What’s New and Coming to Disney World in 2024

What’s New and Coming to Disney World in 2024

What’s New and Coming to Disney World in 2024

This article is your complete guide to what’s new at Walt Disney World! The future is bright at Disney in almost all of the four Disney theme parks! The most exciting part is that we will be able to enjoy so many new Disney attractions in the next few years. As well as some new restaurants, character costumes, and more! So let’s break down everything all of the new things coming to Disney World in 2024 and beyond!

We hope you find this post helpful! And if you are planning a trip to Disney World, be sure to check out our other FREE vacation planning tools. Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next vacation. This includes helping you find the best time to buy Disney World tickets as well as book amazing Walt Disney World vacation packages!

So, if you’re ready to learn about the exciting new things at Disney World in 2024 read on!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you need help picking the best time to visit Walt Disney World for your next vacation be sure to check out our Disney crowd calendar!

 Disney World Crowd Calendar

What’s New at Walt Disney World 2024?

With a brand new year, comes incredibly exciting news for Disney World for 2024. If you’re wondering what’s going on at Disney World, you’ll be surprised that there have been A LOT of changes recently. With not only what was announced at the 2023 D23 event, we are left with SO MANY new things scheduled and teased, coming the Walt Disney World. In addition to yearly events, one of the most important things that is new at Disney would be the return of Bob Iger as CEO this past year! With his return came a lot of changes to the Florida park with a lot of new things coming to Disney World soon!

All Things New at Disney World in 2024

With the sudden change of CEOs from Bob Chapek to Bob Iger, we saw immediate changes. Since then, Walt Disney World has had a massive overhaul and has been a sea of construction walls and big dreams! From new rides at Disney World 2024 to new restaurants opening in Disney Springs! Let’s go over all of what’s new at Disney World.

What’s new at Magic Kingdom 2024?

• Hatbox Ghost – Addition of this classic character to the Haunted Mansion attraction FINALLY in November 2023
• New Original Country Bear Jamboree – The Country Bears will be performing an all-new act in 2024 with an original score created by famous Nashville musicians
• Pirates of the Caribbean Themed Lounge – Coming to Adventureland – Yo Ho, Yo Ho, A Pirate’s Life for Me! A new lounge will be opening in Magic Kingdom in the future

New Things at Epcot 2024

• Journey of Water  – Opening October 16th, 2023, this themed walkthrough area with inspire guests with water and water features.
• Luminous the Symphony of Us – On December 5th, 2023, a brand-new show called  “Luminous The Symphony of Us” premiered! This will be the replacement for the 50th Anniversary show, “Harmonious”, which used the large barges on the World Showcase Lagoon.
• Test Track Update – Test Track will be receiving an update in the future
• Figment Meet and Greet – Figment is back in EPCOT meeting guests starting September 10th, 2023!

What is new at Hollywood Studios 2024?

• Ahsoka in Star Tours – Next Spring, guests can now take adventures with Ahsoka in both Hollywood Studios and Disneyland Star Tours attraction

What’s New at Animal Kingdom 2024?

When it comes to Disney news, Animal Kingdom really is getting an overhaul from the D23 Expo. We are going to see a lot of changes coming to Animal Kingdom, as all of Dinoland USA will be reimagined. That means new restaurants, rides, and more!

• New Zootopia Show – This brand new Animal Kingdom show will premiere in the Tree of Life, replacing It’s Tough to Be a Bug.
• Brand New Land – Dinoland USA will be retiring and reimagined to the “tropical Americas.” Guests could experience Indiana Jones and Encanto themes with this new land coming to Animal Kingdom.

New Disney Springs 2024

• Summer House on the Lake – An all-new lite fare eatery in Disney Springs West Side neighborhood opened December 2023!

There was no news announced for Disney Springs but a new Disney Springs restaurant is coming later this year. You can enjoy EET by Maneet Chauhan which will be serving delicious Indian food later this year!

New Disney Park Experiences in 2024

• Disney Dining Plan returns on January 9th, 2024!
• Guardians of the Galaxy opening in EPCOT
• Tron Lightcycle Run opening in Magic Kingdom by Virtual Queue or Lightning Lane only
• A New Disney Springs restaurant opened called Summer House on the Lake

Related Post: Complete Guide to Genie+ and Lightning Lane

What’s Going on With Disney in 2024?

When Bob Iger resumed his role as CEO, many new changes were implemented and continue to be released in the future. Recently, there have been a lot of changes regarding the guest experience in the Disney World theme parks. In the spring of 2023, there were many new additions to Disney World announced, including the return of the Disney Dining Plan. The Disney Dining plan will officially return on January 9th, 2024!

Many of these new Disney Word announcements delighted guests, as they were old features that were previously enjoyed in the theme parks pre-pandemic.

What changes are coming to Disney World in 2024?

Removed theme park reservation requirements for date-based tickets

• Starting January 9th, 2024, theme park reservations will no longer be required for date-based tickets.

‘Good to Go Days’ for Annual Passholders and Cast Members

• Theme park reservations will continue to be required for certain admission types. But in 2024, there will be days when Passholders and Cast Members can visit the parks without a reservation.

Disney Dining Plan is coming back

All Disney resort hotel guests who purchase vacation packages starting January 9th, 2024 will have the option to add the Disney Dining Plan to their vacation package.

Early Theme Park Entry thru 2024

Early Theme Park entry for Disney Resort hotel guests will be extended through 2024. Guests staying in deluxe Disney hotels will have the option for Extended Evening Hours through 2024, as well.

Improvements to Disney Genie+ Service

Changes to the Disney Genie+ Service that make it more user-friendly and options for pre-purchasing of Lightning Lane and Disney Genie+.

Is Tron Lightcycle Run open in Magic Kingdom?

Yes, Tron Lightcycle Run is open at Magic Kingdom. This attraction was originally announced at the D23 Expo in 2017. That makes this new ride at Disney World almost 6 years in the making. The opening date has been extended three times and has gone from a vague date to a vague timeline and now a wide time frame. Before we discuss our thoughts on when this ride will open, let’s review the announcement timeline.

When Will Tron Open at Magic Kingdom 2023?

• April 4th, 2023

It is officially official! It was recently announced that the Tron Lightcycle Run will open on April 4th, 2023 in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom!! At the 2022 D23 Expo, Josh D’Amaro announced that the Tron Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom will have an opening time frame in the Spring of 2023 and that seems to have stuck.

Disney was clearly staggering the new rides coming to Disney World. At the beginning of the 50th, we saw the opening of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. Around Mid-Celebration we received the opening of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

How to Ride Tron  – Tron Lightcycle Run Virtual Queue 2024

• Guests can have the opportunity to try and join the Tron Virtual Queue once per day at either 7:00 AM or 1:00 PM
• Once you’re able to join the Virtual Queue, you and your party will be assigned a Boarding Group
• After your Tron Lightcycle Run Boarding Group number has been called, you may redeem your return time and ride the attraction

As of opening on April 4th, 2023 guests will need to use the My Disney Experience App to enjoy this attraction. A standby queue will not be available so make sure to plan ahead! Each guest can request to enter the Tron Lightcycle Virtual Queue only once per day. The Tron Ride Virtual Queue times are 7:00 AM and 1:00 PM. For the 7 AM time, guests do not need to be in the park but must have a reservation for Magic Kingdom Park. As for the 1:00 PM release, guests must have scanned their ticket into the Magic Kingdom Park to join the Lightcycle Virtual Queue.

An additional opportunity to join the Virtual Queue will be available at 6:00 PM during Extended Evening Theme Park Hours. This is a benefit for guests staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort, Deluxe Villa Resort, or other select hotels. Guests do not need to be in the park to join this queue.

Tron Lightcycle Run Timeline 2024

• 2017 – Tron Lightcylce Run was announced at the D23 Expo
• 2019 – Walt Disney Imagineering stated that Tron was expected to open in 2021. Just in time for the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World. This was the last, most specific date Disney has released.
• 2021 – New information like photos and the storyline was released in June of 2021 without any dates.
• 2022 – D23 released a list of “Every Disney Moment we are Looking Forward to in 2022“. Sadly, Tron’s opening date was not on that list. But announced at this year’s D23, Tron was officially given an opening time frame!! We can (hopefully) expect to finally enjoy this ride in the Spring of 2023.
• 2023 – Tron recently received a teaser opening day Instagram post followed by an official opening day of Tron at Disney World! Tron will open on April 4th, 2023!
• March 2023 – Annual Passholder Preview for Tron was March 4-6 & 8-12! Passholders were able to preview this new attraction at the Magic Kingdom before Tron’s official opening on April 4th, 2023!

Related Post: Complete Guide to the Disney World Virtual Queue System 

What’s Coming To Magic Kingdom in 2024?

If we are honest, we won’t see many new Disney rides in 2024. Most of the construction at Magic Kingdom currently underway is in Tomorrowland. Thankfully, Disney Parks seems to be on the tail end of their major overhaul announced back in 2017. On the flip side, we are left waiting on the edge of our seats! It was announced at the D23 Expo this year that the Big Thunder Mountain area is going to see development at the level of lands like Galaxy’s Edge.

Magic Kingdom New Attractions 2024

• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure – This will be a full re-imagining of Splash Mountain! Coming in late 2024, this ride will pick up where the movie left off. The entire original cast is set to return to voice the attraction bringing music, joy, and a beautiful nighttime score to the ride.
• New Original Country Bear Jamboree – The Country Bears will be performing an all-new act in 2024 with an original score created by Nashville musicians

One of the new things at Disney World will be the re-imagining of Splash Mountain. While this isn’t one of the Disney rides coming soon, it will be getting a completely reimagined makeover inspired by Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog” film.

This is one of the more exciting new rides at Disney World and one of the most anticipated Disney World new attractions in 2023. We are super excited, that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is coming to life as Disneyland Park just opened Tiana’s Palace dining option this year too!

Related Post: The Complete Guide to Disney’s Park Hoppers

What’s Coming To EPCOT in 2024?

Here’s what is coming to Disney World in 2024 at EPCOT…AKA the biggest transformation of any Disney park. In the history of Disney Parks! The largest update that EPCOT is receiving is a re-theme of its lands. Historically, guests have known EPCOT in two simple areas. Future World and the World Showcase.

Announced in 2021 as part of the new plans for Walt Disney World. The expansion includes EPCOT’s Future World being divided into four neighborhoods: World Showcase, World Celebration, World Nature, and World Discovery. By 2024, most of EPCOT’s new attractions will be built and ready for guests to enjoy.

What are the New EPCOT Attractions?

• Moana’s Journey of Water Nature Trail – This will be the first Disney experience inspired by Moana. In this exploration trail, guests can come to meet and play with magical, living water. Just like Moana’s friend the ocean, water will have a personality of its own. All while helping guests learn how to protect the natural water cycle in a fun and engaging way.
• Figment Character Meet & Greet – Our favorite purple dinosaur (sorry Barney) is going to be our new character meet and greet.
• Luminous The Symphony of Us – A brand-new show called  “Luminous The Symphony of Us” will premiere. Not much is known about this show other than it will be held on the World Showcase Lagoon

New EPCOT Attractions Coming in 2024

• Asha meet and greet – From the brand new animated film Wish coming in 2024. Asha is the protagonist of Wish, which hits theaters on November 22, 2023. In the film, Asha sees a darkness in her kingdom that no one else sees
• Test Track update – Test Track will be receiving an update to take guests to new limits that have never been tested for this attraction!

Disney World’s future plans seem to have no limit when it comes to EPCOT. We absolutely love the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Coaster and cannot recommend it enough for your next Walt Disney World trip. If the future of Disney World’s development plans continues down this path, we can only imagine what will happen!

Related Post: Guide to Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort 

What’s Coming To Hollywood Studios in 2024?

Hollywood Studios is, for now, completely renovated! In the last couple of years, we have seen many additions to this park. If you’re wondering what’s new at Disney Orlando, Hollywood Studios saw the most recent transformation with the addition of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. So to keep it simple, there are no major Walt Disney future projects that are scheduled for this park in the next few years. There is however a new restaurant that will be added to Toy Story Land!

New Restaurants Opening in Hollywood Studios

• Woody’s Roundup Rodeo BBQ – Serving an American-style BBQ menu, this new table-service location will be a great family-friendly experience. It is also going to serve as a new character meet and greet location for Woody and Jessie

Woody’s Roundup Rodeo BBQ opened for guests in Spring 2023 and is available for guests to try as a quick-service restaurant.

What’s new for Hollywood Studios in 2024?

• Ahsoka in Star Tours – Coming Spring 2024 – Guests can now take adventures with Ahsoka in both Hollywood Studios and Disneyland Star Tours attraction

Related Post: Best Restaurants in Hollywood Studios

What’s Coming To Animal Kingdom in 2024?

Wow, when it comes to Animal Kingdom, we are going to be seeing a lot of changes coming to this park. The Future Disney park projects have let us know that Dinoland USA will be demolished and reimagined at the 2022 D23 Expo.

Animal Kingdom will be undergoing a ton of new future Disney park projects and Disney upcoming rides as the brand new “Latin America’s” land will be coming. Guests can expect Encanto and Indiana Jones themes in this new land with new rides and restaurants!

What’s new for Animal Kingdom in 2024?

• New Zootopia Show – This brand new Animal Kingdom show will premiere in the Tree of Life, replacing It’s Tough to Be a Bug.
• Brand New Land – Dinoland USA will be retiring and reimagined to the “tropical Americas.” Guests could experience Indiana Jones and Encanto themes with this new land coming to Animal Kingdom.

Related Post: Best Disney Moderate Resorts Ranked

What’s Coming To Disney Springs in 2024?

There have actually been a large number of stores that have opened recently in Disney Springs, and we don’t see them slowing down any time soon. You can enjoy the latest offering Disney Springs has to offer, Salt & Straw Ice Cream! One of our favorite locations at the Downtown Disney District over at Disneyland, this shop is known for its out-of-the-box unique flavors. They also have new flavors every month based on a topical theme. There is one new dining location on the horizon that we have our radar on.

New Restaurants Opening in Disney Springs

• Summer House on the Lake – This new location will feature a California-inspired menu with simple, sustainable ingredients. With flagship locations in Chicago, Illinois, and North Bethesda, Maryland, the Summer House brand is known for its breezy, beach house environment. The full-service restaurant will also include an in-house bakery, as well as an extensive wine and handcrafted cocktail list.

New Restaurants Opening in Disney Springs in 2024

• EET by Maneet Chauhan – A brand new Disney Springs restaurant opening in the second half of 2023. The menu will feature regional Indian specialties that reflect the country’s culinary heritage.

Gideon’s Bakehouse is also a relatively newer location that is worth stopping at! Along with the forthcoming M&M store and Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew. The new Cirque du Soleil show “Drawn to Life,” coming to Disney Springs, will be a collaboration between Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Walt Disney Imagineering.

Related Post: The Top 10 Restaurants in Disney Springs

What’s Coming To Disney Resorts in 2024?

Mums the word from Disney so far on Walt Disney’s future projects in the resort world. The only confirmed new project we have is the Polynesian DVC towers. These state-of-the-art resort towers have an opening timeframe of 2024!

New Disney World Resorts Opening in 2024

• DVC Polynesian Project – Set to open in late 2024, this new wing features a fresh look featuring elements from the Pacific Islands, with views of the water. Situated in the area of the permanently closed Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show, this addition to the resort is a major project.

Related Post: Complete Guide to the Disney Monorail Resorts

What if…Disney’s “Blue Sky” Project

Announced at the 2023 D23 Expo, this project encapsulates Disney’s ideas, thoughts, and dreams for existing spaces in the parks. Specifically at Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom. We want to be very clear, along with everything announced at the 2022 D23 Expo, there is no official date for these projects. The Animal Kingdom projects seem to be set in stone, but as for Magic Kingdom – we’re not quite sure.

DPEP President Josh D’Amaro, Animator Jennifer Lee, and Imagineer Chris Beatty specified these are just ideas. When speaking of the image above for Animal Kingdom, Chris stated “I hate to even call this a concept” So keep that in mind as we discuss the new things coming to Walt Disney World.

Future Lands for Animal Kingdom 2024

• Tropical America’s Land – While a concrete decision hasn’t been made for the new Animal Kingdom land, we do know that it will be influenced by Encanto and Indiana Jones. That means that Dinoland USA will be leaving, and a more tropical land will be coming to the park.

Future Lands for Magic Kingdom 2024

• Beyond Big Thunder Mountain – This concept is still very open, but it is confirmed that there will be work done behind Big Thunder Mountain. Guests can count on Disney IPs like Coco, Encanto, and Villains to be considered for this space.

All of these locations for the Magic Kingdom would take place in the area behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

Related Post: Ultimate Guide to the Disney Snacks Magic Kingdom

What’s New and Coming to Disney World in 2024 FAQ

Q: Is Guardians of the Galaxy Open in Epcot?

A: Yes! Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind opened in EPCOT on May 27th, 2022.

Q: What is Space 220 in EPCOT?

A: Space 220 is a brand new dining experience and lounge in World Discovery in the Mission Space complex. The name derives from the experience where you take a ride 220 miles above Earth for your dining experience. 

Q: Is Tron Open at Magic Kingdom 2024?

A: Yes, Tron Lightcycle Run is open at Magic Kingdom and can be ridden by making a Virtual Queue selection or purchasing an individual Lightning Lane.

Q: When is Moana Opening at Epcot?

A: Moana’s Journey of Water Nature Trail is slated to open right now at the end of 2023.  

Q: When Will EPCOT Construction be Completed?

A: Technically EPCOT will never be completed! But this current phase of construction will hopefully wrap up in late 2024.

Q: Is Epic Universe Opening at Disney?

A: No, Epic Universe is Universal Orlando’s 3rd theme park that is slated to open in 2025. 

When is The Best Time to Visit Disney World?

Our Disney  World Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices, and average temperature. We also break down the best time to visit Disney World based on specific times of the year and special events.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Disney World Trip?

Are you planning a trip to Walt Disney World? Be sure to speak with a Disney World Travel Agent for the most recent deals and promotions. The Park Prodigy will provide a Free Quote for all Disney World Vacation Packages. The Park Prodigy can also help you save up to $20 per ticket when purchasing your Walt Disney World Tickets, and we offer promotional discounts for special events such as Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Tickets and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets. If you’re brand new to Disney vacation planning we recommend our Walt Disney World Planning Page! Learn more about Disney hotels by reading our Walt Disney World Hotels Review page.

Don’t forget to check out our wonderful friends over at Theme Park Today, as well!