Walt Disney World: 6 reasons why now is a great time to book the vacation capital of the world

We recently published our Walt Disney World review, shining light to how the magical Orlando resort is a hotspot for friend-group travel. Now you’re up to date on the latest travel trends, let’s dive into exactly what is making Walt Disney World the continued vacation capital of the world.

Here’s our must-see attractions and experiences at Walt Disney World for 2025 and beyond.

WORDS BY GAY TIMES

One of the joys of returning to Disney World is the excitement of new and refreshed attractions.  Here’s GT’s 6 favourites:

1. TRON Lightcycle Run (Magic Kingdom): This cutting-edge roller coaster immerses you in the neon-lit digital world of TRON, where you board sleek, high-speed Lightcycles to race across a futuristic grid. The visually stunning experience celebrates the feeling of breaking boundaries—perfect for thrill-seekers who love futuristic escapism and cinematic visuals.

TRON Lightcycle Run originally debuted at Shanghai Disney Resort in China. The coaster made its way over to the United States recently and has fast become a fan-favourite.

GT Top Tip: Make sure you book a lightning lane slot at this attraction. Wait times in the standby boarding groups can be long. Lightning Lane slots go quickly but mean you are riding in minutes, not hours!

2. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (Epcot): Join the Guardians on this revolutionary indoor roller coaster that combines humor, heart, and high-speed twists through space. For  fans, the intergalactic adventure offers an inviting escape, embracing themes of chosen family and heroic camaraderie with the quirky, lovable Guardians cast.

This ride is out of this world. The attraction features a special ride system (which we won’t spoil) that is genuinely hair-raising. Disney has done it again with this new attraction

GT Top Tip: This ride has special elements that change each time you ride, so make sure you make time for a few go’s!

3. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (Epcot): This whimsical, family-friendly attraction shrinks you down to the size of Remy, whisking you through Gusteau’s bustling kitchen in a delightful blend of sights, sounds, and smells. Perfect for chosen families, friends, and allies alike, this ride is all about celebrating differences and savoring life’s little moments.

This attraction is a newer attraction that has earned its space in the cannon of Walt Disney World classics. It’s a must-ride for any Walt Disney World trip.

GT Top Tip: Head to Remy in the evening for shorter wait times, especially while the fireworks are on.

4. Moana’s Journey of Water (Epcot): This new attraction invites guests into a lush, water-themed world inspired by Moana’s connection to nature. Emphasizing community, resilience, and the importance of balance, it’s an experience for LGBTQ+ visitors and allies alike who find comfort and inspiration in Moana’s message of strength and harmony.

This new attraction is a ‘walk-thru’ – meaning there’s no ride system to jump on. This means you can experience the attraction in your own time.

GT Top Tip: Head to Moana when the park is busy and hot. It’s a great, leafy space to cool down and get away from the crowds.

5. Epcot’s New World Celebration (Epcot): Epcot’s transformation introduces new green spaces and interactive exhibits, embracing community and diversity. This space promises inclusive, innovative activities and a welcoming environment, creating a sense of togetherness in a reimagined landscape.

Epcot’s had a makeover – the new entrance sings (literally), lighting up the parks icon Spaceship Earth with colour, music and light.

GT Top Tip: Experience this new lush area and the night-time mini shows at dusk for the best vacation photos.

6. Fantasmic! (Hollywood Studios): This beloved nighttime spectacular has returned, now revamped with stunning updates that bring Disney’s classic stories to life through lights, lasers, and projection technology. A show where every Disney fan can feel like a hero, Fantasmic! welcomes guests from every background to experience magic and storytelling in a shared, jubilant celebration.

Fantasmic never gets old. The show at Disney Hollywood Studios plays to epic size crowds night after night. Disney fans born in the 1990’s will particularly love the show for its soundtrack and featured movies.

GT Top Tip: Get there early! Crowds are big for this night-time spectacular and you’ll want a good seat. The best seats fill out first.

Disney World remains one of the World’s top tourist destinations for many more reasons than we can list. The immersive environment and attention to detail create a sense of wonder that feels truly magical, making it easy to escape reality, from thrilling rides like Space Mountain to gentle experiences like “It’s a Small World,” there’s something for everyone, catering to all age groups and interests.

New attractions like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge showcase cutting-edge technology and storytelling, immersing guests in their favorite franchises like never before.

We’d recommend looking out for special events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival that bring unique experiences that change throughout the year. With four main theme-parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom) and two water parks, each offers a unique experience, allowing guests to explore a variety of themes and attractions.

A final few tips from us:

Disney has introduced updated fireworks shows and night-time entertainment at various parks, enhancing the magical atmosphere after dark. Make sure to check the app for what shows are playing which parks on which days.

Another recent change to Disney World and its magic is the reimagined Lightning Lane system: this new system replaced FastPass+, allowing guests to pay for expedited access to attractions, making it easier to plan and fit more into the day! It’s a small change from the recently rolled out Genie+ system.

The Walt Disney World app is powerful and can help you plan your day, make dining reservations and get in line for certain attractions. 

Finally, book with The Walt Disney Travel Company for best-available rates.

Book with Walt Disney Travel Company International and enjoy a 14-night stay at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida from £1,545 per person, including accommodation at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, direct return flights with British Airways and Disney 14-Day Magic Ticket for the whole party. Visit www.disneyholidays.co.uk or call our Disney Experts on 0800 169 0737 for current pricing, full terms and conditions and to book.

Travel company terms and conditions: Price is based on two adults and two children (aged 3-9) sharing a Standard Room at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, with direct return economy flights from London Gatwick to Orlando International. Price is based on a departure date of 7th January 2025. All prices and itinerary correct as of 7th May 2024 and subject to availability and change. Walt Disney Travel Company International is a member of ABTA and is ATOL protected. ATOL certificate number 10404.

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