We update this guide several times a year, with the latest update completed in May 2022. Our latest Guide to Walt Disney World for Beginners contains the latest information on the 50th Birthday Celebrations, including fantastic new fun for Summer 2022.

A lot changed when the Walt Disney World parks reopened in July 2020. Many of our regular tips and tricks on how to plan your Walt Disney World Vacation were no longer valid and still aren’t. However, one thing that has not changed is the need to plan your vacation.

As much has changed, creating this guide has been a big challenge. We have likely provided some information that is either incorrect or will soon be out of date. If you feel there are any corrections, please leave a comment.

If you are looking for specific information to help plan your Walt Disney World Vacation, click on these handy jumps to take you straight to the advice:

• Walt Disney World Reopening The Basics all the critical information about the reopening of Walt Disney World
• Walt Disney World The Basics, including the history of Walt Disney World & New Attractions Coming Soon to Walt Disney World. Plus, we will update you with the latest information on Walt Disney World’s 50th-anniversary celebrations.
• Initial Research & Reserving your Walt Disney World Vacation things might be different, but you will still need to plan your vacation
• Essential Walt Disney World Knowledge FastPass+ is not returning, but there are new things you need to know. Everything you need to know about DisneyGenie and Disney Park Pass.
• Where to Stay When Visiting Walt Disney World All Disney Resorts are now open again!
• The Walt Disney World Theme Parks All about the big 4four theme parks at Walt Disney World: The Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios & Animal Kingdom.
• Other Venues at Walt Disney World
• Walt Disney World Transport how to get around the resort
• Dining at Walt Disney World Disney has plenty of dining options, but there are changes in 2022
• Special Events & Festivities at Walt Disney World in 2022
• Walt Disney World News & Rumors. How to keep up to date with the latest changes

Walt Disney World Reopening The Basics

On March 16th, 2020, Walt Disney World Parks closed due to COVID-19 Pandemic. However, the resort is now open and welcoming back guests.

Since the resort reopened, there have been some significant changes to experiences at Walt Disney World. However, in 2022 the resort is returning closer to regular operation, or at least the new normal. However, the following changes remain in place:

• You must reserve a place to visit your first park each day. Park attendance is managed through a new park reservation system. To access the park, you must have a valid ticket and reservation.
• The advice on face coverings has changed several times are may change again. However, face masks are no longer compulsory anywhere in Walt Disney World, including transport. However, it is recommended that guests who are not fully vaccinated wear face coverings in all indoor locations, including indoor attractions and theaters, and on enclosed transportation.
• Improved sanitation across the resort.
• Improved use of technology throughout the resort to reduce contact.
• Cashless transactions are encouraged, including mobile food ordering.
• The Disney Dining Plan remains suspended. Will they ever come back?
• Some nighttime spectaculars and shows remain suspended
• The majority of tours and special experiences are unavailable.

Also, you should note that the following will not be returning to Walt Disney World:

• FastPass
• Extra Magic Hours

Also, Disney has introduced new services to Walt Disney World, including replacements for Extra Magic Hours and FastPass+. We will discuss all these changes later in this guide.

Walt Disney World The Basics

Most first-time visitors are not aware of the size of Walt Disney World. The resort is similar in size to San Francisco! It is the most visited vacation resort globally in standard years, with 52 million guests. However, the number of guests in 2021 will be significantly less.

The resort opened on the 1st of October 1971 and will celebrate its 50th Birthday this year. Today, Walt Disney World has four theme parks, two water parks, several golf courses, numerous hotels, Disney Vacation Club Resorts, a camping resort, and other entertainment venues. 

• Visit our Brief History of Walt Disney World if you want to learn more about the developments at the resort.
• Did you know that Walt Disney World has more than 200 restaurants, more than any other single-site vacation destination globally? If you want to learn more Walt Disney World Facts visit our dedicated page.

Recent New Attractions at Walt Disney World

2019 was a busy year at Walt Disney World with many new attractions.

There were planned to be several big new attractions opening at Walt Disney World in 2020. Unfortunately, due to the resort closure, only Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway opened at Hollywood Studios. Inevitably the 2020 crisis has led to some construction projects at Walt Disney World being canceled. Learn about the attractions now joining Neverland instead of Walt Disney World.

However, towards the end of 2021, 1 Big New E-Ticket attraction, two new nighttime shows, plus several smaller attractions debuted at Walt Disney World. The attractions all opened as part of Walt Disney World’s 50th Birthday celebrations:

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure should have opened in 2020. The attraction eventually opened in Epcot on October 1st, 2021. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure already existed at Walt Disney Studios Paris and is a guest favorite. The attraction is in 3D and uses a trackless ride system. During the ride, you shrink to the size of a rat and cause mayhem in Gustav’s kitchen.

Disney Enchantment

A new nighttime spectacular at the Magic Kingdom is always something to celebrate. Disney Enchantment features music, enhanced lighting, stunning fireworks, and, for the first time, immersive projection effects that extend from Cinderella Castle down Main Street, U.S.A. Guests wanting a little extra treat can now once again enjoy dessert parties before or after the Magic Kingdom fireworks.

Harmonious

The long-awaited Harmonious should have debuted at Epcot in 2020. However, it eventually opened as part of Walt Disney World’s 50th birthday celebrations. The show on the World Showcase lagoon features pyrotechnics, fountains, lighting, and media. It is the largest nighttime show produced for Walt Disney World. “Harmonious” features new interpretations of classic Disney songs, reimagined in more than a dozen languages by a diverse group of 240 artists from around the World. Unfortunately, despite its massive budget, Harmonious hasn’t been the crowd-pleaser Disney was hoping for.

Walt Disney World’s 50th Birthday Celebrations

Walt Disney World loves a big party, and for a time, we thought the 50th birthday celebrations would not happen.

The festivities started on October 1st, 2021, and will run for 18 months. Disney calls the 50th birthday celebrations “The World’s Most Magical Celebration.” In addition to the three big new attractions, several smaller attractions launched on October 1st. However, as the celebration progresses, expect more attractions to be announced. Visit our Guide to Walt Disney World’s 50th Birthday to learn more. However, 2022 will welcome one big new E-Ticket Attraction.

Coming to Walt Disney World in 2022

After two years of park closures, delayed projects, and suspended attractions, 2022 will be when we welcome a big new E-Ticket attraction to Walt Disney World. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is an excellent addition to EPCOT but isn’t a must-do attraction.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT was initially slated to open in 2021. Construction resumed once the parks reopened, and we now have confirmation that it will open on May 27, 2022!

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will be located in EPCOT’s newly renamed World Discovery Neighbourhood. The indoor coaster will star the Guardians of the Galaxy cast, including Rocket and Groot.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will be one of the longest fully enclosed coasters in the World and will inevitably be the most popular attraction at Walt Disney World. Expect long waits unless you pay for the inevitable a la carte Lightning Lane.

This indoor coaster will offer several firsts:

The first coaster attraction at EPCOT.

The first reverse launch for a Disney coaster.

The first Walt Disney World attraction to feature the Guardians of the Galaxy.

I am Groot

WDW News

The attraction will be housed in the new Wonders of Xandar pavilion, where additional surprises, including a “Galaxarium,” await.

Returning attractions to Walt Disney Wolrd in 2022

However, it might not be just what is new at Walt Disney World in 2022 that will be the biggest highlights, but also those returning to the resort. Especially as many of the attractions will be having a 50th birthday revamp!

Visit our guide to learn more about what else is new at Walt Disney World in 2022, including the exclusive resort Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.

Initial Research & Reserving your Walt Disney World Vacation

Booking a Walt Disney World Vacation in 2022 will differ from previous years. Traditionally, the first steps of arranging any Walt Disney World Vacation are researching, setting your budgets & making your initial reservations. While much of your planning will not have changed, there might be travel restrictions and park reservations to consider.

However, you should always follow these initial steps:

• Set what your maximum budget is. There will be additional expenses as you come closer to your departure date; make sure you can still pay for them. We have created a free Walt Disney World Budget Planner among our selection of Walt Disney World Planning tools. If you have a strict budget, print out our budgeting tool. When you arrive in Orlando, there will be additional expenses, e.g., gratuities and souvenirs. Unfortunately, like many things, Walt Disney World has become more expensive.
• Consider where you would like to stay. There are plenty of accommodation options at Walt Disney World, but other more affordable options are offsite.
• Research flights. Flight prices vary, and the best time to book differs from country to country. Look at travel forums to find out when the best time to book is.
• Are you going to book the vacation yourself or use a Disney Vacation Planner/Travel Agent?
• Research Walt Disney World via online media(including this site!), guidebooks, etc. Look into when historically offers are released for Disney World Vacations. However, don’t expect offers in 2022 to be released simultaneously or be as generous as previously.
• Do you want to visit Universal Orlando or other Orlando parks?
• Pick your dates & get any annual leave requests arranged.

The above is only the starting point for planning your Walt Disney World vacation. Remember, everything is still subject to change at this time, and you may need more flexibility than usual.

Important information Foreign Visitors to Walt Disney World

Currently, there is restricted entry to the United States. Make sure you check the latest guidance before booking any vacation. While most people can now travel to the United States, this is dependent on vaccination and COVID testing before entry. Entry requirements could change in the coming months; make sure you can cancel all reservations without penalty.

Most Foreign Visitors must obtain a Visa before entry to the United States. However, certain International visitors may be entitled to enter via the Visa Waiver Program, but they must first obtain an ESTA.

All guests are recommended to apply for visas and ESTAs well before their travel plans. You can find out more about Visas to the United States here.

How long do I need at Walt Disney World?

Before answering this question, it is worth reflecting that the park changes make this question even more challenging to answer. Currently, some park attractions and resort experiences remain unavailable.

Usually, we recommend that most first-time visitors consider allocating a minimum of 2 days for all parks. However, you can have a great time at Walt Disney World even if you only visit for a weekend.

We have created a guide on how to decide the length of your Walt Disney World Vacation. However, this guide was created before the current changes, and you should read the advice with caution.

Should I use a Disney Vacation Planner or Travel Agent?

Authorized Disney Vacation Planner Agencies are specialist authorized Disney Travel Agents. They operate in the United States only and can plan every aspect of your vacation. There is no charge for their services, and their income is a commission from sales.

Usually, we can’t see the benefit of using a Disney Vacation Planner. However, we think they might be more significant during this time of change. They may have advanced notice of the latest information and rumors. Read our Guide to Disney Vacation Planners to learn more.

When should I visit Walt Disney World?

We previously created a guide to help you decide when you should visit Walt Disney World in 2020. This advice would usually be consistent for the following years, including 2022. However, it might be a couple of years until the usual seasonal trends return.

Walt Disney World Tickets

When Walt Disney World initially reopened, there were significant restrictions on the availability of tickets. However, vacation tickets are now freely available once more. Annual passes are slightly different, with only renewals and some Florida-only passes available.

The Disney Park Pass Reservation System appears to be here for the foreseeable future. To enter any park, you must have a reservation in addition to a ticket. Although availability is usually good, we strongly recommend checking the availability of reservations before buying your ticket.

We have created a guide that explains everything you need to know when buying Walt Disney World Tickets.

Walt Disney World Weather

While it is implausible to visit Orlando and not encounter a fair measure of sunshine, it can undoubtedly be offset with plenty of rain and the occasional storm. Hurricanes are something that worries many first-time visitors, but it would be unusual for them to ruin your vacation.

We have created a Guide to Orlando Weather which has further information.

Planning Sheets

After your initial research, you will want to start writing down your vacation plans. Our Free Walt Disney World Planners are a great resource to help create a perfect Walt Disney World Vacation Plan.

Our Planners include new sections for the latest changes at Walt Disney World, including Disney Genie+ and Early Morning Magic. Our Free 2022 Walt Disney World Planners will ensure you miss nothing out on your vacation plans.

We have redesigned these planners for 2022, and they include:-

• A vacation overview including prompts on items you might easily forget
• A Walt Disney World budgeting planning sheet
• A Weekly Walt Disney World planning sheet
• Several different styles of daily planners

Make sure you download this free resource.

Essential Walt Disney World 2022 Knowledge

Planning your Walt Disney World Vacation is an essential activity. Planning your vacation is still necessary for 2022, but there are significant changes in how you do this. Traditional key booking windows at Walt Disney World, including how you make dining reservations, have now changed.

We will guide you through all the Essential Disney World Knowledge you need to plan & enjoy your vacation. Keep checking this guide as the information is likely to change regularly.

Keeping Guests safe at Walt Disney World

Visiting any theme park is not without some degree of risk to your health. Disney has stated, “By visiting Walt Disney World Resort, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.”

Several changes were introduced when Walt Disney World reopened to keep guests safe. However, there has been a relaxation of many of these policies. Face coverings are no longer required at Walt Disney World, but it is possible this advice may change, and it is probably worth packing them just in case! Current guidance is:-

Face coverings are optional for Guests in both outdoor and indoor locations, as well as Disney transportation. It is recommended Guests who are not fully vaccinated continue wearing face coverings in all indoor locations, including indoor attractions and theaters and on enclosed transportation.

While most social distancing has been removed, increased use of technology and increased sanitation throughout the resort remains.

Disney Park Pass Reservation System

Just turning up at a Walt Disney World is no longer possible. In its place is a new park reservation system.

Disney introduced Disney Park Pass during the reopening of Walt Disney World. Disney Park Pass allowed Disney to control the number of guests entering a park daily. To access a park at Walt Disney World, you need to prebook a reservation through the new Disney Park Pass System. Guests must present their park reservation and a valid park ticket to access a park. Guests who do not have either of these will be refused entry, including if you have a dining reservation.

A limited Park Hopping option, described below, has now been introduced. However, Guests must confirm their first park entry each day through a Disney Park Pass Reservation.

To learn more about the Disney Park Pass System, visit our dedicated guide.

Park Hopping

Park Hopper tickets allow guests to visit more than one park at Walt Disney World daily. Park Hopping allows increased variation and spontaneity in your vacation, but tickets cost a little extra.

When Walt Disney World reopened, Park Hopping was suspended. Guests were restricted to visiting just one Walt Disney World Park a day. However, Park Hopping has now been reintroduced.

Guests will still need to make a Disney Park Pass Reservation for their first park each day, and they must enter this park before trying to enter another. Guests will then be able to enter a second park during Park Hopper Hours. Park Hopping Hours are subject to change, but currently, they are between 2 pm to close at all parks. Park Hopping will be subject to park capacity, and Disney advises you to check My Disney Experience for the latest information.

Visit our Guide to Park Hopping to learn more.

Important Holywood Studios Reservations

We will discuss Advance Dining Reservations later in this guide, but several essential reservations are required for Hollywood Studios.

Do you want to drink at Oga’s Cantina in Galaxy’s Edge? Or do you want to build a droid or lightsaber? You need to secure a reservation for the following:-

• Oga’s Cantina 
• Droid Depot
• Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers 

Guests may make reservations for dining and other experiences up to 60 days in advance. In addition, Disney Resort hotel Guests can make reservations up to 60 days in advance plus the length of their stay (up to 10 days). Visit My Disney Experience for further information.

Early Theme Park Entry

Early Theme Park Entry started on 1st October 2021. This new benefit, which replaced Extra Magic Hours, will be available for all Walt Disney World Resort guests and other select hotels. Guests can gain 30-minute early entry to any theme park every day. However, you will need a Disney Park Pass.

We never used to think Extra Magic Hours was a great benefit. However, due to the removal of FastPass+, we think Early Theme Park Entry is a great benefit.

Extended Evening Hours

Extended Evening Hours is a new unmissable benefit for guests staying at Deluxe Resorts. Guests staying at one of these resorts can enjoy extended evening hours on select nights in select theme parks. A valid Disney Park Pass will also be essential for guests taking advantage of Extended Evening Hours. However, guests may visit with a Park Hopper option if they have visited the park where they made their reservation earlier.

Walt Disney World Park Hours & Closures

Park hours usually get released around six months in advance. However, they often change as you come closer to the actual date! Hours have been reduced in all parks but have slowly been increasing. Click the link to get all the latest Walt Disney World Park Hours.

Walt Disney World is constantly changing, and it is almost inevitable there will be some attraction refurbishments & closures whenever you visit. During the initial reopening of Walt Disney World, you may find more attractions than usual that are not open. Visit My Disney Experience for the latest information.

My Disney Experience

My Disney Experience is a free online guide to Walt Disney World that allows guests to plan their vacation. Through this free service, you can:

• Keep track of your plans & reservations, including those of your family & friends.
• Make Dining & Ticket Reservations
• Use the new Disney Genie service, including Disney Genie+
• Order in advance and pay for your food at Quick Service Locations
• Access maps, wait times, showtimes, park hours, and much more essential information via the App.

Walt Disney World encourages all guests to have downloaded the latest version of My Disney Experience on their mobile device before entering parks during the reopening period. Also, they recommend having location services, and notifications enabled.

During the reopening of Walt Disney World, My Disney Experience has been enhanced to promote social distancing and reduced contact.

Our Guide to My Disney Experience provides more information, including how to get the App.

Disney Genie

FastPass+ is no longer available at Walt Disney World. There is a complex mix of free and paid vacation planning systems in its place. We will discuss the paid for DisneyGenie+ and Lightning Lane “á la carte” below, but first, we will focus on the free Disney Genie.

Disney Genie is a free service within the My Disney Experience app that can help design a perfect Disney World vacation. Disney Genie will generate a personalized itinerary based on your interests. Disney promises fewer waits, reduced walking, and real-time updates. Your itinerary will continue to be updated throughout the day.

Unsurprising, views on Disney Genie have been mixed!

Disney Genie+

Disney Genie+ is the new paid replacement for FastPass+. Disney Genie+ is an optional purchase and allows guests to make reservations to join a much shorter line at select attractions. Guests will enter the attraction via the new Lightning Lane entrance.

Selections can be completed one at a time throughout the day, but surprisingly you can only use Genie+ for each attraction once each day. Access is also included to interactive Disney PhotoPass Lenses and audio tales.

Once you have purchased Disney Genie+, you can book your first experience beginning at 7:00 am on the day of your visit.

Disney Genie+ is available to buy, at $15, for single-day use via the Disney Genie service in the My Disney Experience app. Previously you could purchase for your entire stay as part of your vacation package, but this option has now been removed. It is rumored Disney may introduce seasonal price changes soon.

Views of Disney Genie+ have been very mixed, with some guests complaining of a lack of available attractions and little difference in waiting times.

Lightning Lane “á la carte.”

This is the one bit of the new changes I do not like. However, it is here, and we must get used to it. Not all of the most popular attractions are not included in Disney Genie+. An individual fee will be required to access the lightning lane for these attractions.

Lightning Lane “á la carte” will be available for all guests daily, including those who have not purchased Disney Genie+. You can buy up to 2 attractions each day, booked one at a time. Initially, each park had two attractions available to buy via Lightning Lane “á la carte”, but currently, it is only one. The attractions are:

• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will be replaced by Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind on opening.
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
• Avatar Flight of Passage

Disney advises this list is likely to change on August 7, 2022. However, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will join the list on opening; other guests hoping to ride will need to enter a virtual line via My Disney Experience.

Visit our guide to learn more about Disney Genie, Dis