases and situations for last funds, cancellations, and alter charges will apply for all 2025 Walt Disney World trip package deal bookings. Basically, all the customary guidelines apply.
With that stated, there’s one change to Walt Disney World’s cancellation coverage: For 2025 arrivals, room solely reservations will be canceled with out penalty till 8 days previous to arrival.
Subsequent, a phrase of warning(ish) for these already itching to guide a 2025 Walt Disney World trip package deal 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 web system will possible gradual to a crawl at peak instances, with Sew consuming the occasional web page right here and there.
Until you desire a very restricted room class or specialty suite (e.g. Nantucket or Steeplechase Suite), it’s most likely not essential to struggle the push and name or guide immediately. No common room classes are going to promote out–not even for common 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 stated, the DisneyWorld.com web site and cellphone traces haven’t actually had points with overwhelming demand for latest low cost releases. I used to be truly stunned by how effectively 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 daybreak to search out out.
Alternatively, it’s at all times 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 guide your trip and assist take the stress out of planning.
Their providers don’t value additional, they’ll reserve your room, provide help to with eating reservations and itineraries, and apply one of the best reductions to your reservation as soon as they’re launched. That’s particularly useful in case you’re reserving a 2025 Walt Disney World trip package deal ASAP, as particular gives possible gained’t be accessible 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 in case you’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. Provided that they’re being launched in February versus the conventional summer season months (2-3 months sooner than regular!), there’s lots much less that’s at present set in stone for 2025.
Some vital adjustments would require cautious consideration and deliberation by numerous groups of individuals. It’s potential 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 have been all handled equally with earlier trip package deal releases. All of these issues have been restored regularly, and have become accessible to guide 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 gradual trickle of extra 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 optimistic adjustments, such because the return of all-day Park Hopping.
We’d anticipate 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’s going to and won’t be accessible at some stage in 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 last 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 have been accessible for the whole lot 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 will not be coincidental–it’s purposeful. Identical to we’re seeing extra offers (just like the return of Free Eating!) as a result of bookings are comfortable, the identical can be most likely true with the discharge of the 2025 Walt Disney World trip packages.
Releasing these sooner moderately 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 solution to lock-in bookings earlier than customers begin lowering their budgets and scaling again plans.
That’s just about all the commentary we now have concerning the announcement of 2025 Walt Disney World trip packages. Even with all the above stated, our recommendation is to guide Walt Disney World trip packages after they go on sale to lock-in ticket and element pricing as a safeguard towards the inevitable worth will increase. That’s very true if there’s a sure lodge or room kind that’s a must have on 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 anticipate the surprising. From a monetary perspective, it by no means hurts–solely helps–to get one thing locked in now. Plus, there’s the joy and optimism of getting one thing to assist construct anticipation!
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Study motels on our Walt Disney World Resorts Critiques web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Critiques. To save cash 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 gadgets to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Journey Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, one of the best place to start out is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for every part it’s good 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 lodge room or package deal costs? Something shock you? Completely happy to have a free day at Blizzard Seaside or Storm Lagoon, or are you not a water park particular person? 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 can assist you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even once you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!
