Disney World 2028: What’s New, Best Times to Visit & When to Book
Already dreaming about a Disney World 2028 trip? You’re not alone, and honestly, you’re being smart. The families who get the best rooms, the best dates, and the best prices are almost always the ones who start thinking a year (or more!) ahead. I’ve been tracking Disney World crowd patterns, event calendars, and construction projects for years, and while Disney hasn’t announced much for 2028 yet, there’s already a surprising amount we can plan around.
This guide covers everything we know (and everything we can reasonably expect) about visiting Walt Disney World in 2028: what might be new, what’s still under construction, the key holiday dates that will shape crowds, when bookings are likely to open, and how to start planning now. I’ll keep updating this post as Disney makes announcements, so bookmark it and check back!
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Is Disney World 2028 Worth It?
Short answer: it’s shaping up to be a great year, especially if you’re a family who likes to visit after the opening-day chaos settles down.
The big-picture pros: 2028 is likely to be the year when a lot of Disney World’s current construction finally pays off. Several of the major projects that are opening in phases during 2027 should be complete (or close to it) by 2028, and the brand-new attractions from 2027 will have had time to work out their early kinks and settle into more reasonable wait times. Disney Lakeshore Lodge will be in its first full year. And 2028 has a couple of fun milestones on the calendar, including Mickey Mouse’s 100th birthday.
The cons? We simply don’t know a lot yet. Disney hasn’t released 2028 ticket prices, vacation packages, or event dates. Prices have climbed steadily every year, so I’d budget for 2028 to cost at least as much as 2027. And a few of the biggest projects (Villains Land, in particular) still won’t be ready, so you’ll see construction walls in parts of Magic Kingdom.
2028 is perfect for you if: You’d rather experience the newest lands once the lines calm down, you like to plan far in advance, or you’re hoping to catch a big anniversary celebration.
You may want to reconsider if: Your heart is set on Villains Land. Based on current construction progress, that one is very unlikely to open in 2028.
Can You Book a Disney World 2028 Vacation Yet?
Not quite, at least not directly with Disney. As of right now (fall 2026), Disney has not released 2028 vacation packages, resort-only reservations, or theme park tickets.
Here’s what we can expect based on past patterns. Disney opened 2027 vacation packages in the U.S. on April 16, 2026, so I’m expecting 2028 packages to open sometime in spring 2027. Disney has been releasing dates a little earlier in recent years, so it could even come sooner. Tickets and resort pricing typically become available around the same time.
Other booking windows to keep on your radar:
- Dining reservations: open 60 days before your trip (on-site guests can book for their whole stay at the 60-day mark).
- Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass: on-site guests can book several days earlier than off-site guests, which is a real advantage for new headliners.
- Hard-ticket parties: Halloween and Christmas party dates are usually released in the spring before the event.
- runDisney races: race weekend dates are often announced a year or more ahead, with registration opening several months before race day.
What you can do right now: Narrow down your travel window, start a Disney savings fund, research which resort fits your family, and sign up for alerts so you know the moment 2028 bookings open.
What’s Expected to Be New at Disney World in 2028
This is where it gets exciting, but I want to be upfront: Disney has not officially announced any opening dates in 2028. Everything in this section is based on announced projects and current construction progress. I’ll update it as Disney confirms dates.
The Monsters, Inc. Door Coaster at Hollywood Studios
This is the most likely big-ticket opening of 2028. Parts of Monstropolis (the new Monsters, Inc. land replacing the former Muppets Courtyard) are confirmed to open in 2027, including the Glob Theater show, Harryhausen’s restaurant, and Archie’s Scare Pig Pizza. But Disney has said its centerpiece attraction, a suspended coaster themed to the famous door vault scene, needs more construction time.
Disney hasn’t announced an opening date for the coaster, but construction updates this fall show the massive show building largely enclosed, and several Disney news sites are pointing to a 2028 debut. It will be Disney’s first-ever suspended coaster, and its show building is even bigger than Rise of the Resistance’s. Expect it to be an extremely popular attraction whenever it opens.
Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom (Possibly Finishing in 2028)
Disney has committed to a 2027 opening for Tropical Americas, the new land replacing DinoLand, U.S.A. But no specific date has been announced, and there’s a real chance the land opens in phases. Some Disney watchers predict that the village and carousel open first, Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent follows later in 2027, and Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto may not debut until spring 2028.
If that happens, 2028 would be the first year to experience the entire land at once. And either way, by 2028 the opening-year frenzy should be starting to calm down, which is great news for families with little ones who don’t want to wait two hours for the Encanto ride. But keep in mind that this is mostly speculation, as Disney has yet to make any official announcements concerning dates.
Spaceship Earth’s Reimagining at EPCOT
At D23 2026, Disney confirmed that Spaceship Earth will be reimagined around the theme of human connection, its first major update in nearly two decades. No closure date or reopening target has been announced. That timing matters, because the ride will likely need to close for an extended period. If Spaceship Earth is a must-do for your family, keep a close eye on this one; it could be closed, reopening, or brand new during your 2028 trip.
Figment and Dreamfinder at EPCOT
Another D23 2026 announcement with no date attached. Figment and Dreamfinder are getting a new journey into imagination at EPCOT, and current predictions range from late 2027 to 2029. Fingers crossed for 2028!
The Restored Yeti on Expedition Everest
Disney confirmed the Yeti on Expedition Everest is finally being brought back to full working order. Fixing it will likely require Everest to close for a while, and Disney probably won’t want to take a major Animal Kingdom ride offline until Tropical Americas is open. That puts a late 2027 or 2028 timeline in the realm of possibility, but it’s not confirmed.
Piston Peak National Park at Magic Kingdom (Maybe)
The new Cars-themed land, featuring Ridge Run Rally and Miss Fritter’s Daredevil Spin-Along, is under construction on the former Rivers of America site. Disney hasn’t announced an opening year. Predictions range from 2028 to 2029, so I wouldn’t plan a 2028 trip around it, but it’s one to watch.
Disney Lakeshore Lodge’s First Full Year
Disney Lakeshore Lodge opens July 1, 2027, on the shores of Bay Lake, which means 2028 will be its first full calendar year. Brand-new resorts usually have a few early hiccups, so staying in 2028 gets you a still-fresh resort with the kinks worked out.
Recently Opened Attractions You’ll Enjoy in 2028
By 2028, these will all be up and running:
- Monstropolis (Hollywood Studios): the Glob Theater show, dining, and shopping that open in 2027.
- Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress (Magic Kingdom): reimagined with a new Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic figure and updated scenes, targeted to reopen in spring 2027.
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets (Hollywood Studios)
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin (Magic Kingdom), both refreshed in 2026
- The Walt Disney Studios area (Hollywood Studios), including The Magic of Disney Animation
Big Disney Milestones in 2028
Mickey Mouse Turns 100
November 18, 2028 marks 100 years since Mickey Mouse made his debut in Steamboat Willie. Disney hasn’t announced any plans to celebrate yet, but it’s hard to imagine the company letting its most famous character’s centennial pass quietly. If Disney does plan something, it could be a fun reason to visit in late 2028 (or a reason to expect even bigger crowds).
Here’s the catch: Mickey’s birthday falls on Saturday, November 18, which is the weekend kicking off Thanksgiving week in 2028. That’s already one of the busiest stretches of the year.
Animal Kingdom’s 30th Anniversary
Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened on April 22, 1998, so the park turns 30 in 2028. Again, nothing has been announced, but with a brand-new land and the park’s big birthday happening around the same time, Animal Kingdom could be the star of 2028.
A Leap Year Bonus Day
2028 is a leap year, so February has 29 days. It’s a small thing, but February 29 falls on a Tuesday in one of the quietest stretches of the year. Not a bad day to be in a theme park!
Key 2028 Holiday Dates That Will Affect Crowds
Even before Disney announces a single event, the calendar tells us a lot. Here are the dates I’m already watching:
- New Year’s Day: Saturday, January 1
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Monday, January 17
- Presidents’ Day: Monday, February 21
- Easter: Sunday, April 16 (a late Easter!)
- Memorial Day: Monday, May 29
- Independence Day: Tuesday, July 4
- Labor Day: Monday, September 4
- Indigenous Peoples’ Day / Columbus Day: Monday, October 9
- Veterans Day: Saturday, November 11 (observed Friday, November 10)
- Mickey Mouse’s 100th Birthday: Saturday, November 18
- Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 23
- Christmas Day: Monday, December 25
- New Year’s Eve: Sunday, December 31
The big takeaway: A late Easter means spring break crowds will be spread out over a longer stretch from early March through late April, rather than one giant spike. And with Christmas on a Monday and New Year’s Day 2029 also falling on a Monday, the end-of-year holiday crowds will stretch across two full long weekends.
Disney World Events & Festivals in 2028
Disney hasn’t announced 2028 event dates yet, but these events follow a very predictable pattern year to year. Here’s what to expect.
EPCOT Festivals
EPCOT’s four festivals cover almost the entire year, and all of them are included with regular park admission. Expected 2028 timing:
- Festival of the Arts (expected mid-January through late February/early March): art, food, and the Disney on Broadway concert series during one of the quietest times of year.
- Flower & Garden Festival (expected early March through late May or early June): character topiaries, outdoor kitchens, and the Garden Rocks Concert Series. With a late Easter, spring break crowds will overlap with this festival for a longer stretch than usual.
- Food & Wine Festival (expected late August through late November): EPCOT’s biggest festival and biggest crowd draw, especially on fall weekends.
- Festival of the Holidays (expected late November through late December): Holiday Kitchens, global storytellers, and the Candlelight Processional.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
This separately ticketed party at Magic Kingdom has been starting earlier and earlier (the 2026 season kicked off August 7). Expect 2028 to run on select nights from early-to-mid August through Halloween, which falls on a Tuesday in 2028. Dates are usually released in the spring, and popular nights sell out.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
The Christmas party typically runs on select nights from early November through the week before Christmas. If Disney celebrates Mickey’s 100th birthday in November, this could be an especially fun year to attend.
Disney Jollywood Nights
This after-hours holiday party at Hollywood Studios extended into January for the first time in the 2026-2027 season. If Disney repeats that pattern, the 2027-2028 party could still be running in the first few days of January 2028. Keep an eye out for the official calendar.
runDisney Race Weekends
runDisney hasn’t announced its 2028 calendar yet. Based on past years, expect:
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend: early-to-mid January
- Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend: late February or early March
- Springtime Surprise Weekend: April
- Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend: late October or early November
If you’re not running, these weekends are worth avoiding. Crowds bump up and morning transportation can get tricky.
Month-by-Month Guide to Disney World in 2028
January
Crowds: Busy for the first few days as New Year’s (Saturday, January 1) crowds head home, then dropping off. Marathon Weekend (dates TBD) adds a spike, and MLK weekend (January 15-17) brings a short bump. The rest of the month is typically one of the quietest times of the year.
Weather: Mild and comfortable, with highs in the mid-60s to low 70s and cool evenings. Pack a light jacket.
Events: EPCOT Festival of the Arts typically begins mid-January.
Verdict: One of the best months of the year once the holidays clear out. Avoid MLK weekend and Marathon Weekend, and late January is fantastic.
February
Crowds: Low for the first half of the month. Presidents’ Day (February 21) brings a big surge, and many Northeast schools take the whole week off (roughly February 19-27). The Princess Half Marathon may add another spike at the end of the month.
Weather: Mild, low humidity, and very pleasant.
Events: EPCOT Festival of the Arts continues. Leap Day (Tuesday, February 29) is also Mardi Gras.
Verdict: Early February, before Presidents’ Day, is one of the best value windows of the year. Avoid the week of Presidents’ Day if you can.
March
Crowds: Moderate to high. Because Easter is so late in 2028 (April 16), spring breaks will be spread out across March and April instead of all landing at once. Expect steady crowds through most of the month, especially mid-to-late March when many colleges and school districts take their breaks.
Weather: Warming up nicely, with highs in the mid-70s to low 80s.
Events: EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival typically begins in early March.
Verdict: The first week or so of March is your best bet. After that, crowds won’t be as extreme as a typical Easter week, but they’ll be consistently busy.
April
Crowds: High in the first half. The weeks before and after Easter (roughly April 8-23) will be among the busiest of the spring. After that, crowds should drop off nicely in the last week of April.
Weather: Beautiful. Highs in the low-to-mid 80s, with lower humidity than summer.
Events: Flower & Garden Festival in full bloom. Animal Kingdom turns 30 on April 22. Springtime Surprise runDisney weekend (dates TBD).
Verdict: Avoid Easter week and the week after. Late April (after about April 24) is excellent, and you might catch an Animal Kingdom anniversary celebration if Disney plans one.
May
Crowds: Low to moderate. With a late Easter, spring break crowds clear out by May, and most schools are still in session. Memorial Day weekend (May 27-29) is the exception.
Weather: Warm, with highs climbing into the upper 80s and humidity picking up late in the month.
Events: Flower & Garden Festival typically wraps up late May or early June.
Verdict: Early-to-mid May is one of the most underrated windows of the year. Skip Memorial Day weekend.
June
Crowds: Summer crowds build as schools let out, especially later in the month.
Weather: Hot and humid, with near-daily afternoon thunderstorms. Highs in the low 90s.
Events: EPCOT usually enters a festival-free window once Flower & Garden ends.
Verdict: Totally doable with a rope-drop-and-midday-break strategy. Early June is better than late June.
July
Crowds: High. Independence Day falls on a Tuesday, so expect a four-day weekend (July 1-4) for many families, with heavy crowds at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT on the 4th.
Weather: Peak heat and humidity, with daily afternoon storms.
Events: Special 4th of July fireworks and entertainment.
Verdict: Avoid July 1-4 if crowds are a concern. If July is your only option, plan for early mornings, Lightning Lanes, and plenty of air-conditioned breaks.
August
Crowds: Easing as the month goes on, since many schools (especially in the South) go back in early-to-mid August.
Weather: Hot and humid, with almost clockwork afternoon storms.
Events: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party typically begins in early-to-mid August. EPCOT Food & Wine Festival typically begins in late August.
Verdict: Late August is a sneaky-good window: lower crowds, two great events starting, and summer-level weather you’d get in July anyway.
September
Crowds: Low after Labor Day (September 4). Typically the least crowded month of the year.
Weather: Still hot and humid early, gradually improving. It’s peak hurricane season, so trip insurance is worth considering.
Events: Food & Wine Festival and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
Verdict: Post-Labor Day September remains one of my top recommendations for low crowds and lower prices.
October
Crowds: Moderate, with busier weekends. Indigenous Peoples’ Day weekend (October 7-9) and fall breaks bring bumps, and the Wine & Dine Half Marathon may land in late October.
Weather: Cooling off, with highs dropping from the upper 80s into the upper 70s. Humidity finally eases.
Events: Halloween party season, Food & Wine Festival, and Halloween itself on a Tuesday.
Verdict: October weekdays are wonderful. Aim for mid-week visits and avoid the holiday weekend.
November
Crowds: A busy month in 2028. Jersey Week is projected for early November, Veterans Day falls on Saturday, November 11 (observed Friday, November 10), Mickey’s 100th birthday is Saturday, November 18, and Thanksgiving is November 23. The week of November 18-26 could be one of the busiest of the year.
Weather: Excellent. Low-to-mid 70s and low humidity.
Events: Food & Wine wraps up, Festival of the Holidays begins, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is underway. Possible Mickey 100th birthday celebrations (not yet announced).
Verdict: The window between Veterans Day weekend and Mickey’s birthday (roughly November 12-16) looks like the sweet spot. Avoid Thanksgiving week unless you’re there specifically for the celebration.
December
Crowds: Building through the month. With Christmas on a Monday and New Year’s Day 2029 also on a Monday, the holiday crush will likely run from about December 22 through January 1.
Weather: Mild and lovely, with highs in the low 70s and cool evenings.
Events: Festival of the Holidays, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and holiday entertainment throughout the parks.
Verdict: The first two weeks of December are magical and manageable. After about December 18, prepare for peak crowds and peak prices.
Best and Worst Times to Visit Disney World in 2028
Best for low crowds: September after Labor Day, late January, and early February.
Best for weather: January through April, plus November and early December.
Best overall balance: Early-to-mid May (thanks to the late Easter clearing out spring break crowds) and early February before Presidents’ Day.
Worst times to visit: Christmas through New Year’s, the week of Thanksgiving (especially with Mickey’s 100th birthday right before it), the two weeks surrounding Easter (roughly April 8-23), and Presidents’ Day week.
Tips for Planning a Disney World Trip in 2028
Pick a flexible travel window, not exact dates (yet). With so many opening dates still unannounced, it’s smart to choose a general time of year now and lock in specific dates once Disney releases packages and more news.
Be ready the day bookings open. Deluxe resorts, popular room types, and especially Disney Lakeshore Lodge can fill up quickly for peak dates. If you have your eye on a specific resort for a holiday week, plan to book as soon as 2028 opens.
Don’t build your whole trip around an unannounced opening. It’s tempting to plan around the door coaster or the Encanto ride, but Disney’s timelines shift. If a specific new attraction is the whole reason for your trip, I’d wait for an official date before committing to non-refundable plans.
Start saving now. 2028 ticket prices haven’t been announced, but prices have gone up year after year, so plan your budget accordingly. Multi-day tickets almost always offer a better per-day value. When tickets are released, compare prices from reputable sellers like Undercover Tourist and Get Away Today.
Consider staying on-site. Disney resort guests get Early Theme Park Entry and earlier Lightning Lane booking, both of which will matter a lot for new headliners like the Monsters, Inc. door coaster.
Watch for construction. Villains Land is not expected to open until 2029 or 2030, and Piston Peak may still be under construction, so expect walls in the Frontierland and Liberty Square areas of Magic Kingdom.
Final Verdict: Should You Visit Disney World in 2028?
Yes, if you’d love to experience Disney’s newest lands once the opening rush calms down. 2028 is shaping up to be a “payoff year,” when much of the current construction comes together, with the potential bonus of a Mickey Mouse centennial and Animal Kingdom’s 30th birthday.
Maybe wait, if Villains Land is at the top of your list. That one is still a few years away.
The bottom line: it’s never too early to start dreaming, and 2028 looks like a great year to visit. Pick your window, start saving, and keep checking back here. I’ll update this guide as soon as Disney shares new details.
Disney World Planning Guides
Magic in the Planning offers numerous guides to help you get started in your Disney World vacation planning! Here are some to get you started!
Planning a trip sooner? Check out my complete Disney World 2027 guide!
Walt Disney World Resort Guides:
- Disney Value Resort Hotels
- Disney Moderate Resort Hotels
- Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels
- Disney Deluxe Villas
Walt Disney World Dining Guides:
Walt Disney World Attraction Guides:
- Attraction Guide for Magic Kingdom
- Attraction Guide for EPCOT
- Attraction Guide for Hollywood Studios
- Attraction Guide for Animal Kingdom
Planning your first Walt Disney World vacation? Be sure to visit my step-by-step guide to get started!
