If you’re heading to Disney World in 2024, then be ready for a steady flow of changes. From new things in the parks to changes in planning and services, there is plenty you’ll want to know before you go! Whether this is your First Disney World Vacation, another Girl’s Trip to Disney World, or your annual family vacation, here are all the things happening at Walt Disney World in 2024.
Contents
- 1 What’s Happening at Walt Disney World in 2024?
- 2 New Rides & Attractions Walt Disney World in 2024
- 3 New Disney Resorts Walt Disney World in 2024?
- 4 New Restaurants Walt Disney World in 2024
- 5 Walt Disney World 2024 By Month
- 6 January- February 2024
- 7 March-June 2024
- 8 July- October 2024
- 9 November – December 2024
- 10 Disney Vacation Planning in 2024
- 11 Disney Anniversaries in 2024
What’s Happening at Walt Disney World in 2024?
With the removal of Park Pass Reservations on January 9, 2024, and the return of ALL-DAY Park Hopper and Disney Dining Plans, there is plenty to be excited about at Walt Disney World in 2024. While we imagine that Virtual Queue for New Disney Rides, will still be in place, these changes at Disney World give us hope for 2024 nonetheless.
So, while we can talk about How to Deal with Crowds and Disney World, and the importance of choosing the Best Time to Visit Walt Disney World regarding cost and crowds, it doesn’t really matter if you’re up against a schedule. Of course, if you’re hoping to see New Disney Rides in 2024 and New Disney restaurants in 2024, then you may be in luck! If you’re looking for what’s changing at Disney World in 2024, then we’re collecting everything coming to Walt Disney World in 2024.
Is 2024 a Good Year to Visit Walt Disney World?
Let’s face it, things have been uncertain since the pandemic hit in March of 2020. With major projects scrapped, and others delayed, Disney is only now regaining its footing. And since prices are not going down any time soon if you’re looking for a Disney Vacation on a Budget, a vacation in 2024 will surely COST LESS than one in 2025. What’s more, is that other than some big ideas thrown around at the D23 EXPO, there haven’t been additional details on anything new in the parks actually confirmed. Of course that all changes on September 9, 2023, at Destination D23, when we learn what’s actually in the works.
That said, if you’re holding out for a better year to visit, it may be a ways off. Especially as new things take time to build, and who knows where inflation prices will be by then. Is 2024 a good year to visit Walt Disney World? Sure! With the exception of a couple of new rides and spaces, Disney World will be “back to normal,” in the broadest sense. Since major park anniversaries will be completed, it should be a rather calm year, save a few openings of new things now and then.
Disney Fab 50 Golden Statues Are Staying in 2024
One of the more exciting bits of news is that the golden statues, originally installed across all parks for the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World are staying! Imagineers are removing the 50th medallions and these little statues will continue to work and interact with Magic Band+ bracelets.
New Rides & Attractions Walt Disney World in 2024
As a theme park, Walt Disney World, like Universal Studios, thrives on NEW rides and attractions. As such it’s no surprise that Disney has been teasing quite a lot of changes lately. But, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll come to fruition. And if we’ve learned anything from the 5 years it took Disney to build TRON, we can only imagine what types of hurdles they may be up against with the local Florida government giving them the side eye, on the daily. That said, there are a few new Disney projects in 2024 that are well worth the watch, and maybe a visit.
Walt Disney World in 2024 may be one of the best years to visit simply because so many of the construction projects across the park will be completed. Additionally, with major rides like Guardians of the Galaxy and TRON past the opening fervor, your chances of riding these rides improve. We expect too that some of the revenge travel would have died down by 2024, allowing a more normal Disney Vacation with average crowds.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure | Magic Kingdom TBD 2024
In a much-needed refresh, Splash Mountain is set to transform into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. This Princess and the Frog re-imagining of Splash Mountain turns this boat ride into a bayou-focused ride featuring Princess Tiana, Mama Odie and friends, opening at both Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park and Disneyland. Recreating a New Orleans Mardi Gras experience this ride includes jazz music, bayou culture, familiar faces from Princess and the Frog, and more. This new ride features Tiana, Naveen, and Louis the alligator preparing to host a Mardi Gras Celebration. This ride picks up where the movie left off. TBD 2024
- Brand-new cast of original Disney characters with distinct names and personalities
- Dozens of entirely new Audio-Animatronics figures
- Adorable critters with incredible talent, bringing the diverse flavors of musical gumbo found in New Orleans!
- New, original music alongside favorite tunes from the film
- Do you love beignets as much as Louis? Well, you’re in luck because the alluring scent of beignets being prepared for the party will be part of the attraction queue!
- Additional talent voices from the film reprising their roles, including Bruno Campos as Prince Naveen, Michael Leon Wooley as Louis, and the one and only Anika Noni Rose as Princess Tiana
- Familiar faces from the film such as Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen, Mama Odie, Louis, Eudora, Charlotte, “Big Daddy,” the King and Queen of Maldonia and Prince Ralphie
Country Bears Musical Jamboree at Magic Kingdom | TBD 2024
This fan-favorite attraction in Disney’s Magic Kingdom is finally getting an update. One of the Disney Announcements surely to make veteran Disney World vacationers happy, the Country Bears Musical Jamboree Refresh is set to open in 2024. In Classic variety style, this refresh of the Country Bear Jamboree will combine Rockabilly, Bluegrass, and Country Music Style performances.
“The bears will be reinterpreting favorite Disney songs in different genres of country music. Imagineers are envisioning the new experience as a homage to the classic musical revues in Nashville and they’re working with Nashville musicians to get the authentic country sound.”
Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern at Magic Kingdom | TBD
Peg-Leg Pete from Pirates of the Caribbean returns in a new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge coming to Adventureland at Magic Kingdom Park in Florida. Extending the Pirates of the Caribbean story, and set to be located near the attraction. This first-of-its-kind experience will extend the story of Pirates of the Caribbean. Imagineers are in the design process now and more details are coming in the future.
Test Track Re-Imagining| TBD
In development with Chevrolet, Disney is re-imagining Test Track in the EPCOT World Discovery Area. This fan-favorite ride at Disney World is set to incorporate a variety of inspirations. Test Track features the opportunity to build your own “car” and then race it around the track. We expect this re-imagining to incorporate new technologies, seated in history.
Imagineers along with teams from Chevrolet are reaching back into history for inspiration – from the original World of Motion – and bringing that spirit of optimism to the next iteration of the Test Track attraction! More to come in the future.
Ahsoka Star Wars Storyline | Hollywood Studios Spring 2024
Coming to Walt Disney World’s Star Tours attraction in Hollywood Studios is a new Ahsoka storyline. Beginning in the Spring of 2024, Ahsoka fans can experience even more of this Disney Plus fan-favorite show as part of the slew of stories told within Star Tours.
Zootopia Show at Tree of Life Animal Kingdom | TBD
Replacing It’s Tough to Be A Bug at Animal Kingdom, we’ll see a new show featuring Zootopia characters in 2024. In a push to add more Zootopia to the parks, Walt Disney World is replacing the current Bug’s Life show with a Zootopia show in the Tree of Life theater. This theater is tucked inside the Tree of Life and accessible by a pathway alongside the Discovery River. This new show is slated to center around natural biomes. We imagine a mix of educational and fun in the works.
A new show based on “Zootopia” is being created for the Tree of Life theater at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! The current concept for the new “Zootopia” experience has guests visiting the different biomes you only glimpse in the film, traveling along with Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde and other characters. Imagineers are currently finalizing the concept and more details will be coming in the future.
New Disney Resorts Walt Disney World in 2024?
New Disney Fort Wilderness Cabins DVC Renovation
As part of the overhaul of certain resorts at Walt Disney World, the latest to be added to the list are the Fort Wilderness Resort Cabins. These cabins are a mainstay in the Fort Wilderness Resorts and Campgrounds offering guests a little more luxury. Well, now, it’s going to get even more luxurious! All 350 cabins are being replaced by new energy-efficient cabins, falling under the DVC umbrella. They will be built on the existing cabin footprint to limit environmental impact. Each cabin will sleep up to six adults and include a bedroom, bathroom, living room, full kitchen, and private patio, with a select number of cabins expected to be designated as dog-friendly. Opening TBD 2024
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort DVC Tower Project
Set to open in late 2024 this new Disney Vacation Club Villas wing at Disney’s Polynesian Resort features a fresh look honoring elements from the Pacific Islands. Complete with views of the water. Situated in the area of the permanently closed Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show, this addition to the resort is a major project. Therefore, we do expect some modifications of the Pathway from Magic Kingdom to the Polynesian as a result of this project. Open TBD 2024
New Restaurants Walt Disney World in 2024
While Walt Disney World is sure to have some restaurant news in 2024, none has been released just yet. With some big restaurants, like Woody’s Roundup Rodeo BBQ already open and The Cake Bake Shop opening soon, we wouldn’t expect anything life-changing for 2024. At least, not yet.
Walt Disney World 2024 By Month
Are you visiting Walt Disney World in 2024? Things like festivals, anniversaries, special days, and events are all part of the calendar. And you’ll want to be sure to avoid high crowd times like holidays and breaks. Check out our Walt Disney World 2024 Event Calendar for detailed information on dates and holidays that may affect your vacation. Here is an overview of the major events happening each month at Walt Disney World so you can know what to expect during your vacation.
January- February 2024
Considered one of the Best Times to Visit Walt Disney, January, and February see fewer crowds and lower prices than other times of the year. However, you will want to be aware of runDisney weekends this month as they are crowded!
runDisney Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend | January 3-7. 2024
The runDisney Walt Disney World Marathon features multiple race options for the whole family, new merchandise, and commemorative medals! By far the most popular runDisney Marathon at Walt Disney World, this one fills up fast! Take note of registration dates and plan for a virtual queue!
EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts | January 12- February 19, 2024
The International Festival of the Arts returns to EPCOT in mid-January and runs through mid-February featuring artist galleries, artful cuisine at the outdoor kitchen studios, and performances across the park! With Figment’s Brush with the Masters Game, The Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine Challenge, and new merchandise, there will be plenty of new things to explore at the Festival of the Arts in 2024. Read more about the Festival of the Arts.
runDisney Princess Half Marathon Weekend |February 22-26. 2024
Join the Disney Princesses in the runDisney Princess Half Marathon at Walt Disney World. You can count on even more magic across the parks when the Disney Princesses are involved. This race is open to princes and princesses everywhere!
March-June 2024
Considered one of the most expensive times all year to visit, March through June sees Spring Breakers, popular holiday weekends, and a slew of championships and competitions that result in more people in the parks.
EPCOT’s International Flower and Garden Festival | TENTATIVE February 28- July 3, 2024
The Flower and Garden Festival at EPCOT arrives every spring in early March and runs through mid-July, bringing new topiaries, Disney-themed displays, fresh foods at the outdoor kitchens, and more. Performances at this festival include the popular Garden Rocks concert series. Guests can also play Spike’s Pollen-Nation Scavenger Hunt for more fun in each World Showcase country. Read more about the Flower and Garden Festival.
runDisney Springtime Surprise Marathon Weekend | April 12-15, 2024
This runDisney event promises a new theme every year! A wonderful way to keep up with the times, this new event has dates, but limited information. Check the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend for all the latest details!
Earth Month at Animal Kingdom | TENTATIVE April 18-20, 2024
Celebrating Planet Earth all month long, Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers specialty snacks, events, and fun at the Conservation Station. Be on the lookout for animal babies across the park, and special merchandise too! Check out everything happening for Earth Month at Animal Kingdom.
H20 Glow Nights Typhoon Lagoon Park | TENTATIVE May 19- September 1, 2024
H20 Glow Nights return to Walt Disney World’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park this summer. Offered Saturday nights from 8-11 pm, you get 3 hours of fun after the park closes. Complete with low waits, exclusive glow-themed snacks, and free popcorn, select ice-cream treats and beverages to enjoy! This is a ticketed event with limited availability. Grab your H20 Glow Nights at Typhoon Lagoon tickets here.
July- October 2024
Including the hot summer months, this time of year also sees the beginning of EPCOT’s most popular festival, and Halloween festivities at Walt Disney World. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for low-cost and fewer crowds, September is the best month to visit during this time.
EPCOT’s International Food and Wine Festival |TENTATIVE July 25- November 16, 2024
The Food and Wine Festival at EPCOT is one of the largest festivals at Walt Disney World featuring over 25 food kitchens, and cuisine from a variety of cultures! Covering the park with foodie opportunities, this festival includes the Eat to the Beat concert series, Emile’s Fromage Montage Challenge, and Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak Scavenger Hunt. Read more about EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival.
Princess Week |TENTATIVE August 18-24, 2024
Disney Parks debuted Princess Week with new merchandise, snacks, and events at the parks this week is all about the ladies.
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party | TENTATIVE August 9- October 31, 2024
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party arrives in Magic Kingdom in August 2024. This event includes special entertainment, fireworks, specialty snacks and merchandise, and unique character experiences along with the Trick or Treat experience. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is a hard-ticketed event that will require a separate ticket. Guests are usually allowed to enter Magic Kingdom at 4 pm ahead of the 7 pm party start time. Read more about Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.
November – December 2024
It’s the most wonderful time of the year to be at Walt Disney World and sometimes also the most expensive! Be wary of holiday weeks this time of year. Both the week of Thanksgiving and Christmas are particularly crowded. Holiday decorations typically arrive at the beginning of the 3rd week in November in both the parks and resorts.
runDisney Wine and Dine Marathon | November 1-4, 2024
runDisney’s Wine and Dine Marathon typically takes place the first week in November and offers an opportunity to really dig into the fun a couple of weekends before the holidays hit. Read all about the Wine and Dine Marathon at Walt Disney World.
EPCOT’s International Festival of Holidays |TENTATIVE November 29- December 25, 2024
The Festival of Holidays at EPCOT Park starts in late November and runs through late December. This festival features Holiday Storytellers across the World Showcase and holiday kitchens featuring cultural holiday cuisine. Plus, Olaf’s Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt game and the Holiday Cookie Stroll offer plenty to do at this festival. Read more about the Festival of Holidays.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party |TENTATIVE November 6- December 20, 2024
With holiday fun for families at a more reasonable time of day than an After Hours event can provide. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party requires the purchase of a separate ticket. But allows guests access to the evening party as early as 4 pm, ahead of a 7 pm party start time. The party includes a special parade, fireworks, access to specialty snacks, merchandise, and character experiences. Read more about Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Disney Vacation Planning in 2024
Planning a Walt Disney World Vacation in 2024 is still somewhat complicated. As a snapshot, here are the things you should know for awareness as you’re going through the Disney Vacation Planning process. And be sure to enlist a Disney Travel Agent if you need help.
Are Disney Park Pass Reservations Required in 2024?
No! Disney Park Pass Reservations are no longer required for date-based tickets beginning January 9, 2024.
Starting with park visits on Jan. 9, 2024, theme park reservations will no longer be required for date-based tickets. You heard that right! When getting your ticket, you will simply select a start date for Jan. 9, 2024 or later, complete your purchase and then you will be all set! For reference, date-based tickets are the standard ticket option we offer to guests. For other admission types, including non-dated tickets, theme park reservations may be required to help us continue managing attendance and delivering a great experience for everyone. You can check which admission types require park reservations by visiting DisneyWorld.com/ThemeParkReservations before you purchase.
Transportation to and from Walt Disney World in 2024
If you’re flying into the Orlando International Airport then you’ll need to make arrangements to get to and from Walt Disney World. Mears Connect Driven By Sunshine, Uber, Lyft, and traditional taxi services along with car rental are all options for getting to and from the airport to your Disney Resort. Check out our best tips on how to get from Orlando Airport to Walt Disney World.
Early Theme Park Entry for Disney Resort Guests
Available to Disney Resort Guests, Early Theme Park Entry is a perk that allows guests to enter the parks 30 minutes before the official park opening time. Early Theme Park Entry Crowds will still be high. So, we recommend getting to the gates at least 30-60 minutes before your early theme park entry time if you’re hoping to rope-drop popular rides like Rise of the Resistance or Flight of Passage.
Extended Evening Theme Park Hours
For Disney Deluxe Resort Guests, extended theme park hours are available for a couple of hours after regular park closing. At Magic Kingdom Park this means guests can typically stay from 11 pm to 1 am. At EPCOT guests can stay from 9 pm to 11 pm. Neither Animal Kingdom nor Hollywood Studios are currently included in this benefit. Be sure to check the Extended Evening Theme Park Hours Schedule.
60-day Advanced Dining Reservations 2024
Dining Reservations are able to be made 60 days prior to your vacation. Due to the extremely high crowds expected it is highly recommended that guests reserve all restaurants desired the first day that your reservation window opens. Access to make dining reservations usually becomes available at 6 AM EST. Check out our tips on How to Get Disney Dining Reservations.
Are Disney Annual Passes Available in 2024?
Walt Disney World Annual Passes are intermittently available. Check out our posts to get a look at all the Disney Annual Pass perks and whether or not a Disney annual pass is right for your family. Keep tabs on the Walt Disney World Annual Passholder page for up-to-date pricing and availability information.
Are Disney Dining Plans Available in 2024?
Yes! Offered with stays beginning January 9, 2024, Disney Resort Guests can purchase the Disney Dining Plan. Available in 2024, you have two choices to choose from, and these can be added to your Disney Package cart upon checkout.
Time to eat! Disney dining plans will be coming back as an option for those staying at Disney Resort hotels who purchase a vacation package with us starting with stays beginning Jan. 9, 2024, which will also open for bookings on May 31. We know our guests – and families in particular – have missed dining plans, which offer guests the convenience and peace of mind of pre-paying for their meals and snacks. Guests will be able to choose from two popular options: Packages that include either the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan or the Disney Dining Plan. Both plans will be a great value for families with young children with access to many spectacular food and beverage offerings across Walt Disney World.
The Disney Dining Plans, are a great way to take care of your Dining budget ahead of time. Plus, this past year we saw the Disney Dining Card Promo which allowed for a credit to be added to your Disney Vacation Package, so be on the lookout for that this coming year.
Good to Go Days for Annual Passholders and Cast Members
As part of the perpetual Is Being a Disney World Passholder Worth It? conversation, the latest variable is the limited access to the parks. As such, Disney is rolling out Good to Go Days for pass holders and cast members. While this program does stick to limits placed on the type of annual pass you have, it also gives structure to those pass holders who were too heavily restricted by the park pass program. So, we’re hoping this approach works.
In 2024, we plan to offer select days on which our Annual Passholders* and Disney cast members may visit Walt Disney World theme parks without needing a park reservation. Once introduced, we will roll out these good-to-go days on an ongoing basis. This will be in addition to the recent update which offers Passholders the opportunity to visit the theme parks after 2 p.m. without needing a park reservation, except on Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom Park. Good-to-go days may vary by park, and pass block out dates and capacity limitations continue to apply like they do today. Please stay tuned for more details on good-to-go days.
New Disney Snacks for 2024
Hunting down New Snacks at Walt Disney World is one of our favorite pastimes. Found in all four parks, throughout the year, you can count on seasonal snacks, anniversary snacks, and more. We add to our New Snacks posts, whenever new treats arrive, so be sure to check it out if you’re hunting down snacks of your own.
Closures and Refurbishments at Walt Disney World in 2024
If you’re hoping to visit Walt Disney World in 2024, know that refurbishments are often ongoing. Be sure to check out the Walt Disney World Refurbishment Calendar for closures that may affect your vacation.
Disney Anniversaries in 2024
Just like every other year, Disney Parks honor a variety of Disney anniversaries by sharing new Disney Dooney and Bourke Bags, New Snacks, New Merchandise, and more. Here are all the Disney Anniversaries happening in 2024.
- May 1: Disney’s Hollywood Studios 35th Anniversary
- June 1: Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon 35th Anniversary
- June 9: Donald Duck’s 90th Birthday
Film Anniversaries
- Sleeping Beauty ( 65th Anniversary)
- Tarzan ( 25th Anniversary)
- The Lion King ( 30th Anniversary)
- Mary Poppins ( 60th Anniversary)
- 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea ( 70th Anniversary)
What’s Coming to Walt Disney World in 2025?
Walt Disney World in 2025 is still in the works by Disney Imagineering, but we’re hoping to hear news of plans for 2025 at Walt Disney World at the Disney D23 Expo in 2024. Be sure to stay tuned on the blog for all the things coming to Disney Park, Disney Cruises, and more. Check out our post on all the Changes at Disney coming in 2024 and Beyond.
Everything at Walt Disney World in 2024
There you have it. This Walt Disney World 2024 event roundup should help you plan your next Disney Vacation. And give you a glimpse into a year of annual events that are all part of the Disney Experience! You can grab our Walt Disney World Vacation Planning Guide for 2024 for even more tips, tricks, and reviews to help you create the perfect Disney Vacation. Happy Vacation Planning!
Rochelle Mariah is a writer, designer and photographer with an MLIS in Information Science and a B.S. in Arch and Design. Determined to make Planning a DIY Disney Vacation easier she makes lots of lists and drinks lots of coffee. When not designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she's watching old movies and planning the holidays. She has been traveling to Disney destinations since 2010.
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