5 Awesome Disney World Updates for 2024 You Don’t Want to Miss

2024 Disney World Updates to Make Your Visit Easier

Disney Dining Plans Returning, Park Reservations Updates, Simplifying Genie+ and More

The following information is a 2024 update from Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

On May 8, 2023, Disney shared some more exciting news just in time for the launch of 2024 bookings for theme park tickets, Disney Resort hotel stays and packages at Walt Disney World on May 31. These updates will make planning your future Walt Disney World visits simpler and easier, so you can further enjoy all we have to offer and make more memories. 

Disney has listened to listen to your feedback. And has recently rolled out updates to improve the guest experience, like bringing back complimentary overnight self-parking at our Disney Resort hotels, adding attraction photos taken in the park on the day of your visit to Disney Genie+ service and more.   

Removing Theme Park Reservation Requirements for Date-based Tickets

Starting with park visits on Jan. 9, 2024, theme park reservations will no longer be required for date-based tickets. You heard that right! When getting your ticket, you will simply select a start date for Jan. 9, 2024 or later, complete your purchase and then you will be all set! For reference, date-based tickets are the standard ticket option we offer to guests. For other admission types, including non-dated tickets, theme park reservations may be required to help us continue managing attendance and delivering a great experience for everyone. You can check which admission types require park reservations before you purchase.  

Introducing “Good-to-Go Days” for Annual Passholders*

In 2024, Disney plans to offer select days on which Annual Passholders* may visit Walt Disney World theme parks without needing a park reservation. Once introduced, Disney will roll out these good-to-go days on an ongoing basis. This will be in addition to the recent update which offers Passholders the opportunity to visit the theme parks after 2 p.m. without needing a park reservation, except on Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom Park. Good-to-go days may vary by park, and pass block-out dates and capacity limitations continue to apply like they do today. Please stay tuned for more details on good-to-go days.

Bringing Back the Fan-Favorite Disney Dining Plans

Time to eat! Disney dining plans will be coming back as an option for those staying at Disney Resort hotels who purchase a Disney vacation package through Favorite Grampy Travels starting with stays beginning Jan. 9, 2024, which will also open for bookings on May 31. Guests – and families in particular – have missed dining plans, which offer guests the convenience and peace of mind of pre-paying for their meals and snacks. Guests will be able to choose from two popular options:

  • Disney Quick Service Dining Plan
  • Disney Dining Plan

Both plans will be a great value for families with young children with access to many spectacular food and beverage offerings across Walt Disney World.     

Continuing to Provide Extended Park Time to Disney Resort Hotel Guests

For those planning to stay at a Disney Resort hotel, Disney will continue to offer the popular early theme park entry for visits through 2024 – every day, across all four theme parks. This great benefit gives you a jump start on your day. For those staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villas, Disney will also be continuing to offer extended evening hours on select dates at select parks through 2024. Early theme park entry and extended evening hours require valid theme park admission and a Resort ID.     

Simplifying the Disney Genie+ Experience

Disney has heard from guests that they would like ways to plan with Disney Genie+ service and individual Lightning Lane selections before the day of their park visit, and Disney wants you to know they are working on ways guests may do this for visits in 2024. There goal is to give you the opportunity to spend less time planning in the park and more time enjoying your visit with friends and family. While Disney is not yet able to share specific details, they look forward to sharing more information at a later date.  

Planning Your Next Walt Disney World Resort Vacation

Whether you’re getting ready to experience the feelings of a Disney thrill or counting down the days until your Disney visit, we hope these updates make you feel as excited as we are. We look forward to welcoming you to Walt Disney World real soon! 

Favorite Grampy Travels is an award winning, Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and an EarMarked Gold Producer meaning we know Disney and can help you plan your dream Disney vacation. Complete the contact form and an experienced Concierge Travel Advisor will be in touch.

*Passes are subject to the Walt Disney World Resort Annual Pass Terms and Conditions 

5 Updates to Make Your Disney World Vacation Easier in 2024 Infographic

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