10 Ways Disney World is Changing in 2024

Heading to Disney World in 2024? Sit down, there’s a LOT you need to learn!

The parks are going to get some significant changes in the coming months, along with the hotels and the resort as a whole. So today, we’re breaking down the 10 major updates that you need to know about if you’re traveling next year.

EPCOT Transformation

First up, we’ve got to talk about EPCOT! This park is currently undergoing a massive transformation, but by the time 2024 rolls around, it’ll be complete. Over the past few years, we’ve seen new rides, restaurants, shops, and more.

We can’t wait for the chance to walk through the middle of the park without those pesky construction walls in our way, and we’ll be interested to see what new additions like CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza have to offer.

BoardWalk Updates

Heading over to the BoardWalk Inn, the resort has been under construction for quite some time as well. Here, the rooms are getting refurbished, and there’s a lobby makeover in the plans for the future. On top of that, new restaurants are being added to the BoardWalk.

In 2024, we’ll be getting The Cake Bake Shop as one new addition, and later in 2023, Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs will open a stand as well. Once the makeover is complete, it’ll be a great time to stay at the BoardWalk Inn!

Disney Dining Plan

If you’re a fan of the Disney Dining Plan, then you’ve probably heard the news — it’s returning to Disney World on January 9th, 2024. Packages are currently available to purchase with the plan, so you can pre-pay for your dining during your trip.

The packages and prices have changed since it was last available in early 2020, so you’ll need to be smart about how you use the plan in order to get your money’s worth.

Disney Park Pass Changes

Also starting on January 9th, 2024, Disney Park Pass requirements are changing for many Disney trips. Beginning that day, anyone with date-based tickets will no longer be required to make park reservations.

Those who have tickets not tied to a date will still be required to make reservations (like Annual Passholders and Cast Members). This could be helpful if you would like to change your plans last minute during your vacation!

Park Pass Changes for Passholders

But if you’re an Annual Passholder or a Cast Member, there’s a change coming for you as well! Disney World has announced Good To Go Days for Annual Passholders and Cast Members starting in 2024.

This means that on certain days, you will not be required to make reservations. Availability may depend on the park and regular blockout dates will still apply. These dates will be noted on the blockout calendars for those ticket types.

Genie+ Updates

Disney World has also announced that in 2024, some changes are coming to Disney Genie+. Details have been scarce so far, but we know that some of these changes will allow users to plan a little bit in advance instead of doing the entire Genie+ process on the day of their vacation.

Currently, you have to wait until the day of their visit to purchase Genie+ or book any Lightning Lanes. With the previous FastPass+ system, you could book your FastPasses in advance, and if you were staying at a Disney World hotel, you got a significant booking advantage. We’ll be interested to see what changes come with the new updates.

New Villas at the Polynesian Village Resort

One big change coming to the Disney World resorts is the addition of a new Disney Vacation Club tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. This tower has been under construction for a while now, but the rooms will open in 2024.

In addition to new villas, we should be getting new recreation options as well as some new dining locations. We’re excited to learn more!

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

In early 2023, Splash Mountain closed permanently in Magic Kingdom to be transformed into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The new ride is set to premiere in 2024, with new animatronics, storyline, and fun Princess and the Frog details.

If you’re planning a trip for 2024, this new ride is certain to draw a large crowd for its opening. When Disney announces the official opening date, we’ll let you know so you can plan around it! (We know some of you will want to be there for the experience, while others will want to avoid the heavy crowds.)

Star Tours Updates

Another ride that’s changing in 2024 is Star Tours in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This ride is available in both Disney World and Disneyland, and both versions are getting updated to include scenes from Ahsoka.

The original series premiered on Disney+ in August 2023, and characters from the show have been popular with fans, so it makes sense that Disney would add them to the ride. We’ll let you know when the changes are made!

Price Increases

And finally, we have to mention those pesky price increases! Each year, things get more expensive at Disney World, so the price of your vacation tends to climb.

It’s likely we’ll see higher costs for food, souvenirs, and more in 2024, so start your budgeting now!

Those are some of the Disney World changes you should be prepared for in 2024! Stay tuned to AllEars for more details and news from Disney ahead of your vacation.