There have been a lot of changes to Disney World over the past five years, and even more are coming soon!

With hotel transformations, new rides, and all the logistics that go into planning a trip to Walt Disney World, it can be confusing to navigate it all. So, we’re laying out everything you need to know about the biggest changes coming to Disney World in 2024 and beyond!

Coming in 2024

Disney Park Updates

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Splash Mountain permanently closed in Magic Kingdom in 2023, but it reopened as a brand new ride on June 28th, 2024! Tiana’s Bayou Adventure takes guests through the Lousiana Bayou as they help Tiana on her latest adventure – Tiana’s Food.

The ride is a continuation of Disney’s The Princess and the Frog and features many of the existing characters from the movie along with some new ones. 

New Scenes Added To Star Tours

Star Tours is one of the longest-standing Star Wars rides in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. And, soon guests will be able to travel to even more galaxies! The attraction will feature new scenes beginning April 5th, 2024 with Ahsoka Tano, Cassian Andor, and Din Djarin and Grogu (a.k.a. The Mandalorian and Baby Yoda) appearing in the new adventures.

New Show Coming To Country Bear Jamboree

The Grand Ole Opry is coming to Magic Kingdom in Summer 2024…well, kind of! Disney has created a brand new show for the bears with music that reinterprets classic Disney songs in new styles like rockabilly, bluegrass, pop-country, and more.

The new Country Bear Musical Jamboree show keeps its fun family-friendly tone and beloved characters, but it’s unlike anything you’ve seen before! You can see it in Magic Kingdom daily starting July 17th, 2024.

The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure

The popular stage show inspired by Disney’s The Little Mermaid at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is getting an update! Scheduled to open in Summer 2025, the new show will retell the story of Ariel with “stunning new set pieces, cutting-edge effects, and a bold new design.” You can look forward to hearing your favorite songs including “Part of Your World” and “Poor Unfortunate Souls.” Plus, there will be two new numbers added including “Daughters of Triton” and “Kiss The Girl.” In addition to the show itself, Animation Courtyard Theater is also being refreshed according to Disney.

An opening date has not yet been announced.

New Character Meet and Greets

Disney welcomed quite a few new characters to the parks in 2023, and you can still meet them throughout 2024!

At Magic Kingdom, you can meet Mirabel from Encanto on the walkway between Cinderella Castle and Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe in Tomorrowland. And, over at EPCOT, you can now meet Moana near Journey of Water – Inspired By Moana, Figment in the Imagination Pavilion, and Mickey and Minnie in the new CommuniCore Plaza and CommuniCore Hall area.

Disney Hotel Updates

Disney Lakeshore Lodge

The Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is expanding! Disney announced that a brand new DVC property is being built in the former home of Disney’s River Country water park (which has been permanently closed since 2001) near Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds. The new resort replaces Reflections — A Disney Lakeside Lodge Resort (which was announced back in 2019) and will be called Disney Lakeshore Lodge.

The new hotel will pull inspiration from “the majesty of nature and its enduring influence on Disney artists.” It is set to open sometime in 2027.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

The new villas at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort are also currently in progress and set to open on December 17th, 2024. The new DVC building is a massive expansion for the hotel and includes new rooms with waterfront views, new dining options, a swimming pool, and more.

The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

New Disney Vacation Club rooms can now be purchased at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort! More than 350 new private cabins replaced the existing ones located across the 750 acres of woodlands at the resort. Each features updated furnishings, modern amenities, and – of course – convenient access to all the Disney World theme parks.

The first phase of the DVC cabins is opened on July 1st, 2024 with others joining in later phases in 2024.

Dining Updates

Disney Dining Plan Returning

The Disney Dining Plan has long been loved by vacationers, but it hasn’t been available since 2020. However, that changes at Disney World in 2024! Disney Dining Plans officially return on January 9th, 2024, giving guests the ability to pre-pay for their meals before they even step foot on Disney property when they add it to a vacation package.

For the time being, only two plans are available including the Standard Dining Plan and the Quick Service Dining Plan. Each provides you with an allotment of quick service, table service, and snack credits that can be used throughout the length of your stay. This takes the guesswork of how much food will cost during your vacation.

Summer House on the Lake

Located at Disney Springs, Summer House of the Lake is the newest restaurant. It features a huge menu of pizzas, sandwiches, salads, pasta, wood-grilled dishes, and more. You can stop by for lunch or dinner any day of the week. Or, head there for brunch on the weekends. And, don’t forget to finish your meal with a sweet treat from The Cookie Jar right next door!

Ice Cold Hydraulics

A new snack spot has popped up at Disney’s Hollywood Studios as part of the changes to Disney World! Located in the Muppets Courtyard by the Muppet Vision 3D attraction, Ice Cold Hydraulics features a small menu of quick and tasty bites. It includes things like churros, cinnamon rolls, and frozen slushies.

Other Changes

Disney Genie+ is Now Lightning Lane Multi Pass

One of the biggest changes to Disney World has been how you skip the lines at popular attractions. As of July 24th, Disney Genie+ was renamed to Lightning Lane Multi Pass. Additionally, Individual Lightning Lane Attractions will be renamed to Lightning Lane Single Pass. And, a new Lightning Lane Premier Pass will be available in limited quantities to Disney Resort guests beginning October 30th, 2024.

You’re still able to skip the line at the majority of the rides and attractions throughout all four Disney World theme parks with Lightning Lane Multi Pass. However, Walt Disney World guests can now plan ahead in the My Disney Experience app with the ability to book up to 3 Lightning Lane selections 7 days prior to your vacation if you’re staying at a Disney World Resort hotel, or 3 days prior to your vacation if you’re staying off-site or visiting as a day guest. This early planning window is available if you wish to purchase Lightning Lane Single Passes or Lightning Lane Premier Pass.

You can get all the details on what rides are included and how to book in our complete guide by clicking here!

Park Pass Reservations NOT Required For Date-Based Tickets

For years, Disney has required that all guests make a park pass reservation for the theme park that they plan to visit each day of their trip. But, this extra step in the planning process is going away for select guests in 2024.

Beginning January 9th, 2024, any guests who purchase date-based tickets will no longer need to make a park pass reservation. This means that you can wake up and head straight to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom. You don’t even have to decide which one you’re going to before you open your eyes!

Keep in mind this does not apply to non-date-based tickets, Annual Passholders, or Cast Members.

Annual Passholder “Good-To-Go Days”

While Disney World Annual Passholders still need to make park pass reservations prior to their visit, Disney is introducing “good-to-go days” in 2024 for these guests. On “good-to-go days.” Annual Passholders (and Cast Members) will NOT need to have a park pass reservation. You can just head to the park!

“Good-to-go days” can be found on the Annual Passholder calendar as they are released. Just note that blockout dates and capacity limits for each park still apply.

Don’t forget that all Annual Passholders can currently visit any Disney World theme park without a park pass reservation after 2PM. The only exception is Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom. So, these “good-to-go days” will only add more flexibility.

Coming in 2025…and Beyond!

Disney Park Updates

Disney Villains Stage Show Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The Disney Villians are getting a permanent spot in Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Disney announced that a brand new live stage show featuring Disney’s most wicked characters will debut at Sunset Showcase in Summer 2025. It will replace Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy (which is closed as of October 7th, 2024) and is titled “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After.”

The show will feature several Magic Mirrors and other Disney Villians including Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent.

New Nighttime Parade “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” Debuting in Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom will welcome a brand new nighttime parade called “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” in the summer of 2025! It will feature new technology and A TON of Disney characters including the Blue Fairy from Cinderella and others from Peter Pan, Encanto, Frozen, and more.

Disney Villians Land Coming to Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom is officially expanding and Disney is adding an entire land dedicated to Disney Villians. This big change to Disney World’s most iconic park will be added beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Frontierland. It will include two new attractions, dining, and shopping.

Disney revealed that work has already begun on this major expansion, though an opening timeline is not yet known.

Pixar Cars Attractions Coming to Magic Kingdom

In addition to the new Disney Villians Land, Disney is adding TWO new attractions inspired by Pixar Cars. The first will be a thrill ride that takes you on a “rally race through the mountains.” Whereas, the second will be geared towards families with little ones.

These rides will permanently replace Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America. And, while an opening date is not yet clear, Disney revealed that construction will begin in early 2025.

Reimagination of DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

While Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is the only new ride that is confirmed to be opening in 2024, Disney announced some major changes to Disney World that are coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in the near future!

According to Disney, Imagineers are planning to reimagine Dinoland U.S.A. into a new land inspired by the Central Americas. It will be called Pueblo Esperanza and will feature two brand-new attractions inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones.

The new land will also include a new quick-service restaurant. It will be one of the largest in all of Disney World.

It will still be a little while before you can experience this. Construction will begin in Fall 2024 and is expected to be completed in 2027.

New Zootopia-Themed Attraction Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Located below the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, guests will soon say goodbye to the It’s Tough To Be a Bug attraction as Disney makes way for something new! Zootopia characters are officially coming to Disney World with a new show that will take you to the “different biomes you only glimpse in the film, traveling along with Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde and other characters.”

The show will be called Zootopia: Better Together and will open in winter 2025.

Test Track Reimagination at EPCOT

Test Track is one of the most popular rides in EPCOT, and big changes are coming soon! Disney revealed that they are working on reimagining Test Track. The refurbishment will draw inspiration from the original World of Motion attraction which was one of EPCOT’s opening day attractions back in 1982.

The current version of Test Track officially closed for the changes on June 17th, 2024. According to Disney, the queue will feature six new exhibits highlighting vehicles “that push the envelope” and the people behind them. And, on the ride, you’ll ride through “scenes focusing on onboard technology, customization and personalization.” But, don’t worry, the classic high-speed outdoor track isn’t going anywhere — that will still cap off every ride!

The ride will open in late summer 2025 with a new exterior design inspired by the original pavilion design when EPCOT opened.

New Mission Coming to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The Mandalorian and Baby Yoda will officially appear in a new mission coming to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in both Disney World and Disneyland.

The mission will be added in 2026 when The Mandalorian and Grogu movie premieres in theaters.

Monsters Inc. Land Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

You’ll soon be able to enter Monstropolis from Monsters Inc. as part of a major reimagination at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! As one of the biggest changes to Disney World coming in the next few years, Disney has announced that Monsters Inc. Land will be a themed area where you can walk the streets with the monsters, dine, shop, enjoy a brand new theater show, and visit the factory where an entirely new thrill ride will be located.

The new roller coaster will be Disney’s first-ever suspended coaster and will whisk you away on an adventure inspired by the doors room from the iconic scene in the movie.

The new land will take over that is currently devoted to all things Muppets. But, don’t worry, Kermit the Frog and friends will still be in Disney’s Hollywood Studios — they’re just moving to Sunset Boulevard (more on that next!). Work on this project will begin in 2025.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster To Be Re-Themed at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

While the area where The Muppets currently reside is being taken over by Mike and Sulley from Monsters Inc., the gang is headed over to Sunset Boulevard for something new!

Disney announced that The Muppets are taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, bidding goodbye to the current Aerosmith theming. This will be Disney’s first-ever ride to feature characters from The Muppets and you can expect brand-new music and updates to the merchandise location at the exit of the attraction.

More details about this change to Disney World will be announced in 2025.

Disney Hotel Updates

Disney Hotel Guest Perks Extended

Guests staying at Disney World Resort hotels have been enjoying extra time in the parks for a few years now, and the perk is set to continue throughout 2025! Disney has announced that both Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Theme Park hours will continue throughout the next TWO years.

If you’re not familiar, Early Theme Park Entry allows guests staying at any Disney World hotel to enter any of the four theme parks 30 minutes prior to opening in the morning. On the other hand, Extended Evening Theme Park Hours is a perk that is exclusively available to guests staying at Disney World Deluxe Resorts and Villas, giving them an extra two hours at select parks on select nights.

Dining Updates

The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers

The famous Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers is now in Disney World! Located on Disney’s BoardWalk, the new bakery and cafe is known for serving up some of the most decadent desserts. The restaurant has both a counter service and a sit-down option. So you can grab a quick treat or stay for a full meal.

Pirates of the Caribbean-Themed Lounge Coming to Magic Kingdom

Coming in late 2025, Disney has revealed that they are working on a new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed Lounge for Magic Kingdom. Most of the details are still unknown. But, we do know that this will be a first-of-its-kind experience that will expand on the story inside the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.

Spaceship Earth-Themed Lounge Coming to EPCOT

Another lounge is set to open in late spring 2025 over at EPCOT! It will be inspired by the park icon, Spaceship Earth, and will be an elegant place to relax in the park. The secluded space will feature “sweeping views of World Celebration Gardens and a unique perspective of the nightly fireworks,” according to Disney.

Comments

So, are you ready to start planning your 2024 vacation? What changes to Disney World are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comments!