Everything Coming to Walt Disney World in 2024 (and beyond): Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Now Open!
The ever-evolving nature of Disney theme parks adds to the thrill for visitors who eagerly return year after year. Exciting new experiences are coming to Walt Disney World! Recent announcements have revealed plans to reimagine both Dinoland, U.S.A. in Animal Kingdom and Test Track in Epcot, injecting fresh magic into these beloved attractions. Opening its doors on June 28, 2024, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure promises to transport guests into a captivating world of enchantment. Furthermore, several of the Disney resorts are undergoing significant transformations to enhance the overall experience. And this is just a glimpse of the magical surprises Disney has in store for its parks.
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Planning a Disney World vacation in 2024? Be sure to check out our guide to all that the Walt Disney World Resort has to offer this year including the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the return of the Disney Dining Plan, and more!
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.
January 9 – Disney Dining Plan
Disney Dining Plans are returning to Walt Disney World beginning January 9, 2024. The dining plan is a pre-paid option for guests who book a vacation package through Disney to cover their dining expenses. Two plans will be offered – the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan or the Disney Dining Plan.
January 9 – New Park Reservation Rules
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.)
January 9 – All-Day Park Hopping Returns
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.
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.
July 2024 – Changes to Disney Genie+
The Lightning Lanes at Disney World have recently undergone changes to make them easier to understand and use. The Disney Genie+ has been renamed as Lightning Lane Multi Pass, while the Individual Lightning Lane is now called Lightning Lane Single Pass. These new passes combine features from Genie+ and the previous FastPass+ service, allowing for advance booking of experiences.
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.
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.
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.
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 Americas (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.
**Be sure to check back regarding new rides and attractions as this page will be updated often!
Are you excited about all that is coming to Walt Disney World in the near future and want to plan your next vacation? Be sure to visit my step-by-step guide to begin planning!
