disney tourist blog march 2023

Visiting Disney World in 2022 v. 2023

When to visit Walt Disney World is a common question, but that has shifted from top weeks to best years for a vacation due to construction, cutbacks, pent-up demand, prices, and more. Among other things, this addresses whether you should visit in 2022 for the 50th Anniversary, or wait until 2023 when things are back to normal?

This became a big question back when Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land turned Disney’s Hollywood Studios became a veritable construction zone. Then work wrapped up there, and the same process has repeated itself at Epcot, with the center of that park becoming a giant dirt pit. Most of this was expected to wrap up just in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary, with a ton of new things debuting for the celebration and minimal construction remaining.

Then last year happened. Although Walt Disney World only closed for a few months and has been operational for over a year since, the impact is ongoing. Construction delays reverberate, and the parks are still seeing a dramatically reduced slate of shows, nighttime spectaculars, other entertainment, restaurant lineup, scaled back menus, reduced hours, and the suspension of the Disney Dining Plan—among other things. On top of that, the 50th Anniversary hasn’t offered much in the way of new things. Consequently, the question about waiting to visit Walt Disney World shifted from a construction-centered one to a normalcy focused one…

In typical times, we oppose postponing experiences for something theoretically better down the road. In life and with Disney theme parks, there’s this fantasy of a perfect tomorrow and imperfect today. Something better, newer, or bigger on the horizon that you should wait to see. That overlooks the costs of waiting, and also the downsides.

The last year probably has driven this point home on its own, especially as Americans have reweighed their priorities and placed renewed emphasis on experiences. Even beyond that, waiting on a Walt Disney World trip is not much of an option for many families; kids grow up quickly, and taking them sooner rather than later is the best course of action.

That’s still going to be true for many people reading this. The non-monetary cost of waiting is too high or there’s simply a strong desire to go now and not wait for some romanticized notion of a perfect trip that does not exist in reality.

However, that’s not going to be true for everyone. The unique wrinkle heading into 2022 is the idea of settling for a compromised Walt Disney World experience, but one that is priced higher than normal. This was a consideration this year and last year after the parks reopened, but the critical differences were that traveling virtually anywhere required compromises–not the case anymore–and Disney’s prices hadn’t spiked to the current degree.

When it comes to compromises, we’re not really referring to health safety protocol as was the case the last couple of years (although it is highly likely that Walt Disney World will be the only major theme park in Florida with a face mask rule heading into 2022). Physical distancing and all other measures are now things of the past, with limited exceptions. The need to make Disney Park Pass reservations still exists, but we wouldn’t be surprised if that system is retired for everyone but Annual Passholders sometime in 2022.

While face mask rules remain contentious, the bigger impact on the guest experience is the cuts.

Shows like Finding Nemo the Musical, Voyage of the Little Mermaid, Jedi Training Academy, Enchanted Tales with Belle, and Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire are on hiatus. Nighttime spectaculars are back at Epcot and Magic Kingdom, but Fantasmic and Star Wars: Galactic Spectacular are still absent from Hollywood Studios. Same goes for Festival of Fantasy Parade at Magic Kingdom.

Atmospheric entertainment is starting to return, with more performers now in World Showcase. However, a lot–too much to list throughout Walt Disney World–is still missing. Some of this has been announced as returning sometime in 2022 , but no dates have been released. Our expectation is that most of it will come back at some point in 2022, but we would’ve said the exact same thing about entertainment this year.

There are several reasons so much still hasn’t returned to Walt Disney World, and it’s difficult to untangle them. Even as Florida saw travel surge, Disney has been slow to scale up–which has cost the company in park attendance and occupancy at its hotels. This has been largely due to staffing shortages, some of which impact entertainment and other substantive offerings.

In other situations, it’s more of a deliberate decision to maintain scaled back operations. As leadership has made clear in quarterly earnings reports, the company has been focused on increasing per guest spending, cutting costs, and improving margins. Entertainment is expensive, so it has been slower to return under Disney’s yield management strategy.

In the company’s “defense,” they’ve gotten more aggressive about addressing staffing woes. Said shortages no longer exist in some areas of Walt Disney World, or aren’t nearly as bad as they were over the summer when things were at their worst. In an attempt to attract certain positions (e.g. culinary roles, housekeeping, custodial, bus drivers, etc.) Walt Disney World is offering $1,500 hiring bonuses for those openings and $1,000 referral bonuses for current Cast Members.

However, many key roles remain unfilled despite Disney’s best efforts to remedy the issue. This necessitates capping attendance levels in the parks and occupancy levels at the resorts so as to not overwhelm staffing levels and available resources. Lower overall attendance and occupancy means lower margins as compared to 2019. It also means demand outstrips supply/capacity, even without restoring everything that has been cut. In other words, Disney is doing worse as a whole as compared to two years ago despite the higher costs and cuts, and that’s largely because of lower guest volume.

As far as a defense goes, that’s not really much of one. (Hence the air quotes above.) It explains the why of the problem, the degree to which Disney has made a good faith effort to resolve it, and the extent to which the company is “suffering” as a result. Basically, that it’s not exclusively a matter of greed–but rather, poor planning, resource allocation, and greater issues impacting the economy as a whole. (Plus some greed thrown in, for good measure .)

That’s probably of little solace to you as a consumer. The bottom line for most people planning vacations is paying more while getting less. It doesn’t matter if there are some “good” explanations for the phenomenon–the only thing that matters is that it’s happening. And at this point, the same scenario is not playing out with other theme parks or across the travel segment. It’s becoming a disproportionately Disney problem–you could go elsewhere and not face the same issues, at least not to this extent.

Now, you might reasonably respond: “my family doesn’t book Walt Disney World vacations on the basis of Voyage of the Little Mermaid.” No one does . You might not be “parade people” or care about ADR availability and so forth. Yet, those things impact everyone visiting Walt Disney World.

If Voyage of the Little Mermaid and other entertainment isn’t running, it’s not absorbing crowds that would otherwise be in line for Slinky Dog Dash or–everyone’s favorite–Alien Swirling Saucers. If restaurants aren’t filling every table, the guests who would be there are eating elsewhere. Certain experiences being unavailable or operating at reduced levels causes guest displacement. In other words, more crowding and longer lines elsewhere.

The question is thus when greater normalcy will return to Walt Disney World? When will resorts, restaurants, and the parks will be closer to 100%? When will most entertainment resume?

We’ve been down this path before, and our previous guesses would’ve been in the past. Again, some of this is beyond Walt Disney World’s control. Resorts and restaurants would already be at 100% if Disney could make it happen–they’re leaving money on the table at this point.

Part of the answer with regard to entertainment likely depends upon staffing, too. Some degree of problems persist there, and to the extent they don’t, it’s likely Walt Disney World is moving slower due to lower guest loads that can be accommodated in the resorts, restaurants, etc.

In other words, we cannot predict with any degree of certainty when some of this will be resolved. What we can do, to a degree at least, is forecast by when some of it will not be resolved.

Personally, I’d start by ruling out January or February 2022. Anything that doesn’t already have a specific date is unlikely to return in either of those months. On top of that, discounts are already out for those dates and there’s nothing for the general public. To the contrary, there are signs of the ongoing ‘sold out’ hotel situation being an ongoing problem through at least early 2022.

I think this winter “off-season” is going to catch a lot of Walt Disney World fans by surprise. Due to postponed trips, a return of international travel, resumption of runDisney and youth sporting events, and people remembering how low crowds were this year—for reasons unlikely to be replicated in 2022—there’s likely more demand this winter. From my perspective, the potential upside is too low and the downside risk of this winter being a repeat of early 2020 is too high .

When it comes to the aforementioned entertainment, it’s worth noting that it took Walt Disney World about 4 months from the time of announcement to the return of Festival of the Lion King. For Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, the turnaround time is going to be a little over 2 months. Both of those had specific dates or seasons attached when their return was announced. More to the point, rehearsals started roughly 2 months before shows resumed.

It’s reasonable to expect the same for virtually everything that Walt Disney World has already announced as returning in 2022. This means the “early 2022” timeframes for Festival of Fantasy and Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire are probably late February to early March 2022 at the earliest. (It helps that those performers have almost certainly already been recalled and are now working entertainment during Disney Very Merriest After Hours.)

Things like Fantasmic and Finding Nemo: the Musical are much larger question marks. Both have been announced as returning in 2022, but don’t have seasons attached. Our suspicion is that the ‘reveals’ for both were to encourage fans to book trips, without Walt Disney World having to commit to specific dates–or even seasons.

If plans are expedited, either or both could return in March 2022. That would be just in time for the busy spring break season, and would make sense. However, there are no guarantees. Disney could just as easily push them until May 2022 for summer, or even later. We won’t really know until they’re given specific dates, or until rumors of rehearsals leak out ~2 months before both resume.

At this point, our suggestion would be to take a wait and see approach to your next Walt Disney World vacation, with March 2022 likely being the earliest that we’d recommend visiting. In all likelihood, late April or early May 2022 are more realistic timeframes.

This isn’t to say you should hold off booking if you’re already 100% sure you want to visit. To the contrary, given how the last year has played out, we’d book right now. Make flexible or refundable reservations if you’re still on the fence, but at least get something locked-in. This is a good hedge, as there’s always the possibility that prices will continue to increase, and shortages of rental cars, hotel availability, etc. will persist.

Rather than posing a question in the post title and not answering it, here are four times we’d target for visits next year: late March 2022, late May 2022, September 2022, or early December 2022. These are not the only times we’d recommend visiting (to the contrary, we ourselves will make countless visits between those times), but those windows make sense and each will likely offer more than the visit before them.

Let’s briefly discuss the pros and cons of each timeframe…

First, late March 2022.

Mardi Gras is the first week of the month and Central Florida schools have their spring breaks the third week of the month. Normally, we’d recommend going between the two to minimize crowd issues, but we’d push that towards the end of March 2022 to increase chances of more entertainment and restaurants/resorts closer to 100%, which might mean more discounts. Based on the lethargic pace of everything in the last year, this seems overzealous. If you’re visiting for or before Spring Break 2022, you might want to keep your expectations for normalcy in check.

Next, late May 2022.

Even with Memorial Day weekend factored into the mix, crowds are typically below average in May. On top of that, the end of May 2022 will be the kickoff to summer season, which hopefully means Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, all nighttime spectaculars, and other entertainment ready to roll. The biggest wildcard here is Cosmic Rewind–until an official date is announced, booking this early is a gamble. However, normalcy being largely restored does seem like a fairly realistic expectation for late May 2022.

September 2022 is a safe bet for being a good time to plan a trip.

While crowd levels during other off-season times have fluctuated, September has remained reliably slow over the last several years. That’s unlikely to change. On top of that, whatever returns in time for summer will still be around and the likelihood for discounts is highest in the fall. (If deals don’t appear in September, they’re not happening at all in 2022.)

Early December 2022 is our final recommendation. This is the first full week (or two) of the month, which is always a good time to visit. It’s busier in absolute attendance numbers than September–and by a significant margin–but the addition of Christmas and nicer weather makes it a qualitatively superior time to visit. The other possibility here is that TRON Lightcycle Run will open in time for Christmas 2022.

We have a hard time imagining that much else will change between September and December 2022. Whatever is back by one will be back by both, and whatever isn’t probably won’t ever return. It’ll have been 2.5 years since the parks reopened at that point. However, it’s worth noting that we said the exact same thing about this year. Disney’s slow roll coupled with shortages and economic disruptions are not things many saw coming–so who knows what’s next.

One thing we would not book based upon is Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary, which runs until April 2023. Unfortunately, the “celebration” is mostly in name and is more about marketing than anything else. Unless there’s a big ‘second push’ to the festivities, you aren’t really missing much by waiting out the 50th Anniversary.

It’s unclear whether Disney Enchantment–the new Magic Kingdom fireworks–will run beyond the World’s Most Magical Celebration, but that’s a gamble you can afford to take given that show’s quality as compared to its predecessors. The other two major additions are Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Harmonious at Epcot, and they’ll be around for years to come.

To the contrary, a strong case could be made for booking towards the end of the 50th Anniversary or after it’s over. Since it’s mostly a matter of marketing, you won’t be missing out on anything substantive and the impact of that advertising campaign playing itself out could mean lower demand.

Ultimately, which one of those time frames is right for you is largely circumstantial. If you’re a first-timer, we’re hard pressed to recommend the first half of 2022 at all . There are still too many unknowns and Walt Disney World’s recent track record with taking its time in restoring the guest experience does not instill confidence.

If you’re a Walt Disney World regular who doesn’t mind a few compromises, visiting in the first half of the year might make more sense. However, there’s still the issue of pricing (no discounts) and residual pent-up demand. If the latter remains high and Disney is still having trouble getting restaurants or resorts back to 100%, you’re going to overpay for a lesser experience. At that point, it comes down to what you value and expect from your Walt Disney World vacation. Obviously, that won’t be the same for everyone.

Then there’s the second half of 2022 and into early 2023. We would hope that by then, the current woes are long since in the rearview mirror, everything long ago normalized, and prices have abated due to the supply-demand imbalance tipping back in the other direction. Of course, there’s no guarantee that any of that will happen, either. For the last decade-plus, Walt Disney World prices have only trended upward, and that might be the case even with the return of discounts and more room inventory.

If we were planning a trip at this point and could only target one set of dates, it would be September or December 2022. We’d roll the dice on those dates before 2023, as it’s likely that all or most issues will work themselves out by then, pent-up demand will have run its course, and discounts will be back. As for 2023, that’ll likely bring with it more price increases, not much more normalcy, and also not much in the way of new additions.

Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews . To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!

Your Thoughts

Do you agree or disagree with our recommendations for visiting Walt Disney World in 2022 v. 2023? Do you have a trip planned for late March 2022, late May 2022, September 2022, or early December 2022? Are you looking forward to visiting once big additions, like TRON Lightcycle Run or Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind, are open? Will you go for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary or wait until after that’s over in 2023? Any thoughts or predictions of your own to add? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing feedback about your experiences is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!

Written by Tom Bricker

My advice to anyone going to Walt Disney is go with your family and do what you can afford. No matter if just one day at Magic Kingdom it can be a good day with your family. I have camped at Disney Fort Wilderness many times all the way back to my first trip being early 70’s with my parents in a pop up camper & no air conditioner. Lol! Thats only way my parents could afford to go. At times we were hot, rained on, tired, hungry , didn’t get to see everything with the abcd tickets, no character meals for us. Lol! But just being at Magic Kingdom, seeing the lion standing up on a balcony of the outside of castle or any of the characters walking thru the park was magical to us and especially if you grabbed a picture with one of them. That week we had so much fun as a family swimming in the lake at Fort Wilderness beach & River Country. We had a blast! One of the greatest vacations I ever had. No matter when or were you stay later , nothing can ever compare to the feeling you had on your first trip to Disney. You can’t recreate it. I can remember our last night at Magic Kingdom and as we were leaving my little sister standing on main street looking at the Castle one more time and my Dad putting his arm around her giving her a hug and a smile. It was my loving parents who made that Disney Trip magical and not anyone at Walt Disney. ❤️

Hi Tom – any updated guesses when the WDW Railroad might be running again?

My spouse and I absolutely love your blog and find many of your post’s to be exactly what I’m looking for. Do you offer guest writers to write content for you personally? I wouldn’t mind creating a post or elaborating on many of the subjects you write regarding here. Again, awesome web log!

For my family our favorite aspect of Disney is the entertainment. Rides are great too of course but we really love the entertainment and think that’s what sets Disney apart from the crowd. So we are planning a trip for December of 2023. A long way off unfortunately but we would be really disappointed to go and not have the full entertainment experience.

My husband and I spent a week at DW in October. We are a Disney family and have been there almost yearly ( sometimes more than once) since 1974 . I was a little bit worried about the genie and Genie+ since that was going to start on our second day there. We stayed at Coronado Springs and the hotel was deserted. We never had a problem getting on a bus to or from the parks. Most times it was just us and maybe 5 or 6 other passengers. We took advantage of the early morning entry every morning . It was great ! At the Magic Kingdom we were able to ride Space Mt. , Buzz, Astro Orbiter, People mover, and the Speedway before the park opened. Then we went to Starbucks , got coffee and snacks, and watched the crowds come on. This was our strategy every morning at whatever park we were in. Trust me, there were CROWDS! At one point we saw the wait time for Small World was 120 minutes! The line for Haunted Mansion was all the way out to the Paddleboat and up the wooden walkway. The line for Thunder Mt. was out to the wooden walkway. Since it was just the 2 of us we used Genie+ every day. It was great!! I can see where if you are traveling with a family or large group this would get very expensive. We are both in our 70’s and are somewhat technically challenged. But we had no problem with the app. We even used the mobile app for meals since we had no dining plan. It was great also. Our meals were ready quickly . We had a wonderful time and have already made our reservations for next October. We have have had the Grand Floridian on our bucket list for years so that’s where we are staying. Life is short, enjoy the days you have!

we stayed at the dolphin this year..This is a great hotel.You can walk to epcot and disney studios this is all good.But when you come back to your room we have no towels you need to call for them to bring up.Noe i guess since its the first day the rest will be ok.Wrong you need to call every day.Then we were told itd a $35 fee for each room per night thats another $70 a day.Never was told it was for.The last day we go to breakfast and got back at 10:30 because checkout is at 11/Oh no now our rooms are locked we need to go back downstairs and get kets activated again/The manager said he was sorry but you need to know since the copvid is around we dont have the people to do this.As we were talking there were at least 8-9 workers doing nothing.The apps for parks were a joke if one person did not ride you had to go back to customer service for them to put our group back on.This happen 8 times so we were then told you have to scan then getout of line ok nope that did not work what you needed to do was to scan twcie then it worked.We also paid for the rise for star wars this is a total ripeoff .Disney is making this place really bad .WE have been going there for the last 39 years in a row.We went last july and in december last year.I need to really see if its worth all the time and trouble to have a goood time/Ihope disney sees this and offer us something to go back .We have 5 of us every year.Thanks

We went September 18 – 25 stayed at POP (this was our first Disney trip) we really didn’t expect to see and do everything, but we basically got to ride everything even (ROR)! We loved our resort “ ya it was small” but it worked for a family of four. We got all the dining reservations that we wanted. There was some issues with other guest on a couple of occasions! But hey!! Yes it was expensive, but if you budget your money well you shouldn’t have any issues. We did have to wear a mask in doors and on indoor rides, but hey we’re at Disney

We are planning a trip tp WDW in October 2022, Is it going to be like September? What should we expect? Also I already book my air and hotel ( off site ) should I order my tickets now or wait? and do you expect prices going up again?

I went to WDW/Universal Orlando from October 16th to November 6th 2021. That was right at the crossover from no Genie to Genie.

To say that planning and executing this trip was stressful was an understatement. The park reservations are a problem. Once we made a park reservation we could not cancel or change it, which was ridiculous!

Genie is not great when you’re touring with a group of people consisting of family and friends. People with small children were finding that Genie was scheduling them for rides during nap time for the kids. That lack of flexibility made Genie even more dysfunctional!

Most of us found that the free Genie suggestions were ridiculous and were telling us to go to attractions that we had no interest in, despite setting up Genie as instructed.

I can honestly say that we experienced problems with every aspect of this trip (dining, parks, resorts, the lack of “trams-portation”, and buses that couldn’t handle the demand in a timely manner, which cost the guest a lot more in wasted time and money (for alternate transportation arrangements).

This trip was a very expensive mistake, especially when you consider the fact that Disney tends to make their problems your problems. This is not something that you want to experience when you are on vacation.

The magic truly is gone and it’s been replaced with aggravation at every turn. It’s a shame the way executive leadership is running these parks/resorts and this experience into the ground.

I honestly feel that if Disney paid enough, front line Cast Members could afford to work for the mouse. Housing costs in Orlando are super high. I’ve heard from Cast Member friends that low wages and poor, stressful working conditions are definitely impacting their decision to not work for Disney.

I’m sure on some spreadsheet it makes “sense” to dump your higher paid cast members and hire new people at a lower wage rate. In reality this is completely dysfunctional and guests are seeing that when they go to the parks and resorts. More than a few CM’s we interacted with are overwhelmed and apathetic, and it breaks my heart.

I guess the “good” news is that Disney executives are deluded into believing that they can continue to inconvenience the guests with their poor decisions. I really hope they get their act together and stop ALLOWING these constant problems and stupid decisions to impact the guests. Sadly they don’t seem to have a clue and they don’t seem to care.

@Michael. Hear hear! Nicely said! Thanks, as always, for the balanced look Tom!

Okay, I preface the following comments with this; I love Disney and have been to Disneyland, WDW and Disneyland Paris. And I had extensive plans in place to go to WDW before the world took /is taking this break from business as usual.

The issue boils down to this. Simple demand / supply . If the product becomes inferior, and the price for it increases, it will become less desirable. Currently the park experience is trending in this direction. Why would I go back, even with a robust bank account, to waste my time for an inferior experience.

What I think current Disney management from very top is not understanding is that my time is now my currency. Regardless of anyone’s economic position, wasting time on a mediocre experience is not acceptable to me the consumer nor should it be the business model of a company that wants to be first in class.

We all can take our time (and money) anywhere in the world, not just Walt Disney World.

Underplayed is that, while closed dining is a small percentage of total overall capacity, it is disproportionally focussed on big hitters that people might want to plan their trips around. Want a great meal at Monsieur Paul, Flying Fish, Takumi-Tei, Jiko or Victoria & Alberts? You’re out of luck. Signature dining options are somewhat limited.

12/12/2021 I just returned from Disney world and the crowds were not as bad as I thought except for Saturday which was a madhouse in MK. Total cost for room, meals, gifts , snacks , tickets, after hours party ran me 12,000. This will be my last trip to Disney. It took me a year and a half to save for this trip and overall I was disappointed. I figure I can have a vacation somewhere else and have just as much fun without breaking the bank. I am so sad the Disney is no longer for their patrons but out for the almighty dollar. T-shirt now cost 40.00, mouse ears cost 20,00 ( they do not engrave nicknames on hats any longer) Meal for 2 roughly 100.00 a meal and on and on and on. I for one don’t see how a family of 4 and 5 can afford a trip any longer to this not so magical place.

Even though it’s going to be a Saturday during the Food and Wine Festival (groan), I’m fired up for being in Epcot for the fortieth, even if it’s the 2022 equivalent of a cupcake and a pin. (An instagram wall and a display at the Odyssey Center?)

We had planned on 8 nights and five park days in January 2022, our rebooked 2021 trip that we cancelled due to covid. I ultimately decided to cancel again and not rebook, because of all the things that previous comments have mentioned. Surely Disney must realize that raising prices sky high on everything, while offering a subpar guest experience, is going to cost them business in the long run? We booked at Universal instead for January 2022. I sent Disney Guest Services an email telling them how disappointed I am in their current product, and got no response at all. I guess as long as they are packing people in, they have no motivation to bring back the Disney experience that we loved so much. I’m so disappointed, but I don’t know if or when we will ever be back.

Wow, you hit the nail on the head. Thanks for the pre-warning as we are going end of January, early February. We went those exact dates for our first time in early 2020 and experienced those high level crowds in the other article you mentioned. Disney not being able to disperse the crowds with lack of shows and dining will make this another round of high crowds for us. I will expect the worse and have a wonderful time regardless.

p.s. I hope your wrong.

I am travelling in February 23,24 for Disney- Due to school vacations. Doing Universal and Disney. Have reservations and passes for Disney. Boys interested in Star Wars-Girls in Magic Kingdom- only going for day. Is this still bad time? Will there be fireworks at either Studios(23rd) or Magic Kingdom(24th)? Any suggestions for itinerary

I hope they do drop prices. I compare Disney to a supermarket product. They can raise prices one of 2 ways. Give you less product and not raise the price. Or raise the price on the same amount of product. But in Disney’s case, they are raising the prices and giving us less product. Raising ticket prices, food prices, parking charges, no discounts. Less product in terms of less shows, no parades, less food offerings. Things are slow to return to normal: fireworks did not return until July. I went in April and we were charged full price with no fireworks, parades, and very few shows.

Do you have any guess about what the mask situation will be by late March? Do you think there would be a chance of no masks required indoors by then?

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• Walt Disney World

What’s Disney Like in March 2023?

by David Mumpower · September 22, 2022

For most people, Disney vacations in January and February aren’t a good idea.

School is in session, ruling out parents. Meanwhile, the colder Florida weather, while better than most parts of America, isn’t ideal.

Credit: Disney

Who wants to visit Disney when they cannot board the wet rides like Frozen Ever After and Splash Mountain?

Thankfully, the seasons change, and the school year comes with built-in gaps. So what’s Disney like in March 2023? In a word, it’s magical!

Photo: Disney Parks

Let’s Talk about March Visits

Everyone’s vacation time works differently, especially in the wake of the Great Resignation.

So, you may have the ability to get to Disney whenever you want. However, for most people, January and February aren’t practical.

Photo: Disney

March works differently. The temperatures increase, making the water rides less frigid. Also, schools schedule Spring Break in March or April in most towns.

That’s a free week for families to travel to Walt Disney World and embrace the greatness of the parks.

For Disney fans, March also signals the start of EPCOT’s oldest festival, meaning you’ll love wandering the park during this time of year.

Let’s Talk about the Weather

What’s the perfect temperature for a Disney visit? I ask because March might claim the winning answer.

Central Florida averages a high temperature of 80 degrees during March, with a typical low of 61 degrees.

You can read between the lines here to recognize what this data means. In March, the parks mostly hover in the 70-degree range.

As proof, the average high temperature rarely falls below 65 degrees or crosses 86 degrees. This WeatherSpark data confirms that Florida never gets too hot.

On the other hand, the low temperature is virtually never below 56 degrees. So, you can ride Kali River Rapids to your heart’s content! You won’t freeze once you exit the ride!

This range ensures maximum comfort for people visiting from colder parts of the country.

Folks in the south and other hotter parts of the United States may find the parks a bit nippy, especially at night.

(David Roark, photographer)

You should probably bring a jacket just in case. That’s what we do. I say this because the low daily temperature rarely crosses 68 degrees.

For some of us, that is on the chilly side when we’re out and about.

Thankfully, I’ve ridden every outdoor ride at Walt Disney World at night in the spring. None of them feels genuinely cold during the ride or afterward.

So, you probably won’t even need the jacket. It’s more about preparation and mental approach.

Let’s Talk about Disney Events in March 2023 – Splash Mountain

Okay, we have two essential topics to discuss for March 2023. One of them requires some speculation, though.

I’ve talked a lot about wet rides, as I know they’re wildly popular with Disney fans.

Arguably the best one of all, Splash Mountain, will re-theme into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure sometime in 2023.

Park officials have announced they will close Splash Mountain forever at an unknown 2023 date to work on the updated version.

As such, you should consider March 2023 one of the final months, maybe even THE last one, to experience one of Disney’s most extraordinary rides.

We already know from the recent 2022 D23 Expo that the new Tiana attraction will be better and more technologically advanced.

Image from D23 livestream, September 11, 2022

Still, frequent Disney concert band Boyz II Men has pointed out that It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday.

You’ll want to sneak in that last tearful ride on Disney’s happiest ride. And I’ll empathize.

I thought I was doing this a couple of years ago with my favorite attraction on the planet, Spaceship Earth.

I’m not joking that the ride tore down twice, and my wife fell asleep. So, I hope your final trip down Splash Mountain goes better!

The other event we expect in March is the ever-popular EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival.

Disney hasn’t confirmed the 2023 dates yet. However, the 2022 version opened on March 2 nd .

As such, I expect Flower & Garden to operate for nearly the entirety of your March visit.

What should you expect at this event? Disney wizards somehow shape topiaries into popular characters like Lightning McQueen and Elsa in action poses.

Frankly, a staggering percentage of my Disney photos come from this event. I’m in awe of those shrubberies.

Let’s Talk about Central Florida Events in March 2023

Some brave souls actually leave the Disney Bubble during their vacations. I am NOT one of them, as I could spend a month at Disney without running out of stuff to do.

Still, I respect your adventurous spirit and want you to know that you’ll discover plenty of activities in the Central Florida area.

Photo: Orlando Magic

For example, the NBA recently revealed the Orlando Magic’s 2022-2023 basketball schedule.

The team will play a whopping nine home games in March 2023, an unusually large number for a single month.

You can watch number one overall Palo Banchero join forces with a top-five pick from last season, Jalen Suggs, to create a new sense of hope for this struggling franchise.

Soccer fans will also enjoy an opportunity to watch Orlando City SC play.

Photo: Orlando City Soccer

The soccer club plays one home game on March 12 th . Then, they’re on the road the rest of the month. So, they’ll be jealous that you’re at Disney, and they’re not.

Broadway fans can watch one of two popular plays at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

Photo: Red Huber/Orlando Sentinel Staff Photographer

From March 1 st through March 5 th , Pretty Woman will hold over from February.

Then, the legendary To Kill a Mockingbird performs from March 21 st through March 26 th .

Concert fans will also enjoy some diverse options during the month. The legendary Motown acts, The Temptations and The Four Tops, are touring together!

(Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Music legend Ray LaMontagne and country star Blake Shelton are also playing shows this month.

Finally, if you’re anything like me, you may grab tickets for Distant Worlds: Music from Final Fantasy.

Photo: Spotify

I’ve been trying to catch this show for 10 years now!

Final Thoughts

Here’s the thing about a March visit. You may not have a choice! For parents, your Disney options are Spring Break or waiting until summer.

Who wants to wait for a Disney vacation?! We feel compelled to take them as often as possible!

March represents the perfect time of year to visit, too. The weather feels like an unheated pool in the summer.

Photo:Disney

Even Goldilocks would say it’s not too hot and not too cold!

Throw in the Flower & Garden Festival and the last chance to ride Splash Mountain as two more justifications to contact MickeyTravels to book a trip!

Remember that MickeyTravels’ services are entirely free to you! A Disney expert will schedule the vacation of your dreams, but you won’t pay a dime for it!

Thanks for visiting MickeyBlog.com! Want to go to Disney? For a FREE quote on  your next Disney vacation , please fill out the form below and one of the agents from MickeyTravels, a Platinum level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, will be in touch soon!

Feature Photo: Disney 

Tags: Disney Disney Vacation Disney World March Spring Break vacation Vacations Walt Disney World

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Walt Disney World 2023 Bookings Open Today

• by Michelle Snow
• June 8, 2022 June 8, 2022

Planning on visiting Walt Disney World next year? Today (June 8) 2023 tickets, Disney Resort hotel stays, and vacation packages open for guests to book.

Make sure you get your preferred hotel for the dates you want, especially during peak travel periods like holidays and summer.

Disney says the popular early theme park entry benefit for Disney Resort hotel guests will continue throughout all of 2023, so that’s an enticement to stay on property.

The Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration will also be happening through March 2023, so there’s still time to plan your visit for early in the year.

Magicband+ and Genie+

MagicBand+ launches this summer (you’ll have to buy your own). Guests wearing the MagicBand+ will be able to access a new integration of the physical, digital, and virtual worlds on the Walt Disney World vacation for the resort’s 50th anniversary celebration and into the future.

Genie+ will also be available to guests in 2023, though starting today, June 8, guests can no longer purchase it in advance. The service will now only be available for purchase on a day by day basis during the visit.

Thinking Ahead

Even though Walt Disney World recently opened attractions like “ Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind ” and “ Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure ” at EPCOT, there’s still openings to look forward to for your 2023 visit, like the “ TRON Lightcycle/Run ” at Magic Kingdom.

This summer also sees the opening of new shows like “ Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…And Beyond! ,” along with fan favorites like “ Festival of the Lion King ,” and “ Hoop-Dee-Doo Review .”

Plus, when planning your Walt Disney World, be sure to include Disney’s Minnie Van service in your transportation plans, as it returns later this month to help you get around.

Book Your Vacation

If you’re booking for dates in 2023, or even for the rest of 2022, reach out to The Disney Blog’s own authorized travel planning expert, Stacey at Pixie Vacations .

Booking your travel with Stacey helps support this blog, and you’ll have access to her wealth of Disney knowledge to help you book your trip. Thank you!

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How to Plan Your Next Walt Disney World Vacation: Savings, Tips and New Offer Coming Soon for Families 

Published: October 4, 2023

Contributed By

Senior Manager, Communications

Whenever I go on vacation with my family, I always try to get the best deal out there and find recommendations on things to do. For many guests, planning a Walt Disney World vacation is no different, so we are sharing some news and expert tips to help you plan and make the most out of your Disney vacation.

New Offer Coming Soon for Families! Kids Play & Dine for 50% Off*

On Nov. 14, 2023, Walt Disney World will introduce a special package offer for families looking to save on a spring vacation! Children’s (ages 3 through 9) theme park tickets and dining plans will be half off with the purchase of a non-discounted 4-night, 4-day Walt Disney Travel Co. package for you and your children that includes a room at a select Disney Resort hotel, theme park tickets and a dining plan. Valid for stays most nights March 3 through June 30, 2024, this will be a great option for those who also want the convenience of having their tickets, room and meals already paid for before they arrive!

Visit DisneyWorld.com/SpecialOffers beginning Nov. 14 for additional offer details! 

Theme Park Reservation Updates: Planning Made Easier

To kick off our expert tips, I thought we could start with the one that gets many people excited! Beginning Jan. 9, 2024, theme park reservations will no longer be required for our standard, date-based tickets. For certain other admission types, theme park reservations may be required, and you can visit DisneyWorld.com to see if you need to make a theme park reservation based on your admission type and the date of your visit.

UPDATE: All-Day Park Hopper Access Returns to Disney World 

Beginning Jan. 9, 2024, guests with a ticket with Park Hopper benefits or an Annual Pass will be able to once again visit another theme park at ANY TIME OF DAY during park hours (subject to capacity limitations). Guests with Park Hopper benefits will now have more flexibility to explore the Disney World theme parks the way they want and enjoy even more during their visits.    

Where to Stay at Disney World

Disney has more than 25 resorts to choose from within the Disney Resorts Collection – from value to deluxe – there’s one to fit nearly every family size and budget.

If you’re looking for lower prices, consider any one of Disney’s All-Star Resorts. Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort are other great options as they connect to the Disney Skyliner – the gondolas that run to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. These resorts are also super fun for kids, with themes inspired by popular Disney and Pixar stories, plus themed pools, poolside activities, and more.  

If you want a few more amenities and dining options to enjoy during your visit, check out Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, or my personal favorite, Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.  And if proximity is what you want, check out our Magic Kingdom Park or EPCOT area resorts. These resorts not only offer fun and convenient transportation options, but some are even within walking distance to the parks.  

Best yet, if you choose a Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resort, you can enjoy even more time in the parks with extended evening hours – available in select theme parks on select nights now through 2024. Combine this with early theme park entry, available to all Disney Resort hotel guests, to truly maximize your time in the parks. Extended evening hours and early theme park entry require valid admission, a theme park reservation and resort ID.

From complimentary overnight self-parking to early access to book dining reservations, there are many benefits to staying at a Disney Resort hotel. Plus, with complimentary on-site transportation that’s fun and convenient – like themed buses, water taxis, the monorail and Disney Skyliner (which the kids LOVE) – our family saves on other transportation expenses and really maximizes our time. This is just another reason why we always choose to stay in a Disney Resort.

We also have special offers on our Disney Resort hotels from time to time, so that you can save even more. Right now, guests can save up to 25% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays most nights Jan. 9 – March 24, 2024, and we have special discounts for Florida residents and Annual Passholders, too. Visit DisneyWorld.com/Save to learn more, and be on the lookout for offers that are right for you!

Best Way to Buy Disney World Tickets  

I always tell friends and family that if you’re looking to find our lowest ticket prices, then consider visiting in August, September or January. You can check out our date-based ticket calendar online to view prices for each day of the year. Tip: In most situations, the more days you add to a multi-day ticket, the lower the price per day will be.

Also, depending on the time of year, there may also be special ticket offers! Right now, Florida residents can save with the Florida Resident Disney Weekday Magic Ticket! Learn more at DisneyWorld.com/WeekdayMagic .

Disney Genie+ Service Can Save You Time

On the day of your visit, you can purchase Disney Genie+ service and individual Lightning Lane entrances which can save you time waiting in lines. Just keep in mind that some Lightning Lane entrances are offered through Disney Genie+ service, while other Lightning Lane entrances may be purchased individually or as we like to say “à la carte.”

If you’re new to our Disney Genie+ service and individual Lightning Lane purchase options, be sure to check our quick how-to videos available on the My Disney Experience app or DisneyWorld.com/LightningLane – they’ll get you on your way! Tip: You can modify your Disney Genie+ service Lightning Lane selections in the app, subject to availability, so if you want to change your plans, you can search for other available attractions and times.

Where to Eat at Disney World

First off, dining plans are coming back for stays beginning Jan. 9, 2024. Our guests see a lot of value in our dining plans and they are a very popular option for those staying at Disney Resort hotels who purchase a vacation package. Our dining plans give guests convenience and peace of mind since they pay for their meals and snacks before they arrive – so they can focus on enjoying all the Disney eats during their trip.

And for foodies and families looking to book vacations for later this year or early next year, you can get a Disney Dining Promo Card when you buy a non-discounted 5-night, 4-day room and ticket package at select Disney Resort hotels. Check DisneyWorld.com/DineOffer for more details.

If you’re looking to indulge in a quick bite that is both delicious and filling, there are dozens of quick-service locations that can help you stretch your vacation dollars. Here are some of my favorites across our Disney parks with the best value:

• With fun food options, Woody’s Lunchbox in Disney’s Hollywood Studios has a three-cheese grilled cheese and smoked turkey sandwich – and who doesn’t love “totchos”? These will be sure to satisfy your cravings at a good price.
• Satu’li Canteen at Pandora – The World of Avatar in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park offers unique choices that are healthier, and taste great like cheeseburger steamed pods, smoked chimichurri braised beef, and chili garlic shrimp bowls.
• If you’re looking for a great snack or lunch, be sure to stop at Sleepy Hollow in Magic Kingdom Park. If you’re searching for a classic funnel cake – this is the place to go. You also can’t go wrong with a sweet and spicy chicken waffle or fresh fruit waffle.
• At EPCOT, you can stop by our many food kiosks across World Showcase, where you can treat yourself to different international cuisines. I always look forward to visiting Canada for filet mignon, China for pork egg rolls and Germany for bratwurst on a pretzel roll.

Many locations also have kids’ meals that come with two sides and a drink. Of course, there are also some great table-service restaurants available. You can visit DisneyWorld.com or the My Disney Experience app to discover and book reservations.

Start Planning Your Disney World Trip Today

Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog or planDisney.com for more tips! And don’t forget you can always work with a travel professional to help you plan. While these are my best practices for 2023, we’re always listening to our guests and making updates to improve their experience  – so check back for all you need to know when planning your next Walt Disney World vacation.

*Savings based on the non-discounted price of the same package. The number of packages allocated for this offer is limited. Everyone in the same room must be on the same package. Child must stay in room with adult. Offer excludes select room types.

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The Best Months to Visit Disney World in 2023 (Infographic)

Which months are the least crowded and have the best weather at disney world.

What are the best months to visit Disney World? If you are dreaming of a magical vacation to Disney World in 2023, you probably are wondering when you should plan your trip to Orlando. Guide2WDW is here to help. We’ve been to Disney World countless of times over the past few decades, so we’ve visited pretty much every single month of the year. Also, we’ve gathered years of crowd data and looked at upcoming events and attraction openings to give you an idea for the best months to visit Walt Disney World.

In this part of our When To Visit Disney World Guide , we’re comparing each month of the year, considering factors including the Orlando weather, crowd history, special events, seasonal deals. This guide will give you the information you need to find that balance between short wait times, reasonably cool temperatures, and holidays and festivals that make a trip even more memorable.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking to conquer Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Expedition Everest or a princess-in-training searching for the perfect spot to meet Cinderella, this guide will help you find the perfect month to visit the most magical place on Earth.

So, grab your Mickey ears and get ready to plan the vacation of a lifetime!

Which months will let you have the best Disney World vacation? Here are the main factors you should consider.

Table of Contents

Weather at Disney World By Month

When planning your visit to Disney World in 2023, it’s important to consider the weather throughout the year. Orlando, Florida can be quite hot and humid in the summer and early fall, with temperatures often reaching into the 90s. You’re also more likely to experience thunderstorms these months.

Generally, late fall, winter, and early spring are the most pleasant times of year to visit Orlando. However, remember to pack a jacket or sweater, as it can get quite chilly in the morning and evening during these months.

Here are the average temperatures by month for Disney World, according to Weather Spark.

Disney World Crowds by Month

Let’s face it: nobody likes waiting in line. The parks tend to be most crowded during holidays and school breaks, which means longer lines for everything during your Disney World vacation. In order to maximize your experience at each theme park, you should try to plan your visit for one of the less crowded times during the year.

Using data from Thrill-Data.com , lets compare wait times by month to see which months are the most crowded and which months are the least crowded. This is an average of Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.

Here is the average wait time at Disney World by month from 2019-2022:

• January: 37.75 minutes
• February: 42 minutes
• March: 42.75 minutes
• April: 39.33 minutes
• May: 35.33 minutes
• June: 38 minutes
• July: 34 minutes
• August: 29 minutes
• September: 25.75 minutes
• October: 34.75 minutes
• November: 38.25 minutes
• December: 41.5 minutes

However, there is a big outlier here: 2020. Disney World was closed from the middle of March through part of July. Since capacity was limited, wait times were much lower than typical in the second half of 2020. So, let’s remove that year from the data.

Disney World Average Wait Time by Month 2019-2022 (Removing 2020)

• January: 35 minutes
• February: 39.33 minutes
• March: 43.33 minutes
• July: 40.66 minutes
• August: 32.66 minutes
• September: 25.66 minutes
• October: 35.33 minutes
• November: 40 minutes
• December: 43.33 minutes

Now, let’s rank this list from lowest wait times to highest.

Disney World Average Wait Time By Month 2022

Since the most recent past is the best predictor of the immediate future for Disney World, here is the wait time data from

• January: 38 minutes
• February: 45 minutes
• March: 46 minutes
• April: 44 minutes
• May: 38 minutes
• June: 44 minutes
• July: 41 minutes
• August: 36 minutes
• September: 31 minutes
• October: 42 minutes
• November: 41 minutes
• December: 46 minutes

Here are the 2022 months, reordered from lowest to highest:

Conclusions: January, May, August, and September have consistently had the lowest wait times at Disney World over the past few years , and that stayed true in 2022.

March and December are the two most crowded months at Disney World. This makes a lot of sense when you consider that March is typically when schools let out for Spring Break in the US. And December features the two most crowded weeks of the year around Christmas and New Year.

There is one caveat: wait time data isn’t perfect, as it doesn’t consider factors like EPCOT Festivals, repairs that cause reduced capacity, or rides with Virtual Queues like Guardians of the Galaxy. But it does give a general baseline to compare each month to each other.

Disney World Special Events and Attraction Opening Calendar – 2023

Another factor when picking which month to visit Disney World are the special events happening at each park. Disney World has several seasonal events that happen every year, like the EPCOT Festivals and the runDisney races. For specific dates and details, check out our Disney World Events page .

2023 will also have a few attractions opening or returning at Disney World. The Tron Lightcycle Run roller coaster will open on April 4 in Magic Kingdom . Both the Happily Ever After and EPCOT Forever fireworks shows will also be returning on April 3.

EPCOT has a new things slated to debut in late 2023 , such as the opening of the new central plaza and the Moana Journey of Water attraction.

Disney World Deals

Another factor to consider when planning your Disney World vacation is if Disney World is offering any special deals. Usually, if Disney World is offering a deal on a vacation package, it coincides with a time that they are expecting to be in lower demand – aka have lower crowds.

For 2023, Disney has already announced a few deals.

• The Disney Dining Promo Card , which gives you up to $150/night to spend on food at Disney World restaurants. Runs June 25 – September 14, 2023
• Save up to $700 on a 2-Night Stay at a Disney Resort when combined with select Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser voyages, February – August.
• Save up to 25% on rooms at Disney Resorts most nights April 10 – July 10.
• Save Up to $400 on a 4-Night, 4-Day Room-and-Ticket Package at Select Disney Resort Hotels  – January 2023 – March 2023

For the latest deals, check out Disney World’s Special Offers page .

Money Saving Tip:  For access to the best and most up-to-date deals, get in touch with an authorized Disney travel agent like our friends at Vacationeer . They know all the best ways to maximize savings for your vacation, and they can apply new promotions even after you’ve booked your trip. And the best part? They will help plan your trip with no extra cost to you.

The Best Months to Visit Disney World in 2023

January probably has the best blend of low crowds and nice weather at Disney World. Crowds will spike a bit on MLK Weekend, and you do run the risk of encountering a cold snap, like we had in 2023.

May is another great time to visit, especially before Memorial Day Weekend. Crowds are among the lowest of the year, and while temperatures can get warm, it’s not quite the sweat box that Orlando can be in the summer.

Speaking of getting sweaty: If you want the low crowds and don’t mind heat, August and September can be a good time to go to Disney World. Just be sure to pack plenty of items to stay cool and hydrated.

There are several great events during that time, including EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Plus, Magic Kingdom will feature its Halloween decorations.

Personally, I love visiting in October because of all these events, but with slightly cooler weather. The one tradeoff is that the crowds are a bit heavier, but I use tactics like our Time Saving Tips for Disney World to make sure that I avoid the long lines as much as possible.

As we mentioned above, April 2023 will feature several attraction openings . Unless you’re the type of person that has  to experience something as soon as it opens, I’d avoid the first week of April. But the end of April / early May should be less crowded, and the new attractions will still be open.

And even though December has some of the longest wait times, going to Disney World during the first two weeks of December can be delightful. You’ll be able to experience the holiday decorations and special events without having to deal with the onslaught of massive crowds of the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

How to plan a magical Disney World vacation.

Planning a trip to Disney World? No matter which month you go, Guide2WDW has you covered to make sure it’s the best trip possible. We have hundreds of Disney World tips and free  Disney World guides , which help you learn the basics of planning a WDW vacation. Our  Guide 2 Disney Genie and Lightning Lane Guides  will help you spend less time waiting in line for the most popular attractions.

Get in touch with our friends at  Vacationeer for free Disney World vacation planning.  Their travel agents can help you plan your vacation for no extra cost, including helping get park reservations and dining reservations.

Don’t miss the other entries in our When to Visit Disney World Guide.

• The Best Months to Visit Walt Disney World
• The Most Crowded Weeks at Disney World
• The Least Crowded Weeks at Disney World

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James Grosch

James is a lifelong Disney Parks fan. While at the parks, he loves finding new details, learning more about Disney World history, and taking pictures. His favorite WDW attractions include Rise of the Resistance, Spaceship Earth, and Tower of Terror. James is a filmmaker and writer based in Atlanta, GA.

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Stories and tips to get the most of your Disney Rewards

What’s new at the disneyland ® resort in fall 2023.

August 21, 2023

Your next visit to Disneyland ® Park and Disney California Adventure ® Park is about to become even more enchanting! With all the upgrades and additions coming this fall, you’ll have a blast exploring all the new areas, along with the classic sights you love. Find out the exciting updates to look for at the Disneyland ® Resort —and ways to use your Disney® Visa® Credit Card to make the most of your visit.

San Fransokyo Square

Experience an imaginative new land when San Fransokyo Square opens at Disney California Adventure ® Park on August 31, 2023. The San Fransokyo Public Works Department has been diligently beautifying and making improvements to the local cannery district, home to a diverse neighborhood of eateries and businesses. Over the summer, the restaurants will start to introduce delicious new menu offerings at locations including the Port of San Fransokyo Cervecería, Lucky Fortune Cookery and more. You’ll also have the opportunity to interact with Hiro and Baymax from Big Hero 6, who will say hello outside the Hamada Bot Shop.

Tiana’s Palace Restaurant

Princess Tiana is taking over the former French Market Restaurant in Disneyland ® Park this year, converting it into Tiana’s Palace. New Orleans Square’s newest restaurant will feature a menu inspired by Tiana’s friends and feats on the bayou. When you step inside, you’ll feel like you’ve walked into a fairy tale, with green wrought-iron balconies, peach-colored walls and fancy fixtures. You may even get a glimpse of Tiana herself in New Orleans Square! And there’s even more to look forward to in 2024, with the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure attraction. If that’s still not enough Tiana for you, remember you can keep her close by selecting the Tiana card design for your Disney Visa Card. 1 *

Pixar Place Hotel

Ever wish you could have your own adventure inside a Pixar movie? When Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel transforms into Pixar Place Hotel this winter, you’ll feel immersed in your own Pixar story. Don’t miss the Finding Nemo- themed splash pad or Great Maple, a Southern California restaurant featuring comfort foods like fried chicken and maple bacon donuts. If you plan to stay two nights or more, consider taking advantage of special vacation financing to book a qualifying package and help make your Pixar dreams come true. 2

Now that you know about all the awesome changes coming to the Disneyland ® Resort, it’s time to plan your next getaway. Check out the Disneyland ® Resort Cardmember Perks page for a refresher on all the ways you can benefit during your visit this fall.

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