Changes in 2024 That Will Impact Your Disney Trip

Walt Disney World is constantly changing and adjusting to make the best experience for Guests. 2024 will be no different. If you have been to Walt Disney World before, 2024 might look slightly other than previous trips.

More changes, updates, and adjustments will be coming 2024 to Walt Disney World. If you plan to take a vacation down to the magic, you will want to know how your trip could be impacted.

Disney Dining Plan

The first significant change coming in 2024 to Walt Disney World is the return of the dining plans. For trips starting on January 9, 2024, Guests can add one of the two dining plans. This is an excellent way for Guests to prepay for dining at Walt Disney World.

Disney is bringing back two dining plans for Guests. The quick-service dining plan allows Guests to have two quick-service meals, one snack/drink per night of stay, and one Resort refillable mug per person. This plan is excellent for those who like being on the go during their Disney vacation.

The standard dining plan includes one table-service meal, one quick-service meal, a snack/drink per stay night, and the refillable Resort mug. This plan is fantastic for those wanting to enjoy some slower, scheduled meals during their trip.

We are thrilled that the dining plans will again be available in 2024.

Park Pass Reservations Adjusted

Since reopening in 2020, Guests visiting Walt Disney World need a valid Theme Park ticket and a Park Pass Reservation. Starting on January 9, 2024, Guests that purchase date-based tickets (typically through a package) will no longer need to make Park Pass Reservations.

Guests with Annual Passes or other non-date-based tickets must continue making Park Pass Reservations as Disney monitors crowd levels in their four Disney Parks.

Making Park Pass Reservations was another step in the planning process that could be highly frustrating to those visiting Walt Disney World for the first time. We are glad that Disney is adjusting this process to make it easier for Guests moving forward in 2024.

Genie+

Along with the announcement regarding Dining Plans returning and Park Pass Reservations going away, Disney also announced that they would adjust Genie+ to make it easier for Guests.

We have seen the first adjustment to Genie+ this month. When purchasing Genie+, Guests can now buy a park-specific option. Guests can now choose a single-park Genie+ or a multiple Park hop option each morning.

This option will allow Guests to choose the Genie+ option that will best fit their touring plans for the day. We also expect Parks such as EPCOT and Disney’s Animal Kingdom to see lower Genie+ options than Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom.

Keep returning to How to Disney to keep up with the changes coming to Genie+ in 2024.

Theme Park Updates

2024 will see a few updates in the Disney Parks. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom is set to open in 2024. This new ride will replace Splash Mountain, which closed in early 2023.

We also anxiously await the Hatbox Ghost’s arrival on the East Coast. It was announced during D23 that he would arrive in 2023, but we still await his appearance. Know that once he comes, Haunted Mansion will become even more popular than it already is.

Journey of Water- Inspired by Moana, has made significant progress and will be ready for Guests in 2024. This walk-through attraction features water features and shade for Guests to enjoy as they explore and learn about the importance of water.

Also, in EPCOT, we look forward to Dreamers Point and the new statue of Walt Disney opening to Guests. CommuniCore Plaza Festival Area and CommuniCore Hall will also be opened by the end of 2023, making it an excellent place for Guests to enjoy the many EPCOT festivals throughout 2024.

Finally, EPCOT is also anxiously awaiting a new nighttime show. Disney has not announced what we can expect, but it will celebrate Disney100. This week, Guests reported hearing and seeing test shows from the EPCOT area Resorts.

Those are the big announcements we know will impact trips in 2024 in the Disney Parks. We can’t wait to see what other hidden surprises Disney has for us in the new year.

Resorts

When planning a trip to Walt Disney World in 2024, be aware that Disney’s Polynesian Resort is undergoing construction as new Disney Vacation Club villas are being created. Set to open sometime in 2024, the new DVC area will feature beautiful waterfront views and a variety of rooms with balconies.

It is exciting to see the progress in this area, but know that it impacts the walkway between Disney’s Polynesian Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, and Magic Kingdom.

Over at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, more updates to the area are being made. We are excited about the new bakery and cafe coming to the site. Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers will feature pastries and baked goods and provide a quick and table service restaurant. Are you looking for a unique and memorable experience while at Disney? An afternoon tea will be served as well.

We appreciate that Disney is constantly updating their Resorts to provide the best experience possible for Guests.

If you are traveling to Walt Disney World in 2024 or thinking about planning a Disney vacation in 2024, those are some of the significant changes that could impact your trip. Walt Disney World is constantly adjusting rides, shows, experiences, and policies to keep Guests safe while having a magical time. Stay current before your trip to prepare and prepare for a magical time when you arrive at Walt Disney World in 2024.