Exciting Changes at Walt Disney World in 2024. The new year going to bring in some major changes to how we book our vacations here at Disney World. From not needing date-based ticket reservations, and the return of the Disney Dining Plan. To Annual Passholders getting “good to go” days, where no park reservation will be needed. Let’s not forget all-day park hopping returns.
Furthermore, we are getting some ride refurbishments and a beloved stage show being revamped for a fall opening. Also, the return of beloved Festivals at Epcot, and the opening of brand new restaurants and eateries.
I do not know what we are most excited about in the new year. So we broke down some of the most important changes.
Good-to-Go Days – January 11th
In 2024, resolve to be more spontaneous with “good-to-go” days for Annual Passholders! As Passholders prepare for their visits next year, we wanted to share more about how good-to-go days will work:
- On good-to-go days, Annual Passholders may enter the theme parks without needing a reservation (block out dates will continue to apply like they do today).
- The theme park reservation calendar, Annual Passholder admissions calendar, and My Disney Experience app will show days that are good to go. The first good-to-go days will be added to the calendars starting Jan. 11, 2024.
- Good-to-go days will be added periodically and may be released days or weeks in advance.
With the return of all-day Park Hopper access, Passholders can enter another Walt Disney World theme park any time during park hours. Annual Passholders may also continue to visit without a park reservation after 2 p.m. unless visiting Magic Kingdom Park on a Saturday or Sunday (blockout dates continue to apply).
The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure
“The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” will have guests flipping their fins to musical numbers inspired by the film including “Part of Your World,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” and more. Check out this beautiful concept artwork of the show’s “Kiss the Girl” scene – an all-new addition that captures the magic of this fresh production.
All-Day Park Hopper Access Coming Back to Walt Disney World
Related: Walt Disney World 2024: Less Stress, More Smiles Good-To-Go Days are Coming
Beginning Jan. 9, 2024, guests with a ticket with Park Hopper benefits or an Annual Pass will be able to once again visit another theme park at ANY TIME OF DAY during park hours (subject to capacity limitations). As a reminder, since returning in 2021, Park Hopper access has only been available after 2 p.m. each day. Now, there will be no more waiting – YOU can decide when it’s time to visit another park.
This has a huge impact on how we report from the park. Meaning we can now do our morning run to the parks, and get more done in one day than we have been able to. On the first day of the return of all-day park hopping, I guarantee you we will be four parking it!
Country Bear Musical Jamboree
Country Bear Jamboree will be getting new songs and the bears will be performing a new act!
Disney Imagineer Chris Beatty told the Destination D23 audience that when the show debuts, the bears will be reinterpreting favorite Disney songs in different genres of country music – like rockabilly, bluegrass, pop-country, and other styles.
Imagineers are envisioning the new take as a homage to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and they’re working with Nashville musicians to get the authentic country sound. The popular attraction will continue to have a fun and friendly tone and same characters.
Refurbishment and new music! I love it when the classic attractions do not actually go away, but change with the times. I am not saying every ride or attraction needs that done, but Country Bear Jamboree felt old and out of touch.
The Cake Bake Shop Bakery by Gwendolyn Rogers at Disney’s Boardwalk
Upon opening, this sweet spot will feature both savory and sweet items on its menu, and of course showcase the incredible cakes that Gwendolyn and her team have created, for brunch, lunch, and dinner. In addition to the regular menu, you’ll also be able to enjoy an elegant afternoon tea service – how lovely!
There aren’t just cakes here. The restaurant and bakery will serve cookies, French macarons, brownies, dessert bars, pies, and cheesecakes in addition to handmade cakes. These treats aren’t just beautiful but delicious too. The whimsical atmosphere of The Cake Bake Shop and its goodies are sure to be a charming addition to the BoardWalk.
Recently, we got an update from The Cake Bake Shop Instagram “All of us at The Cake Bake Shop are eager to unveil the beautiful details and charm that are coming to Disney’s BoardWalk! As the excitement is building and our hearts are brimming with anticipation, we expect to open our doors early next year to welcome you to an unforgettable dining experience. Stay connected with us for more details leading up to our opening.”
Returning Epcot Festivals
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts 2024 Details Revealed. Art lovers, rejoice! A new year is right around the corner, and a visit to the 2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is the perfect way to celebrate bright beginnings.
From Jan. 12 through Feb. 19, revel in this inspiring event that highlights the visual, culinary, and performing arts as only Disney can. It’s a feast for the senses and one of my favorite Disney events as my family and I take in incredible performances, pose for Insta-worthy photos, and indulge in delectable bites and sips.
Figment, and more Figment. F-ARTS is brimming with color and beauty which makes walking around Epcot a fresh experience every time, furthermore, the food, and music make this our favorite Festival of the year. Closely followed by…
2024 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival Opening Date Announced. Beginning Feb. 28, 2024, see what’s blossoming at the 2024 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. Marvel at breathtaking Disney Character topiaries and garden spaces, indulge in culinary creations, or rock out with live entertainment.
After the opening of the World Celebration at EPCOT, We cannot wait to see what they do with the new Festival spaces. There is so much promise for this new area, including, lighting and open spaces for topiaries and so much more. Start planning today for our favorite Epcot festival.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure – Magic Kingdom
In February, we shared the backstory behind the water tower that will punctuate the exterior. But what else is in store? Here’s a sample of what to expect from this musical adventure:
- 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
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure builds on the story of Princess Tiana, a character whose pride and perseverance remind us of a universal truth: within us lies the potential to make our dreams come true. This all-new adventure will bring Disney Parks guests into Princess Tiana’s world like never before when the attraction opens in Disneyland Park at Disneyland Resort and Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort in 2024.
Star Tours New Adventure
In 2024, we’re going to add more stories and characters to Star Tours at three of our destinations around the world – Disneyland Park in California, Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida, and Disneyland Paris in France. Since it debuted at Disneyland in 1987 as the first Star Wars attraction in a Disney park, Star Tours has traveled to new places as this galaxy of stories expanded.
We’re looking forward to continuing that tradition next year with all new adventures … but I can’t reveal just where we’re going yet – or those we may meet along the way – because … well … some surprises are best experienced as part of the upcoming Star Wars content also announced this weekend. Here’s hoping C-3PO’s piloting skills have improved!
Star Tours has been updated over the years, and yet it remains a fresh feeling and a must-do every time we go to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. So a ‘New Adventure’ is just what is needed. Mando? Ahsoka? We can always hope.
ComminuCore Hall and Plaza
When CommuniCore Hall opens in World Celebration later this year, it will be the center of festival programming throughout the park. In new renderings released today, you can see this will be home to a new character greeting location called Mickey & Friends. You’ll be able to meet Mickey Mouse and some of his best pals in this colorful space.
CommuniCore Hall will also be the home of a dynamic exhibition space that will transform with each festival throughout the year, as you can see here in one possibility imagined for the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. Playing with light, shapes, and reflections, the architecture of this building was designed by Walt Disney Imagineering to celebrate the legacy of EPCOT and the original CommuniCore buildings.
Exciting Changes at Walt Disney World in 2024
What are you excited about for 2024? Let us know in the comments.
