Well, what do you know! We spend weeks updating the blog, making numerous future predictions, we take a little break, and everything changes. Yes, there are big changes coming to Walt Disney World in 2024. Plus, for once, those changes all seem to be good news.
Most guests will no longer need a Disney Park Pass
Yes, the rather tedious park reservation system will no longer exist for most guests. We previously predicted Disney Park Pass was here to stay, but we were wrong. However, it won’t be for all guests.
Most Guests have a date-based ticket, so they won’t need a Park Pass from January 9th, 2024, but that does not include all visitors. Date-based tickets are the following:
- Date-based 1-day ticket
- Date-based multi-day ticket
- Vacation package with date-based tickets
We assume the U.K.-based Magic Tickets are included in these date-based tickets, and the Disney U.K. website does seem to suggest it.
Theme park reservations will be required for the following tickets:
- Student group tickets
- Sport and Convention ticket
- Annual Pass
- All other ticket types not mentioned above
However, it isn’t all bad news for Annual Pass holders. Currently, they may visit the theme parks after 2:00 PM without a theme park reservation, except on Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom Park. 2024 these freedoms will be further improved, but reservations will be required on certain dates.
There will be select days on which Annual Passholders and Disney Cast Members may visit Walt Disney World theme parks without needing a park reservation. Disney calls these dates “Good-to-Go days,” which will be held throughout the year. They also might not be available at all parks at the same time.
No news yet on any changes to Park Hopping Hours.
The Disney Dining Plan is Returning
It had been gone so long that we thought it would never return. Those little snack icons are teased at EPCOT festivals, but soon they will have a purpose again. The Disney Dining Plan is returning for pacakages starting on January 9th. However, only the Regular and Quick Service Dining Plans will return.
However, don’t get too excited about the snack items, as Disney has reduced your entitlement to just one snack a day. Actually, we always ended up with too many leftover snacks, but it is still a reduction. Plus, prices have not been released yet, so expect it to be very expensive.
We will update our Guide to The Disney Dining Plan when we know more.
Early Entry and Extended Evening Theme Park Hours will continue
I never even considered this was only confirmed for 2023, but it is great news that onsite guests can continue benefiting from Early Entry and Extended Evening Theme Park Hours during 2024.
Simplifying the Disney Genie+ experience
This is perhaps the biggest change, but currently, it is only a tease. Disney has informed us that it is working on ways to allow you to book your reservations before you arrive.
Hmmm…where have I heard that before? Oh yes, that is what we used to do with FastPass+!
However, don’t expect FastPass+2 to be free. Disney isn’t likely to stop charging for those Individual Lightning Lane attractions. Expect, Genie+ to be around to stay, but hopefully, it will be a little more flexible.
Read More
Visit our Guide to Walt Disney World for the latest Tips & Tricks.
Leave a Reply