So, You’re Going To Visit Disney! Excited For 2024???
Yeah, I just got back from Disneyworld…again. Yes, I plan to visit Disney again in 2024. In the coming months, I’ve got both Disneyland and Disney World in my sights, while scouring the website for a (relatively) cheap Disney Cruise. Over the years, I’ve been to Disneyland and Disneyworld during every single month of the year. While my longer trips have mostly been relegated to the summer when school is out, I’ve made the absolute most of long weekends and Patti-extended weekends, so that I’ve had the chance to experience Disney in all its many forms.
And many crowds.
Now, you are considering doing a Disney trip. Whether it’s just you and another adult, a family with kids, or an extended three generation trip, I’ve been there (literally) and done that! Let’s talk about what choices I would make if time—and money—weren’t a factor.
Which Coast Are You Heading To?
A two-day Park Hopper ticket on either coast is frighteningly expensive. Whether you are going to visit Disneyland or Disney World in 2024, a two-day Park Hopper tips the scales at around $400.
Yeah…I said four hundred…dollars.
As you add days on either coast, the per-day cost drops, but the price still becomes exorbitant no matter how you slice it.
There is, however, one huge, decision-making factor you need to consider: The two parks at Disneyland in California can be done in two days. Disney World, with its four full-size theme parks, at least one water park plus miniature golf, is a week-long destination that can’t be done in double your two-day Park Hopper.
So that is your first decision: Which coast will I choose?
Best Times Overall
You’ve already made the most important decision, which is traveling to one of these two top-ten vacation destinations in the country. Now, let’s break it down a little more to help you make your decisions.
Whenever school is in session
The first consideration for you is whether or not you can avoid school-aged children. If you can go during the school year, you are immediately going to cut down on the crowds you will have to face.
When the weather is great
Both coasts have moderate weather patterns, making them great year-round destinations. Sure, you might get a cold snap in either place, but that would be the exception instead of the rule. During the summer, however, Florida is horrific with the humidity and the daily thunderstorms, making California the much better choice for that time of year.
Visit For The 2024 Holidays In Disney
There is no way I can overemphasize the sheer joy and pleasure in visiting the theme parks during a holiday. Whether your preferred holiday is Halloween, Christmas or Easter, the parks will be decorated in their finest—and so will the characters! In addition to the decorations, you will have holiday-specific events and treats, too.
Whenever you can get off
Here, Boo Boo, is the real answer: Go when you can. If the only time you can get off is during the summer, well, bring an umbrella. A tax accountant who can’t go January through April, well, December will be a great choice for you. No matter when you need to make the trip, the trip will absolutely be worth it.
Best Times For Adults
I’m fortunate enough to travel with adults—including my adult children—several times per year, which is why I can attest that Disney is not just for children! We have had fantastic trips without ever setting foot on a Dumbo elephant or waiting two hours to meet Anna and Elsa from Frozen. A few things to consider for your adults-only vacation:
Really try to go during school
I know I’m restating, but it’s worth it. If your trip will be entirely adult-centered, there is no logical reason for you to follow the school break schedule. Do your best to avoid any holidays celebrated in public schools, and you will have less kids in line, less strollers running over your toes, and a shorter line on the water slide.
Consider the festival schedule
Have you ever visited Disney during a food festival? There are only two in California, but Epcot in Florida has festivals throughout the year with different themes. A minimum of 15 separately themed food booths are opened around the theme park, with tapas-sized plates of food from different countries and celebrating different holidays are on offer. If you’re considering Florida, take a good look at the festival plans—it’s worth it.
How about a race weekend?
Stop laughing, Boo Boo! I know you can do at least a 5k within the 16-minute mile requirement! I’m not advocating anybody train all the way up to a marathon (Brian’s friend Roy is my exception to this rule!!! Go Roy!), but I have had incredibly great trips to both Disneyland and Disney World to run races from 5k through a half-marathon. There is a different energy to the parks during those weekends that you might love.
Hotels
Adults-only trip, right? The food isn’t the only thing you should upgrade, Boo Boo. Stay in a fancier hotel! Particularly if you’re splitting the bill, you might find that some of the Disney properties will come into your price range. There is nothing better for me and Bestie Boo than relaxing poolside after a long, fun day at the parks! Don’t forget the adult beverage, too!
What If You’re Stuck With The School Schedule?
Parents of school-age children aren’t the only ones tied to the school schedule, you know. So is everybody who is in education for a living, which makes it possible that traveling during school holidays might be your only option. Believe me…I feel your pain. Here are just a few things I’ve learned over the years that I will definitely use for my next visit to Disney in 2024:
Try to latch on to long weekends
If I’ve already got Thursday and Friday off for Veterans Day, it makes perfect sense to turn that into a Disney weekend! I won’t need additional time off, and I can still have a relaxing few nights. The same is true for extended holidays like before Christmas week, or a non-Easter Spring Break.
Go as soon as school ends
Did you know that schools in the northeast part of the country still go into the third week of June? Thank you, New Jersey, says the girl from Nevada whose school ends at Memorial Day Weekend! We will leave as soon as possible, avoiding many of the summer crowds that will descend on the theme parks.
Put up with the vacation crowds
Here is the real answer for those of us stuck with the school schedule: Just go with it. Yes, it will be more crowded, but armed with research from my site and several others (check my Resources section), you will have a few hints and tricks up your sleeve to make things better.
If You Are Determined To Go During The Busiest Times
Every so often, I think to myself that I really should see the July 4th fireworks display just once, or wake up on Christmas morning and head to the park for the actual Christmas parade in person. Those are definitely once in a lifetime trips that I will probably make one day. For now, though, I am relegated to summer crowds, the bump in attendance from long weekends, and Saturdays in Epcot during one of those fantastic festivals. Here’s how I do it:
Don’t make it your lifetime trip
I feel bad for anybody who takes a one-time only trip to Disney during the holiday weeks. It must be so frustrating to have such crowds and endless lines.
Pack some patience
The single best piece of advice I have for you is to pack as much patience as you possibly can. Be prepared for the delays in riding rides and getting food. Don’t expect to “do it all” on any given day, and be ready to pivot as necessary.
Do as much in advance as possible
You can, however, do some things in advance to minimize the impact of crowds! Make one or two table service reservations, so you will know that you can relax and enjoy a good meal without a long wait. Purchase the “Genie +” service they offer in all Disney parks to skip the lines on a few rides, too, so you can save that much time.
Expect long lines and delays
Expectations are extremely important during the holiday trips, so make sure yours are reasonable and legitimate. You won’t be alone on any of the rides or transportation options, so be ready. You might have to wait extra long for another boat to come, or to get on your favorite rides, so set your hopes in the right place to avoid frustration.
Don’t get hangry
Backpack snacks are among my favorite things about Disney trips, and I strongly encourage you to have a few things in your backpack in case you get stuck on a longer-than-expected line, or can’t get quick service at your favorite restaurant.
Prepare for erratic weather
That backpack should also include anything you might need for inclement weather. There is nothing worse than shivering through a theme park because you didn’t pack a jacket, or getting rain in your eyes because you forgot your hat. Use that backpack to make sure nothing forces you to leave the theme park early.
No matter what…
You’re at Disney, Boo Boo. Visit Disney in 2024 for your health. No matter how many of your closest friends and fellow humans are there with you, you aren’t at work, you aren’t at home, and you don’t have to cook or make the bed.
Enjoy every minute!
And, of course, make notes for your next trip! That’s what I do!
THANK YOU FOR READING THIS FAR!!!
Thank you for reading all about how to visit Disney in 2024!
Hey, since you’re here! You may as well check out some other tips, like how to rent a car, here, or visiting national parks, here! Or, check out our other topics here! Either way, I appreciate you!
Please leave a COMMENT about any tips you may have!! Or comment with YOUR story! Where’re your next trip going to be? Let me know!
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Resources
https://www.undercovertourist.com/blog/best-time-to-visit-disney-world/
https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-times-to-visit-walt-disney-world-6541270
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