Top Things to Look Forward to in 2024

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Happy New Year! This year, more than ever, we’re bringing your favorite stories to life in fun, innovative ways at our theme parks and resorts, on our cruise ships and through our amazing products and experiences around the world. From Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and the launch of the new Disney Treasure cruise ship, to the first-of-its-kind Pixar Place Hotel and other highly anticipated experiences, here are some sensational things to look forward to in 2024:

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

In 2024, the all-new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open at Disneyland park at Disneyland Resort and Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort. 

This attraction brings guests into Princess Tiana’s world like never before on a musical journey inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios film “The Princess and the Frog.”

When the attraction opens, guests will join Princess Tiana, Naveen and jazz-loving alligator Louis on an adventure as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras celebration. Along the way, they’ll see familiar faces, make new friends and travel through the bayou to original music inspired by songs from the film as they are brought into the next chapter of Tiana’s story.

New Star Tours Attraction Characters, Stories

Star Wars was a favorite topic with Blog readers last year – so, I’m sure many guests are as excited as we are that Star Tours – The Adventures Continue is adding more stories and characters in 2024 at Disneyland Park in California and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida.

Also, from April 5 – June 2, Season of the Force will arrive at Disneyland Park with Hyperspace Mountain and special merchandise, themed food and beverage and more. Plus, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will give a fresh perspective on the fireworks above Disneyland Park with galactic music sweeping through the spires!

Pixar Fest at Disneyland Resort

Pixar Fest is returning to Disneyland Resort from April 26 through Aug. 4, celebrating friendship and beyond with colorful décor, themed entertainment and more. Here’s a sneak peek of an all-new sculpture featuring Pixar pals like Woody and Buzz that you’ll be able to snap a photo in front of at Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland Park when the celebration begins!

This festival is highlighted by heartwarming entertainment featuring favorite Pixar stories. An all-new daytime parade “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” will debut at Disney California Adventure Park, and at Disneyland Park, the emotional “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” returns with some all-new scenes, including one with Mei Lee and her friends from “Turning Red.”

During the celebration, guests may also encounter new characters such as Ember and Wade from “Elemental” and more.

Pixar-Themed Hotel at Disneyland Resort

Also at Disneyland Resort, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel will officially transform into Pixar Place Hotel on Jan. 30, becoming the first fully Pixar-themed hotel in the United States.

The 15-story hotel overlooking Disney California Adventure park will offer guest rooms inspired by the artistry of Pixar, new dining from Great Maple restaurant, a rooftop pool area, play court and more.

“Fantasmic!” Returns to Disneyland Park

On May 24, “Fantasmic!” will once again illuminate the Rivers of America in Disneyland park, featuring new special effects, a thrilling new battle scene between Sorcerer Mickey and Maleficent, plus the return of the iconic “Peter Pan” scene.

If guests haven’t experienced it, “Fantasmic!” is an emotional extravaganza where fantastic events and images from Disney stories come to life through soaring music, dozens of live performers, character appearances and state-of-the-art pro

CommuniCore Plaza, CommuniCore Hall at EPCOT

At Walt Disney World Resort, CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza will be completed in 2024 as part of the multiyear transformation of EPCOT. 

These new spaces extend the EPCOT festivals beyond World Showcase and provide a new home for additional exhibits and entertainment, offering the perfect space to gather with family and friends.

Reimagined “The Little Mermaid” Show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

In 2024, an all-new theatrical production inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic “The Little Mermaid” is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The reimagined show will feature stunning set pieces, cutting-edge effects and a bold new design aesthetic that captures Ariel’s imagination and emotions through her unique view of the world around her. More to come in 2024!

All-Day Park Hopping, Dining Plan at Disney World

Beginning Jan. 9, guests at Disney World with a ticket with Park Hopper benefits or an Annual Pass will be able to once again visit another theme park at ANY TIME OF DAY during park hours (subject to capacity limitations).

Also, as part of our updates to improve the guest experience at Disney World, Disney dining plans will be coming back as an option for those staying at Disney Resort hotels who purchase a vacation package with us starting with stays beginning Jan. 9. Guests will be able to choose from two popular options: Packages that include either the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan or the Disney Dining Plan.

Country Bear Jamboree at Walt Disney World Resort

This year, the Country Bears will debut new songs and a new act that pays homage to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. 

The Country Bear Jamboree will still have the same fun and friendly tone guests enjoy and it’ll introduce reinterpreted Disney songs in different genres of country music – like rockabilly, bluegrass, pop-country and other styles.

Cake Bake Shop at Disney’s Boardwalk

The Cake Bake Shop, a whimsical table service restaurant and bakery with French flair, will be opening at Disney’s BoardWalk at Disney World in early 2024. 

If guests haven’t heard, The Cake Bake Shop has counters lined with beautifully displayed handmade cakes, cookies, French macarons, brownies, dessert bars, pies and cheesecakes. Other locations have become known destinations for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers, weddings, or for spending time with family and friends.

runDisney Returns to Disneyland Resort, Plus a New Halloween-themed Event

runDisney returns to Disneyland Resort Jan. 11-14 with the sold-out Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend, featuring four days of exciting events.

Later in the year, runDisney haunts will make their way to The Happiest Place on Earth for a grim-grinning good time during the 2024 Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend.

Taking place Sept. 5-8, there will be four days of events, including yoga, Kids Races, 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and Challenge, all themed to the 2024 Halloween season. Visit runDisney.com for more details.

Disney Treasure

Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Treasure, will debut in December 2024.

As guests have probably seen, this amazing ship will bring captivating stories from beloved Disney Animation, Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel and Disney parks adventures to life like never before with new venues and reimagined spaces.

The Disney Treasure sets off on its maiden voyage, a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida, on Dec. 21, followed by an inaugural season of seven-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral.

Disney Lookout Cay in The Bahamas

This summer, Disney Cruise Line’s newest, one-of-a-kind retreat on the island of Eleuthera in The Bahamas, Disney Lookout Cay, will open. 

As we’ve shared, when guests step foot on this one-of-a-kind island destination, they’ll discover a celebration of Bahamian storytelling, artistry and culture.

The vibrant island retreat at Lighthouse Point will be a unique celebration of Bahamian culture brought to life with the quality and service of a Disney vacation.

Pixar Day at Sea & Marvel Day at Sea with Disney Cruise Line

In January, two themed Disney Cruise Line sailings are returning – Pixar Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea.

  • For Pixar Day at Sea, Pixar stories will come to life on the Disney Fantasy through a cowboy sing-a-long breakfast with favorite Toy Story characters, Crush’s totally awesome pool party, themed activities and treats, a Pixar Pals dance party on the upper decks, character encounters and a deck show starring the Incredibles.
  • For Marvel Day at Sea, on the Disney Dream out of Fort Lauderdale, the largest assembly of Marvel Super Heroes and Villains on land or at sea will gather for Marvel Day at Sea for an action-packed day that’ll unlock the inner superhero in all guests.

Pixar and Marvel Day at Sea offerings are included in the price of a Disney cruise. All of the regular guest favorites, including Broadway-style shows, themed rotational dining, fireworks at sea and spaces and activities for everyone in the family, will still be present on all Disney Cruise Line sailings. 

The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Beginning in Summer 2024, the newest Disney Vacation Club resort, The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort will open.

Tucked away in the peaceful woodlands of the Walt Disney World Resort, the refreshed cabins will make a relaxing retreat where guests can enjoy the comforts of home while staying in the great outdoors.

Adventures by Disney in Colombia

In 2024, Adventures by Disney will be taking  guests to Colombia, the country and cultures that inspired Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Academy Award-winning film, “Encanto.”

Trips begin in the capital city of Bogota, and guests’ exploration of this beautiful country begins at the Paloquemao Market where they’ll see a bounty of flowers and colorful fruits and vegetables. They’ll also visit a fourth-generation coffee farm in the Coffee Region and learn about harvesting and roasting the beans, as well as brewing the perfect cup of coffee.

D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event

In 2024, D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is coming to Anaheim, California with a fan experience like none other. 

From Aug. 9 to 11, this one-of-a-kind event will have spectacular shows, new venues and multiple days of entertainment and experiences that bring together all the wonderful worlds of Disney.

On Thursday, Aug. 8, the D23 kickoff celebration will take place at Disneyland Resort followed by shopping, exhibits, panels, presentations, and more on Aug. 9 – 11 at the Anaheim Convention Center during the day, with the fun extending into the evening at the Honda Center—the bigger home to marquee shows.

Tickets for the event will go on sale in Spring 2024 and more details will be announced early this year.

Disney Releases New Spring & Summer Hotel Sales In Addition to Free Dining Offer

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Disney Resorts

Disney has announced special offers for stays at Walt Disney World Resort hotels this spring and summer! 

Save Up to 35% on Rooms at Select Disney Resort Hotels When You Stay 5 Nights or Longer

Save up to 35% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels when you stay 5 consecutive nights or longer—or save up to 30% on shorter stays. This offer is valid for stays most nights from July 8 to October 3, 2024. Other savings may be available for stays from March 25 to July 7, 2024.

This offer is valid for the Disney Resort hotels listed below. View the chart to explore savings.

Offer DetailsValid Travel DatesMost nights from July 8 to October 3, 2024; other savings available for stays most nights from March 25 to July 7, 2024

Length of Stay Requirements

  • Minimum – 1 night
  • Maximum – 14 nights

Important Details

  • The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited.
  • Savings based on the nondiscounted price for the same room.
  • Length of stay requirements may apply.
  • Additional per-adult charges may apply if more than 2 adults per room at Disney Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts, and Studios at Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts.
  • Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion.
  • Advance reservations required.
  • Must be consecutive-night stays.
  • Offer excludes the following room types: 3-Bedroom Grand Villas, Tower Studios at Disney’s Riviera Resort, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, Pool View at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort.
  • Valid admission is required to enjoy the theme parks and is not included in this offer. Theme park reservations may be required based on admission type.

Florida Residents: Save Up to 30% on Rooms at Select Disney Resort Hotels This Spring and Early Summer

Stay in the magic this spring and early summer! Florida residents can save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels, valid for stays most nights March 25 through July 7, 2024.

This offer is valid for the Disney Resort hotels listed below. View the chart to explore savings.

Offer DetailsEligibilityProof of Florida residency required at check-in.

Valid Travel Dates

  • Most nights March 25, 2024 to July 7, 2024

Length of Stay Requirements

  • Minimum – 1 night
  • Maximum – 14 nights

Important Details

  • The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited.
  • Savings based on the nondiscounted price a non-Florida resident pays for the same room.
  • Length of stay requirements may apply.
  • Additional per-adult charges may apply if more than 2 adults per room at Disney Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts, and Studios at Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts.
  • Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion.
  • Advance reservations required.
  • Offer excludes the following room types: Tower Studios at Disney’s Riviera Resort, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, Pool View at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, 3-Bedroom Grand Villas, and The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort.
  • Valid admission is required to enjoy theme parks and is not included in this offer. Theme park reservations may also be required based on admission type.

A FREE and Delicious Deal for Disney+ Subscribers

Disney+ Subscribers: Enjoy a FREE dining plan when you purchase a non-discounted 4-night, 4-day Walt Disney Travel Company package that includes a room at a select Disney Resort hotel and a theme park ticket with a Park Hopper option—for arrivals most nights from July 1 to September 30, 2024.

  • Proof of Disney+ subscription required.
  • US residents must be 18+ to subscribe to Disney+. Canadian residents must be 18+ or the age of the majority in their jurisdiction to subscribe to Disney+. Void where prohibited.
  • The Disney+ subscriber must stay in the room.
  • Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion.
  • Offer excludes the following room types: 3-Bedroom Villas, The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Bungalows at Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.
  • The type of dining plan included is based on the Resort category.
  • Dining plan excludes gratuities.
  • Children ages 3 to 9 must order from a children’s menu, where available.
  • Starting with visits on January 9, 2024, theme park reservations will no longer be required for date-based tickets. For other admission types, theme park reservations may be required.

Best Time to Visit Disney in 2024 To Avoid Crowds

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Welcome to 2024! As we start the new year, many of us will begin thinking of vacations. Where and when do we want to travel throughout 2024? If you plan on heading to Walt Disney World, we have the best times in 2024 to book your trip to “The Most Magical Place on Earth.”

As 2023 wrapped up, crowds were in full force at Walt Disney World. If you have flexibility with your travel plans, we have a few times throughout 2024 that you should consider booking your trip to Disney for smaller crowds.

Mid to Late January

The start of the year will continue to be busy at Walt Disney World. Even though the holiday crowds will leave, thousands of runners will arrive for marathon weekend. This event takes place from January 4 through January 7, and as the most popular runDisney event of the year, it brings in large crowds of runners and family members to support them.

Thanks to Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the crowds will remain steady after the marathon weekend. As many schools and businesses around the US have this day off, families use it to enjoy some vacation time.

Once this holiday wraps up, the rest of January will be a great time to visit. Although the temperatures might be cooler, the crowds are a lot lighter. Kids are back in school, sports and activities are full force, so only a few families visit.

If You Only Get To Visit One EPCOT Festival, Make It This One

Early February

Light crowds continue into the first week of February. Much like the later part of January, February sees cooler temperatures and smaller crowds early in the month.

Both President’s Day and Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, which takes place February 22 to 26, 2024, will see crowds start to increase. If you can book before these two events, fewer people will be in the parks with you.

epcot monorail

May

Crowds at Walt Disney World build throughout the end of February through April. Spring break and Easter vacations, along with beautiful weather in Florida, pull many families down during the spring months.

Early May is a great time to enjoy the nice weather with smaller crowds. May sees smaller crowds as the school year begins to wrap up, and families don’t wish to pull kids out. This time of year can be a sweet spot for a Walt Disney World vacation—smaller crowds and not as hot and humid.

Summer Tips

August

When school starts again in August, crowds go down drastically. If you can manage the heat and humidity that comes with this summer month, August can be a fantastic time to visit. Very light crowds are seen, making it easy to navigate the parks in a shorter amount of time.

Magic Kingdom fall

September

Our last suggestion for when to visit Walt Disney World in 2024 is early September. Following Labor Day, most schools are back in session, making crowds much smaller throughout the parks.

Although you might have to deal with rain this month, if you are willing to toss on a rain jacket, you will experience some of the lowest crowds all year at Walt Disney World.

If you want to avoid the crowds in 2024, those are the top dates to book your Walt Disney World vacation. Overall, you will experience fewer people in the parks, making your trip more magical.

Disney’s Toy Story Land Restaurant Undergoes Changes

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Hollywood Studios

A delicious dose of the Toy Story film franchise has landed at Walt Disney World Resort’s Hollywood Studios theme park. If you haven’t already had a chance, it’s time to join the toys in Andy’s room for divine barbecue meats and eats at Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Toy Story Land.

The popular Disney restaurant has recently experienced a few changes, including menu updates that you’ll want to check out below.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Entree

Guests can find Roundup Rodeo BBQ near the entrance to Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The restaurant is close to Slinky Dog Dash and Toy Story Mania, two of the Park’s popular attractions. For additional dining in Toy Story Land, Woody’s Lunch Box offers a more casual Quick Service dining experience.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ is a Table Service dining location. This means that advanced dining reservations are required to enjoy a meal at this restaurant. Guests are able to make reservations online or through the My Disney Experience app up to 60 days before their visit. We highly recommend looking for a reservation as soon as possible since this is a popular new dining experience.

You will feel like a toy while dining at Roundup Rodeo BBQ. The immersive theming brings you into Andy’s toy rodeo, complete with everything from train sets to Western towns. Though this is not a character dining restaurant, characters from your favorite Toy Story films are represented throughout the decor and the scenes you see throughout the restaurant.

Disney Cast Members add to the fun by addressing you as toys and helping you jump into the rodeo while you dine. Don’t forget to freeze if you hear Andy coming!

Menu Options: 2024 UPDATE!

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Drinks

The restaurant serves family-style BBQ entrees for lunch and dinner. All meals start with The Prospector’s Homemade Cheddar Biscuits with Sweet Pepper Jelly.

If you’ve dined at Roundup Rodeo below, take note as guests were formerly invited to enjoy three different salads, including the Rootin’ Tootin Tomato Salad, Rex’s Romaine and Kale Salad, and Wheezy’s Watermelon Salad. In recent changes for 2024, guests will only be provided with two salads, including Rootin’ Tootin Tomato Salad and Wheezy’s Watermelon Salad.

Then, guests can choose a platter of house-smoked BBQ meats or Trixie’s Plant-based Trio for their main entrees.

Another update however for 2024 has been made with the side options. Previously, guests could choose four side options from a list of eight selections, including Mean Old Potato Salad, The Married Spuds, The Claw! Veggie Slaw, Force Field Fried Pickles, Campfire-roasted Vegetables, Slinky Doooooooooog’s Mac & Cheese, Buckin’ Baked Beans, or Cowpoke Corn on the Cob. Now, guests will be provided with five sides without selection, including Potato Barrels, The Claw! Veggie Slaw, Slinky Doooooooooog’s Mac & Cheese, Buckin’ Baked Beans, and Cowpoke Corn on the Cob.

Finally, choose a dessert from Bo’s Lemon and Blueberry Cheesecake, Billy’s Chocolate Silk Pie, Goat’s Apple Pie, Gruff’s Peach-Strawberry Pie, and Cupcake à la Forky.

The restaurant offers allergy-friendly menus for all courses, but guests must speak to a Cast Member upon arrival about their allergy request. The complete menus can be found on the My Disney Experience app.

Guests and cast member at Roundup rodeo BBQ

Beginning January 9, 2024, this dining location will accept the Disney Dining Plan. This means that Guests using the Disney Dining Plan during their visit will be able to redeem a Table Service meal credit at this restaurant. Please note that Guests using the Disney Dining Plan will still be required to have an advanced dining reservation.

Disney World Changes Iconic Attraction

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

In a surprising move that left Disney enthusiasts both puzzled and nostalgic, Disney recently made the decision to remove a beloved animatronic character from one of its most popular attractions.

Disney World is known as “The Most Magical Place on Earth,” bringing thousands of guests daily into the parks. Walt Disney World is home to four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Each Disney park offers exciting attractions, shows, and much more for guests of all ages and sizes.

Walt Disney World Cinderella Castle

Disney World attractions break down from time to time, which causes delays, longer wait times, and, sometimes, closes the attraction. In this case, Disney World has a backup plan when one of its animatronics breaks down at a popular attraction.

Disney Clips Guy noticed that Disney removed one of the most expensive Disney animatronics and replaced it with the screen. Disney removed the Na’vi Shaman from Avatar on the Na’vi River Journey to work on the animatronic.

When Disney removed Na’vi Shaman, they replaced the animatronic with a screen for a temporary replacement to get it back and running hopefully. Disney Cips Guy rode Na’vi River Journey a few days later, and Na’vi Shaman was back up and running.

Disney’s decision to remove and update the animatronic character shows the company’s dedication to staying relevant in an ever-changing world while maintaining its commitment to providing magical experiences for guests of all ages. As Disney continues to evolve its attractions, it will undoubtedly face more decisions that balance tradition with progress.

shaman of songs on na'vi river journey

Disney describes Na’vi River Journey like this:  “Go on a mystical river ride. Guests will feel a sense of wonder as the full beauty of the extraordinary dreamscape unfolds before their eyes. During this visually stunning and mysterious river, guests will glide through a series of caves and into a bioluminescent rainforest, alive with the sights and sounds of exotic plants and creatures on all sides—even overhead. Na’vi River Journey offers explorers an experience that has to be seen and heard to be believed.”