Please note, this post may contain affiliate links. Visit Devine Fairytale’s Disclosure Policy for more details.
Are you dreaming of a magical vacation to Walt Disney World in 2024? If so, you’re in luck! There are a number of exciting new updates coming to the theme parks next year. Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect.
Walt Disney World 2024 Vacation Packages Available May 31, 2023
Bookings for Walt Disney World 2024 vacation packages opened on May 31, 2023. Booking early will get you the best rates and availability.
Theme Park Reservation Requirements Removed for Date-Based Tickets
Starting on January 9, 2024, theme park reservations will no longer be required for date-based tickets. This means that you’ll be able to visit the parks on the days that you want, without having to worry about making a reservation in advance. This means you can be more spontaneous with your plans and make the most of your time at Walt Disney World.
This change is a welcome relief for many guests, who have found it difficult to get reservations for popular dates in the past. It also makes it easier for guests to have more flexibility on their vacations, as they don’t have to worry about making reservations months in advance.
However, non-dated tickets, like Annual Passes, will still require theme park reservations for most days.
“Good to Go” Days for Annual Passholders and Cast Members
Disney Annual Passholders and Cast Members will continue to enjoy “Good to Go” days, which are days when they can visit the parks without making a park reservation. These days will vary by park, so be sure to check the Disney website for more information as dates are released. A start date has not yet been announced.
This will also be in addition to the recent update which allows Annual Passholders the opportunity to visit the theme parks after 2:00 pm without a park pass reservation, except for Saturdays and Sundays at the Magic Kingdom.
Disney Dining Plans are Coming Back
The popular dining plan, which allows guests to pre-pay for their meals and snacks at the parks, will be returning in 2024. This can be a great way to save money and time, especially if you’re planning a long trip. Beginning May 31st, you can add the Disney Dining Plan to vacation packages that include a Disney Resort hotel stay with arrivals on, or after, January 9, 2024. You will be able to choose between two options:
- Disney Quick Service Dining Plan – Everyone in your party over the age of 3 will receive 2 Quick Service meals per night, 1 Snack or Non-alcoholic Drink per night, and 1 Resort Refillable Drink Mug.
- Disney Dining Plan – Everyone in your party over the age of 3 will receive 1 Table Service meal per night, 1 Quick Service meal per night, 1 Snack or Non-alcoholic Drink per night, and 1 Resort Refillable Drink Mug.
The number of meals is based on the number of nights booked in your vacation package. You are able to redeem your meals at any time during your vacation.
The biggest benefit of the dining plan is that your meals (at least most) are paid for ahead of time. It helps with budgeting for your trip and you are able to make payments on your vacation package as a whole up until 30 days before check-in.
Early Theme Park Entry and Deluxe Extended Evening Hours Will Continue
Disney Resort hotel guests will continue to enjoy early theme park entry for visits through 2024. All guests staying at a Disney resort hotel are able to enter any of the theme parks 30 minutes prior to opening to the general public. This is a great way to get ahead of the crowds and experience your favorite attractions with shorter lines.
Deluxe Resort hotel guests will also continue to enjoy extended evening hours at select parks on select nights. They will be able to stay in the parks late for extra fun and super short lines! The Extended Evening hours are absolutely worth it if they fall during your visit and you are staying at a qualifying resort.
Simplified Genie+ Experience
Genie+ was a paid service that allowed guests to skip the lines for select attractions. The service has been renamed and simplified making it easier for guests to use. You’ll now be able to plan ahead with the new Lightning Lane Multi Pass system prior to arriving for your vacation which is wonderful news! You will be able to spend less time planning while in the park and more time enjoying your visit.
Park Hopping is Back in 2024
Park hopping enthusiasts rejoice! In early 2024, Walt Disney World lifted its long-standing restrictions for park hopping. Full day park-hopping returned to Walt Disney World on January 9th. This means guests with a Park Hopper ticket or an eligible Annual Pass can now visit any of the four theme parks at any time during park hours, subject to capacity limitations. You will not have to wait until 2:00 PM to change parks. This change allows for greater flexibility and customization, enabling visitors to experience the best of each park and maximize their Disney vacation.
These are just a few of the exciting updates coming to Walt Disney World in 2024. Be sure to start planning your vacation today! If you would like my help as a travel agent, and at no cost to you, please fill out my quote form and I will be in touch.
