What’s New at Walt Disney World in 2024: Essential Guide to Dining Plans, Park Reservations and Attractions

  • By Christopher da Costa
  • Published 30 May 2023
  • Revised 12 August 2024
What’s New at Walt Disney World in 2024: Essential Guide to Dining Plans, Park Reservations and Attractions
  • By Christopher da Costa
  • Published 30 May 2023
  • Revised 12 August 2024
What’s New at Walt Disney World in 2024: Essential Guide to Dining Plans, Park Reservations and Attractions
  • By Christopher da Costa
  • Published 30 May 2023
  • Revised 12 August 2024

When it comes to Walt Disney World, the future is always bright. While there are a host of new delights already gracing the parks this year, 2024 promises to bring even more joy to the land of dreams. 

So, if you have a Floridian fairytale in store for 2024, here’s an essential guide to what’s new and what’s more magical than ever…


Disney Dining Plans are back

The popular Disney Dining Plans are back on the menu for 2024. From the 31st of May this year, Dining Plans can be added or incorporated into packages that include a Disney Resort hotel stay for arrivals on or after the 9th January 2024. And they couldn’t be easier to use. With these pre-paid plans loaded onto your Disney band or card, you simply tap against the magic point and your meals will be deducted as quickly as you can say Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo! 

Now you just need to decide which Disney Dining Plan is right for you…


Quick-Service Dining Plans



If elegant sit-down meals aren’t your thing and you tend to opt more for those quick refuels before you embark on more hair-raising thrills, then the Quick-Service plan is likely more to your taste. With this option, all guests (ages three and up) can enjoy two quick service meals and one snack/non-alcoholic drink per day, giving you plenty of time to soak up all the Disney attractions in between.  


Disney Dining Plan



If you want to fine dine at signature restaurants and have Character Dining Experiences, then the Disney Dining Plan is the way to go. Full details are yet to be released, but we can reveal that this plan entitles all guests (ages three and up) to one table service meal, one quick service meal, and one snack/non-alcoholic drink per day. As such, the plan also allows for greater flexibility – quick service when you’re on the go and table service when you’re feeling fancy. And don’t worry if hunger doesn’t always strike, all meals and snacks can be redeemed at any time during your stay.

PS. Up to $2,100 Dining & Merchandise credit included in Disney’s 2024 Early Booker Package – Welcome Back to Being You - cannot be used to pay for a dining plan. Nevertheless, you can still purchase a dining plan from 31st May 2023, and use your Dining & Merchandise credit to top up your credit!


New Attractions


Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Although we bid farewell to Walt Disney World’s iconic Splash Mountain - which has been a fan favourite since 1992 - Tiana’s Bayou Adventure looks set to be another crowd-pleaser for Magic Kingdom’s catalogue. 

The reimagining of park favourite Splash Mountain will see it transformed into the vibrant New Orleans surroundings of Disney hit, The Princess and the Frog. Although still a log flume attraction, you will now be accompanied by Tiana and jazz-loving alligator Louis as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras celebration. 
Along the way, guests will encounter familiar faces, like Prince Naveen and Mama Odie, as they venture through the Bayou to a soundtrack of rhythm and blues, Louisiana style. 


Disney’s Vacation Club Tower at Polynesian Village Resort

Currently set to open in late 2024, this expansion to the Polynesian Village Resort will offer additional rooms, new dining and recreation options, and best of all, stunning expansive views of Magic Kingdom. 

The Vacation Club Tower will be located on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon, on the site that once belonged to Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show, which featured traditional Polynesian dances, live music, and a tropical feast. Moreover, this impressive addition will be just another reason to visit the island vibe oasis of the Polynesian Village Resort.


Epcot’s CommuniCore Hall and Plaza

Opening in the World Celebration neighbourhood of Epcot, the CommuniCore Hall and Plaza will be the first fully purpose-built location for Epcot festivals. This exhibition and gallery space will provide a variety of offerings, such as live music, food, a demonstration kitchen, a mixology bar, and more. 

Plus, if you want to catch up with Mickey, this is the place to go. The CommuniCore Hall will also be the new location for the Mickey, Minnie, and friends meet and greet area. Although we can’t get too excited for this one yet as no exact dates have been given, it is looking promising that it may be open for 2024 arrivals.


Disney’s Park Reservations update

One of the biggest bothers for parkgoers over the past few years has been the need to reserve your visit in advance. Well, from 9th January 2024, you can say goodbye to this extra step. 

Those with date-based tickets, i.e. ones that require a start date when purchasing, won’t need to make a reservation. So, once you’ve purchased that ticket, all that’s left to plan is containing your excitement.



Though please note, non-dated tickets, such as annual passes and student or sports group tickets, will still require a reservation. So, be sure to check reservation availability prior to purchase.


New room categorisation

Walt Disney World has also announced that as of this month, there will be new, simplified room categories at most Deluxe resorts. Until now, the variety of options, such as Lagoon View, Pool View, Standard View, and more, made selecting your choice just that little bit trickier. 



For ease of booking Walt Disney World will now offer just three room categories: Resort View, Water View, or Theme Park View. However, some of the more unique rooms will still have added view options. So, if you had your heart set on that Savanna View at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, no need to fear, as that one’s not going anywhere. 

You can also view the best Deluxe to Value Disney hotels in our dedicated guide. 

Amended room category types will soon begin to display on existing bookings in My Disney Experience. If you are still yet to book, Disney Early Booking Offer for 2024 – Welcome Back to Being You – can help you secure your perfect room today. Plus, you will get up to $2,100 dining and merch credit, a Disney 14-day Magic Ticket for the price of seven, and a Disney Gift Card worth $200 per booking for selected packages. 


Are you ready to holiday where the magic happens?


Check out our 2024 Walt Disney World holidays now to get ahead of the crowd.

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