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Planning a Disney World Vacation in 2025

P lanning a Disney World Vacation in 2025? Heading to Disney World in 2025 means new experiences, rides, restaurants and more. It also means finished projects like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and a slew of updates across the parks and resorts. Add in special new perks, like Free Water Park admission on Check-in Day for Disney Resort guests, and fewer crowds, due to the opening of Universal Studios EPIC Universe, and a Disney World Vacation in 2025 may be just what you’re looking for. Here’s everything you need to know when planning a 2025 Disney World vacation.

• Walt Disney World Events Calendar 2025
• runDisney Races and Events in 2025

Disney World Changes in 2025

2025 brings several changes anticipated changes  at Walt Disney World that may, or may not  affect your vacation. We’re tracking them here, so you can keep an eye on what’s happening.

• Free Water Park admission on Check-in Day is available for Disney Resort Guests
• Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts are CLOSED from January- June 2025.
• Zootopia Show debuts in the Tree of Life Theater, replacing A Bugs Life.
• 2025 Disney World Bounceback Discounts

Disney World Trip Planning Basics

Planning a Disney Vacation typically involves a lot of steps. As such, consider this your checklist for a Disney World Vacation in 2025. And if you go through this post, answering all the questions, you’ll have a complete Disney Vacation planned in no time. Getting some basic questions out of the way first will help nail down your Disney Vacation Planning for 2025 . And we’ll share some details along the way so you can make the best choices as you tackle this vacation planning project.

To make things easy, get a handle on the main questions involved in planning a Disney World trip. Only you can answer these, and they will make planning your Disney World Vacation in 2024, enjoyable rather than overwhelming.

• How many people are in your travel party?
• How will you get there?
• When do you want to visit?
• How long will you stay?

Where do you want to stay?

How many days will you be in the parks, what is your disney budget, who is included in your travel party.

How many people are going with you on this vacation? Is this a Disney adult trip or a family trip? Will you have pets that need boarding during your stay? Think of things ahead of time. It will be important that each person in your party has a My Disney Experience account. Before you do anything else, take some time to get these set up if you have not already!

How will you Get There?

Will you be driving or flying to Disney? Perhaps you are considering taking the train? We sometimes recommend driving to Disney , simply for convenience and safety. If flying you will need to consider airlines, the cost for each person, and additional transportation once you arrive in Orlando. Keep in mind that there are new ways to get from Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World that will cost you.

When do you want to Visit?

Choosing the right time to take a Disney World Vacation in 2024 can make or break your vacation. Take a look at our Disney Calendar of Events to get a handle on the holidays and events that may be happening during your stay. Things like runDisney marathons, festivals, and holiday weekends can all interfere with the best-laid plans. So, as you’re figuring out work and school schedules, compare them against the calendar to see what may conflict with or support your Disney Vacation. Be sure to check out the Best Time to Visit Walt Disney World post. And if you’re hoping to be in the parks during a certain festival, party, or holiday, take a look at our Y ear of Walt Disney World Events to get a glimpse of happenings each month. And if you haven’t nailed down a month yet, check out what you can do each season at Disney World.

• Spring at Disney World March-May
• Summer at Disney World June- July
• Fall at Disney World August- November
• Halloween at Disney World
• Christmas at Disney World
• Winter at Disney World December- February

How Long Will You Stay?

We always recommend staying on vacation as long as possible. Obviously. But since everyone has a “real life” to get back be sure to check out our post on How Many Days Should You Stay at Disney . This will give you a good idea of what you can fit into your vacation without feeling rushed. And give you some insight into what you may want to skip if you need a shorter vacation. The sweet spot tends to be between 7-12 days to help you really make the most of your vacation.

Choosing a Disney Resort or a Hotel Near Disney World is one of the most important parts of your trip, and will make or break the magic when it comes to having a good Disney Vacation. We talk more about Disney Resort options late in the post. But here are some things to consider. Will you want a resort within walking distance of certain Disney parks? Do you plan to have a car at Disney World and drive to the parks each day? Are you staying at any late night events  in the parks, like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party , that may warrant a resort that easy to get back to late at night. Are you planning to take breaks at the resort throughout the day, to stay out of the heat and crowds? Figuring out your ideal day at Disney World, can help you choose the best resort for your trip.

One of the best ways to save money on a Disney trip is to have fewer park tickets. This not only saves money, but also sanity, as every Disney trip is typically a mad rush to the rides, restaurants and shows. As such we typically recommend skipping the parks on your first day at Disney World , and your last day at Disney World . As both of these days are travel days, you may not be able to justify the cost of a park ticket, on a day when you can’t spend the full day in the parks, or are jet lagged from the trip.

How Much Does a Disney World Vacation Cost ? To be clear, it doesn’t matter what amount you set for your Disney Budget. If it’s lower, then you can simply plan to stay at the cheaper Disney Resorts. While having more money allotted to your Disney Budget is helpful, and offers you tons of flexibility, we’ve done Disney World for 5 days on a $1500 budget, with 3 people in the past, and so can you. Things like traveling during the cheapest times of year, choosing the cheaper rooms, and finding Disney hotel deals with a third party , are all things you can do to save you money at Disney World. Choose an amount that works for you, and you can calculate the prices of things as you work through this planning checklist.

Planning Your 2025 Disney World Trip

It’s true that with all the vacation considerations like transportation, resorts, and when to visit planning a Disney Vacation may begin to feel a little more like work than the magical experience you looked forward to. No worries. We have you covered. If you’re looking, we have a free 12-Step Disney Planning Guide for getting your Disney Vacation planned and booked. And if you’re not ready to do this on your own, be sure to work with a Disney Travel Agent.

Disney World 2025 Planning Checklist

Planning a Disney Vacation typically involves a lot of steps. As such, consider this your checklist for a Disney World Vacation in 2025. And if you go through this post, answering all the questions, you’ll have a complete Disney Vacation planned in no time.

• Set up a My Disney Experience Account on the Disney Website
• Choose How to Get There ( Fly/ Drive)
• Choose Where to Stay ( Pick Your Resort)
• Buy Your Tickets or Vacation Package
• Get Your MagicBands
• Book Your Transportation
• Build Your Disney Itinerary
• Book Dining Reservations
• Add Special Event Tickets
• Decide What to Pack

Get a Disney MagicBand+

In order to make the most of everything Disney Parks has to offer, then having a Disney MagicBand+ is necessary. It can open your resort room, scan you into your lightning lane rides, interact with the Golden Statues in the parks, and more.  You can buy these ahead of time at Disneystore.com, in the parks, and at a discounted rate when purchasing a Disney Vacation package.

Add the My Disney Experience App to your Phone

In addition to a MagicBand+ its important to download the My Disney Experience App on your phone. Once signed into your Disney account on this app you can access your park tickets, resort reservations, dining reservations, mobile order, and choose your Lightning Lane Passes. Check out everything you can do on the My Disney Experience App. This will be your most helpful planning tool for your vacation.

Vacation Planning Printables

If you want to see your vacation in print, so you can organize every day of your trip, we recommend grabbing one of our Vacation Planning Printables from the shop. Featuring fill in planning sheets so that you can plan your Disney Day Itinerary, Disney World Ride and Restaurant Lists and lined sheets so that you can organize your packing list, these are invaluable at making planning a Disney World Vacation in 2024 easier.

Disney Resorts in 2025

With over 25 resorts at Walt Disney World, at a variety of price levels, there are many places to stay on property at Walt Disney World. Are you looking for something fun that feels like Disney, as an All-Star Resort? Or something more relaxed and island-like like Caribbean Beach Resort ? Perhaps you want glamourous accommodations at the Grand Floridian or animal viewing from your room at Animal Kingdom Lodge ? Maybe you’re hoping for tons of ease and convenience and want a resort within walking distance of Hollywood Studios Park and EPCOT. Maybe check out the Boardwalk Inn ? Think about which resort will make your Disney Vacation feel special.

Choose Your Disney Resort Based on Cost

• Disney Value Resorts : Bus transportation. Pop Century and Art of Animation also have Skyliner transportation.
• Disney Moderate Resorts: Bus Transportation. Caribbean Beach Resort also has Skyliner transportation.
• Disney Deluxe Resorts. Bus transportation. Some offer monorail, ferry, and Skyliner transportation.

Choose Your Disney Resort Based on Transportation

• Disney Boardwalk Resorts : Within walking distance of EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
• Disney Monorail Resorts: Within walking distance of Magic Kingdom.
• Disney Ferry Boat Resorts : Ferry boat resorts are located near EPCOT and Magic Kingdom
• Disney Skyliner Resorts: Includes Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

Staying on Disney Property Disney Resort Perks

If you’re going back and forth on whether to stay on-site or off-site at Walt Disney World, the Perks of Staying on Property at Walt Disney World over the last few years have changed. Currently, Disney Resorts Perks for Guests Include

• Early theme-park entry. Allowing entry into the parks 30 minutes before park opening.
• Discounted MagicBands upon checkout.
• Able to book Lightning Lane Multi-Pass  7 Days in Advance of Trip
• Chance to add the Disney Dining Plan to your package.
• FREE Water Park admission on Check-In Day.
• Extended Evening Theme Park Hours for Deluxe Resort Guests
• Early booking for Special Events, like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
• Additional Virtual Queue Boarding Pass access for Disney Deluxe Resort Guests
• Free Disney Theme Park Parking

Stay at a Disney Value Resort if…

If you’re visiting Walt Disney World during less busy times of the year, like early January, February, and September ( and all the other lower crowd times at Disney World ), then you’re safe to stay at a Value Resort and save some money. We highly recommend Pop Century Resort as it’s one of the best and is now also on the Disney Skyliner line. A word of warning though, during busy times of the year and through the summer months, value resorts are filled to the brim with school groups, spring breakers, and international groups and can be very noisy and busy. Read our Disney Value Resort Reviews. 

Stay at a Disney Moderate or Deluxe Resort if…

If you’re ready to graduate from Value Resorts to Moderate Resorts, we definitely have our favorite Disney Moderate Resorts to consider. But, Walt Disney World during the busiest times of year is best spent in the more expensive resorts. Disheartening yes, but sleep is important. While many clubs, groups, squads, etc. will all pile themselves into the cheapest resorts possible during the busy times of the year if you’re just hoping for a nice vacation spring for the higher-end resorts. They are less affected by the crowds. So at least while the parks may be crowded, your resort experience can be relaxing. We like the Boardwalk Inn best for its easy access to the parks and quiet relaxing atmosphere. Read our Disney Deluxe Resort Reviews.

Early Theme Park Entry for Disney Resort Guests

Available to Disney Resort Guests, Early Theme Park Entry is a perk that allows guests to enter the parks 30 minutes before the official park opening time. Early Theme Park Entry Crowds will still be high. So, we recommend getting to the gates at least 30-60 minutes before your early theme park entry time if you’re hoping to rope-drop popular rides like Rise of the Resistance or Flight of Passage. 

Extended Evening Theme Park Hours

For Disney Deluxe Resort Guests, extended theme park hours are available for a couple of hours after regular park closing. At Magic Kingdom Park this means guests can typically stay from 11 pm to 1 am. At EPCOT guests can stay from 9 pm to 11 pm. Neither Animal Kingdom nor Hollywood Studios are currently included in this benefit. Be sure to check the Extended Evening Theme Park Hours Schedule.

Disney Tickets and Vacation Packages in 2025

When choosing your Disney World Tickets as part of your vacation package there are a couple of things to consider that may help you save money, or help you save time. Here are some things to consider for your Disney World Vacation in 2025.

Will you Want to be in the Parks Every Day of your Vacation?

If you’re looking to save some money at Disney consider exploring the parts of Walt Disney World that don’t include a park day. We love taking time to meander through the Fort Wilderness Campgrounds and stop by Wilderness Lodge for a coffee. Planning a Disney Monorail Resort day or Disney Boardwalk Resort day are also things we like to do regularly. Heading to Disney Springs and boating over for beignets at Port Orleans French Quarter gives you an insider’s look at all things Walt Disney World and can really make your trip feel more than just a checklist. Choosing this route for a typical 8-day vacation could easily have only 5 tickets allowing you a few days to be outside of the parks. Consider your Disney Arrival Day and Disney Departure Day as free days, without tickets, to just explore.

• Magic Kingdom Checklist
• Animal Kingdom Checklist
• Epcot Checklist
• Hollywood Studios Checklist

What To Do At Walt Disney World Without a Park Ticket?

When planning a Disney Vacation it’s important to build in times that don’t mean racing around the park all day. As such we love skipping the parks on  Arrival Day and Departure Day . This means we can take time to do things that don’t require a park ticket. From Mini Golf to Walking Paths, we’ve rounded up some fun ways to just take it easy on vacation. Check out our Walt Disney World Without a Park Ticket post for some ideas to help you save money and have fun, without the crowds.

Are you Adding a Park Hopper Ticket?

Do you need to be in more than one park per day? The Walt Disney World Park Hopper Ticket is an extra add-on ticket per length of your stay, so can get very pricey as an extra perk if you have several people in your travel party. The Park Hopper Ticket allows you access to more than one park per day and is an added convenience. As Walt Disney World is made up of 4 parks, this could allow you to spend your morning at Magic Kingdom and your evening at Hollywood Studios. We usually skip purchasing this ticket and plan for one park per day. There is so much to do in each Disney Park that it feels inopportune to leave halfway through the day. However, if you’re trying for a short Disney trip and will not get all the parks in during your vacation, then this may be a ticket you consider. Be sure to keep in mind the travel time between parks, if you’re on a schedule. As Disney transportation is complimentary, it is something to streamline if you’re hoping to Save Time at Disney World. 

Are you Adding a Water Park and Sports Ticket?

Walt Disney World has 2 water parks; Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. They are open year-round. If you are traveling during the extremely hot and humid summer months of Florida, then a Disney Water Park ticket added for each person in your travel party may be a good idea. Just like any Disney park you can go and stay all day. If you are traveling in the Dec- February months, however, it does get a little chilly in Florida and a water park ticket may not be needed. The Sports portion of this ticket also allows you access to the golf courses and is a great way to get a little bit of variety if you’re looking for a more complete leisurely vacation. The sports complex ticket gets you access to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course, Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course , and Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course.

Are you Adding Event and Party Tickets to your Vacation?

While the EPCOT festivals are FREE and included with your park tickets for the day, other events like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party  or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are extra. For events like these, since special event tickets can often be as expensive as regular Disney tickets, we recommend skipping your day park ticket on the day of your special event. This will save you some money and allow you time to explore Disney Resorts, Boardwalk, or Disney Springs. Here are some additional events to consider adding to your Disney World Vacation in 2025.

• Mickey’s Not so Scary Halloween Party: Magic Kingdom, mid-August- October.
• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: Magic Kingdom, late November- December.
• Disney After Hours: Select Parks, intermittently throughout the year.
• Fireworks Dessert Party : select parks, intermittently offered throughout the year.

Are you Adding a Walt Disney World Tour to your Vacation?

Another way to make your Disney World Vacation in 2025 extra special is by adding a Tour. We most like the little tours that don’t take a ton of time, but still give you a behind-the-scenes look at Disney World, in all its glory. Tours can range from tens of dollars to hundreds of dollars per person. So be sure to do your homework if you’re thinking of adding a Disney World Tour to your trip. Here are a few of our favorites.

• Behind the Seeds Tour EPCOT 
• Wild Africa Trek Tour Animal Kingdom

Disney Dining in 2025

One of the biggest expenses of a Disney Vacation in 2025 is food. Whether it’s the $10 breakfast and coffee, the $15 lunch, or the $40 dinner, something will catch you off guard when it comes to the cost of food. Disney snacks alone can be close to 8 dollars each, and you have to consider that’s just for 1 person. Check out our Disney Dining Budget post for details on how to budget your Disney food expenses. We typically say plan for between 70-100 dollars per person per day. But of course, check out the dining budget post for alternative things like packing meals or sticking with only Disney quick-service meals . Be sure to check out the Best Disney Restaurants on a Budget and all of our Disney Restaurant Reviews for ideas on what to book and where to eat, and how much it will all cost. If you’re interested in pre paying for your food at Disney World, you can grab the Disney Dining Plan ! This doesn’t tend to be any cheaper, unless you get the Free Disney Dining Plan , but is a great way to help make your vacation feel more all-inclusive. Since the dining plan allows you meal allotments it makes it easier to budget ahead of time your food costs.

Dining Reservation Timeline

The Disney Dining Reservation window for guests is 60 days before the first day of their vacation. We recommend reserving the most popular restaurants as soon as the window opens. As dining reservations are increasingly difficult to obtain during the busiest times of the year. Check out all of our Disney Restaurant Reviews to see which ones you want to add to your vacation.

Disney World Rides in 2025

While you ay not be able to book any of your Disney rides ahead of time, there are a few things to know before you go. First, Rides at Disney are Free to Ride, when you choose to use the Standby Line. If you’re hoping to skip the line that is available via the Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane service. Rides Strategies in 2025 include aiming for popular rides at meal times, and during parades, arriving early, or staying late, and making a plan of which rides in each park are on your must-do list. This can help you keep an eye on high priority ride wait times in the My Disney Experience App throughout the day.

Disney Lightning Lane Multi-Pass and Single Pass

Disney’s newest planning tool, Lightning Lane Multi-Pass can be found within the My Disney Experience App and allows guests to have everything about their vacation at their fingertips. Complete with AI features that prompt you towards potential rides, shows, and other opportunities based on your favorite experiences. The Disney Genie Service is free. But the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass and Single Pass version has a variable cost per person, per day. Typically between $15-$30 dollars per person per day. Though depending on demand and time of year, this can go as high as $35. The Lightning Lane Multi Pass allows Disney Resort Guests to choose an initial 2 lightning lane passes per day. These can be scheduled up to 7 days in advance of your trip arrival date. Non-resort guests can schedule up to 3 days in advance. Note that each member of your family will need to have a My Disney Experience Account and the Lightning Lane Multi-Pass service purchased on each account to take advantage of group scheduling for rides. Select rides are also available for individual Lightning Lane purchases. Read more about  Lightning Lane Multi-Pass.

Disney World Vacation Transportation in 2025

It’s easy to use Disney Complimentary Transportation during your stay. Every Resort offers Disney Bus, and select resorts offer boat transportation, the monorail train, walking paths and the Disney Skyilner as other options to get to and from the parks and Disney Springs. This is one of our favorite ways to stay in the Disney bubble on vacation.

Figure out Your Transportation to and from Orlando International Airport

You are on your own in regard to transportation to and from the airport to Walt Disney World. Of course, if you are driving to Walt Disney World then you can skip this step. If not be prepared to factor in transportation costs as needed. Whether that be a rental car or Uber, or Mears Connect, if you’re not driving to Disney, add this to your planning.

Should you Rent a Car for your Disney Vacation in 2025?

We’ve talked about the pros and cons of Driving to Walt Disney World before, and still stand by those realities. Flexibility is key, and since all guests will have to figure out transportation to and from the Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World, do what is best for you. If you are driving be sure to take note of   Disney Parking Fees .

Disney Complimentary Transportation

One of the perks of staying on property at Disney World is access to the complimentary Disney transportation. Depending on your resort you can get access to transportation to and from the parks, and Disney Springs by a variety of methods. Buses, the Disney Skyliner, Boats and the Monorail are all part of the complimentary transportation at Disney World to help get you to and from the resorts to the parks throughout your stay.

Disney World Vacation Cost 2025

Just like everything Disney Vacations are getting more expensive. With a price hike at least once a year, it’s best to local in lower prices now and adjust your vacation later. The next price hike for Disney World comes in October 2024. That said, here are a few things to help you get the most value for your Disney World Vacation in 2025.

What is your Maximum Disney Budget?

A big thing to consider is your overall Disney Budget. Whether you are going into your planning with a maximum number you can’t go over OR just a general idea of costs you can stomach here are a couple of things to know.

• The longer you stay at Disney, the cheaper per-day ticket prices become.
• There are three levels of Disney Resorts when it comes to pricing.
• There are deals all year long that may work for you on Disney’s Special Offers page .
• Certain times of year are much cheaper. Check out the Most Expensive and Least Expensive Times to Visit Walt Disney World.
• Consider a Disney Food Budget as part of your expenses, as this cost can be close to 100 dollars a day per person, depending on the type of dining you choose.
• Discounts and special offers can be applied to an existing reservation.
• You will not Save Money on your Disney Vacation by waiting to book. Booking as early as you can lock in lower prices and gives you time to take advantage of deals that pop up along the way.
• Work with a Disney Travel Agent for Free to make the most of your budget.

Disney World 2025 Bounceback Offer

If you’re staying at at a Disney Resort in 2024, then you have the chance to take advantage of the Disney Bounceback Offer . Available Select Dates in 2025, you can received scaled discounts depending on where you stay for arrival during any of these dates.

Booking Your 2025 Disney World Trip

If you’re looking at this list and wondering where to start, grab our printable Disney Deluxe Planner for a fill-in template that will get all your thoughts and ideas in one place. You can also bring all these questions to a Disney travel agent to get help with your vacation planning.

How do You Book a Disney Vacation?

Once you have gone through the entire planning process you are ready to book. You can do this quite easily by visiting the Walt Disney World website , putting in your dates, selecting your resort, and choosing your tickets.

• Disney Worl d Packages (Resort Room + Tickets) : A $200 dollar deposit is required to hold your vacation. The remaining balance is due 30 days before check-in. You can add the Dining Plan (when available). You are able to add Memory Maker. Your Disney Vacation can be canceled and refunded up to 30 days before your trip. Magical extras are included.
• Disney World Room Only : The deposit is your first night’s resort rate at the time of booking. The remaining balance is due at check-in. No dining plan is offered at checkout. Tickets purchased separately cannot be refunded, though the date of the tickets can be changed. No magical extras.

Can I book A Disney Vacation Now?

YES! 2025 Disney Vacation Packages are available now. Check out our Disney Timeline for all the details. In general, a Disney Resort room can be booked about 16 months in advance and Disney Packages for each year are usually released the previous summer. If you’re planning a Disney World Vacation in 2025, you can book it now.

What’s included in a Disney Vacation Package?

A Disney Vacation Package includes your hotel stay, your park tickets and your magical extras , which includes things like discounts on surrey bike rentals, Splitsville Lanes and free Miniature Golf Tickets . Magical Extras are only available if you stay at a Disney Resort. Staying at a Disney Resort also gets you perks like Early theme Park Entry, complimentary transportation, and the ability to purchase Lightning Lane Multi-Pass passes up to 7 days in advance of your trip.

Disney World Cancellation and Change Policies

Be aware of Walt Disney World’s cancellation policies. If you cancel less than 30 days before your trip there is a fee of $200. If you cancel less than 6 days before your trip the fee is the first full night’s room rate. You can change the date of your vacation up to 30 days before your vacation. Check out the Disney World website for all of Disney’s Cancellation policies.

Disney World Vacation Tips 2025

Planning a Disney World Vacation in 2025 should be easy. And a great year to visit. However, be aware that certain things always make vacations to Disney easier. Here are some of our best Disney Tips for an easy vacation.

Book Your Vacation Early

We share this with the knowledge that travel is at an all-time high, and if you are competing with just about everyone for rooms, rides, food, and space.  So, if you’re hoping for a Disney Vacation in 2025 and beyond book as early as you can! You can always adjust days, or add special offers along the way without any fees up to 30 days before your vacation, just by calling Disney.

If Flying, Book Your Flight Early

Airline fuel is expensive. As such, airline travel is getting more and more expensive! That said, just like hotel and car rental, if you are flying to Disney, be sure to book it as far out as you can. Try to select arrival dates of Tuesday or Wednesday- which are generally the cheapest flying days. At the latest, try to book your airline travel at least 45 days before your vacation mark for the best price. If you’re looking to avoid bag costs, try Southwest. If you’re looking for non-stop flights, we recommend Spirit. And if you’re anywhere near a Jet Blue hub, that’s the airline to choose.

Try a Travel Agent

Don’t be afraid to use a Disney Travel Agent if it all starts to feel overwhelming. Trust us, we get it. You’re trying to run your life but really need a vacation, the last thing you have time to do is plan a vacation. Especially with the changes at Walt Disney World including new transportation options, park hopper rules, and crowd levels. There are more things now than before to consider when planning a Disney World Vacation in 2025. With many things changing regularly, it is good to have a travel agent on hand to help.

Visit During Low Crowd Times

A Disney Vacation in 2025 should see average crowds. But beware of summer when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens. You can expect high crowd levels through the summer and into fall as a result of this new attraction. Check out our Best Days to Visit the Disney Parks for a monthly breakdown of what is happening throughout the year.

Disney Anniversaries in 2025

Just like every other year, Disney Parks honor a variety of Disney anniversaries by sharing new Disney Dooney and Bourke Bags , New Snacks, New Merchandise, and more. Here are all the Disney Anniversaries happening that may be part of your Disney World Vacation in 2024.

• January 15: Space Mountain 50th Anniversary
• April 1: Disney’s Blizzard Beach 30th Anniversary

Film Anniversaries

• February 15: Cinderella 75th Anniversary
• June 19: Inside Out 10th Anniversary
• June 22: Lady and the Tramp 70th Anniversary
• June 23: Pocahontas 30th Anniversary
• July 24: The Black Cauldron 40th Anniversary
• November 13: Fantasia 85th Anniversary
• November 22: Toy Story 30th Anniversary
• November 24: Tangled 15th Anniversary
• December 10: Emperor’s New Groove 25th Anniversary
• December 24, 2025: The Aristocats 55th Anniversary

What’s New at Disney World in 2025?

In addition to new rides, restaurants, and upgraded resorts, you can also find New Disney World Snacks , new merchandise, and shows. While we won’t know for sure, all the things that are coming to Disney World in 2025, we’ll be sure to update this post with news from the D23 EXPO as soon as it’s announced.

Free Water Park Ticket on Arrival Day for Disney Resort Guests

One of the biggest perks for Disney Resort guests starting in 2025, are free water park tickets on your arrival day. While which water park you can visit will depending on which one is open, Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach, this is a FREE TICKET you can use on your first day at Disney World , and a great perk for families who were planning to head to the lazy river anyway.

EPCOT Festivals in 2025

2025 brings a whole new series of International Festivals at EPCOT. So if you’re planning an EPCOT Festival Vacation you’re in luck, because they run throughout the year, featuring different themes, foods, performances and more.

Festival of the Arts |January 10  – February 17, 2025 TENTATIVE 

This art festival features artists displaying Disney-inspired artwork across the park. Festival of the Arts also includes beautiful foods,  a community mural that you can help paint, chalk artwork on the sidewalks, and photo ops with great masterpieces across the park.

• Festival of the Arts Menus
• Disney on Broadway: Festival of the Arts includes the Disney on Broadway Series , which showcases performers from Disney Broadway shows.
• Colorful Cuisine: At this art festival you can tackle the Wonderful World of Colorful Cuisine featuring dishes at select outdoor kitchens, aligned to a color on the paint palette.
• Figment’s Brush with the Masters: Featuring works of art, this game has you on the hunt for Figment hiding in each important painting around the park. The Figment’s Brush with the Master’s Game includes stickers and a prize once you complete the game.

Flower and Garden Festival | February 26- May 26 2025 TENTATIVE 

This garden-focused festival gives you the chance to see your favorite Disney characters sculpted in topiaries. Everything from Bambi to the Beast is included in the Flower and Garden Festival . You can also visit the learning gardens, the Butterfly House, and try tons of foods featuring fresh flavors.

• Flower and Garden Festival Menus
• Garden Rocks Series : The Flower and Garden Festival hosts the Garden Rocks Series , featuring performers of old-school bands.
• Garden Graze:  This spring festival at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT Park features fresh foods in the Garden Graze foodie challenge.  With farm-to-table options, veggies galore, and fruit-filled treats, this challenge serves up a specialty dole whip as a prize.
• Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration: Honoring the honeybee, the Spike the Bee’s Pollen-Nation Exploration Game highlights pollinator flowers in each country, and area in Epcot. Find each one, add a sticker to the board and collect your prize.

Food and Wine Festival | August 28– November 22, 2025 TENTATIVE

This festival is all about food and wine. Specialty foods and beverages show up at each booth across the park and are meant to be savored. With more food booths than any other festival, this one gives you plenty to choose from.

• Food and Wine Festival Menus
• Eat to the Beat Concert Series: At Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival, there is the Eat to the Beat Concert Series which goes a bit higher level with bands like Boyz to Men and Plain White T’s.
• Fromage Montage: You can collect stamps for Emile’s Fromage Montage featuring cheese dishes across multiple kitchens.
• Remy’s Hide and Squeak Game:  The game at the Food and Wine Festival is Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak Game, featuring our favorite rat, Remy! This game gets you familiar with an important culinary ingredient in each country, and includes stickers and usually a food-related prize at the end of the game.

Festival of Holidays | November 28- December 25, 2025 TENTATIVE

Honoring the holidays around the world, the Festival of Holidays  showcases traditions in each culture. Food Kitchens offer holiday foods from each region and festive drinks. Some World Showcase countries even feature a Holiday Storyteller to tell each country’s story.

• Festival of Holidays Menus
• Candlelight Processional: At the Festival of Holidays, you can find the Candlelight Processional which is a Christmas Choral Music concert, highlighting the retelling of the Nativity Story by a celebrity speaker.
• Cookie Stroll: Finally, if you’re up for Christmas Cookies you can collect them on the Festival of Holidays Cookie Stroll . This challenge includes festive traditional cookies from certain outdoor kitchens. And can sometimes be collected in an exclusive cookie jar when they are offered.
• Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition:  For an extra festive game at EPCOT during the holidays, you can play Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition. This game gives you a glimpse of each culture’s holiday traditions. The gameboard includes stickers and the prize is typically Frozen-themed.

Parties at Magic Kingdom 2025

As part of the Disney World Events Calendar and by far some of the most popular events at Disney World, the holiday parties at Magic Kingdom cost extra as a special ticketed event. Parties for Halloween and Christmas includes special parades, fireworks, snacks, merchandise, and more! As such, be sure to read our guides linked below so you can get all the details on dates, costs, and more.

• Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: August 8 – October 31, 2025 TENTATIVE
• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party : November 5- December 19, 2025 TENTATIVE

runDisney Events 2025

Each year runDisney hosts several races and marathons at Walt Disney World Parks. Featuring highly popular race options, registration often takes place a year in advance.  Each with special themes, be sure to check out the runDisney Event Schedule for 2025 , to see which races happen when. Here are the dates confirmed and tentative additions.

• January 8-12, 2025: Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend ( Confirmed)
• February 20-24, 2025: Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend ( Confirmed)
• April 3-6, 2025: runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend ( Confirmed)
• October 30- November 2, 2025: TENTATIVE runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend

Sure, planning for a Disney Vacation in 2025 may feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Grab a cute journal or planner and just get started. Once you’re confident you’ve answered some of the big questions here, you’ll be ready to start booking your Disney vacation in no time! Are you planning even farther ahead? Check out the 2025 Disney Events Calendar for everything that may be happening during your next trip!

Yachtsman Steakhouse

• Fine/Signature Dining

Meal Pricing

A slice of new england.

Within the airy dining room’s knotty-pine beams and nautical touches, mouthwatering cuisine awaits!

High-quality, grain-fed beef is aged in-house and prepared on an oak-fired grill in the open kitchen. Feel your appetite begin to build while you watch butchers hand cut steaks to perfection in the dry-aging room.

Then, give into anticipation as you delight in beef entrées like the 12-oz Prime New York Strip Steak with peppercorn-brandy sauce. Favorite sides include the truffle macaroni & cheese and roasted seasonal mushrooms.

Be sure to save room for a decadent dessert like our Yachtsman's Chocolate Cake.

Reservations

Cancellations and modifications, dining plans, tripadvisor, related activities, add a cake order to your reservation, cooking with soul at walt disney world resort, make a reservation, times for yachtsman steakhouse, dining plans and discounts for yachtsman steakhouse.

Is Disney World’s Jungle Cruise closing? Here’s what to know before your next trip to Magic Kingdom

Planning a trip to see the 8th Wonder of the World? You might want to hold off until the holiday season.

Disney World announced that its Jungle Cruise attraction at Magic Kingdom will be closed because of refurbishments starting Aug. 26.

Why is Jungle Cruise closed at Disney World in Orlando?

The exact reasons for the refurbishment has not been released. WDW Magic does share that several permits were recently filed for the attraction, including one with contractor Underwater Engineering Services Inc.

Theme parks fans know the ride has gone through different "reimaginings," adding new animatronics and details to its backstory. It has not been closed to refurbishment since 2017.

When will Jungle Cruise reopen at Disney World in Orlando?

While the company has not announced a specific reopening date, it has shared on its website that the attraction is scheduled to reopen before the winter holidays begin at Walt Disney World in Orlando.

However, the ride has been removed from the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party attraction lists.

Is there a 'Jungle Cruise' movie? How to stream movie starring Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and Emily Blunt

For those who already have a trip to Disney's Magic Kingdom set for fall 2024, you can still get your Jungle Cruise fix.

Disney turned its iconic rides into a movie in 2021, joining the ranks of "Pirates of the Caribbean," "Haunted Mansion" and "Tower of Terror."

Set in 1917 during World War I , USA TODAY wrote that the Jungle Cruise movie stars Emily Blunt as Lily Houghton, a British botanist in search of a legendary ancient tree that has petals with amazing healing properties and the potential to change medicine forever. She needs a way to get to it, though, and she heads down to South America where she meets Frank Wolff (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson), a financially strapped riverboat captain who gives tourists jungle rides chock full of groan-worthy jokes and the occasional factoid.

More: Emily Blunt, Dwayne Johnson reveal most awkward 'Jungle Cruise' kiss, dirty jokes cut by Disney

Lily hires Frank and set sail in his dilapidated vessel to find their treasure, dealing with pesky natives, rocky waterfalls and other various obstacles on the way. 

The movie also stars Jesse Plemons, Edgar Ramírez and Jack Whitehall.

What other ride, attraction closures are at Disney World resorts in Orlando?

As of July 15, here are the refurbishment closures announced for Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida:

• World Premiere Food Court , EPCOT - until July 31, 2024
• Peter Pan's Flight , Magic Kingdom - until Aug. 20, 2024
• Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool , Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort - TBA
• Fantasia Pool , Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort - TBA

Disney Tourist Blog also notes that permits have been filed for Big Thunder Mountain at Magic Kingdom, saying it's an "open secret that the roller coaster is closing for roughly one-year." There has not been any announcements from Disney World.

17 Absolute Best Places To Find Ice Cream At Disney World

Even if you've never been to Disney World, hugged Mickey, or taken in a Disney fireworks spectacular, there's a good chance you know one defining factor of the parks: It's hot. Regardless of the season, you're bound to experience some extremely steamy days during your visit. Granted, Walt Disney World keeps its indoor locations very well air-conditioned, but sometimes that's just not enough. You'll want something to cool your body down from the inside out, which is where ice cream comes into play.

As a local to Walt Disney World, my family and I visit a few times a week, at least. I would visit each day if given the chance. Some days, my family goes rope drop to fireworks, but most days, we escape to Disney for just a few hours. Often, on those short trips, we'll grab a snack, and the snack of choice in my family is ice cream. It's safe to say that I've tried ice cream from nearly every location offering it on the Walt Disney World resort property, and there are certainly some stand-outs among them.

It's perhaps not surprising that ice cream is served in nearly every nook and cranny of the resort, but some of my favorite locations earn that recognition for their unique offerings. If you or someone you're traveling with is dairy-free, fear not; there are plenty of dairy free treats to enjoy, too. 

Aloha Isle in Magic Kingdom

During especially hot and oppressive days in Magic Kingdom, nothing sounds quite as good as a Dole Whip. And there's no better place to get one than Aloha Isle in Adventureland. 

Dole Whip is essentially a creamy, soft serve pineapple sorbet, but now there are a tons of flavor options you can find throughout the parks, including coconut. The original pineapple Dole Whip flavor is a favorite of vegan Disney fans because it does not have any dairy in it. To turn it into an ice cream treat, you can request a Dole Whip twist with vanilla soft serve. 

Unfortunately, there isn't a whole lot of dedicated seating around Aloha Isle. But, you can find benches nearby to sit on and enjoy your cold treat while watching the Disney parade magic.

Salt & Straw in Disney Springs

Salt & Straw is located in Walt Disney World's Disney Springs. Here, you can find a truckload of Disney merch, upscale shops, and some of the best dining that Disney has to offer.

I like visiting Salt & Straw for a little dessert after a delicious meal. This isn't a typical ice cream shop — even though it certainly appears that way from the outside. Here, the flavors are rather unique concoctions. Of course, you can get simpler flavors, like Chocolate Gooey Brownie and Double Fold Vanilla. 

One of the best parts about visiting Salt & Straw is that the staff will give you samples of whatever you want to try. Its seasonal, rotating menu changes nearly every time you visit, so you're bound to find a new favorite ice cream .

The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor in Magic Kingdom

The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor is the perfect next stop if you're looking for more of a traditional ice cream experience in Magic Kingdom. This shop, located right at the end of Main Street with a great view of Cinderella's Castle, serves a variety of different sundaes.

The most notable of the offered sundaes is definitely the Mickey Sink Sundae. This overwhelmingly large sundae includes your choice of two ice cream flavors, a topping of hot fudge (or caramel sauce), whipped cream, and two cherries. The real star of the show, however, is the little Mickey-themed sink it comes in. After you finish your super sundae, the Mickey sink becomes the perfect souvenir to bring Disney home with you. Fair warning here: With this ice cream parlor's small town feel and incredible smells, it will be hard to resist stopping in as you walk down Main Street.

Swirls on the Water in Disney Springs

If you are adventuring through Disney Springs and want something more refreshing, a Dole Whip should do the trick. You can find one at Swirls On The Water. This location is, as the name suggests, right off the Sassagoula River. This is a fairly busy waterway that connects several resorts together via boat. You'll find Swirls on the Water right off of the bridge, on the side closest to the Rainforest Café. You'll know you're close when you see the volcano, which is awfully hard to miss, especially when it's throwing fireballs into the air. 

The Dole Whip-style offerings change with the seasons, so I recommend opting for whatever sampler platter is on-hand. Here, the cast members also serve up the Dole Whip with either hard cider or rum to really make your Disney Springs experience delicious. I love this spot for grabbing a  sweet snack  as you take a moment to enjoy a beautiful Florida sunset, which you can watch right from the bridge.

L'Artisan des Glaces in Epcot

At Epcot, one of Walt Disney World's theme parks, you can take a trip around the world and venture to various country's pavilions. Each of these pavilions offers specialty cuisine and experiences that celebrate the flavors of each country. 

In the France pavilion, a little ice cream shop called L'Artisan des Glaces racks up quite the line each day. Here, you have a choice from an incredible variety of hard-scooped ice cream that cast members present in several unique ways. For example, you can order a simple scoop of ice cream in a dish, or you can also order an ice cream martini with two scoops of ice cream and a shot of Grand Marnier topped with whipped cream vodka. One of the more popular treats is called a Croque Glacé. This snack is a scoop of ice cream or sorbet of your choice with a sauce, pressed with a brioche bun. 

Storybook Treats in Magic Kingdom

Many visitors find their way to Fantasyland, in Magic Kingdom, by mid-day. Here, you'll find great places to stop for lunch — or a snack that acts as lunch. But, there's also a great ice cream spot that's worth visiting.

Storybook Treats is located right next to The Friar's Nook, one of my favorite quick lunch locations. Like Swirls on the Water, Sunshine Terrace, and Aloha Isle, the menu here does seem to change quite often, but you're always bound to spot themed treats throughout the year. Many of the options celebrate fantasy characters, like the Rapunzel Sundae. This is a slice of shortcake topped with wild berry soft serve ice cream and lemon-flavored Dole Whip. You'll also get a berry compote with sugar flowers on top to celebrate the princess with long, golden hair.

Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop in Disney Springs

Chocolate lovers will absolutely fall in love with the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop.Here, you'll find classic sundaes like a Golden Gate Banana Split or the classic hot fudge sundae, all served with a twist of Disney magic.

For example, the Magical Hot Fudge Sundae includes scoops of vanilla ice cream topped with Ghirardelli's own hot fudge, whipped cream, sprinkles, and, to make it Disney-ified, two circular dipped waffle cone ears. You can also order a non-dairy version of this sundae made with dairy-free chocolate chips and vanilla-flavored coconut ice cream. Ghirardelli tends to get pretty busy, so you'll want to keep an eye out for times that may be a little less congested, like when Disney Springs opens. I like ordering my ice cream here and then going to sit out by the water. 

Beaches & Cream Soda Shop in Epcot

When vacationing at Walt Disney World, it could be tempting to spend all of your time exploring the theme parks. After all, this is where a majority of the excitement is. However, don't forget to spend some time perusing the resorts. For a more low-key day, take a Disney transportation to one of Walt Disney World's many resorts and properties and enjoy a peaceful, off-park day that will help you see Disney in a whole different light.

If you happen to be going to the Yacht and Beach Club, which is accessible via a short walk from Epcot, stop at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop. It offers plenty of different sundaes, but the biggest and most incredible of them all is the Kitchen Sink. This one includes five scoops of different ice cream flavors and all toppings the restaurant has for ice cream. Plus, you can augment the recipe for more of a chocolate-forward experience or even one of a more Neapolitan persuasion. Also, quite famously, there's a whole can of whipped cream in this massive dessert. It serves four people, and it's definitely Disney bucket-list worthy.

Pineapple Lanai in the Polynesian Village Resort

If visiting a more tropical hotel is more to your liking, hop on the monorail or a boat from Magic Kingdom and go on over to the Polynesian Village Resort. You'll find Pineapple Lanai located just outside the lobby of the Ceremonial House. 

Pineapple Lanai is definitely one of the more chill spots to grab a Dole Whip, thanks to its ultra-relaxing, paradise-forward feel and great views of the resort. Many of the offerings here are similar to the ones found in Magic Kingdom, but it is comparatively less busy. It has seating nearby, which makes it an excellent option for families with young children or folks who simply want to step away from the hustle and bustle of the Magic Kingdom for a few moments. You'll find basic ice cream flavors at Pineapple Lanai, but you might find even more delicious specialty sundaes during the holidays or special times of year.

Sunshine Tree Terrace in Magic Kingdom

The Orange Bird has a special place in the heart of many Disney fans. The bright orange character was originally created in the 1970s to market Florida's citrus industry. Today, Sunshine Tree Terrace, located just off the bridge between Main Street and Adventureland, features orange-flavored treats.

Here, you can order orange, strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate soft serve. You can also get orange and vanilla soft serve swirl in a cup, and there are plenty of floats available as well. This is also one of the locations that features specialty drinks and sundaes. At the time of writing, Sunshine Tree Terrace offers an I Lava You Float, which is made with orange Dole Whip with strawberry and passion fruit Fanta. It also comes with popping candy as a nod to the volcano it's named after. If you are a big fan of Orange Bird, this is also the perfect place to pick up an adorable Orange Bird sipper souvenir to take home.

Vivoli il Gelato in Disney Springs

Vivoli il Gelato is a gelato shop with an incredible range of flavors to choose from. There's a brick-and-mortar store in Disney Springs, as well as a cart in Town Center.

The larger store has plenty of gelato and sorbetto flavors to choose from, but the cart is limited to only eight popular flavors. The brick-and-mortar shop also offers milkshakes and floats, as well as cocktails that elevate gelato even further. This is also the perfect place to grab an affogato for a sweet, caffeine boost.

Love Guinness? Try the Guinness gelato flavor and fall in love with a whole new way to enjoy this stout. Disney Springs certainly has many ice cream options, but the gelato flavors at this shop certainly bring something different.

Drinkwallah in Animal Kingdom

You can find Mickey Premium Bars in nearly every one of the Walt Disney World Parks. However, it's rare to stumble across a dipped Mickey bar. Over at Drinkwallah in Disney's Animal Kingdom, right across from Yak & Yeti and just past the bridge into Asia, there is a treat that's definitely worth a taste.

This is a blueberry raspberry dipped Mickey-shaped ice cream bar  coated in sprinkles. It's like taking your favorite Mickey classic ice cream treat and making it more Instagram-worthy and delicious all at the same time. Not to mention, there are plenty of places to grab some shade in this area of the park, so you shouldn't be searching for long for a place to sit down and enjoy your ice cream. Alternatively, if you hang out on the bridge, you'll be able to wave down to the Discovery Island Drummers who float by frequently on a boat.

Anandapur Ice Cream Truck in Animal Kingdom

After hopping off Expedition Everest, walk along the pathway a bit to find one of the most decorated ice cream trucks you've ever seen. At the Anandapur Ice Cream Truck, you can order a soft serve waffle cone, float with your chosen bubbly fountain beverage, or, my favorite, a Yeti Sundae.

This sundae celebrates the theme of the area and features both chocolate and vanilla soft serve, chocolate sauce, and a cake crumble topping, complete with sugar, snowflakes, and a Yeti image made from chocolate. It's the perfect way to celebrate conquering Mount Everest and cooling down in one of the hottest places at Walt Disney World. This spot also offers a few beer varieties, so there's something at this stop for all in your adventuring party.

Happy Landings Ice Cream in Typhoon Lagoon

Nothing goes better with a day at the water park than ice cream. The next time your party decides to take a trip over to Typhoon Lagoon for a day in the sun and sand, be sure to find your way over to Happy Landings Ice Cream.

In addition to the ice cream bars you can find throughout the parks, as well as a fruit bar and frozen lemonade cup, you'll also find the Sand Pail Sundae at this ice cream destination. You'll need to recruit a few friends to devour this colossal treat, made with chocolate and vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, caramel, whipped cream, sprinkles, a cherry, and more. Plus, it comes in a sand pail that you can use to build sand castles on future trips and on your next day at the beach. Don't try to conquer this one on your own in the sun because you'll probably end up with a soupy, melty mess.

Hollywood Scoops in Hollywood Studios

In the shadow of the Hollywood Tower of Terror, you can order some super fun sundaes at Hollywood Scoops to enjoy before or after the big drop. As the time of writing, there is an annual pass holder offering inspired by Lightning McQueen.

The Annual Passholder Exclusive Lightning McQueen Ice Cream Sundae includes the ice cream flavor of your choice, hot fudge, whipped cream, red and yellow sprinkles to represent the racecar, and a chocolate-coconut cake donut. Alternatively, you can get a brownie sundae with a Mickey-shaped brownie, vanilla ice cream, classic hot fudge, and whipped cream. This is the perfect stop for cooling off while you're playing amongst the stars, and it's definitely an ice cream spot you'll want to have on your radar during those hot days in Hollywood Studios.

Scat Cat's Club in the Port Orleans Resort

You'll find a small café called the Scat Cat's Club located in the Port Orleans French Quarter. And if you're lucky enough to visit in the evenings, you may be able to take in some jazz music along with your sweet treat. 

You can walk up to the café and order a delicious beignet treat. While these Mickey-shaped beignets are absolutely outstanding all on their own, you can make them better by ordering a beignet sundae with your choice of ice cream, sauce, and whipped cream. The warm beignet with the cold ice cream makes for a delicious combination and is definitely one you'll enjoy each time you order it. I would recommend topping your sundae with sweet strawberry sauce; it's my favorite. 

Splitsville in Disney Springs

Bowling and ice cream are a perfect match. If you have a hankering for a game and a few scoops, check out Splitsville. It has great drinks, surprisingly tasty sushi, and, my personal favorite: decadent desserts.

Even the classic sundae at Splitsville is something impressive; it comes with chocolate and vanilla ice cream topped with your favorite syrup, whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cherry. There's also a Ghirardelli option, which comes with a chocolate brownie, ice cream, whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cherry. If cookies are more up your alley, consider a Cookies & Cream Sundae with cookies and cream ice cream and a topping of hot fudge, cookies, whipped cream, and, of course, a cherry. If a float sounds better, you can also order a classic root beer one to sip on as you bowl the night away. 

Methodology

There are plenty of places to pick from when it comes to getting great ice cream at Walt Disney World. But when it comes to the best of the best, I'm looking for places that offer unique options, have an especially enjoyable atmosphere, and ones that really capture that Disney Magic. I have personally visited each of these locations and can attest to each stop's spin on the classic ice cream or Dole Whip. 

Aside from the ice cream, I considered the scenery, theming, and general feel of each spot. All of these spots offer a special atmosphere that's filled with Disney magic. It's an intangible feeling of being somewhere that feels different from everyday life, and somewhere you can escape to. I am so lucky to live in Mickey's backyard, and it's certainly given me plenty of opportunity to parse out the best places to help make your next visit extra special (and that much more delicious).

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ALERT! An Exclusive Hotel Perk Is Coming BACK to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By Samantha Kendall 4 Comments

We could name SO MANY reasons why you might want to stay at a Disney World Deluxe hotel — there are just tons of benefits.

Riviera Resort

But if you ask us, one of the best perks is Extended Evening Hours , which allows folks exclusive time in select parks. Right now, folks can visit EPCOT and Magic Kingdom on select nights, but Disney just announced that  Extended Evening Hours  are coming back to  Hollywood Studios  and we’ve got all the details!

Disney World offers  Extended Evening Theme Park Hours for select guests,  giving them  extra hours  in the parks! Unlike Early Theme Park Hours, Extended Evening Hours are offered only at one park per specific date. Right now, you’ll find this extra perk in EPCOT and Magic Kingdom, but  Disney just revealed that Extended Evening Hours are coming back to Hollywood Studios!

Tower of Terror

We spotted the change on the My Disney Experience app, but it doesn’t appear as though the calendar on the website has been updated yet. People staying at select Disney World hotels can experience Extended Evening Hours at Hollywood Studios beginning on September 25th, 2024.

This means you’ll be able to ride the following rides!

• Alien Swirling Saucers
• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
• Millennium Falcon : Smugglers Run
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
• Slinky Dog Dash
• Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
• Star Wars : Rise of the Resistance
• Toy Story Mania!
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™

Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge

And as a reminder, these are the hotels that qualify for Extended Evening Hours: 

• Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Copper Creek Villas & Cabins Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Disney’s Beach Club Villas
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
• Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
• Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
• Disney’s Old Key West Resort
• Disney’s Riviera Resort
• Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
• Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
• Shades of Green at Walt Disney World Resort

Hollywood Studios

We’ll be sure to bring you the latest updates about Extended Evening Hours and everything from Disney World, so stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more news!

Want To Learn More About Extended Evening Hours at Disney World? Click Here!

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Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

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July 18, 2024 at 11:38 am

We have done extended evening hours at both Epcot and MK. One thing to remember is that regular guests can get in an hour long queue at closing and thus the line will continue to be an hour long for one half of extended evening hours. Also, MOST restaurants are closed during these two hours. It is definitely not worth paying the difference for a deluxe resort, but if you always stay at one anyway, a nice small perk.

July 18, 2024 at 1:13 pm

Uhhh….Whoops?! I noticed that is the same night that Magic Kingdom usually has it’s extended hours but it isn’t there. MK does have it listed for the 18th but the calendar doesn’t go beyond the 25th yet. Will they be changing the day of the week that it’s offered? This would seriously screw up my plans.

July 18, 2024 at 4:49 pm

My surprised they would offer this perk the same night -Wednesday- that they traditionally offer MK EEH. This would be awesome for my November trip if its a different night than MK. It’s not really a perk if you have to pick one or the other. TBH I think they need to offer extended evening hours at all the parks to guests staying in a deluxe resort one night a week.

July 18, 2024 at 7:16 pm

It kils me that the Cabins at Fort Wilderness do not qualify for extended evening hours, especially since they’ve gone DVC. It’s just one more reason that it’s not as enticing as it should be, even for long time cabin fans like us, to go DVC. The cabins have always cost more than some of the least expensive rooms at the Deluxe hotels, and they cost even more now, but they are still considered moderate. If I went DVC at the cabins and realized that my home resort didn’t qualify for extended evening hours…

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Yachtsman Steakhouse

• Fine/Signature Dining

Meal Pricing

A slice of new england.

Within the airy dining room’s knotty-pine beams and nautical touches, mouthwatering cuisine awaits!

High-quality, grain-fed beef is aged in-house and prepared on an oak-fired grill in the open kitchen. Feel your appetite begin to build while you watch butchers hand cut steaks to perfection in the dry-aging room.

Then, give into anticipation as you delight in beef entrées like the 12-oz Prime New York Strip Steak with peppercorn-brandy sauce. Favorite sides include the truffle macaroni & cheese and roasted seasonal mushrooms.

Be sure to save room for a decadent dessert like our Yachtsman's Chocolate Cake.

Reservations

Cancellations and modifications, dining plans, tripadvisor, related activities, add a cake order to your reservation, cooking with soul at walt disney world resort, make a reservation, times for yachtsman steakhouse, dining plans and discounts for yachtsman steakhouse.