***Official January 2025 Thread***

[Elephantay]

We decided to look at eating in Mexico but for some reason I'm only seeing lunch options? Are they closed for dinners now?

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

Joining in! I'll be at Saratoga Springs 1/1-1/7. Getting really excited as I'm less than a week away, but not thrilled about the predicted weather! I'm coming from the midwest so was looking forward to a nice warm break from the cold, and I'm seeing lows down to 29 predicted. Hoping it changes before I arrive

Yay! You've been added!

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

For these rides "closing on the 6th" does that mean they are open until the end of the day? Or closing actually on the 5th??

From my understanding, I believe the 5th is the last operating day, with the attraction being fully closed starting the 6th.

(edited for clarity)

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

We decided to look at eating in Mexico but for some reason I'm only seeing lunch options? Are they closed for dinners now?

They are still open for dinners. I played around with different dates for one person, and a few options popped up. Your dates and party size might be sold out for now, but keep checking!

 

[disneydreamer1980]

We decided to look at eating in Mexico but for some reason I'm only seeing lunch options? Are they closed for dinners now?

I actually like eating there while it’s still light outside, I think it makes the nighttime environment more special. I do the same at SciFi in HS. It’s cool going from a bright sunny outside into the “night”

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

Walt Disney World Extends Park Hours for Early January 2025

Walt Disney World has released updates to park hours across Magic Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom for the second week of January 2025. These changes include extended operating times and early entry adjustments.

Here's a detailed breakdown of the updates, and you can check full hours through March 4, 2025 on our operating hours calendar.

Disney's Hollywood Studios​

Early Entry Changes​

• January 5: Early entry now begins at 8:00 am, moved up from 8:30 am.

Operating Hours Changes​

• January 5: Park opening moved up to 8:30 am, with a 9:00 pm closing.

Updated Operating Hours​

• January 5: 8:30 am – 9:00 pm

​

Magic Kingdom​

Operating Hours Changes​

• January 5: Closing extended from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
• January 6–10: Closing extended from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
• January 11: Closing extended from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

Extended Evening Hours​

• January 8: Evening hours now 10:00 pm – 12:00 am (previously 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm).

Updated Operating Hours​

• January 5: 9:00 am – 11:00 pm
• January 6–10: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
• January 11: 9:00 am – 11:00 pm

​

Disney's Animal Kingdom​

Operating Hours Changes​

• January 5: Closing extended from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
• January 11: Closing extended from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Updated Operating Hours​

• January 5: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
• January 11: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

Walt Disney World Officially Announces New Year’s Eve Plans Including Rare Fireworks Show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Walt Disney World has officially announced its New Year’s Eve plans via a pop-up in the My Disney Experience app, and guests visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be treated to a rare fireworks show. Typically, Disney’s Hollywood Studios does not offer a fireworks show on New Year’s Eve, much less any other day of the year. Disney’s Hollywood Studios effectively abandoned its proper fireworks launch site across World Drive years ago, and has only presented rooftop launch fireworks in recent years.

That looks like it may change this year when Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers the “New Year’s Countdown Fireworks” on December 31st. Here’s the announcement of Walt Disney World’s New Year’s Eve plans.

Walt Disney World New Year’s Eve Celebrations​

Here’s a rundown of how each Walt Disney World theme park will celebrate New Year’s Eve as we ring in 2025!

Magic Kingdom New Year’s Eve Plans​

At Magic Kingdom Park, get a jumpstart on your celebration on Dec. 30 with “Fantasy in the Sky” at 6:30 p.m. followed by a second showing at 11:50 p.m. Both fireworks spectaculars will also greet the new year at the same times on Dec. 31.

Magic Kingdom is the only Walt Disney World theme park that celebrates two nights in a row. This is because there are so many people that want to ring in the New Year at Magic Kingdom that crowds become difficult to deal with. The New Year’s Eve parties are included with valid park admission at no additional charge.

EPCOT New Year’s Eve Plans​

At EPCOT, celebrate the night away on Dec. 31 with DJ dance parties around World Showcase. Enjoy “Luminous The Symphony of Us” at 6:30 p.m. before “Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration” kicks off its countdown at 11:54 p.m.

EPCOT is Walt Disney World’s biggest New Year’s Eve party, with multiple countries around World Showcase hosting dance parties and a massive New Year’s Eve fireworks show that lights up the area right at midnight.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios New Year’s Eve Plans​

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, enjoy a variety of live entertainment and DJs all night long, including the Pixar Dance Party. Be on the lookout for special character experiences throughout the park and don’t miss the New Year Countdown Fireworks.

It sounds like Disney’s Hollywood Studios will offer much more than the typical DJ that they’ve offered in the past for New Year’s Eve this year. It will be interesting to see if they end up utilizing the full fireworks launch point across World Drive that has set dormant for years or not. Ultimately, a fireworks show is not a fireworks show unless they launch large fireworks into the air as would be supported by that World Drive launch site.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney Springs New Year’s Eve Plans​

There will be no New Year’s Eve celebrations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney Springs this year.

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

Kickstart Your Wellness Journey at Disney Springs Wellness Month

With 2025 quickly approaching, I have been working on my list of New Year’s resolutions and one of them is going to be spending more time on self-care.

If you’re looking to live your best life too, I’ve got good news for you. January kicks off Disney Springs Wellness Month presented by AdventHealth, where you can experience fun new activities and offerings to help you reach your self-care goals in the new year.
Throughout January, there are seven different self-care itineraries tailored to different activity levels–plus unique discounts and promotions at popular restaurants and retail locations–all part of Disney Springs Wellness Month presented by AdventHealth. You can either register for a pre-built itinerary of fun wellness activities or take advantage of limited-time offerings like complimentary facials, photography classes, and more.

Register now on the Disney Springs website for one of seven curated itineraries to kickstart your wellness journey. You don’t have to complete every activity on the itinerary – these plans are simply designed to help you structure your day and discover wellness experiences that suit you. Find the perfect Disney Springs itinerary for you:

Reinvigorate Yourself​

• Cirque du Soleil Fitness Class
• Discount at the Cirque du Soleil Store
• Lunch and free mocktails at Morimoto Asia
• Refuel with 10% off a drink at Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew

Certain activities included in this itinerary have limited capacity, so early reservations are recommended to secure your spot.

Connect With Your Senses​

• Stroll along the Disney Springs Art Walk
• Shop at Basin with 15% off
• Shop at MAC Cosmetics and receive a gift with purchase
• Lunch and free mocktails at Morimoto Asia

Find Your Balance​

• Fitness class with lululemon
• Shop lululemon and receive a gift with purchase
• Enjoy 10% off lunch at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’
• Refuel with 10% off a drink at Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew

Certain activities included in this itinerary have limited capacity, so early reservations are recommended to secure your spot.

Family Day Out​

• Dance to Zumba at Kids Club
• Discounted bowling and lunch at Splitsville Luxury Lanes
• Enjoy 10% off a sweet treat at Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew
• Dance to live entertainment

Guys’ Day Out​

• Photography Tour around Disney Springs
• Discounted bowling and lunch at Splitsville Luxury Lanes
• Refuel with 10% off a drink at Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew
• Enjoy nightly live entertainment

Girls’ Day Out​

• Tea Sampling Class at The Spice & Tea Exchange
• Shop at Basin with 15% off
• Lunch and discounted mocktails at Paddlefish or Terralina Crafted Italian
• Photography Tour around Disney Springs

Date Night​

• Photography Tour around Disney Springs
• Shop at Basin with 15% off
• Prix Fixe Dining at an Animated Evening Restaurant
• Enjoy watching Drawn to Life Presented by Cirque du Soleil & Disney

Certain activities included in this itinerary have limited capacity, so early reservations are recommended to secure your spot.
Please note that some activities in this itinerary involve additional cost.

Looking for more inspiration? Here are a few of my favorite highlights during the Disney Springs Wellness Month presented by AdventHealth:

1. Get Energized with Cirque du Soleil and lululemon: Whether you like high intensity workouts or going with the flow, there are options for everyone to get active this January. The fitness classes hosted by Cirque du Soleil give participants the opportunity to experience how the performers prepare before a showing of Drawn to Life presented by Cirque Du Soleil and Disney while getting insights from the performers themselves. Meanwhile, fitness classes hosted by lululemon provide the perfect blend of centered and well-rounded movement. The classes cater to all fitness levels, making it an ideal way for anyone to incorporate wellness into their routine in a fun and supportive environment. \
2. Enjoy New Classes Supporting Creativity: Believe it or not, creativity can also have wellness benefits. See for yourself by trying the photography and drawing classes. In the photography course, guests can capture pictures from all around the scenic landscape of Disney Springs while learning about photography from a PhotoPass cast member. In the drawing class, you’ll learn to draw a Disney character with guidance from the experts at The Art of Disney. One of my favorite memories of visiting Disney growing up was going to drawing classes across the different parks with my mom. I cannot wait to be able to experience this for the first time at Disney Springs with my mom soon!
3. Feel the Rhythm with the Entire Family: A great way for the entire family to get moving is Zumba at the Disney Springs Kids Club. This opportunity is led by experienced instructors and offers easy-to-follow choreography, making fitness fun and accessible for kids of all skill levels. After Zumba, stay for other Kids Club offerings or head to Splitsville Luxury Lanes for discounted bowling and lunch, which you’ll find in the “Family Day Out” itinerary.
4. Get a Spring in your Step: Forgot your smart watch to track your steps? No problem! Guests can track their distance through new banners displayed throughout Disney Springs. For example, walking from Orange Garage to Lime Garage takes 450 steps, which is five times the height of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror! This is a fun way to reach your step goal while being able to window shop and take in some of Disney Springs’ scenic views.
5. Pamper Yourself: Take a moment to center yourself and indulge in self-care through complimentary facials at L’Occitane en Provence and MAC Cosmetics. These 15-minute treatments are offered daily on a first-come, first-served basis with no sign up required, but you can also reserve your spot in advance at DisneySprings.com/Wellness. I mean, who doesn’t love a little pampering?

One of the best ways to stay true to your New Year’s resolutions is to have someone do them with you. Grab a friend or family member and start the New Year off right at Disney Springs Wellness Month presented by AdventHealth!

 

[5kidsmommy]

I forgot to add us to this. January 26-31 Saratoga Springs. We aren't doing any parks this trip and added on an extra night (technically split stay) so hoping the weather is decent on thursday so we can use the new waterpark on arrival day option. Its been a tough December so I'm looking forward to this trip.

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

I forgot to add us to this. January 26-31 Saratoga Springs. We aren't doing any parks this trip and added on an extra night (technically split stay) so hoping the weather is decent on thursday so we can use the new waterpark on arrival day option. Its been a tough December so I'm looking forward to this trip.

Welcome! You've been added!

 

[peachiepie]

I'd really like to do the fitness class hosted by Cirque du Soleil...but it's at exactly the same time as our Whispering Canyon reservation

 

[Simba's Mom]

Walt Disney World Extends Park Hours for Early January 2025

Walt Disney World has released updates to park hours across Magic Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom for the second week of January 2025. These changes include extended operating times and early entry adjustments.

Here's a detailed breakdown of the updates, and you can check full hours through March 4, 2025 on our operating hours calendar.

Disney's Hollywood Studios​

Early Entry Changes​

• January 5: Early entry now begins at 8:00 am, moved up from 8:30 am.

Operating Hours Changes​

• January 5: Park opening moved up to 8:30 am, with a 9:00 pm closing.

Updated Operating Hours​

• January 5: 8:30 am – 9:00 pm

​

Magic Kingdom​

Operating Hours Changes​

• January 5: Closing extended from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
• January 6–10: Closing extended from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
• January 11: Closing extended from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

Extended Evening Hours​

• January 8: Evening hours now 10:00 pm – 12:00 am (previously 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm).

Updated Operating Hours​

• January 5: 9:00 am – 11:00 pm
• January 6–10: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
• January 11: 9:00 am – 11:00 pm

​

Disney's Animal Kingdom​

Operating Hours Changes​

• January 5: Closing extended from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
• January 11: Closing extended from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Updated Operating Hours​

• January 5: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
• January 11: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm

Yay! I hope they extend these hours later in the month since that's when I'll be there. I'm especially interested in them extending the Animal Kingdom Hours. Last time I was at WDW, they did, and I spent almost the entire last hour in Pandora, just walking around. So beautiful after dark!

 

[tamitru32]

Looked at this thread and realized, me toooooo! Poly tower Jan 23-27, yay!

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

Looked at this thread and realized, me toooooo! Poly tower Jan 23-27, yay!

Yay! You've been added!

 

[Letting It Go!]

We've extended our trip dates due to getting 14 day tickets off Attractiontickets.com. (Thanks to whoever mentioned that in this thread!!) We were going to get 6 day park hoppers and these tickets were significantly cheaper for over twice the days!

We are now doing a split stay. ASSp 20th-25th and then AoA 25th-31st. This will be our longest trip ever, and I'm super excited since we will have a 4 and 2 year old in tow. We can really take our time and not feel rushed.

 

[disneydreamer1980]

How soon does everyone start packing? I’m 13 days out and I just today started gathering stuff together. I took a laundry basket and I’ve been going around and grabbing stuff I’ll need to pack and tossing it in the basket, and I’ve been going through our Disney themed shirts and ears and accessories and picking which ones we’ll take. So hard to not take everything lol. Have to have my DS try on his Disney clothes to see what still fits him since he’s grown since last year. I also saw that they’ve extended some hours during my trip (specifically the 12th, 13th, 17th and 18th-the weekends) so I guess they’re expecting increased crowds those days? Thinking of switching my off day to the 19th and doing HS on the 18th instead of the 19th because LLMP are $10 cheaper per person that day so we’d save $50 plus I’m guessing that means Sunday the 19th would be more crowded. Hopefully I can move my ADRs around….

 

[peachiepie]

How soon does everyone start packing? I’m 13 days out and I just today started gathering stuff together. I took a laundry basket and I’ve been going around and grabbing stuff I’ll need to pack and tossing it in the basket, and I’ve been going through our Disney themed shirts and ears and accessories and picking which ones we’ll take. So hard to not take everything lol. Have to have my DS try on his Disney clothes to see what still fits him since he’s grown since last year. I also saw that they’ve extended some hours during my trip (specifically the 12th, 13th, 17th and 18th-the weekends) so I guess they’re expecting increased crowds those days? Thinking of switching my off day to the 19th and doing HS on the 18th instead of the 19th because LLMP are $10 cheaper per person that day so we’d save $50 plus I’m guessing that means Sunday the 19th would be more crowded. Hopefully I can move my ADRs around….

I'm off on the 25th of Jan - haven't started formally packing, but have got a bag on the go that I'm putting stuff in when I spot it.

 

[Griffin11]

How soon does everyone start packing? I’m 13 days out and I just today started gathering stuff together. I took a laundry basket and I’ve been going around and grabbing stuff I’ll need to pack and tossing it in the basket, and I’ve been going through our Disney themed shirts and ears and accessories and picking which ones we’ll take. So hard to not take everything lol. Have to have my DS try on his Disney clothes to see what still fits him since he’s grown since last year. I also saw that they’ve extended some hours during my trip (specifically the 12th, 13th, 17th and 18th-the weekends) so I guess they’re expecting increased crowds those days? Thinking of switching my off day to the 19th and doing HS on the 18th instead of the 19th because LLMP are $10 cheaper per person that day so we’d save $50 plus I’m guessing that means Sunday the 19th would be more crowded. Hopefully I can move my ADRs around….

I am about a month out - I haven't started packing, but like you I have a box started with Disney stuff. I'm starting to take an inventory of what I have and anything I need to buy.

I will probably start actually packing pretty early - we are in Canada so we aren't using most of the clothes (shorts/t-shirts) we'll be bringing on our trip.

 

[Elephantay]

From my understanding, I believe the 5th is the last operating day, with the attraction being fully closed starting the 6th.

(edited for clarity)

Thank you!

 

[Dagusto87]

Going from the 20th until 25th! Canada Quebec. Love to meet up!
Can you imagen my excitement?