Every CONFIRMED Date You Need To Know for Your 2024 Disney World Trip

Ready or not, 2024 will be here before you know it!

And, if you’re planning a trip for next year, there is a lot you need to keep in mind. You’ve got to figure out where to stay, what to eat, which parks to visit, and most of all — when you should visit. We’ve rounded up a list of all the confirmed dates you need to know for 2024 — so let’s get to it!

After-Hours Events

Disney After Hours events are returning to Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, and EPCOT in 2024 on select evenings between January 10th and April 4th, 2024. You can enter the parks as early as 7PM even if you don’t have a daytime park ticket.

These are separately ticketed events that feature fewer crowds, low wait times, characters, free snacks, and more.

DVC Moonlight Magic Events

Moonlight Magic events are sort of like After Hours — but they’re reserved exclusively for Disney Vacation Club members and are free! In 2024, Moonlight Magic is taking place in EPCOT on January 25th and March 1st, and in Hollywood Studios on August 27th.

Animal Kingdom‘s events will take place on December 13th, 2023, February 27th, 2024 and April 23rd, 2024. DVC members can experience Moonlight Magic in Typhoon Lagoon on June 4th and July 11th, 2024. And, Disney California Adventure will host a Moonlight Magic event on January 29th, 2024.

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

The runDisney Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend takes place from January 3rd to 7th — and this is one of the most popular events of the year. Runners and their families flock to the parks to participate in the races.

The races take place early in the morning, so by the afternoon and evening the runners are celebrating in the parks! Expect more crowds and longer wait times.

Major Disney World Rule Changes

A TON of Disney World rules are changing on January 9th! Park Pass Reservations will no longer be required for date-based 1-day and multi-day tickets, or a vacation package with date-based tickets. Not only that, but all-day park-hopping is returning!

And, the Disney Dining Plan returns on this date as well!

Kali River Rapids Closure

Kali River Rapids in Animal Kingdom will be closed for refurbishment beginning on January 8th.

As of right now, no opening date has been confirmed, but we’ll be keeping our eyes and ears out.

Rock n Roller Coaster Closure

Rock n Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith in Hollywood Studios will also close for refurb on January 8th.

Disney hasn’t announced when this ride will open either, so stay tuned for more details!

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts

The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts begins on January 12th and will run through February 19th.

You can expect a variety of food booths, as well as festival-related activities and entertainment themed around the visual, culinary, and performing arts.

Big Thunder Mountain Closure

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Magic Kingdom is closing for refurbishment on January 16th.

But don’t worry because it won’t be closed for long. It’s scheduled to reopen on January 22nd.

Skyliner Closure

Annual Skyliner maintenance will happen from January 16th through 21st. That means the Skyliner will be closed during that time.

Skyliner Closed sign at Hollywood Studios

There will be an extended closure of the Skyliner from the Riviera to EPCOT until January 27th. If you’ll be in the parks then and were planning to rely on the Skyliner, you might want to make other plans!

Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend

The Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend takes place the last weekend in February.

Just like with the first marathon of the year, this is when we expect to see more guests in the parks, so prepare for crowds that weekend if you’ll be in Disney World.

runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend

There will be another runDisney event from April 18th to 21st — the Springtime Surprise Weekend!

Again, expect more crowds and higher wait times. This might be a good opportunity to buy Genie+!

Dapper Day

The Spring Dapper Day event is scheduled in Disney World for April 20th and 21st. April 20th will take place in EPCOT and April 21st will take place in Magic Kingdom.

This unofficial event brings guests to the parks dressed in their best vintage fashion.

Gay Days

Gay Days takes place at Disney World in June, which is typically Pride Month in Disney World — though that hasn’t been confirmed for this year just yet. Gay Days will run from May 30th to June 3rd in 2024.

In addition to Gay Days, there are typically Pride Month snacks, merchandise, entertainment, and more.

Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon

The final in-person runDisney event of the year is the Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend! In 2024, the event is taking place from October 31st to November 3rd.