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Big changes are coming to the Walt Disney World Resort in 2024, and we’ve got the scoop on everything you need to know to make your next vacation more magical than ever.
What’s New at Disney World in 2024
From new attractions to the return of fan-favorite vacation packages, many new experiences are in the works across the resort.
Perhaps the most highly anticipated addition will come to the Magic Kingdom in late 2024 with the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The all-new attraction will immerse guests in the spirit of New Orleans, picking up after the final kiss between Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen in the 2009 Walt Disney Animation Studios film. In addition to dozens of Audio-Animatronics throughout the ride and both new and original songs, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will culminate in the 52-ft. plunge that has been a thrilling part of Frontierland for years.
One of the Magic Kingdom’s most classic attractions is getting a makeover in 2024, with a new show coming to the Country Bear Jamboree. The updated musical revue will feature the same iconic Audio-Animatronics bears guests have come to know and love as they perform beloved Disney songs like “The Bear Necessities.”
And, if you have not yet had the opportunity to “enter the Grid” on TRON Lightcycle / Run, you’ll want to remember to add the Magic Kingdom’s newest thrill ride to your list in 2024.
Several new experiences are arriving at EPCOT by the end of 2023, so they may be new to you during your first trip of the New Year. These include the newest addition to World Nature with Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, and a meet and greet with Moana herself.
In World Celebration, some elements of EPCOT’s large-scale reimagining, including Communicore Hall and Communicore Plaza, are set to open by December 2023. Figment fans visiting in 2024 will be thrilled to see one of their favorite Disney park characters with his very own character meet and greet in the Imagination Pavilion.
EPCOT will also see a new fireworks show debut by the end of 2023, with Luminous The Symphony of Us. You can find incredible views of the nighttime spectacular all around World Showcase Lagoon.
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the New Year will bring new scenes to Star Tours – The Adventures Continue featuring Ahsoka Tano.
And, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a new show inspired by Zootopia (2016) will replace It’s Tough To Be a Bug on Discovery Island.
The Return of the Disney Dining Plan
Disney Dining Plans return for stays beginning January 9, 2024, and is available to guests who purchase a vacation package (including Disney resort stays and theme park tickets.) Two different types of plans will be available for guests looking to effectively pre-pay (and save some cash) off the cost of dining at Disney World. Both the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan and the traditional Disney Dining Plan are available to book now for 2024 trips.
The Disney Quick Service Dining Plan includes two quick-service meals and one snack or nonalcoholic beverage, plus a Disney resort refillable mug for each guest in your party per night of your stay. The Disney Dining Plan includes one quick-service meal, one table-service meal, one snack or nonalcoholic beverage, and one Disney resort refillable mug per person per night. Both plans allow guests ages 21 and over to swap out the nonalcoholic beverage for beer, wine, or select cocktails.
Dining Plans can be a great way to stay within your budget during a Disney vacation, but they aren’t the only way to save big. Check out this guide for more ways to save on your 2024 trip.
Changes to Theme Park Reservations
Starting on January 9, 2024, theme park reservations for date-based tickets will be removed. This means that guests who purchase tickets after this date will not have to make reservations for the first park they plan to visit each day of their trip. It’s important to remember that this change only applies to date-based tickets, so if you use another ticket type (like an Annual Pass), you will still need to make a reservation for most dates.
Also new in 2024 are “good-to-go days” for Disney Annual Passholders and cast members, which will allow these guests to visit the theme parks without making a reservation on select dates. Currently, Annual Passholders can also enter the parks after 2:00 p.m. (except Saturdays and Sundays at the Magic Kingdom), and this perk will continue into 2024 as well.
Park Hopping Time Limits Removed
Park Hopping allows guests to experience multiple theme parks on the same day, but for the past few years, entry to a second park was not permitted until 2:00 p.m. This changes for guests visiting the parks after January 9, 2024, as Disney has confirmed that the restriction is being removed.
In 2024, guests who purchase Park Hopper tickets will find added flexibility in hopping to their second park right after breakfast or even getting a head start on visiting all four parks in one day! Undercover Tourist can help you compare base tickets and Park Hopper tickets while offering special savings for your next vacation. Click here to review ticket prices and plan your Park Hopping today.
How to Save on 2024 Disney Vacations With Undercover Tourist
- Top-notch planning advice: Before you book, check out UndercoverTourist.com for the latest tips and tricks to help plan your Walt Disney World vacation, including where to stay, which tickets to purchase, Dining Plan information, and details on bundled packages that could help you save.
- Major savings on Disney theme park tickets: Undercover Tourist offers authentic, discounted tickets to all four Walt Disney World theme parks plus other destinations in Orlando and beyond.
- Discounts on car rentals: When you book your rental car through Undercover Tourist, you can enjoy savings up to 50%.
- Information on theme park reservations: Find everything you need to know in Undercover Tourist’s guide to theme park reservations.
Start planning your next Disney vacation and find more ways to save at UndercoverTourist.com.