Disney World is preparing for a lot of changes in 2024.

Every year Disney introduces new things, takes away some of our favorites, and overall is just different than the year prior — that’s why we keep you updated on everything Disney so you’re prepared! If you’re heading to Disney World in 2024, here are some CRITICAL dates you need to know while you plan.

EPCOT Festivals

EPCOT festivals are wildly popular thanks to their entertainment offerings, food options, and more, meaning that the first days are BUSY. You’ll be battling huge crowds and long lines everywhere. If you’re not set on experiencing the festival on its first day, these are days we suggest staying away from the park.

While Disney hasn’t released the exact dates EPCOT’s festivals will begin in 2024, we can tell you when they ran in 2023, which may give you an idea to plan around:

• EPCOT International Festival of the Arts (January 13th through February 20th)
• EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival (March 1st through July 5th)
• EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival (July 27th through November 18th)
• EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays (November 24th through December 30th)

runDisney Races

While you may think that runDisney races don’t affect you if you’re not running, that’s simply not the case. These weekends are VERY crowded with people who head into the parks after running, not to mention the traffic that develops outside the parks due to roads closing for the safety of the runners.

Once again, if you’re not participating yourself, we suggest skipping the following dates in the parks (Disney will announce more 2024 dates as the year progresses):

• Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (January 3rd through 7th)
• Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend (February 22nd through 26th)
• runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend (April 18th through 21st)

Holidays

It’s no secret that major holidays are big hits in Disney World (Disney World on Christmas Day is a big YES for many people), but minor holiday weekends are as well since many kids are out of school for three-day weekends.

Here’s a list of when you can expect larger crowds in Disney World thanks to it being a holiday and/or a break from school for many kids:

• New Year’s Day (January 1st)
• Valentine’s Day (February 14th)
• President’s Day Weekend (February 17th to 19th)
• Spring Break Crowds (Late March to Mid-April)
• Summer Crowds (Late May to Early September)
• Labor Day Weekend (August 31st to September 2nd)
• Halloween (October 31st)
• Thanksgiving Week (November 24th to 30th)
• Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (December 24th and 25th)
• New Year’s Eve (December 31st)

January 9th

What’s the big deal with January 9th? Two big things — the Disney Dining Plan returns after over 3 years of being gone, and park passes are no longer needed for the majority of park guests!

This will be a HUGE day in Disney World, so if neither of these things is super important to you, avoid the parks on this day.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Opening Date

Now, don’t get too excited — we don’t have this date YET. But rest assured, when it’s announced what day this new ride will be opening, you’ll want to stay FAR AWAY if you’re willing to wait to ride.

This ride revamp is widely anticipated, meaning that hundreds of people will likely be crowding at the gates to be one of the first to ride on opening day.

And there you have it — ten (well, more than that) dates to keep a close eye on for 2024. If you’re interested in being in the parks for any of these dates, you’ll want to plan way ahead and make sure you have your game plan in place. And if you’re the opposite? Plan to stay FAR AWAY!

Hold up for a sec! Before you plan your next trip to Disney World, check out our DFB Guide Everything Bundle here. You will get ALL of our best-selling eBooks with details on Disney World Dining, EPCOT Festivals, the BEST snacks in each park, and soooooo many tips and tricks we’ve learned over decades of visiting our happy place.

As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest news!

These 11 MAJOR changes are coming to Disney World in 2024!

 

What are you most looking forward to in 2024? Tell us in the comments!

The post 17 Critical Dates For Disney World Fans in 2024 first appeared on the disney food blog.