If you love Disney, it isn’t easy to consider an alternative vacation to one where you visit the Disney Parks. However, indeed, you are often in need of a vacation from a Disney Park vacation. So, what if you are considering a 2024 vacation that doesn’t involve a theme park? Surprisingly, many different options will still include the Disney experience.
So, let us inspire you! Here are all of the alternative Disney vacations you should consider taking in 2024. Now that summer is here, it’s an excellent time to start thinking about where your next Disney vacation will take you.
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line offers you the benefit of exploring the world while enjoying the magical Disney experience. You may have cruised before with other cruise lines. Otherwise, you may have never cruised before. If you’re looking for a Disney vacation away from the Disney theme parks, then a cruise with Disney Cruise Line is an excellent alternative.
You should consider taking a Disney cruise as a Disney vacation in 2024 for many reasons. On board, you’ll get to enjoy exceptional dining experiences for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks in between. The pool areas and top deck are beautiful places to relax, enjoy the open air, and cool off in the water, all of which can be done while enjoying a movie on Funnel Vision. You will never be bored on a Disney cruise.
Related: 10 Reasons Why a Disney Cruise is Totally Worth the Money
Expect entertainment throughout each day, from trivia to gameshows, interactions with Disney characters, and more. Kids can have endless fun in the kids’ clubs, while the adults can participate in beverage tasting, brunch, relax in the spa, and enjoy the adults-only pool area. Entertainment continues in the evening, with Broadway-style shows exclusive to Disney Cruise Line in the Walt Disney Theatre.
Related: 6 Things You Don’t Need to Pack When Taking a Disney Cruise
When deciding to take a Disney cruise, there are several things to consider. The dates you intend to travel will help narrow down the cruise ships you can sail on and the destinations you can visit. If your dates are flexible, you may decide by the destination or the Disney ship you want to sail on.
Disney Magic
The Disney Magic is the original Disney cruise ship to have set sail. The cruise ship is one of the smaller Disney ships to sail on. Onboard, you can dine at Rapunzal’s Royal Table and watch Tangled: The Musical.
In 2024, the Disney Magic will be setting sail around the Bahamas and Caribbean, departing from Fort Lauderdale, San Juan, New Orleans, and Galveston, Texas. Bahamian cruises on the Disney Magic will stop at Disney Castaway Cay, or the new island, Lighthouse Point.
Sailing on the Disney Magic will allow you to travel to places such as the Bahamas, Mexico, Antigua, St. Kitts, Dominica, Barbados, Aruba, Curaçao, St. Maarten, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, St. Lucia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Disney Wonder
The Disney Wonder is the same size as the Disney Magic. The smaller Disney ships mean that there are fewer Guests on board. If you are cruising for the first time, you may find the Disney Wonder and Disney Magic ideal as you discover your sea legs and your love for cruising. Onboard the Disney Wonder, you can dine at Tiana’s Place and watch Frozen, A Musical Spectacular.
In 2024, the Disney Wonder will be entering Australian waters for the first time. Disney Magic at Sea cruises will be taking place from Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland, and Sydney. Additionally, it will be sailing from Vancouver, San Diego, and Honolulu. Sailing on the Disney Wonder will allow you to see Alaska, Hawaii, South Pacific, and the Mexican Riviera.
Disney Dream
The Disney Dream is a bigger ship than the Disney Wonder and Disney Magic. On board is an additional adults-only restaurant, Remy, and all Guests can enjoy a stage adaptation of Beauty and the Beast (2017).
On the Disney Dream, you can sail from Fort Lauderdale, Southampton, Barcelona, and Rome in 2024. Sailing on the Disney Dream will allow you to see Italy, Spain, the Norwegian Fjords, Iceland, Greece, Malta, Turkey, France, Portugal, Scotland, Ireland, England, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Mexico, Bahamas, Grand Cayman, Disney Castaway Cay, and Lighthouse Point.
Disney Fantasy
The Disney Fantasy is the same size as the Disney Dream and offers almost all the same features and experiences. Onboard, you can enjoy Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular. When sailing on the Disney Fantasy, you typically sail a longer cruise itinerary.
The Disney Fantasy will sail between 5-night and 10-night cruises from Port Canaveral in 2024. Itineraries on the Disney Fantasy will allow you to explore the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Generally, the Disney ship alternates between the Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises. However, in 2024, it will also be sailing a Bahamian cruise featuring two stops at Disney Castaway Cay. There is also a 10-night Southern Caribbean cruise to enjoy. Furthermore, the Disney Fantasy will host an inaugural cruise to Lighthouse Point, offering two stops at the new island to join Disney Cruise Line.
Disney Wish
The Disney Wish is the newest ship to join the Disney Cruise Line fleet. There are many new experiences to enjoy on board, including restaurants, youth activities clubs, a Tangled (2010) spa, and more. While the Disney Wish only alternates between 3- and 4-night cruise itineraries to the Bahamas, sailing on the new Disney ship is an excellent way to enjoy an itinerary you may have sailed before.
Deciding to take a Disney cruise in 2024 is an excellent vacation away from the Disney theme parks. Where will you choose to sail?
Adventures by Disney
Another great way to experience something new is by taking a vacation with Adventures by Disney. Adventures by Disney offers a guided tour with the magic of Disney. Through masterful storytelling, your Adventure Guide will provide in-depth local knowledge and attention to detail. Every tour is filled with magical moments, authenticity, hassle-free travel, and family fun.
Adventures by Disney offers a remarkable opportunity to explore numerous captivating global destinations. Throughout your vacation, you will be treated to top-notch accommodations, access to various attractions and performances, exclusive VIP entry to select venues, private events crafted solely for Adventures by Disney guests, and the convenience of having most of your meals taken care of during your unforgettable trip.
Related: Adventures by Disney Australia Trip Review
When embarking on one of these adventures, you enjoy a world of unparalleled Guest service synonymous with The Walt Disney Company. This level of service ensures that every aspect of your adventure is not just a trip but an experience that encompasses the essence of luxury and exploration.
While Adventures by Disney involves a significant investment, you’re in for a Disney experience like no other. You can choose to visit destinations worldwide, including land adventures, river cruises, expeditions, private jet adventures, escapes, and adult-only adventures. Will you decide to take an Adventures by Disney trip in 2024?
Credit: Adventures by Disney
Disney’s Vero Beach
Are you looking to escape to the beach in 2024? If the answer is yes, you may want to consider a vacation at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. The Disney Resort hotel is an ideal getaway for Floridian residents. It’s also a wonderful place to visit before or after a Disney cruise.
Located on Florida’s Atlantic Treasure Coast, you can enjoy an elegant hideaway close to the community of Vero Beach. Relax in the warm sands and swim in the sparkling blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is part of the Disney Vacation Club. Therefore, you’ll have the opportunity to stay in spacious lodgings with the comforts of home. Studios through to beach cottages are available to stay in, depending on the size of your travel party.
There is plenty to experience at Disney’s Vero Beach. You can enjoy swimming, cycling, water sports, mini golf, and more. In the evening, you can enjoy stories and sing-alongs around the campfire. Dine at the Disney hotel, or support the local community and dine out. Depending on the time you visit, you may see turtle nests on the beach and even see turtle hatchlings make their way to the ocean in the moonlight.
Disney’s Hilton Head Island
If you wish to travel a little further than Florida, then Disney’s Hilton Head Island is an excellent place to consider visiting in 2024. Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort is a Disney Vacation Resort in South Carolina. Relax in a home-away-from-home that offers plenty of outdoor fun. Visiting the Disney Resort is ideal if there are any golfers in your travel party. Hilton Head is known for its world-class golf courses.
When you’re not golfing, you can enjoy the coastal beauty. Disney’s Hilton Head Island is a short walk from Shelter Cove Harbour, where you can browse charming boutiques, dine at fine restaurants and enjoy a view of the marina. You can also enjoy Atlantic Beach, close to the Disney hotel.
Disney’s Aulani
If a beach escape sounds perfect but you’re hoping to travel further afield, you should consider Disney’s Aulani Resort. Aulani is a family paradise filled with Disney magic in the Ko Olina area of Hawaii. There are plenty of beaches to relax on and water areas where you can splash and cool off. Adults can also take their relaxation to the next level and book a treatment in the spa. If you’re looking for adventure, you can rent snorkel gear, paddle boards, kayaks, and more. Alternatively, book an excursion and explore the local area.
Guests can stay active while vacationing in Aulani. Guided walking tours allow you to explore the local nature and wildlife. Guests who enjoy yoga can participate in sunrise yoga on the beach during their stay. Horseback riding and canoeing are also available to enjoy. Golfers can also play a round or two at the Ko Olina golf course, which is located nearby.
Disney’s Aulani features several excellent dining locations around the Resort, including Disney character dining. You can also meet your favorite Disney characters around the Resort. In true Disney style, you can gain an insight into the Hawaiian culture through the different activities that are available throughout the hotel. You won’t want to leave this beautiful escape for reality!
A runDisney Vacation
Is 2024 going to be the year you challenge yourself? Incorporating a challenge with a Disney vacation is made easy with the runDisney events that are taking place in the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort next year. Participating in a runDisney race will allow you to experience the Disney Parks differently. While you may not ride the attractions, you’ll get to meet rare and favorite Disney characters. Along the way, you’ll also be supported by Cast Members.
runDisney events that are taking place in 2024 are:
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 3 to 7, 2024
- Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend – January 11-14, 2024
- Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 22-26, 2024
- runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend – April 18-21, 2024
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 2024 (dates will be confirmed later in 2023)
Disney on Broadway Vacation
How does a city break combined with the theater sound? An excellent alternative vacation to the Disney Parks could be a Disney on Broadway trip. Currently, The Lion King and Disney’s Aladdin are showing on Broadway. Spend your evenings at the theater. Meanwhile, explore the Big Apple during the day, taking in the sights. Make sure you visit the Alice in Wonderland statue in Central Park as part of your Disney experience.
Walt Disney World without a Park Ticket
The Walt Disney World Resort is filled with much more than the Disney Parks. You may have yet to consider it, but visiting Lake Buena Vista without a Disney Park Pass encourages you to enjoy everything else that is available. You won’t need to worry about a theme park reservation each day.
Instead, spend your days exploring each Disney Resort hotel, interspersed with relaxing by the pool. Enjoy excellent dining at the quick-service and full-service restaurants outside the Disney Parks, in Disney Springs, and the Disney hotels. You can also experience the complimentary activities available in the Disney Resort hotels that you often won’t have time for when visiting the Disney Parks.
Additionally, visit one of the Magic Kingdom Park Resorts to enjoy Disney fireworks away from the crowds. You may feel a little apprehensive about taking a Walt Disney World vacation without entering the theme parks, but we’re sure you’ll leave feeling refreshed while still getting your Disney fix!
What will your 2024 Disney vacation involve? Which alternative vacation has caught your attention?
