Planning Your Visit to Disney World in 2024 | Magic in the Planning

Disney World in 2024: TRON Light cycle / Run Will Offer Standby Queue Beginning September 9!

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Get ready to experience the magic at Walt Disney World in 2024! It’s never too early to start planning your visit and get excited about all the amazing things coming your way. 2023 was a blast with the launch of TRON Lightcycle Run Roller Coaster in Magic Kingdom, updated nighttime shows in both Magic Kingdom and Epcot, the tasty Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant in Hollywood Studios, and Epcot’s long-awaited Journey of Water, a Moana-themed interactive water adventure. And guess what? Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will be joining the fun in late 2024, taking the place of the now-closed Splash Mountain in Magic Kingdom.

Disney World has some exciting changes in store for visitors planning a trip in 2024. One major update is that park reservations will no longer be necessary for most tickets, eliminating the need for guests to make daily reservations. This change comes after a period of over three years where visitors had to secure reservations for each day of their vacation.

Additionally, beginning July 24, 2024, Walt Disney World will roll out new, simplified names for its services. Disney Genie+ will be rebranded as Lightning Lane Multi Pass, while Individual Lightning Lane will be known as Lightning Lane Single Pass. These updated passes will merge features from current services and the previous FastPass+ service, allowing guests to book experiences in advance. With the upgrade, guests can make Lightning Lane plans 7 days before arrival for resort guests and 3 days before for non-resort guests.

 


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Disney World in 2024: News and Updates

  • Beginning on January 9, 2024, theme park reservations will no longer be required for date-based tickets. Reservations may still be needed for non-dated tickets and other admission types (student group tickets, sport and convention tickets, annual passes, etc.)
  • Also beginning on January 9, 2024, Disney World is reintroducing all-day park hopping. Since its reopening in July 2020, guests with Park Hopper tickets had to wait until 2 p.m. to visit another park. However, this restriction will be lifted, allowing visitors to freely hop between parks throughout the day.
  • Good news for Annual Passholders… Disney is introducing “good-to-go days” in 2024. These are select days when guests can visit the theme parks without needing a reservation. (Details from Disney will be released at a later date.)
  • Disney Dining Plans are returning to Walt Disney World beginning January 9, 2024, with bookings opening on May 31. Two plans will be offered – the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan or the Disney Dining Plan.
  • Although this isn’t a change, Disney has announced that Disney Resort hotel guests will continue to enjoy early theme park entry for visits through 2024. Those staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort or Deluxe Villa will also continue enjoying extended evening hours at select parks on select nights.
  • *NEW* Beginning July 24, 2024, Walt Disney World will roll out new, simplified names for its services. Disney Genie+ will be rebranded as Lightning Lane Multi Pass, while Individual Lightning Lane will be known as Lightning Lane Single Pass. These updated passes will merge features from current services and the previous FastPass+ service, allowing guests to book experiences in advance. With the upgrade, guests can make Lightning Lane plans 7 days before arrival for resort guests and 3 days before for non-resort guests.
  • *NEW* Beginning September 9, 2024, TRON Lightcycle / Run will no longer utilize a virtual queue. Instead, the ride will be available to guests using a standby line. Guests may also purchase a Lightning Land Single Pass for the attraction.

 

Year At-A-Glance

Epcot Festival of the Arts | magicintheplanning.comJanuary

  • Weather: Prepare to wear layers! January tends to be a dryer month in the parks, but the weather can be unpredictable. The average high is 72 degrees and the low is typically around 51 degrees.
  • Crowds: New Year’s, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and the Walt Disney World Marathon weekend tend to be busier times for Walt Disney World. If you’re visiting in January to avoid the crowds, be sure to avoid these weekends.
  • Other Considerations: Park prices, hotel prices, and airfare prices are typically lower in January as it isn’t a peak travel time. Disney is also known to offer discounts and incentives for January, so be on the lookout for these when planning your vacation! Also, plan on a few refurbishments. Because January sees fewer crowds, Disney often uses this time to refurbish bigger attractions… especially water attractions.

More about January…

February

  • Weather: February temperatures tend to be a bit cooler. Typically, you will want to layer up as mornings and evenings are cooler and afternoons warm up a bit. The average high is 75 degrees and the low is typically around 54 degrees. It is also typically a dryer month in terms of rain.
  • Crowds: February isn’t generally a peak time at Disney World, but that doesn’t mean crowds aren’t a factor. If you’re visiting in February to avoid the crowds, you may want to avoid President’s Day weekend as well as the weekend of the Disney Princess Half Marathon (which was held the final week of February in 2023). These two weekends tend to bring in crowds and were quite busy in previous years.
  • Other Considerations: Because February sees fewer crowds, Disney often uses this time to refurbish certain attractions. This includes some of the bigger water attractions since February is a cooler month.

More about February…

March

  • Weather: March is a warmer month, but you will still want to wear layers. Mornings and evenings will still be a bit chilly, but afternoons will typically be warmer. The average high is 78 degrees and the low is typically around 58 degrees. It is also typically a dryer month in terms of rain. And compared with both January and February, the days are getting a bit longer as well, which will allow more daylight hours in the parks.
  • Crowds: March is one of the busiest months of the year. With spring breaks happening all across the country, the parks will be busy… especially during the last two weeks of the month. Easter falls on March 31 this year, so be prepared for some intense crowds at the end of the month.
  • Other Considerations: Major refurbishments are usually finished in March, but there may still be a few. Disney tends to schedule their refurbishments during less busy months (such as January or February), but some of these may still be finishing up early in March.

More about March…

France in Epcot | magicintheplanning.comApril

  • Weather: Overall, the weather in Orlando is quite pleasant in April. So if you’re looking to visit Disney World without the extreme heat, this may be the perfect time to go. The average high is 83 degrees and the low is typically around 60 degrees.
  • Crowds: April tends to be less busy than March. The first two weeks will be a bit busier with the final two weeks being a great time to visit the parks if you want to avoid major crowds. Easter falls on March 31 this year, so the first week of the month could see some Easter crowds as well.
  • Other Considerations: Disney tends to schedule their refurbishments during less busy months (such as January or February), but that doesn’t mean closures can’t or won’t happen in April.

More about April…

May

  • Weather: Temperatures in May are definitely not quite as hot as in June or July, but it is definitely beginning to heat up. The average high is 88 degrees and the low is typically around 66 degrees.
  • Crowds: Expect crowds for Memorial Day Weekend! This three-day weekend does bring its fair share of crowds, but many schools are not out yet for summer so the rest of May shouldn’t be too busy.
  • Other Considerations: The first two weeks of May are an amazing time to visit Walt Disney World. Warmer weather, lower crowds, and fewer refurbishments make the first two weeks of May one of our favorite times to visit the parks!

More about May…

June

  • Weather: The average high is 90 degrees and the low is typically around 71 degrees. It is also the start of Orlando’s rainy season. That being said, most rain in June will come in short “spurts” as brief afternoon downpours are very typical.
  • Crowds: Most of June is busy, and the crowds only increase as the month goes on and schools release their students for summer break. Of the summer months, June is slightly less hot, but it is also a little more crowded because of it.
  • Other Considerations: Due to the hotter temperatures, the pools can get quite busy during the heat of the day as well as in the evenings when guests return from a day in the parks. Consider visiting in the mornings when they will be less busy.

More about June…

Stormtroopers on Rise of Resistance | Magic in the PlanningJuly

  • Weather: The weather in Orlando is quite hot in July. The average high is 92 degrees and the low is typically around 75 degrees. It is technically Orlando’s rainy season as well, so be prepared for rain. Ponchos may be a good thing to pack!
  • Crowds: July is usually less busy than June, but there are steady summer crowds for most of the month. Be prepared for an increase in crowds during the Fourth of July weekend.
  • Other Considerations: The summer sun can be quite intense, especially when combined with Florida humidity. As the parks are open longer hours each day, afternoon breaks at your resort can be a great way to beat the heat.

More about July…

August

  • Weather: Overall, the weather in Orlando is quite hot in August. The average high is 91 degrees, and the low is typically around 75 degrees. It is technically Orlando’s rainy season as well. That being said, most rain in August will come in short “spurts” rather than be an all-day thing. Brief afternoon downpours are very typical.
  • Crowds: Many schools are back in session at some point in August, so between that and the heat, many opt to avoid August when selecting their vacation dates. August is typically the least crowded of the summer months, but it does heat up a bit when it comes to temperatures. If you’re able to withstand the heat and the beginning of school isn’t an issue for you, August could be a great month to visit… especially in the final two weeks of the month.
  • Other Considerations: The Food and Wine Festival is quite popular with locals. Consider visiting Epcot on weekdays if you’re trying to avoid the crowds.

More about August…

September

  • Weather: The weather in Orlando is quite hot in September. The average high is 90 degrees and the low is typically around 72 degrees. Technically, it is Orlando’s rainy season as well. In fact, September is often considered to be the wettest month of the year. It is also worth noting that September has seen about six closures since 1985 due to hurricanes coming through. While that makes hurricanes a rare event, it is something to think about if planning a September vacation to Florida.
  • Crowds: September tends to be one of the lightest months of the year in terms of crowds. This is due to several factors including the start of a new school year as well as the weather. Weekends at Epcot will be busier than normal with locals due to the Food and Wine Festival, and the Magic Kingdom will undoubtedly see some smaller crowds in relation to the Disney After Hours BOO BASH. Labor Day weekend is really the only “holiday” during the month of September. And while you may see a slight uptick in crowds, it’s typically not a huge draw in terms of crowds due to most families not wanting to pull their kids out of school during their first weeks back.
  • Other Considerations: The Food and Wine Festival is quite popular with locals. Consider visiting Epcot on weekdays if you’re trying to avoid the crowds.

More about September…

Takumi-Tei in Epcot | magicintheplanning.comOctober

  • Weather: The weather shifts greatly in the month of October. We finally get some relief from the summer heat! The average high is 85 degrees and the low is typically around 65 degrees. Rain is starting to let up as well as October marks the end of hurricane season.
  • Crowds: The crowds in October 2023 will most likely be moderate and steady. While there are no major holiday weekends, Halloween festivities do bring many to the parks as well as Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival.
  • Other Considerations: Halloween in Walt Disney World is quite popular. Ticketed events are held on select nights in Magic Kingdom (which will affect park hours).

More about October…

November

  • Weather: The weather can be a bit unpredictable in the month of November, but it is typically one of the most beautiful months to visit Disney World. The average high is 79 degrees and the low is typically around 59 degrees. Hurricane season is typically over by November as well, meaning there will be fewer rainy days. You will undoubtedly want to dress in layers, however. The days (especially if they are sunny) will feel quite warm, but the evenings will probably get a bit chilly.
  • Crowds: November is fairly average in terms of crowds, with the exception of Thanksgiving week. In fact, Thanksgiving weekend is typically one of the busiest weekends of the year.
  • Other Considerations: The holidays begin throughout the parks during the month of November. Christmas decorations and holiday events typically begin the second week of November. So be prepared to celebrate!

More about November…

Christmas on Main Street in Magic Kingdom | Magic in the PlanningDecember

  • Weather: The weather can sometimes be a bit unpredictable in the month of December, but it is typically one of the most pleasant months to visit Disney World. The average high is 73 degrees and the low is typically around 53 degrees. It may be a little cooler, but it is typically one of the dryest months of the year in terms of rain. You will want to dress in layers as the days will feel warm but the evenings will undoubtedly be a bit chilly.
  • Crowds: Being in Walt Disney World for Christmas can be truly magical, but be prepared for crowds. Typically, the beginning of December sees moderate crowds with the final two weeks of December being two of the busiest weeks of the year.
  • Other Considerations: Christmas is a popular time to visit Walt Disney World. While festivities are in full swing at all four theme parks, Magic Kingdom holds ticketed events on select nights throughout the season. Get your tickets early if you want to attend, and keep in mind that these events will affect park hours at Magic Kingdom.

More about December…

 

Ride Closures and Refurbishments

*Please note that this list could change at a moment’s notice.

Magic Kingdom

  • Tron Lightcycle Power Run is now open!
  • Splash Mountain closed permanently on January 23, 2023, to become Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The newly re-themed attraction opened to the public on June 28, 2024!
  • Country Bear Musical Jamboree is now open!
  • Jungle Cruise will be closed from August 26 – September 17, 2024.
  • Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island will close permanently at some point (likely 2025) as the Rivers of America will be replaced with a newly announced Cars area. Dates have yet to be announced.
  • Starlight Night Parade will be debuting in Summer 2025.

EPCOT

  • Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is now open!
  • Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana is now open!
  • Test Track closed on June 17, 2024, for a multi-month refurbishment. A reopening date has not yet been announced but will likely be sometime in 2025.
  • Frozen Ever After will be closed from November 2-6, 2024.

Hollywood Studios

  • Voyage of the Little Mermaid is permanently closed, and will be replaced with a fully reimagined production called “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure.” The new show is expected to debut in Fall 2024.
  • Jedi Training Academy: Trials of the Temple has permanently ended.

Animal Kingdom

  • It’s Tough to Be a Bug will be closing at some point to make way for a Zootopia Tree of Life Show. The new attraction will open in Winter 2025.
  • Primeval Whirl is permanently closed
    • It is anticipated that Dino-Rama, as a whole, will likely close at some point to make way for a major expansion. Disney has announced that the replacement will be “Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom.” Concepts include Encanto and Indiana Jones, and DINOSAUR will be converted into an Indiana Jones attraction. Dates have yet to be announced for this major project.

 Other

  • Blizzard Beach closed on March 17, 2024, for winter refurbishment and will reopen on November 4, 2024.

 

Everything Coming to Disney World in 2024 (and Beyond)

Walt Disney World Resort

*These festivities will be taking place in 2024 throughout the entire Walt Disney World Resort!

January 3-7 – runDisney Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

Races include a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Marathon, Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge (Half-Marathon and Marathon), and Dopey Challenge (all four races). As one of Disney World’s most popular races, be prepared for some crowds both before and after the race.

February 22-25 – runDisney Princess Half Marathon Weekend

Another popular runDisney event, this race weekend brings out the Disney royalty in all who participate. Disney invites runners to join them in a “celebration of the ways we are all heroes, every day.” Along with the races, “Disney Princess Sunrise Yoga” will take place in the Magic Kingdom in front of Cinderella’s Castle prior to the park opening.

April 18-April 21 – runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend

This year’s courses are themed after well-loved Disney movies including Peter Pan, Up, and The Lion King. Participants who complete all 3 races will receive a special medal for the Stitch’s ‘Ohana Challenge. In addition, the event will include the runDisney Springtime Surprise Splash, a ticketed event happening at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park.

October 31-November 3 – runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend

The 15th anniversary of the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend will showcase iconic Disney Chefs such as the Swedish Chef, Tiana, Remy, and Chef Mickey. The event lineup includes a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and two-course challenge, all featuring food-centric themes, Disney characters, and tasty snacks.

 

Magic Kingdom

January 11-June 27 – Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom Park

Experience the magic of Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom Park on select nights from January 11 to June 27, 2024. Tickets range from $155 to $175, with discounts for Passholders and DVC Members. The event begins at 10:00 PM and ends at 1:00 AM, with early access at 7:00 PM. This exclusive event offers a chance to enjoy the park with shorter wait times and fewer crowds.

Tron Construction at Magic Kingdom | magicintheplanning.com

June 28 – Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

In early 2023, Splash Mountain closed its doors to make way for this exciting all-new attraction. Set in the enchanting bayous of Louisiana, visitors will accompany Princess Tiana on a musical adventure as she embarks on her new venture, Tiana’s Foods. Following the events of the film, riders will assist Tiana in finding a crucial ingredient for her grand Mardi Gras celebration at Tiana’s Palace. This immersive experience promises to feature a mix of beloved and fresh characters, melodic songs, and an all-new enchanting journey with Tiana.

Summer 2024 – Country Bear Jamboree

The Country Bear Jamboree at Walt Disney World will undergo renovations and debut a fresh act in 2024. The revamped show will feature the beloved bears showcasing their unique country style while performing popular Disney songs. Disney is collaborating with renowned musicians from Nashville to ensure an authentic experience with the singing bears.

August 9-October 31 – Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will take place on select nights beginning August 9 through Halloween. The very popular ticketed event lasts from 7:00 PM to midnight and features trick-or-treating, a special Halloween parade, fireworks, specialty menu items, not-so-scary entertainment, your favorite characters dressed in their Halloween attire, and so much more.

November 8-December 20 – Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

This popular ticketed event typically takes place on select nights in November and December. The party typically features a holiday parade, fireworks, festive entertainment, unique menu items, your favorite Disney characters dressed in their holiday best, and so much more!

Summer 2025 – Disney Starlight

A new nighttime parade will be arriving in the summer of 2025, and it will feature characters from Pinocchio, Peter Pan, Frozen, Encanto, and more!

2025 – Tavern near Pirates of the Caribbean

Adventureland will soon welcome a new tavern near Pirates of the Caribbean, further immersing visitors in the story of the famous attraction.

TBD – New “Cars” Area in Frontierland

Disney is planning to revamp a section of Frontierland and turn it into a Cars-themed area. This new area will include two exciting attractions. The first attraction will offer a thrilling rally race through the mountains, allowing guests to race across the landscape, navigate mountain trails, avoid geysers, and splash through mudholes. The second attraction will be a family-friendly experience designed for younger racers. Construction for this project is set to commence in early 2025.

TBD – New Villains Area

Disney has confirmed the development of a new section of the park, located beyond Big Thunder, which will be centered around beloved Disney villains. This new area will include two exciting attractions, as well as exclusive dining and shopping options. While preparations for construction are already underway, Disney has not yet released any information regarding a specific timeline for when the new area will be open to visitors.

 

Epcot

January 12-February 19 – Epcot International Festival of the Arts at Epcot

This event boasts some of the best activities of all the Epcot festivals. In addition to all of the artistic culinary creations, you will find animation classes, a paint-by-number mural, workshops (for an additional fee), photo ops throughout the park, and must-see galleries as well as artwork available for purchase. It also features the Disney on Broadway Concert Series on select nights throughout the festival.

February 2-July 18 – Disney After Hours at Epcot

Discover the enchantment of Disney After Hours at Epcot on select nights from February 2 to July 18, 2024. Tickets are priced between $149 and $159, with discounts available for Passholders and DVC Members. The event kicks off at 10:00 PM and concludes at 1:00 AM, with early access starting at 7:00 PM. This exclusive experience allows guests to savor the park with reduced wait times and smaller crowds.

February 28-May 27 – Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival transforms Epcot into a breathtaking springtime wonderland. Visitors can enjoy a stunning display of flowers and topiaries, indulge in delicious outdoor food, and listen to live music at the Garden Rocks Concert Series. Exclusive festival merchandise and scavenger hunts (including the popular Egg-stravaganza Easter Egg Hunt) add to the experience, making it a must-see event for flower and nature enthusiasts.

Mission Space in Epcot | magicintheplanning.com

June 9 – Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors

The latest display at the American Heritage Gallery showcases over 60 full-color portraits by Former President George W. Bush. The portraits feature service members and veterans who have served the nation since 9/11. Each painting is accompanied by a personal story written by the President.

June 10 – Communicore Hall and Plaza

CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza are part of Epcot’s World Celebration and will serve as the hub for Epcot International Festivals. According to Disney, CommuniCore Plaza will provide an outdoor space for guests to relax and enjoy the festivals, with the capacity to host large-scale concerts or intimate performances. On the other hand, CommuniCore Hall will be the first purpose-built structure for festival programming, offering flexibility to host a variety of experiences including food, art, live music, and more. This area will likely be open year-round and will provide a comfortable setting for guests to relax.

June 10 – Mickey & Friends Meet-and-Greet

This new meet-and-greet area will be opening at CommuniCore Hall.

June 10 – ¡Celebración Encanto!

Experience the limited-time summer sing-along show at Epcot’s Communicore Plaza Stage, featuring beloved characters like Mirabel and Bruno. With multiple daily shows from June 10 to September 6, live performers will engage the audience in this interactive and entertaining experience.

August 29-November 23 – Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is a highly anticipated event at the park, featuring a wide variety of food and beverage booths to satisfy the most discerning palates. In addition to dining options, attendees can take part in scavenger hunts, enjoy live music, participate in the Wine and Dine Half Marathon, and explore exclusive festival merchandise.

November 29-December 30 – Epcot International Festival of the Holidays

The Epcot Festival of the Holidays may be the shortest of the Epcot festivals, but it truly transforms the park into a holiday wonderland. This festival typically features the iconic Candlelight Processional, Living with the Land: Glimmering Greenhouses, World Showcase Storytellers, Santa Claus, and the Holiday Cookie Stroll.

2025 – A Spaceship Earth-themed Lounge

A new lounge has been announced for Epcot. Opening at some point in 2025, it will feature a Space Earth theme.

2025 – Test Track (re-imagined)

Test Track will undergo a new transformation with assistance from Chevrolet, marking another evolution for this attraction since its inception with the original World of Motion. The current version of the ride closes for refurbishment on June 17, 2024. A reopening date has not yet been announced but will likely be sometime in 2025.

 

Hollywood Studios

January 10-August 29 – Disney After Hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney After Hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers a special event on select nights from January 10 to August 29, 2024. Ticket prices range from $145 to $175, with discounts available for Passholders and DVC Members. The event takes place from 9:30 PM to 12:30 AM, with early access to the park at 7:00 PM. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy the park with shorter lines and fewer crowds.

Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway | Magic in the Planning

April 5 – Star Tours

New adventures are set to debut in 2024 featuring Ahsoka. The new adventures will also be featured in Disneyland and Disneyland Paris.

June 10 – Joy Inside Out Meet and Greet Debuts at Pixar Place

The Imagination! Pavilion at Epcot will no longer host the Joy meet and greet, as the character is relocating to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The “Inside Out” character will be available for meet and greets at Pixar Plaza starting on June 10, just days before the release of “Inside Out 2” on June 14. Pixar Plaza, formerly known as Pixar Place, is located near the main entrance to Toy Story Land and offers meet and greets with characters from “The Incredibles” and “Monsters, Inc.” as well as Pixar-themed backdrops.

Fall 2024 – The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure

A live performance of Ariel’s story, featuring beloved songs and characters from the classic movie, will be showcased on stage at Hollywood Studios’ Animation Courtyard. Audiences can experience the magic of the beloved tale brought to life.

2026 – New scenes in Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

Din Djarin and Grogu will be featured in a new version of this iconic attraction. The mission will debut around the same time as the new movie “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” which will be released on May 22, 2026.

TBD – New Monstropolis Area

This new Monsters, Inc. area will feature a suspended roller coaster inspired by the doors chase scene in the original movie. Construction will begin in 2025.

 

Animal Kingdom

June 10-September 6 – The Lion King 30th Anniversary Celebration at Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of The Lion King with various offerings throughout the park. Guests can expect merchandise, a special popcorn bucket, a character meet and greet, special treats, and more to commemorate this beloved film.

Winter 2025 – Zootopia Show

A new show based on the popular animated film Zootopia is currently being developed for the Tree of Life and will replace “It’s Tough to Be a Bug.” This upcoming experience will offer guests the opportunity to explore the different biomes featured in the movie while being accompanied by familiar characters such as Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde.

TBD – Tropical American (re-theming of Dinoland U.S.A.)

Exciting changes are coming to Dinoland U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! The area is set to be transformed into a “Tropical Americas” land, drawing inspiration from the enchanting film Encanto and the action-packed Indiana Jones franchise. While specific attractions have not been officially announced, there are speculations about the potential re-theming of the popular ride DINOSAUR, as it utilizes the same ride vehicles as Disneyland’s Indiana Jones attraction. We will keep you posted if Disney makes any formal announcements!

 

Disney World Resort Hotels

September 27 – Fort Wilderness Campground

Walt Disney World is embarking on a significant transformation at Fort Wilderness Campground by introducing new Disney Vacation Club (DVC) cabins to replace existing ones. With over 350 cabins, this development will convert the resort side of the campground into a Disney Vacation Club property. In addition to this, a series of improvement projects are currently underway at Fort Wilderness, including upgrades to the pool area and walking trails.

December 2024 – Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is undergoing construction to expand its offerings with new Disney Vacation Club villas. Set to open in 2024, these accommodations will provide DVC members with additional options for their stay. The new rooms boast stunning waterfront views, with many featuring private balconies. Additionally, guests can look forward to new dining venues, swimming facilities, and various recreational areas within the resort.

2024 – Disney’s Boardwalk Inn

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is currently undergoing renovations to enhance its guest experience. Upgrades include new furniture and decor in all hotel rooms, featuring delightful artwork showcasing beloved characters such as Mickey, Minnie, and other Disney pals leisurely exploring the BoardWalk. Additionally, the hotel lobby is set to receive a refreshing makeover.

2024 – Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

The Grand Floridian is currently undergoing a significant transformation with a captivating new design concept – Enchanted Gardens. Disney Vacation Club recently refurbished the Big Pine Key building, and these renovated rooms have been unveiled to guests on the regular resort side of the Grand Floridian, while all other buildings within the resort have also been completed. The renovation process has now progressed to the main lobby, which is being tackled in phases. However, construction work was temporarily halted for the holiday season in December 2023, and it is expected to resume in January 2024. Guests should note that both 1900 Park Fare and the Grand Floridian Tea Room are likely to remain closed until the entire reimagining project is completed.

 

Outside the Parks

May 24 – Disney Dreams That Soar (Disney Springs)

The upcoming nightly show at Disney Springs, running from May 24 to September 2, will feature choreographed light-up drone formations that are sure to dazzle spectators. This limited-time event promises to be a unique and captivating spectacle.

May 25-August 31 – H20 Glow Nights at Typhoon Lagoon After Hours

Experience the magic of Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon on select nights from May 25 to August 31, 2024. General admission tickets are priced between $75 and $85, with discounts for Passholders and DVC Members. The event begins at 8:00 PM and ends at 11:00 PM, with early access available starting at 6:00 PM for a head start on the fun.

June 1-August 31 – runDisney Virtual Series

Every summer, runners can participate in the runDisney Virtual Series, which typically includes three separate 5K races and a challenge event. This year’s theme is “A Snacktacular Celebration,” featuring the Mickey Mouse Waffle 5K, the Mickey Mouse Bar 5K, the Minnie Mouse Candy Apple 5K, and the Pineapple Whip Soft Serve Challenge. Participants who complete all three races will earn a special finisher’s medal. Each race entry includes a themed bib, commemorative finisher medal, and at-home themed kit with downloadable start and finish lines, mile markers, and a finisher certificate.

July-August –  Flavors of Florida Event at Disney Springs (Tentative)

The dates and details for the 2024 event at Disney Springs have not been announced yet. However, in 2023, over 30 restaurants participated, offering limited-time dishes and drinks inspired by Florida. Keep an eye out for updates on the upcoming event.

December 1-31 – runDisney Virtual 12Ks of Christmas

Details have yet to be announced for 2024, but last year provided runners the opportunity to earn 4 commemorative medals (which double as Christmas ornaments) by taking part in three 4K Virtual Races. Participants also received a long-sleeved hooded shirt, a holiday CORKCILE mug (with a hot cocoa kit), a digital race bib, a finisher certificate, and a digital race tool kit featuring printable mile markers.

2024 – The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers

The opening of this eatery at Disney’s BoardWalk has been postponed to early 2024. In addition to their famous cakes, the restaurant will offer savory dishes and afternoon tea. The ambiance of the restaurant is described as whimsical, designed to enhance the magical charm of Disney’s BoardWalk.

TBD – Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs

Exciting news for corn dog enthusiasts! The esteemed Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs stand, currently operating at Downtown Disney in Disneyland Resort, will soon be setting up shop at Disney’s BoardWalk on the East Coast.

 

Disney World Planning Guides

Magic in the Planning offers numerous guides to help you get started in your Disney World vacation planning! Here are some to get you started!

Disney's Yacht Club Resort | magicintheplanning.comWalt Disney World Resorts:

 

Walt Disney World Dining:

 

Spaceship Earth in Epcot | magicintheplanning.comWalt Disney World Attraction Guides:

 

Planning your Walt Disney World vacation? Be sure to visit my step-by-step guide to help you get started! 

 

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